Summary

Pastor Zach shares a message about building resilience in faith rather than focusing on New Year's resolutions or fresh starts. He emphasizes that while life will inevitably bring trouble and hardship, Jesus has overcome the world, providing believers with peace and hope. Drawing from John 16:33, he explains that trouble is not the end of our story because Jesus has conquered it through His death and resurrection. The sermon encourages believers to develop a resilient faith that doesn't give up on God, even in difficult circumstances, by asking three key questions: What's happening? What is true no matter what? And what can you do?

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your truth and to encourage one another as we discuss how to build resilience in our faith. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and show us practical ways to trust You more deeply, especially when we face trouble and hardship. We pray that You would speak to each person here according to their specific needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's something you tried as a kid but quickly gave up on, and why did you quit?

Key Verses

1. John 16:33

Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus was so direct and definitive when He told His disciples 'in this world you will have trouble'?
2. How does knowing that Jesus has 'overcome the world' change your perspective on current struggles you're facing?
3. What's the difference between having peace 'in Jesus' versus trying to find peace in our circumstances?
4. Pastor Zach mentioned that his disciples would have understood trouble because of their difficult circumstances. How does understanding the context of Jesus' audience help us apply this passage today?
5. What are some ways that trouble or hardship has actually caused you to question God's goodness or faithfulness?
6. How can asking 'What is true no matter what?' help shift our perspective during difficult times?
7. Why is prayer described as a 'first step' rather than a 'last resort' when dealing with trouble?
8. How can being involved in the church body help us develop resilient faith during challenging seasons?

Life Application

This week, when you face any form of trouble or difficulty, practice asking yourself the three questions from the sermon: 1) What's happening? 2) What is true no matter what? 3) What can you do? Start each situation with prayer, inviting God into your circumstances, and remember that your trouble is not the end of your story because Jesus has overcome the world.

Key Takeaways

1. In this world, we will definitely face trouble - it's not a matter of if, but when
2. Jesus has overcome the world, which means our trouble is not the end of our story
3. Resilient faith is built by remembering what is true about God regardless of our circumstances
4. Peace is possible even in the midst of hardship because of what Jesus has accomplished
5. Building resilient faith involves honest prayer and deep involvement in the church community

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that while we will face trouble in this world, You have overcome it all. Help us to build resilient faith that doesn't give up on You when life gets difficult. When we're tempted to quit or lose hope, remind us of Your victory over death and the grave. Give us the strength to take our troubles to You in prayer first, and help us to lean on our church family for support and encouragement. May we find our peace in You, not in our circumstances, and may our faith grow stronger through every trial. We trust that You are with us in every struggle and that You have prepared something better for us. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.