They Remained a Long Time

Community Group Questions:

Engage Yourself:

What is it about the downward call of Christ on your life that makes you uncomfortable? Why do you think that is?

Engage the Text:

The Scriptures often talk about joy in the midst of suffering. Read through the passage with your community group, and also take a look at both Col. 1:24-29 (written from prison) and 1 Pet. 4:12-14. What might it look like for you to “rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings”?

In what way might this suffering “for the name of Christ” be a blessing?

Engage your Neighbor:

The suffering talked about in the New Testament is suffering that is associated with faithfulness and mission. What might our lack of suffering say about our own faithfulness? 

In what ways could you begin or continue engaging your neighbors, both within and outside the church?

Engage your Family:

Talk to your kids about the difficulty that faithfulness could bring upon them, especially as they are met with difficult decisions they might have to make when it comes to engaging with other kids from school, neighbors, etc.