BIBLE STUDY& LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION HANDOUT
I. Deeper Study for Christian Formation
As our society and culture become increasingly hostile toward Christianity and Christian values,
there are some spiritual qualities that become especially important. There are five in particular
we can’t survive without. They’re important no matter what the situation. But in a Babylon-like
environment, they become absolutely essential.
II. Bible Exploration
Why Obedience is essential for discipleship?
Read Matthew 28:18–20; 1 John 2:3–5; John 14:15
What do these verses say about the importance of obedience?
What does God promise to those who trust and obey? Read 2 Corinthians 4:16–19 and 11:23–
29.
Why is perspective so valued in the kingdom of God? What specifically helps us endure
hardship?
How does having an eternal perspective put trials in their proper place?
How does reading about Paul’s extreme trials help you change your perspective on your own?
Read Romans 5:3–5 and James 1:2–4.
According to the Romans passage, what does suffering cause? (Perseverance, then character,
then hope)
The Christian life is more marathon than sprint, which makes endurance essential.
How have you learned to endure? According to the James passage, trials produce perseverance
and endurance. What is the ultimate goal of trials testing our faith? (That we may be mature and
complete, lacking in nothing)
Read Hebrews 10:35.
Why do you think confidence is so important to the Christian? Why do you think the author of
Hebrews say confidence will be richly rewarded?
Read Hebrews 12:11–12.
What role does courage have in the life of a person of faith? Why is it courageous to endure a
trial? How does this inspire others?
III. Deeper Christian Formation Walk
Select at least one activity below to complete during the next week.
• Personal Action:
Repeat this activity from the last week: Fast from whatever media platform causes you the most
stress and worry. Recount how the fast changed your perspective.
• Mentoring:
What quality of these five you need to train more to be able to endure in Babylon?
• Conversation:
Find a leader and talk about your personal issues you face to practice any of these five qualities.
Obedience
Perspective
Endurance
Being Fearless
Courage
• Memorization:
This week a new verse you should memorize. Write down James 1:2-4 on a 3 x 5 card, then keep
it with you in an obvious place (purse, wallet, car, mirror). Read and memorize it when life feels
out of control.
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that
the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that
you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (Jam. 1:2-4)
• Pray:
