Date: July 21, 2024
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 12:5-11, Proverbs 3:11-12, Galatians 5:22-23

Facilitator Questions:
Theme:  God’s discipline is necessary, good and painful
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• We all know undisciplined, unruly people. What are some of the effects and consequences of their lack of discipline, for themselves and for others around them?
• Hebrews 12:5-6 quotes Proverbs 3:11-12. Compare these verses. What do they teach? What is the purpose of God’s discipline? What are the benefits for those who endure it?
• Read Galatians 5:22-23, which describes the character of the Holy Spirit. How does God demonstrate these attributes in disciplining His children?
• What does Galatians 5:23 mean, that the Law is fulfilled when these characteristics are developed in our lives? How does Godly discipline bring about the victorious life of Christ in us?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• Hebrews 11 and 12 prove that God isn’t after worldly ideas about success, happiness, health and prosperity. How do your core beliefs about what God wants for you need adjusting?
• What do you really want from God? Think about what you usually pray for and strive for. How does your heart’s desire compare or contrast with the truth of these chapters?
• What large or small trials are you going through that are indicators of God’s discipline? What is He teaching you through them?
• Does God’s discipline ever make you doubt His goodness? If so, how can these verses help you?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Thank God for loving us and preparing us to spend eternity with Him.
• Thank God for His Word, which explains who He is and what He is doing in our lives.
• Thank God for orchestrating events in our lives to bring about the fruit of the Spirit.
• Pray for grace to endure trials and temptations faithfully.
• Pray for spiritual eyesight to look beyond temporary suffering and focus on the goal of perfect union with Christ.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Refuse to feel sorry for yourself, and thank God for His care for you whenever you think your situation is hard.
• Read Hebrews 12:5-11 when you are faced with the temptation to sin.