October 17, 2010 - I Conquer Affliction by Faith

The People We Proved to Be - I Conquer Affliction By Faith
1 Thessalonians  2:17-3:5

I conquer affliction by faith...

Believing that Satan can't do anything God doesn't allow him to do (2:17-18)
Boasting of the great things God is doing through me (2:19-20)
Carrying on and acting courageously  no matter what (3:1-5)

Small Group Curriculum

1. Have you experienced watching someone you love go through a trial? What makes it so difficult?
2. Is it easy to recognize when circumstances are spiritual warfare (2:18)?  What prevents us from becoming overly concerned in this area?
3. Pastor Todd mentioned that Satan is limited by God's decree, the Word of God, prayer and God's sufficient grace.  How can we participate in these?
4. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:8. How does this passage encourage us?
5. How does keeping our perspective tied to Christ's coming change our priorities or our view of people? (2:19-20)
6. What is the upside of knowing that ministry does not depend on us? What is the downside?
7. How can we bring the Word of God into someone's difficult situation (3:2)?

Breakout:
1. What afflictions do we need to pray for together?
2. Who is in difficulty that we can encourage with prayer and God's Word?