Life Group Questions

2. What are some ways in which Christians suffer today? Do you think Christians in other parts of the world suffer more than we do in the United States? What are some ways in which you have suffered or are suffering now?

3. What does it mean to rejoice in suffering (cf. Romans 5:3-5)? What are some reasons for which we can rejoice in the midst of suffering? What is the difference between rejoicing despite our suffering and rejoicing in our suffering? How does the sovereignty of God help us rejoice in suffering?

4. Describe how we can suffer and yet at the same time rejoice (cf. 2Corinthians 6:10). Do you believe that suffering and rejoicing can coexist (cf. 1Peter 1:6; 5:10)? What are some thoughts that will help us rejoice in suffering (cf. Psalm 30:5; 125:5-6; John 16:20-22)?

5. Read the following passages: 1Peter 2:19-21; 3:14; Philippians 1:29; Acts 9:15-16. What does it mean that we are called to suffer? Why does God allow us to suffer? Do you think He desires for us to suffer? What duty do we have to participate in suffering?

6. What are some ways in which you can do better at suffering well (cf. 2Timothy 1:12 1Peter 2:23; 4:1; 1Corinthians 12:26; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Hebrews 2:18)? How does the example of Christ help us suffer well (cf. Hebrews 5:7-8)? Why do you think it was necessary for the Son of God to suffer (cf. Matthew 16:21; Luke 24:26)?