Pay Attention & Pass the Test – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: Briefly share a challenge you have faced that clearly revealed the Lord’s faithfulness.

Sermon Title: Mold Me – “Pay Attention & Pass the Test” – Jeremiah 11-12

Group Discussion:

Read Matthew 5:45 & Philippians 3:20 – Accept that the righteous and the unrighteous exist together. Discuss strategies for how we can learn to live with humility, patience, and hope in a world where the righteous and unrighteous coexist. What practical attitudes or practices might help us resist bitterness or resentment when the Lord’s justice seems delayed and the unrighteous seem to thrive?

Read Jeremiah 12:5 & James 1:2-4 – Allow the Lord to prepare us by testing us. How might we view current trials in our lives as the Lord intentionally preparing us for His purposes? Discuss ways we can shift our mindset to embrace trials as a necessary part of spiritual growth; share examples.

Read Romans 12:3 & 2 Corinthians 10:12 – Avoid the comparison trap. Discuss how the comparison game, especially between the righteous and unrighteous, can distort our eternal perspective and our faith. How can we stay grounded in the Lord’s grace while avoiding pride, judgment, and insecurity?

Read Jeremiah 11:22-23, John 5:21-23, & John 12:48 – Anticipate that the Lord will judge the unrighteous at the right time. Discuss how we can learn to trust in the Lord’s perfect timing and justice. How can we experience freedom from the desire to seek our own revenge? Discuss this while considering our own sins and how we deserve judgement yet are saved by His grace.

Read Psalm 73:23-26 & 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 – Acknowledge that life is not always fair, but the Lord is always good. When life feels unfair or our trials seem overwhelming, discuss practical ways we can cling to the truth that the Lord is still good. Share strategies or practices for how we can realign our hearts and perspectives when we feel discouraged or bitter about life or our circumstances.

Spiritual Discipline: Review resources on the Church Center app at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, including the Experiencing Trials and Embracing Jesus essay.

Action Steps: (1) Reflect on James 1:2-5 to realign your heart with the Lord’s goodness, even in trials and situations that seem unfair and (2) reach out to someone that may be experiencing a trial in their life; offer truth and hope by listening compassionately, sharing scripture, and praying with them.