Foundations Week 12 Perseverance

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WEEK 12: PERSEVERANCE

Memory Verse for Week 12
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

To temperance or self-control, we are to add patience or perseverance under trials.

Many people believe that when a person becomes a Christian, their troubles are over. In reality, as Christians we still face the same problems; and trials come even more so than before. The difference is that we do not go through them alone. We have a Helper that unbelievers do not have. God will always, by His grace, provide us the strength to endure, and peace when our hearts are troubled.

Our memory verse for this week advises us that we will have trouble in this world. Jesus never promised us it would be easy, but He did promise us He would be with us. When Jesus says He will be “with us” it means He will fight our battles right beside us—and He has overcome the world!

Read Paul’s account of his troubles in 2 Corinthians 11:22-29, and write just a few of the things Paul endured.____________________________________

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Read Philippians 4:11-13. In spite of all he had been through, what could Paul still say? ____________________________________________________________

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In spite of all his troubles, Paul had learned to be content with whatever his situation was. He says he can do (endure) all things through Christ who strengthens him.

Read Paul’s account of how he was able to endure so much in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-18. How could Paul overcome against all odds? (Verses 17-18) _________________________________________________________________

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Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. What is sufficient to get us through anything we face? ______________________________________________________________

Paul can glory in his troubles and infirmities because when he is weak, he experiences the power of God sustaining him. The grace of God gives him amazing strenth in the midst of his weakness.

Read 2 Timothy 4:17. For what purpose did the Lord strengthen Paul? _______________________________________________________________________

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We also are strengthened for His purposes, so that we may proclaim His truth, and that unbelievers may hear His Word.

Read Hebrews 4:16. Where can we boldly go to find help in time of need? _______________________________________________________________________

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God’s Purposes For Trials

1) To develop patience and maturity of faith in us.

Read James 1:2-4. We are to look at trials, temptations and

testings as ways God is training us to have patience, to be

mature in our faith. He allows them in order that we lack

nothing, but instead be fully equipped.

2) To improve and purify us, and prepare us to receive His

abundance.

Read Psalm 66:10-12. God tests us and tries us to bring us to a place where we are able to receive His blessing.
Read Matthew 5: 10-12. Be glad when you are persecuted, reviled, and suffer for the sake of Christ. Great will be your reward in heaven!
Read Romans 8:17-18. If we suffer with Christ, we will be glorified with Him.
Read Job 23: 10. When God has tried us, we shall come forth as gold, purified and without imperfections.

3) To glorify God.

Read 1 Peter 4: 12-16. When we endure fiery trials, Christ is glorified. We are told not to be ashamed that we are being tried, but to give God glory in the midst of our trouble.

Read John 14:27. What does Jesus admonish us not to do? _______________________________________________________________________

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Read Philippians 4: 6-7. What are we told to do when we are worried or concerned? ___________________________________________________________

And what does God promise to do? _______________________________________________________________________

Read Isaiah 41:10. What does God promise us? _______________________________________________________________________

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Read Psalm 18:2. Name the many things God will be to us during troubles. _____________________________________________________________

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Read John 14:16-17. Who do we have to comfort us and help us that the world does not have?______________________________________________________________________

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Praise God! We have resources to see us through trials, temptations, tribulations, troubles, heartaches, and distresses that the rest of the world does not even know about!

Write John 16: 33 from memory.

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*All emphasis mine.