Enduring Hardships

ENDURING HARDSHIPS

THE PASSAGE
Revelation 2:8-11, NIV

HOW YOU ENDURE HARDSHIPS MATTERS MORE
THAN THE HARDSHIPS YOU ENDURE.

TALK IT OVER
Ice Breaker – Have you ever run a race or done something physically that you had to
endure?

1. Pastor Bob shared how the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) was struggling
with persecution and poverty. To make things even more challenging, God told the Christians that things were going to get worse before they got better!
It was a tough time to be a Christian. Smyrna was one of first cities in the Roman
Empire to practice emperor worship. To be a Christian, would mean being an
outcast or worse, an outlaw. Most Christians were ostracized and blacklisted from
local businesses. Take a minute to imagine what it would be like if you were alive
back then. Share what life might have looked like for you and your family as Christians?

2. Have you ever seen, heard, or experienced serious persecution? If so, what did
that look like? What was it for?

3. Pastor Bob said, “HOW we endure matters more than WHAT we endure.” Why is
that so true?

4. Jesus said, “I know your tribulation” (Rev. 2:9) What kind of trials or tribulations
are you facing right now?

5. How can Jesus “knowing your tribulation” be helpful?

6. Jesus also says, “I know your poverty, (but you are rich).” What do you think
Jesus meant? Remember the story of from “A Wonderful Life” when Harry Bailey
said… “A toast to my big brother George: the richest man in town.”

7. Read Philippians 4:19, what are the riches we have as believers?

8. Church history tells us that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, ordained
as a Bishop over churches in Smyrna. Polycarp dies a martyr’s death and serves
as an excellent example of a faithful Christian in midst of intense persecution.
What do you think motivated him and other Christian martyrs throughout church
history?

9. What does Revelation 2:10 tell us about those who remain faithful in persecution?

10. How we respond to hardship will either draw people to God or drive them away.
How can we suffer in such a way that it draws people to God?

11. Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7. What can we learn from the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to
Timothy his protégé regarding suffering?

12. Remember. “HOW you endure hardships matters more than WHAT hardships you
endure.”

13. Pray for one another and for the church.