“We can help each other find strength. “
Scripture Reading: (2 Timothy 4:6-18) (Psalm 121) (2 Corinthians 12:9) (Please read and discuss with the questions)
Introduction
When we’re feeling stressed, tired, defeated, hurting, or afraid, it can feel a little bit like we’re running a race all alone. We might wonder if anyone understands or cares about what we’re experiencing. We might get angry or bitter when people don’t show up for us the way we want or need them too. Or we might even do the opposite. We might convince ourselves we can handle it alone — that we don’t need anyone else’s help. Even if life feels pretty good for you right now, the truth is, we all have moments when we could borrow some strength from other people. Right now, maybe it’s you. Or maybe it’s someone you know. Just like Paul and Timothy helped each other find strength during Paul’s final days, we can do that for each other too. When we’re tired, stressed, upset, afraid, defeated, or hurting, we can exchange support with each other. When life is difficult, we can help each other find strength.
Discussion
Even when things were looking dark for Paul, he took the time to share whatever strength he still had with Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:6-18) (Read the verse and discuss the questions)
- Who’s someone in your life who you’d consider “strong”? Why do you think so?
- On a scale of 1-10, how strong do you think you usually are? Why do you say that?
- What are some situations that might make us feel tired, discouraged, or weak and in need of strength? Which of those have you experienced?
- When you’re feeling tired, discouraged, or weak, what helps you find strength?
Our source of strength comes from God. (Psalm 121) (Read and discuss)
- What are a few ways we can share the strength God gives us with others?
- Just like Paul was honest with Timothy, why do you think it’s important to share the difficult things we’re experiencing with each other? What could happen if we don’t?
- What are some unhealthy or ineffective ways people sometimes try to be strong? What would you say to those people to help or encourage them?
God’s strength can be perfected in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) (Read and discuss)
- What do you think Paul means when he says he’s strong when he’s weak?
- Is there anything going on in your life right now that’s making you feel weak and in need of strength? If so, how can we help?
- This week, what’s one thing you’ll do to find strength in God, or help someone else find strength in God?
Conclusion
We can’t be each other’s ultimate, never-failing, always-available sources of strength. No human is capable of that kind of support. But that’s okay, because Jesus is. It’s our job to help each other find strength in him. When life gets a little tough, there are so many ways we can exchange support. But we don’t do that by trying to be each other’s sources of strength forever. We do it by helping each other know we’re not alone and that God is our ultimate source of strength. That’s how we’ll really help each other find strength.
Prayer
- Take some time to share any struggles you’re going through and then pray and encourage each other just like Paul and Timothy did.
- Ask the Lord for His help and to preserve you from all evil (Psalm 121)
- Thank God for the answered prayers and for what He is doing at Joy Fountain Church.
Announcements
- Next Small Groups November 9 2022