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OVERCOMERS - Part Six

Overcoming Discouragement

5th May 2000

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7.45pm-9.30pm

 

WELCOME (15mins): Warmly welcome everyone, introducing newcomers.

                                      Set up a simple basketball ring with a wall or board to

                                      Bounce a ball off. Use a small ball and ask each member

                                      To stand at the same distance away from the ring and try to

                                      Bounce the ball of the wall/board into the ring. If the ball

                                      Bounces too far they can catch it and try again. Winner is

                                      One who makes the most bounces without dropping it and

                                      Then successfully getting it in. Afterward discuss the principle

                                      Of ‘bouncing back from discouraging times ’ in our Christian

                                      Lives and how this game demonstrates this.

 

                                                                                                               

WORSHIP (30 mins):  Ask the worship leader to choose songs on rising up above

                                      Discouragement (eg. ‘Put on the garment of praise for the spirit

                                      Of heaviness’)

 

WORD      (45 mins) : Read through the material (OP2) together - the facilitator can     

                                     ask different individuals to read different sections and

                                     relevant verses.

                                     After each point allow a discussion time asking individuals

                                     to share their own experiences.

                                     End the time by asking each person about discouraging things

                                     They are going through……….

 

                                      Pray for each other in the light of the above.

 

                                    

WORKS     (15mins): The last 15 mins are the most importance ones! Take time

                                    praying for non-believers and people with problems. Pray

                                    for any forthcoming events.

                                        

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OVERCOMERS –PART SIX

Overcoming Discouragement

Member’s Sheet

 

Read Ephesians 1:3 – As Christians where have we been positioned or placed ? What does this practically mean ?

 

According to Romans 8:28 how much of our lives can be used for God ? Discuss.

We need good times and also times of pressure and darkness to find God in ways we have not yet learned to know Him.

In Romans 8:29-30 Paul describes five distinct stages involved in our salvation. What are they ?

What do these terms mean ? What conclusion does Paul make in the light of these things (see Romans 8:31) ?

What is the proof that God will not withhold any good thing from us, that is profitable to us reaching our goal ? (Read Romans 8:32)

What kind of inner conflict has God already anticipated and taken care of and how has He taken care of it ? (Read Romans 8:33-34).

 

Read Romans 8:35 – What can come between us and God ? When may the things listed lead us to be separated from God ? Discuss.

 

Read together: “God expects us to look for Him in times of trouble – He has promised to be a present help in such times. If we keep a right spirit we will find God especially close at these times as we push through the veil of our own feelings.”

 

In Romans 8:35 Paul mentions three common kinds of pressure we’re up against.

(1)     TRIBULATION: Ask one person to read: “The Greek word (‘thlipsis’) means “a pressing down, anything that burdens or depresses our spirits”. It is most often used for sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances. It comes upon us from without. But when tribulation pushes us down, God is underneath!”

  

      What can the righteous expect according to Psalms 34:19 ?

      What has the Lord promised to do ?

(2)     DISTRESS: Ask one person to read : “The Greek word (‘stenochoria’)means ‘anguish’. It is made up of two parts – ‘stenos’ – ‘narrow’ from where we get the medical term ‘stenosis’ meaning hardening of the arteries – the other word is ‘chora’ which means ‘place’ (i.e it literally means ‘a narrow place’).But it is whilst we are closed in on all sides by external pressures, that we discover a large place in God.”

            What did the Psalmist do in his distress ? (Read Psalm 118:5)

What did the Lord do in response ?

 

(3)     PERSECUTION: Ask one person to read: “The Greek word (‘dikko’)means ‘to put to flight; pursue; drive away’. Persecutions are meant to drive us away from God. But no-one can chase us unless we run! It is possible to run into the name of the Lord for safety, and then stand our ground and make our enemies run. In other word; if our attitude is right, instead of pushing us away from God, persecutions cause us to press into God.

What we make of circumstances is more important than the circumstances themselves!  The same obstacle can be a stumbling block to one person or a stepping stone to acloser walk with God to another. Our attitude towards the frustration makes all the difference. Some hurdles are placed directly in our path to fulfilling God’s will, because He plans to enable us to jump over them. Most of us can actually do far more than we think we can with God’s help.”

What do tribulations, distresses and persecutions make us to be ? (Read Romans 8:27)

 

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