July 6th/7th, 2013 Discussion Guide
When rejection builds on top of failure; when it seems like you’ve done all you can do and
‘fate’ is against you; when you have been denied after coming so close - it’s easy to turn your
focus toward the ‘worth’ of this journey rather than the ‘why’ of this journey.
ICEBREAKER
1. Do you know someone who has persevered through obstacles and setbacks?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
RUDY
The life and story of Rudy takes us on a journey of potential, promise and most of all,
perseverance.
Perseverance
• Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
• Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose;
steadfastness.
THE PATH OF PERSEVERANCE PRODUCES!
Path of Perseverance Requires Pain
You can’t avoid pain
John 16:33, “Here on earth you will have many trials sorrows...”
You can’t blame the pain
The difference between those who handle pain correctly and those who don’t, is that
those who handle pain correctly see it as a tool that draws out God’s best; whereas those
who blame pain see it as a barrier that keeps them from God’s best.
“What are you turning your pain and sorrow into?”
Path of Perseverance is Not a Straight Line
Many times the path of perseverance will take you in the exact opposite direction of
your dreams!
Maintain your focus
If, at any point in the journey you decide to stay on the mountain or in the valley - then you
will miss the opportunity that God has before you AND you will add to the journey miles of
heartache and burden that could have been avoided.
Don’t Quit
“Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” Vince Lombardi
1. Perseverance is the steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief
or purpose. Can you describe a time that you demonstrated extraordinary
perseverance?
2. Do you believe that God has a plan and purpose, a dream and a vision for your
life? What do you think God’s vision for your life is?
3. Pastor said that the path of perseverance requires pain and that you will face
rejection, persecution and heartache. How we deal with the pain determines if our
life will produce fruit that is life-giving OR else fruit that is bitter and good for
nothing! Think back on a painful situation that you went through or are currently
going through - how did you deal with the pain? Describe.
4. Does the idea of God using human pain for his glory disturb you? Explain why or
why not.
5. Those who handle pain correctly see it as a tool that draws out God’s best;
whereas those who blame pain see it as a barrier that keeps them from God’s
best. What are some benefits that could come from the pain we endure? What
happens if we choose a victim mentality?
6. Read James 1:2-4. James says that trials test our faith in God. How do trials test
our faith? James says the goal of these tests is “perseverance.” The implication is
that trials can create persevering faith in God. But why trials? Can you think of
other ways God could create persevering faith in us?
7. Pastor said, “If, at any point in the journey you decide to stay on the mountain or
cry in the valley - you will miss the opportunity that God has before you AND you
will add to the journey miles of heartache and burden that could have been
avoided. Have you ever seen this played out in your life?
Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.
Read and Mediate over Galatians 6:9 and James 1:2-4.