In the Word with Jeff Thompson

What is God like in our trials? How does He receive us when we come to Him for help? As we continue examining the subject of trials sent or allowed by God into our lives, we'll spend some more time learning about the HEART of God. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Spiritual maturity is marked by a stable relationship with God regardless of life's ups and downs. Looking at your own life, how are you doing with this? Can you identify any ways you've grown in this? Consider Hebrews 4:15, which tells us that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses. How does knowing that Jesus experienced temptation and suffering impact your approach to trials? Trials teach us patience, as discussed in the sermon. Share a time when you had to wait on God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith? Reflect on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which talks about God comforting us so that we may comfort others. Discuss how your personal experiences with God's comfort have equipped you to minister to others. The sermon mentioned that trials are an opportunity, not a guarantee, for growth. What attitudes or actions can help ensure that we grow through our trials rather than just endure them? Prayer and community are essential in navigating trials. How has being part of a faith community helped you during difficult times? Share a specific example and the outcomes. SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@INTHEWORDwithJeffThompson FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries X / TWITTER: twitter.com/jefftministries TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@jeffthompsonministries

God uses trials to test and refine our faith, revealing things like where we find our identity, hope, and sense of security. In this study, we'll illuminate more of the ways God works in our lives to do good through trials. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Have you ever experienced trials that revealed where you truly find your sense of security? Discuss this in light of Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus speaks about storing treasures in Heaven rather than on earth. Similarly, have you ever experienced a trial that stripped away something you found identity in, such as a job, relationship, or material possession? How did God work through that to grow your understanding of your identity in Christ, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you found your identity in christ or are you still looking for it elsewhere? Read Philippians 4:19. Do you have an unshakable trust in God's provision during financial uncertainty or career setbacks? If not, how do you think you can develop it? If so, share how God grew and developed this trust in your life. Share a personal story where you felt God used a trial to deepen your understanding of His nature. How does Romans 8:28-29 offer perspective during such times? During tough times, what coping mechanisms have you found yourself turning to instead of leaning into Jesus, prayer, the Word, and fellowship with His people? Discuss how Psalm 46:1-3 calls us to find refuge in God. The sermon touched on how trials can reveal our true loves. Have you ever had to confront the reality that something or someone had taken precedence over your love for God? Job's story was mentioned as an example of finding strength through trials. How does Job's response to his trials in Job 42:5-6 inspire you in your current challenges? As we consider rebuilding our self-esteem on the foundation of being a child of God, how does Ephesians 2:19-22 inform our understanding of our identity and worth? SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@INTHEWORDwithJeffThompson FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries X / TWITTER: twitter.com/jefftministries TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@jeffthompsonministries

When our faith is tested, we are invited to draw closer to the God who draws near to us in our trials. In this study, we'll explore more of the ways God works good in our lives through trials. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What "things of the world" do you find most tempting, and have to resist the most? When we draw close to Christ, we pull away from the world and the things of this world, and vice versa. How have you seen this truth evidenced in your own life and walk with Jesus? In moments of hardship, how can we practically rely on God's strength and provision rather than our own coping mechanisms? How are you doing at living this out in your own life? C.S. Lewis wrote about how our unfulfilled earthly desires point us toward a heavenly home. Do you have any unfulfilled desires that you believe will be fulfilled in Heaven? Are you at peace waiting for that fulfillment or do you struggle with patience? SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@INTHEWORDwithJeffThompson FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries X / TWITTER: twitter.com/jefftministries TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@jeffthompsonministries

One of the reasons God sends us trials is to reveal the genuineness (or lack thereof) of our faith. We'll talk about that in this study, as well as a profound perspective on trials that unfold in the aftermath of our failures. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How can we cultivate joy in the midst of our trials as James 1:2-3 encourages us to do? Share personal experiences where you've found joy in a challenging situation. Genuine faith is more than external actions; it's about lordship and obedience. How does Matthew 7:21-23 challenge our understanding of what it means to truly follow Christ? Reflect on the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13 and reflect on Psalm 139:23-24. How can we ensure that our hearts are the good soil? Share a trial where you were made more like Jesus by walking through the aftermath of your failure. Read Romans 8:16. What does it mean? SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@INTHEWORDwithJeffThompson FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries X / TWITTER: twitter.com/jefftministries TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@jeffthompsonministries

God sends trials to get our attention and sometimes He sends trials to humble us. Learn why that's a good thing, and how the Lord uses trials to get us to the place where He can bless us. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Discuss how the idea of delayed gratification, as seen in the lives of Biblical figures such as Moses, Daniel, and David, challenges the instant gratification prevalent in our culture today. Can you relate this to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 16:24-27 about taking up our cross? Read 2 Corinthians 13:5. What's the difference between a believer who stumbles in a trial but is still saved and a non-believer whose lack of sincere faith is revealed by failing a trial? Review Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' described in 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. How can trials foster humility and dependence on God? Share a trial that humbled you. How can we be more attentive to God's voice during peaceful times, as C.S. Lewis suggests, to avoid needing the 'megaphone' of pain? How can we proactively practice the humility described in 1 Peter 5:5-6, which says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble"? SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@INTHEWORDwithJeffThompson FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries X / TWITTER: twitter.com/jefftministries TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@jeffthompsonministries

Despite being a recognized apostle and the half-brother of Jesus, James identifies himself as, "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ". In this study, we'll talk about what it means to be a slave to Christ, and why it's the most blessed and free way to live. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What “masters” are you most likely to listen to above Christ? Regardless of how often they show up in your life, is there a “master” who always gets his way when he does? What would it look like to break that pattern? Reflect once more on Romans 6:22. How does servitude to Christ lead to true freedom? Has this been your personal experience? Read Philippians 2:5-8, which describes Jesus' humility and obedience. What does (and should) living as a servant look like in your life and relationships? SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries

James shares a shocking command, instructing believers to view their trials with joy. In this study, we’ll learn why God sends trials to His children, and why they’re so good for us. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Share a personal trial that you’ve been through that led to growth in your faith. What would considering a trial “pure joy” look like in your life? What patterns would need to change compared to how you normally act and speak in trials? Read Galatians 6:2. When a believer is going through a trial, what is their responsibility to seek care from the Church body, and what is the Church body’s responsibility to seek in caring for them? How are you doing at doing those things when you’re going through a trial, and when a brother or sister is going through a trial? Discuss the idea that "God will give you more than you can handle so that we can learn to walk in His power in greater faith." How does this align with 2 Corinthians 12:9, and what might this look like in practical terms in our own faith journeys? SUPPORT IN THE WORD: jeffthompsonministries.com/support FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jeffthompsonministries INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jeffthompsonministries