I Thessalonians 1:6-7

                                       following along in suffering and joy

We are all following someone.  We take cues from them for how we should speak and act.  We often reflect their actions in our own.  It may not be conscious effort, but we end up being somewhat like the one(s) we follow.  Who are you following?  ___________________________ Is your situation one of “the blind leading the blind”, or have you sought out the wise?  Do your emotions and passions lead you, or does your understanding of truth dictate your direction?  (Think about this carefully before you respond.)  ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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The substance of what we really believe can often be seen when we are suffering.  What do you do when you are experiencing some sort of affliction?  Some have said, “The greatest sermon you will ever preach is how you respond to suffering.”  Do you think this is a true and accurate statement?  ________  Think of a time, or times over the last year when you experienced some sort of suffering.  It could be physical or emotional (–pain is pain).  How did you respond to suffering? __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

Are you pleased with your response, or do you wish you had done it differently? _______________  
What would you change?  ______________________________________________________
What can you find in scripture regarding a response to suffering?_________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

                When it comes to your joy, what are the necessary conditions for you to have it?  How important are the surrounding circumstances?  Is your joy based on experiences or thoughts?  Is it in other people?  Is your experience of joy steady or is it fluctuating?  ___________________
What would make it one or the other of these? ________________________________________________________________________

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Are you satisfied with the level of joy you experience in your life?_________________________
If not, what can you do about it? _____________________________________________

            Most of us see a bit of room and need for growth.  The question is not, “Have you arrived?”  The question is, "What direction are you moving?"  If there are people in your life who display wisdom and grace in suffering, as well as a true joy, you can surely glean from their example and experience.  For the Christian, suffering and joy are both part of what it means to have real fellowship with Jesus.  Paul and the apostles are great examples of walking in that.

                Whether or not we intend to be, each of us is an example for someone else.  Would it be good and healthy for other people to do as you do? Why or why not?  _________________________________________________________________________

Read and Pray:  Philippians 3:17-19, John 13:12-17, Timothy 4:12, 1 Peter 2:20-25