Part Four - Resistance
Discussion Guide
Life is hard and we have difficult tasks ahead of us: finishing the project, healing a relationship, starting a business, even quitting a career to go back to school! This saying is healthy: “We can do hard things.” However, many of us struggle with starting or completing the dreams God has given us. God has a strategy and has supplied all the resources you need to do all He has put in your heart to do.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Are you a go-getter or a procrastinator? Even if you are a go-getter, is there any area of your life where you delay doing what you know to do?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:6-7, 11. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to do what? What part of a project is harder for you: the starting or “the messy middle”? What is your attitude at the start and in the middle? Are you a finisher?
3. Read Proverbs 22:13 and Ecclesiastes 11:4. Do you tend to have excuses for your hesitation? What Bible promises help you get started and follow through?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12 and Matthew 25:25. What does the Corinthians verse assure you? What attitude had him incapacitated? Are you acting like the fearful servant in this parable? Why is this sinful and not just annoying? What do you have that you are not yet using?
5. Read 2 Corinthians 8:17-18. What is Paul’s strategy for encouraging them to finish the work? How has this strategy worked in your life before? In what area could you utilize teamwork and joining together with another believer to accomplish a hard thing?
6. Prayer: Lord, help me today to get up and take the first step. You have given me plans, dreams, and a purpose. You have gifted me with everything I need to accomplish all You have put before me. Guide and empower me by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
7. Action Step: Write your project at the top of the page. Break it down into tasks. Recruit an encourager to pray with you and keep you on track. Take the first step!
Deeper
8. How have all believers been equipped? Do you have all you need to accomplish what God has called you to do?
a. 2 Corinthians 9:8,11:
b. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16:
c. Ephesians 2:4-7:
d. 2 Peter 1:3:
e. Ephesians 4:7-8:
f. Acts 2:38:
g. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: