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You Shouldn't Have to Wait for What You Want |
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LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
Wednesday Night, June 14, 2006
“You Shouldn’t Have to Wait For What You Want”
5 Minutes - Welcome and Prayer
10 Minutes - OPEN
What is the most memorable “delay” you’ve experienced this week? Be honest – what was your reaction in the heat of the moment?
Describe that emotion. Is that an emotion that you find yourself frequently experiencing these days?
Ours is an impatient age in which we do not like to wait. We want instant gratification. Why are we not good at “waiting”?
What are the environmental and societal factors that have contributed to our becoming a less patient people?
Why do we boil over when the express line at the grocery store is moving slowly? Why do we get frustrated when our email is functioning slowly? Why are we so irritated and aggravated by delays?
15-20 Minutes - DIG
The rubber of Christianity meets the road of proof when the irritations of life emerge. The best test of our Christian growth occurs in the mainstream of life where stuff happens. Would those who know you best characterize you as being a “patient person”?
One quality – patience - stands as a single, rare virtue scarce as diamonds and twice as precious. It has a special way of drawing attention and softening tempers. Have you experienced such? What impact did it have on you?
Do you possess this virtue? If not, why not?
In 1 Corinthians 13:4, Paul says “love is patience” (some translations say “love is longsuffering”). In Colossians 3:12, patience is listed among a set of virtues of “God’s chosen people.” Patience means we do not lose hope in others. Nor do we lose hope amidst the difficulties and discouragements of life.
The question becomes – “What is the hope that is the driving force behind our thoughts and attitudes?”
James said, “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3 KJV).
How would you describe how the trials and struggles of your life have proven to develop patience?
In his book, They Call Me Coach, John Wooden wrote,
“In game play it has always been my philosophy that patience will win out. By that, I mean patience to follow our game plan. If we do believe in it, we will wear the opposition down and will get to them. If we break away from our style, however, and play their style, we’re in trouble. And if we let our emotions command the game rather than our reason, we will not function effectively. I constantly caution our team, ‘play our game . . . and eventually, if you play your game, stick to your style, class will tell in the end.’ This does not mean that we will always outscore our opponent, but it does insure that we will not beat ourselves.”
Why is patience required in the “game of life’?
15 Minutes - REFLECT
Are we born with patience? If not, how do some mature and develop this fruit of the Spirit that becomes such a central part of their character while others of us are so easily ruffled and volatile at the slightest stimulus?
In so many areas of our life, we have come to expect instant results. What are the dangers of such a mentality?
Why is the premium we have placed on instant gratification so dangerous?
CLOSING PRAYER
Submit these matters to God!
Pray for specific needs that were revealed during the meeting.
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