Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on February 7, 2021
Passage: John 11:1-44
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike continued our Breakthrough series with a message on dealing with grief.
Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, or challenged you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
When have you had your world “turned upside down” by a loss of any kind (friend or loved one’s death, loss of job, divorce, etc.) where you grieved and experienced prolonged sadness? How did you cope?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. When we experience loss, we are often left with questions about God. One of those questions is “Where were you, God?” The implication is that a good God wouldn’t allow us to go through such grief. The idea is that if God is all loving and all powerful, why would He let this happen? In the message, Mike explained how Martha, Mary, and some of the other mourners had the same question. Read through the Psalm below where David wrestled with the same question. How did David work through his questions?
Psalm 13:1-6 (ESV)
1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
What can you apply personally from this Psalm when dealing with loss and grief?
2. Another question that gets asked during a time of loss and grief is, “God, do you care?” Why do you think God sometimes allows us to travel through the deep valleys in life? What insight does the following passage provide?
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
3. In the message, Mike showed us that Jesus weeps with us and journeys with us through the pain. What do the following passages tell you about God’s compassion when you are in the midst of heartache?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Can you give an example of a time when God displayed His care toward you in the midst of deep pain and heartache?
4. During a difficult period of waiting during Lazarus’ sickness and then four days after his death, the mourners were able to see God’s glory more clearly through the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus revealed His identity as the Messiah who could save their souls for eternity. Jesus told the mourners they would see God’s glory if they believed and trusted. Why is trusting God and waiting on His timing so difficult for us? What is one way you can practice patience in your life?
5. As we close, do you need someone to come to you and share in your grief over a recent loss? Or, do you know someone who needs you to come alongside them and share in their grief with them? Why is it always better to walk through our grief with others?
TAKE IT HOME
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
