2015 NOVEMBER WEEK FIVE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 29, 2015.

WEEK 48

DANGERS OF PRIDE

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship – 10 mins):

Lead members to briefly discuss any experience they have had with a proud person.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the word – 40 mins):

Topic:  THE DANGERS OF PRIDE

Memory Verse: Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom”.

Main Text: 2 Chronicles 26:16-21

Introduction

Pride is one instrument the devil uses to displace the children of God from the glory of God. Many people even in the church exhibit all kinds of pride. Leaders, members, singers, instrumentalists among others tend to become proud when some form of elevation comes their way. In today’s discussion, we will take a closer look at the dangerous effects of pride and how we can overcome it. For if pride is not checked it surely leads to a fall as our memory verse says.

Discussion Questions

1. What made King Uzziah proud? 2 Chron. 26:16

2. What did his pride lead him to? 2 Chron. 26:16

3. What was the response of the high priest to the action of King Uzziah? 2 Chron. 26:18

4. What was King Uzziah’s reaction to the high priest’s correction? 2 Chron. 26:19

5. How did the LORD deal with the pride of King Uzziah? 2 Chron. 26:19

6. How could King Uzziah have avoided God’s punishment?

7. What have you learnt from the story?

 Conclusion

Many great leaders and potentially great ones have been brought to ruins because they allowed pride into their lives. As Christians, we must always realize that wherever God takes us (no matter the height) is by grace and not by works. King Uzziah, after becoming powerful and rich became proud instead of humble. The end result was clear. He suffered from a shameful disease and also lost his throne. In many cases, God through priests (pastors) and leaders caution us to do away with pride. For those who fail to heed such corrections, the end result is unbearable shame and destruction, just like King Uzziah.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Members to pray for one another in turns for specific needs.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for the community, nation and also all mission fields that the glory of God would be seen.

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NNAWƆTWE A ƐTƆ SO NNAN, OBUBUO 2015

NNAWƆTWE 47 AHANTAN I
Ma Yεnsere Kakra (Momfa mo ani nsi anyɔnkofa so  - sima 10)
Di kuo mma no anim na obiara mmɔ din a ɔpε a εwɔ Twerε Kronkron mu.
Ma yεmforo nkɔ N’anim (Momfa mo ani nsi ɔsɔreε so – sima 10)
Di kuo mma no anim na mo nsɔre Awurade sεdeε Honhom Kronkron kyerε yεn no.
Ma Yεnsua N’asεm no (Momfa mo ani nsi nsεm no so – sima
40)
ADESUADEƐ:   AHANTAN I
Sua gu wo tirim:  Mmebusεm 11:2 Ahantan ba a, na aniwu ba na ahobrεasefoɔ na nyansa ne wɔn te.
Adesua titire: Ester 1:10 – 18

NNIANIMU
Ahantan yε adeε a etumi sεe obi hyεbrε  - Awurade kyiri ahantanfoɔ. Osi ahantanfoɔ kwan (I Petro 5:5) Sε Onyankopɔn a wotwere no no, ne wo di asie a, na wowɔ ɔhaw kεseε mu pa ara. Efiri yεn adesua titire no mu no, yesua faa ɔhemmaa a wɔtuu no adeε so esiane ahantan nti.
Ɔhene Ahasweros a odi Susa so hyεε ne nsahyεfoɔ sε wɔmfa ɔhemmaa Wasti mmara ɔhene anim,ɔmmε ahennie abotire no na ɔmma ɔman no ne mmapɔmma no nhunu n’ahoɔfε nanso ɔhemmaa Wasti ankɔ ɔhene frε no. Wasti ahantan no gyina n’ahoɔfε so efirisε wokan twerε no a, na wɔse ne ho yε fε. (Ester 1:10-12).
Ahantan yε ade kεseε baako a εsεe onipa ananmɔntuo. Ɛnyε ɔhaw mma Onyankopɔn sε ɔbεhyira yεn berε a yεbɔ mpaeε kyerε no na mmom εyε yεn suban bɔne na esi yεn dom ho kwan na εde yεn ba fam koraa.

NSUSUHO
Wote ahantan ase sεn?
Nsunsuansoɔ bεn na ɔhemmaa Wasti ahantan no de bae (Ester 2:4)
Deεn na Onyankopɔn de yε ahantanfoɔ ( I Peter 5:5b)
Deεn na woankasa no, woasua?
Deεn na yebetumi ayε de atwe yεn ho afiri ahantan suban ho?

AWIEEƐ
Wobεtumi afa no sε anka wo na woyε ɔhemmaa Wasti bεyε sima baako? Anka wobεtumi agyina animguaseε, ɔyea ne nsεm keka a wɔbεka afa tu a wɔatu wo adeε so no ho? Ɔkwan a εyε mmerε a obi bεtumi ahwere Onyankopɔn dom ne sε, ɔbεyε ahantan. Ɔkwan a εsan yε mmerε bio a obi betumi asεe n’ayɔnkofa, dibea, Onyankopɔn adwuma ne awareε ne sε ɔbεyε ahantan. Ɛnam ahantan so na ɔbonsam hwee aseε. Na ɔpε sε ɔyε sε Onyankopɔn εna ɔde hweree ne dibea. Saa ara nso na ɔyere anaa okunu bi ahantan tumi sεe wɔn awareε. Sε wowɔ ahantan bi wɔ wo akoma mu a, bɔ mpaeε fa ho pa ara na Onyankopɔn ansi wo kwan.

Boa me mpaeεbɔ (Monkɔ so ara mmɔ mpaeε mma kuo mma no ahiadeε) Kuo mma no mmɔ mpaeε na Honhom Kronkron nhyε wɔn ma. Bɔ mpaeε ma kuo mma no na wɔmmerε wɔnho ase na wɔanyε ahantan.
Ma Wɔnhunu Yesu (momfa mo ani nsi asεmpatrε so – sima 10)
Di kuo mma no anim na mo mmɔ mpaeε mma wɔn a ahantan ahyε wɔn ma. Mo mmɔ mpaeε mma amanɔne asεmpatrε no.

2015 NOVEMBER WEEK FOUR HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 22, 2015.

WEEK 47

PRIDE, WHAT IS IT?

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship – 10 mins):

Lead members to mention a name they like in the Bible

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the word – 40 mins):

Topic: PRIDE, WHAT IS IT?

Memory Verse: Prov.11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom

Main Text: Esther: 1:10-18

Introduction

Pride is a destroyer of colourful destinies. God hates proud people. He resists or opposes them (1Pet:5:5). If God upon whom we depend becomes your opponent, then you are in real trouble. From our main text, we learn about the story of a queen who was dethroned because of pride. Xerxes, the king of Susa commanded the eunuchs who served him to bring before him queen Vashti wearing her royal gown in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles but Vashti did not honour the King’s call. Vashti’s pride could have been a result of her beauty because according to the story, she was beautiful to look at. (Esther: 1:10-12). Indeed, pride is one of the greatest destructive attitudes.

Discussion Questions

1. In your own words, what is pride?

2. What were the consequences of queen Vashti’s pride? Esther 2:4

3. What does God do to proud people? 1Pet.5:5b

4. Personally, what have you learnt?

5. What practical steps can we take in order to refrain from being proud?

6. Have you ever been attempted to be proud? What happened?

Conclusion

If you were Vashti could you have borne the shame, pain and the gossips as a result of demotion? The easiest way to lose the grace of God is to become proud. The easiest way to destroy your relationships, position, ministry and marriage is to harbor pride. Satan fell from Heaven as a result of pride, he wanted to be like God and he lost his place. Likewise many relationships have been ruined as a result of the pride of the wife or the husband. If you harbor pride, prayerfully deal with it before you tell God to elevate you.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Members to pray for infilling of the Holy Spirit. Pray for members to be humble and not proud or rebellious.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for people who are filled with pride and rebellion. Pray also for missions work and missionaries.

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2015 NOVEMBER WEEK THREE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

WEEK 46

HUMILITY EXALTS

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship – 10 mins):

Lead members to briefly discuss two humble people they know in the Bible.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the word – 40 mins):

Topic: HUMILITY EXALTS

Memory Verse: James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Main Text: Matthew 18:1-6

Introduction

The postmodern generation has a big issue with humility. To some people, humility means weakness, to others, it is a sign of insecurity and even to others a demonstration of failure. Humility is not just saying “please” before every sentence; rather, it is an inner submissiveness to authority and leadership as well as obedience to decrees, laws and policies. Many people pretend to be humble when their leaders or supervisors are present. This hypocritical act is not what we will be studying today. In this study, we will be looking at how Christ Jesus relates humility to greatness in the Kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions

1. What question did the disciples ask Jesus? Matt. 18:1

2. How did Jesus answer the disciples? Matt. 18:3

3. Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Matt 18:4

4. What makes a little child humble?

5. How can an adult become as humble as a child?

6. How will the humility of adults be seen?

Conclusion

A story is told of a man of another faith who was invited to a meeting of Christian business men. When he got to the meeting grounds and saw how people who were higher than him in business, were sweeping, dusting, cleaning and arranging chairs, he instantaneously denounced his faith and accepted Christ. Our study today has made us understand that, no matter our economic, social, academic and religious status, we must be as humble as a little child before God. We are to obey and believe God absolutely just as a little child believes and obeys his or her parents. Our humility towards God and others will certainly bring us increase.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Members to pray for one another in turns for specific needs.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for the community, nation and also all mission fields that the glory of God would be seen.

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2015 NOVEMBER WEEK TWO HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 8, 2015.

WEEK 45

HUMILITY, WHAT IS IT?

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship – 10 mins):

Lead members to mention two people they consider humble in the Bible.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the word – 40 mins):

Topic: HUMILITY, WHAT IS IT?

Memory Verse: 1Peter:5:6 Humble yourself therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time

Main Text: Luke: 18:9-14

Introduction

Humility is an inner attitude of a correct assessment of who one is. Scripture makes it clear that God gives grace to the humble. In other words He opens doors for the humble to succeed where others are struggling. Humility stems from understanding who God is and who we are. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. Jesus’ humility is described in Philippian 2:6-11 and Christians are encouraged to imitate this form of humility. This humility made him take a place of a servant even though he was God; though He was resolute and tough and knew what to do at any time.

Discussions Questions

1. In your own words, define humility.

2. What was wrong with the prayers of the Pharisee? Verse 11

3. How did the tax collector exhibit humility? Verse 13

4. What was the result of the humble attitude of the tax collector? Verse 14.

5. What lessons have you learned from the passage?

6. How can one attain humility?

Conclusion

While God opposes the proud, he gives grace to the humble. As we live according to the word, we imitate Christ’s steps and attain His humble nature. Jesus’ humility earned Him a name that is above every other name. There is always an elevation after humility.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Members to pray for grace to remain humble no matter the elevation that comes their way.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for people who are filled with anger and rebellion in the church.

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2015 NOVEMBER WEEK ONE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 1, 2015.

WEEK 44

FAMILY DAY

On this day, families (husband, wife, children and dependents) are expected to meet in their various homes to discuss issues pertaining to their family life and growth and also pray together. There is no study outline and so the head of the family will provide direction for the day. Where a young person is not staying with parents, they can possibly join another family for the family day, as a way of being nurtured in a family set up.

2015 OCTOBER WEEK FOUR HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 25, 2015.

WEEK 43

Prayer Session/Cell Outreach/District Input

2015 OCTOBER WEEK THREE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 18, 2015.

WEEK 42

BAD PARENTAL CARE

Smile Awhile: (focus on fellowship – 10 mins) – Lead members to mention two bad parents in the Bible.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper: (focus on the word – 40 mins)

Topic: BAD PARENTAL CARE

Main Text: 1Sam. 2:12, 17, 22-24, 27-30.

Memory Verse: Prov. 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Introduction

In the previous weeks, we studied about parental care and saw how Hannah devoted her resources to see Samuel grow up to become a responsible adult and a renowned prophet. We shall continue today by looking at bad parental care. The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas were, as stated in the Bible, wicked men who had no regard for the Lord. They treated the Lord’s offering with contempt and slept with the women who served in the temple. The big question here is, where was their father Eli the priest? It is likely he was so much into duties that he neglected the training of his children. According to 1 Samuel 2:19, Eli honoured his children more than God. The result was very devastating. Parents should be intentional in training their children in the fear of the Lord as the Bible enjoins us.

Discussions Questions

1. From the main passage, how were the sons of Eli described?

2. Why did the sons of Eli have no regard for the Lord? 1Sam.2:29

3. What were the consequences of Eli’s neglect of giving his children parental care?

4. Why do you think God did not spare the household of Eli for the sake of his service to him?

5. To what extent can we say Eli did not practice what he preached?

6. Personally, what have you learnt from the story?

Conclusion

The result of Eli’s negligence of his parental role was very drastic. He was supposed to train his sons in the fear of God so they could grow up and mature to take the priesthood mantle after him just as his father did. His failure to do this made God break the promise He had with his household. Like Eli we become so occupied with our profession that it becomes difficult for us to inculcate into our children the right training. Let’s not forget that children are gifts from God and if we really value the Giver, we would also appreciate our responsibilities that go with the gifts as well.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for parents to be godly and for children to be obedient. Also pray for street children and orphans.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for wayward children and children who are being trafficked.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK TWO HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 11, 2015.

WEEK 41

SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH CHILDREN

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship- 10 minutes):

Lead children in the cell to share the most interesting moments of the week.

Into His Presence (focus on worship- 10 minutes):

A member of the group should lead the cell in a time of adoration as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the Word- 40 minutes):

Topic: SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH CHILDREN

Main Text: Deuteronomy 11: 18- 21

Memory Verse - “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him” Psalms 127:3 (NIV)

Introduction

It is said that Children learn by observation and imitation and this is very true in many respects. Most children, if not all, are imitators who believe what they see and would repeat or imitate. There are several media competing with parents over the mind and lifestyle of our children and some of these media are very powerful and influential. These media would use approaches and strategies that are deliberately designed to impart certain values which are contrary to Christian ethics and standards, into our children. Today, the media, be it electronic or print is influencing our children- or having quality time with them, but in the negative sense. Teachers have become role models and their values whether negative or positive, have effects on our kids. Friends who come from various homes and backgrounds are affecting our children. We can only win over these competitors when we deliberately and consistently spend quality time with our children. Time with them is time to transmit values and virtues.

Discussion Questions

1. How can Christian Values be transferred to or impressed on Children?

2. How can we influence our Children more than the media does?

3. In the thinking of children, how could parents make their time with them enjoyable?

4. What activities prevent parents from having quality time with their children?

5. How could parents make time for their kids in the midst of their heavy schedules?

Conclusion

The only way by which children could be truly and properly impacted is to spend consistent quality time with them living out what is preached and opening up for them to ask questions. We must spend time to sit with them for a chat, take a walk with them along the road and even lie down with them telling them Bible stories before they sleep. Again, we need to give them the opportunity to be around us when we are engaging in chores that are not hazardous to them. Allow them to suggest and recommend the best ways they expect parents and guardians to share time with them.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins)

Members should pray for the District and local Assemblies that God would give them an encounter.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins)

Cell Leader/member leads the Cell to pray for unbelievers within our families, asking the Lord to save them from the power of sin and Satan.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK ONE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 4, 2015.

WEEK 40

FAMILY DAY

On this day, families (husband, wife, children and dependents) are expected to meet in their various homes to discuss issues pertaining to their family life and growth and also pray together. There is no study outline and so the head of the family will provide direction for the day. Where a young person is not staying with parents, they can possibly join another family for the family day, as a way of being nurtured in a family set up.

2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK FOUR HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015.

WEEK 39

Prayer Session/Cell Outreach/District Input

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2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK THREE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015.

WEEK 38

PARENTAL CARE (Leading The Family To God)

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship – 10 mins):

Lead members to share their favourite food.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the word – 40 mins):

Topic: PARENTAL CARE (Leading The Family To God.)

Main Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

Memory Verse: Prov. 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Introduction

The future of the nation, families and even the church lies in how the young ones are brought up by godly parents. When parents provide sound biblical training in homes, there is a brighter future ahead. Parents must therefore be burdened to lead their children to God through sound Bible based parental care. In today’s study, we will take a critical look at how Timothy, a young man, was carefully trained by his mother (Eunice) who had also been trained by her mother (Lois) in the LORD.

Discussion Questions

1. What kind of faith was in Timothy? Verse 5

2. How did Timothy receive such a faith? Verse 5

3. How did Eunice and Lois influence Timothy’s life?

4. How does good parental care affect the upbringing of children?

5. Discuss what our responsibilities are as parents in training our children.

a. What character in Timothy drew Paul to him?

b. How can we impact those characters to our children?

Conclusion

If parents shirk their parental responsibilities, they turn out children and people who become either a nuisance or liability to the church, nation or even family. As we have learnt today, Eunice, the mother of Timothy ensured that she entrusted the sincere faith she received from her mother (Lois) to her son. For our children to be responsible adults we must make deliberate effort to bring them up in the fear of the LORD and in wisdom.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for one another in turns for specific needs, especially their children.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for the community, nation and also all mission fields that the glory of God would be seen, and that wayward children will receive a touch from God.

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2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK TWO HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015.

WEEK 37

PARENTAL CARE

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship – 10 mins):

Lead members to mention two countries in Africa

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the word – 40 mins):

Topic: PARENTAL CARE

Main Text: 1Sam. 1:24-28, 2:18-20.

Memory Verse: Prov. 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Introduction

Parental care is the intentional attention parents give to their children to achieve an intended result. Right attitude towards children is essential for good parenting. Equally one has to know his or her responsibilities in order to discharge them effectively. But none of these is adequate if our goals in parenting are wrong. The big question is what do we aim at in bringing up our children as parents? It is therefore important for every Christian parent to seek the knowledge needed to bring up their children in the fear and instructions of the Lord.

Discussion Questions

1. As Christians what should be our goal in parenting? Col.1:28

2. From the passage, how did Hannah raise her child?

3. What are some of the right attitudes we can show towards our children?

4. Why do you think Eli blessed Elkanah? 1 Sam 2:20

5. To what extent can we attribute Samuel’s call as a prophet to his mother’s good parental care?

6. Personally what have you learnt from the lesson?

Conclusion

In our main text, we learn about how Hannah decided to dedicate her son Samuel to the service of God. Though her son had to leave home at a very tender age, (1Sam.1:24) Hannah gave Samuel all the necessary training and guidance needed for Samuel to become a responsible adult. (1Sam.2:18). It can be assumed from the scripture that Hannah advised Samuel to be of good behaviour whenever she made her annual trip to the temple to sacrifice (1Sam.2:19). This made Samuel outstanding among the sons of Eli. Hannah’s good parental care to Samuel caused Eli the priest to praise and bless her. One of our major goals as Christian parents is to bring our children up as mature Christian men and women who may be Medical doctors, Engineers, Pastors, Farmers or some other useful professionals. Bringing up mature adults balanced in every sphere of their lives should be our aim. (Col. 1: 28).

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for parents to be godly and for children to be obedient.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for wayward children and children who are being trafficked.

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2015 SEPTEMBER WEEK ONE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015.

WEEK 36

FAMILY DAY

On this day, families (husband, wife, children and dependents) are expected to meet in their various homes to discuss issues pertaining to their family life and growth and also pray together. There is no study outline and so the head of the family will provide direction for the day. Where a young person is not staying with parents, they can possibly join another family for the family day, as a way of being nurtured in a family set up.

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2015 AUGUST WEEK FIVE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, AUGUST 30, 2015.

WEEK 35

Prayer Session/Cell Outreach/District Input

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2015 AUGUST WEEK FOUR HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, AUGUST 23, 2015.

WEEK 34

DEVELOPING PATIENCE

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship-10 mins):

Lead cell members to mention their favourite character in the Bible.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit. Let the cell members mention one reason each for praising and collectively worshiping God.

Digging Deeper (focus on the WORD – 40 mins):

Topic: PATIENCE

Main Text: Job 1:13-20

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Introduction

Patience or longsuffering is a virtue that is part of the fruit that the Spirit manifests in the believer. The believer has a responsibility to bear this virtue. Patience is defined as the capacity to endure or suffer pain, trouble or adversity with calmness and composure. It also connotes bearing with others their faults and limitations. Patience as taught in scripture is not the apathetic state of being, that accepts all evil in a depressed and passive way. Rather it is a product of our faith in God. Bible kind of Patience is a product of our faith in God. It is grounded in a conviction of the goodness of God and His ability to deliver us from adversity. Patience keeps us trusting and smiling even in difficult times. In our main text, we read about Job, who for no fault of his was tested to the limit of human endurance, yet kept his faith in God. In the face of loss, mockery and scorn from family and friends, Job could say “I know my redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). In the final analysis Job’s patience was vindicated.

Discussion Questions

1. What is Patience?

2. Who caused Job’s calamities? Job 1:12

3. Name some of Job’s adversities. Job 1:13-20.

4. What was Job’s response in the face of his troubles? Job 1:21

5. How do you react when you fall into some adversity (sickness, unemployment, bereavement)?

6. How can we cultivate the virtue of Patience?

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us to cultivate the virtue of Patience. A patient man has great understanding (Prov. 14:29),  … a patient man calms a quarrel, Prov. 15:18. Better a patient man than a warrior… Prov. 16:32. As a character trait, this virtue has to be deliberately grown and nurtured in cooperation with the indwelling Holy Spirit. In our fast-paced world, people tend to be rash and reckless in taking decisions and we want quick-fix solutions to our problems and troubles. The patient man is able to wait on God in confident understanding that God is able and willing to intervene in our situation in his own time.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Members to pray for one another in turn for specific needs, especially those who have lost their relatives.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for the community, nation and also all mission fields that the glory of God would be seen. Also pray that the patience of God would reach all the unreached nations in the world.

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