LifeGroup Notes

INTRO

What one thing most resonated with or challenged you from the message this Sunday?

When was a time that you felt burdened by difficulties? How did you persevere in the midst of that situation?

READ
Read Revelation 2:8-11
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty ( but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

What characteristics of Christ are emphasized for Smyrna?

What did The Lord warn the church at Smyrna was about to happen and for what purpose?

How many times is their hardship mentioned?

What is the promise to the “believers who overcomer?”

What is His personal promise to those who persevere in this manner?

DIG DEEPER
Read Hebrews 10:32-39
32But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

What is the first point of endurance mentioned in v32?

How were they able to remain joyful in the midst of persecution? What is the source of true joy in any circumstance?

How is it that we live by faith? What do you think is the opposite of living by faith?

BIG IDEA
Endurance is persistence in this life of faith despite hardships and persecution. The life of faith is the life of endurance by relying on God. To state this another way: the righteous live by trusting in the Lord. This is everything. What we are doing is showing our trust in God

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How have you suffered for your faith? If you do not feel you have suffered, have you avoided suffering for your faith? If so, why?

Have you allowed things of this world to blind you to the sufficiency, superiority, and supremacy of Christ? Is the fear of persecution keeping you from demonstrating and declaring the gospel?