A Problem For My Problem
Jonathan Rivera
Sermon Summary
This is a message for someone ready to give up. In Philippians, the Apostle Paul shows us what’s on the other side of pain when we persevere with Christ. And here’s the good news: You don’t have to be afraid anymore.
Sermon Highlights
Sometimes we give up too soon and miss out on all God has for us.
It’s too soon to quit.
The only thing harder than obedience is regret.
Perseverance – push past the pain
God cares about your pain.
Don’t allow your pain to stop your praise.
Pain produces something on the inside of you.
Paul’s chains removed the mystery behind what was on the other side of pain.
You don’t have to be afraid anymore.
Scriptures
Read this week’s Scriptures. Ask your group what stands out to them.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Choose the one that works best for your group!
Jonathan Rivera talked about how Apple started, so if you dare, ask your group: Apple or Android?
Jonathan Rivera shared a picture of his “son,” Tobias. Introduce your pet! If you don’t have one, share what kind of pet you’d be willing to have and what you’d name them.
Discussion Questions
“Pain produces something on the inside of you.” Share about a time when walking through a painful season produced something good in your character.
“It’s too soon to quit.” What is something current or recent that you’ve wanted to give up on? What’s kept you going?
“Perseverance – push past the pain.” What are some ways you can persevere through something difficult that God’s called you to?
“Don’t allow your pain to stop your praise.” What can you praise God for in the middle of what you’re walking through?
“You don’t have to be afraid anymore.” Now that you know what’s on the other side of pain, how can you combat the enemy’s attempt to keep you in fear as you walk through it?
Prayer Prompt
Ask your eGroup if they have any prayer requests or praise reports they’d like to share, and include them in your closing prayer.
Pray this prayer over your eGroup to close, and/or send it to them throughout the week to let them know you’re praying for them!
Dear Lord, I pray for each person here walking through something painful. I pray this sermon will remind them that You are near, and they don’t have to be afraid to keep going. Give them courage and strength to persevere when they feel like giving up, and remind them they have a group of people around them who love them and will walk by their side, too. Amen.
Additional Content
Here’s some additional content you can use to encourage your group this week.
Context: The book of Philippians
Written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison.
He also wrote Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon from prison.
Paul established the Philippian church during his second missionary journey around AD 50, making it the first Christian congregation in Europe. The church developed under the pressure of persecution, growing with particular steadfastness, warmth, and simplicity. Paul maintained close contact with the congregation, which demonstrated remarkable generosity by repeatedly sending financial support to him and to believers in Jerusalem, and later dispatching Epaphroditus to minister to Paul during his Roman imprisonment. The church remained deeply loyal to Paul throughout their relationship.