This Week's Study Guide

Now What? Week 4  

Message-Based Curriculum  

Opening 

• Begin with a brief welcome and prayer to set the tone for the group time. 

• Introduce the theme: Following Jesus isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting block. The Christian life is a long, sometimes difficult race of endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus as we run toward the ultimate prize: hearing “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” 

Discussion Questions 

CONNECT  

• Share about a time you signed up for something and later realized it was harder than you expected.  

• What is something that keeps you motivated when life feels discouraging or overwhelming?  

DISCOVER 

Bible Reflection 

• According to Jesus in John 15:18-20, what should His followers expect from the world? How does this challenge our expectations of the Christian life? 

• In John 16:33, Jesus acknowledges the reality of tribulation, yet also offers a promise. What is that promise, and how does it give you hope in hard times? 

• Colossians 2:8-12 warns us against being taken captive by deceptive ideas and empty philosophies. What are some examples of these in today’s culture? How does Paul remind us of our identity and power in Christ in these verses? 

• Hebrews 12:1-3 speaks about running the race with endurance. According to these verses, what helps us endure? How does looking to Jesus change the way we face difficulty and opposition? 

APPLY – Living a Life of Endurance  

The following questions are directly related to this week’s sermon 

• The sermon pointed out that in the Western world, we may not face persecution by sword, but by distraction, comfort, or cultural pleasure. What are some of the “comforts” or distractions that tempt you to drift from Jesus? What are the “morally neutral” things?  

• What does it practically look like for us to be rooted, built up, established, and abounding in thanksgiving together as a group?  

• Is there an area in your faith walk where you are tempted to give up? How can we, as a group, support you in keeping going?  

Prayer Time 

• Either break into pairs or smaller groups or as a group share and pray for one another. 

• Gratitude: Thank Jesus for enduring the cross on our behalf.  

• Pray for Endurance: Pray for each person to grow in spiritual endurance, especially those who feel tired, hurt, or tempted to give up. (If there is anyone in your group who feels alone or like they are especially growing weary in some way, ask if they are ok if everyone surrounds them, lays hands on them, and prays for them)  

• Pray for “Well Done”: Pray that we would live as people running to “Well done”, not distracted by the things of this world, but focused on Jesus, our prize.  

Closing 

• The Christian life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. This week, challenge yourself to daily fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Encourage the group to read Hebrews 12:1-3 throughout the week.