We all face disappointments in life, some minor disappointments and some major. The question is, however, how do we respond when discouragement comes our way? Today, we are going to answer that question by turning to Scripture to learn from Paul, who remained faithful and steadfast regardless of the disappointments that came his way.
What common disappointments do people face today?
1. How does discouragement impact us, both positively and negatively?
2. Read Philippians 1:12-14. Describe Paul’s circumstances in this passage of Scripture.
Philippians 1:12-24
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
3. Why did Paul not give in to discouragement despite his circumstances, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. Read Philippians 1:15-18. What was Paul’s attitude while he was imprisoned? Why?
Philippians 1:15-18.
15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
1. How do you usually respond when you feel discouraged?
2. How does the Scripture we studied today give you hope in the middle of your disappointment?
3. What disappointment are you currently carrying? How can you respond to your disappointment in a way that honors God?
When we feel discouraged, sometimes we need others around us to encourage us to keep going. Take a few moments to pray. Divide into groups of two or three and pray together. Pray for each other to find hope, joy, and peace in the middle of your disappointments.
We all face discouragement in this life, but we are not left helpless to wallow in our disappointments that arise. Scripture teaches us that we can take steps in the middle of our disappointments to respond well and hold on to hope, even when we feel disappointed. Take a few minutes to take a deeper look at how we can fight for peace in the middle of our disappointments.
Disappointments that arise can keep us from remembering that we are here on earth for a purpose. We can become so focused on our disappointments that we forget that God has given each one of us an important job to do while we are here on earth. When we focus on our purpose, we can find hope and joy in the most disappointing circumstances.
1. Read Acts 20:22-24.
Acts 20:22-24
“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
2. What was most important to Paul according to this passage of Scripture?
3. What is our purpose based on this passage of Scripture?
4. How does holding on to our purpose help us when we feel discouraged?
Our discouragement can cause us to have tunnel vision. We can be so focused on our disappointments that we fail to recognize how God is working. When we take a look at how God is working all around us, we can recognize that He is working even though we are facing disappointments.
1. Read Romans 8:26-30.
Romans 8:26-30
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
2. What promise do we have in this verse when it comes to our weaknesses and disappointments?
3. What is God’s greater plan, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. How does focusing on God’s greater plan help us in the middle of our discouragement?
While we face disappointment on this earth, we can hold on to the promise that Christ will never leave us disappointed. In the end, we will face eternal life with Him. When we focus on this incredible truth, we can face any disappointment life brings, knowing that in the end, we will never be disappointed.
1. Read John 14:1-4.
John 14:1-4
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
2. In your own words, summarize Jesus’ message in this passage of Scripture.
3. Why does Jesus encourage us not to give in to discouragement?
4. How does remembering that we will never be disappointed in the end help us when we are discouraged?
Which of the truths that we studied today do you need to remind yourself the most? Why? Share that with your group. As a group, commit to memorizing the passage of Scripture related to the truth that you need to remind yourself of the most. Bring this passage of Scripture to mind when you feel disappointed and find hope and perspective.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
