Bruised to be Greatly Used

Subject: Bruised to be Greatly Used

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4: 1

Objective: To find comfort in the fact that God’s servants are often greatly bruised before they are greatly used.

1.     How does Isaiah testify to the fact that our Redeemer suffered greatly to be able to fulfill the noble role He now plays? Isaiah 53: 3 - 5

2.     How much did Joseph endure before coming to prominence in a strange land? Genesis 37: 12 - 18; 39: 7 - 21; 41: 37 - 46; and what calamity did Moses suffer before being commissioned to lead Israel out of Egypt? Exodus 2: 1 - 5 & 10 - 15

3.     What hard lesson was Peter taught in Luke 22: 54 - 62 before being given greater responsibility in John 21: 15 - 16?

Note: Peter, the spokesperson and a member of Jesus’ “inner circle,” the natural-born leader and defender, faced great humiliation by disowning his Master when it mattered most. After much soul-searching and life struggles, Peter came to the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. God is no respecter of persons. Peter was used as an example; so likewise, we may be humbled for an ultimate purpose.

4.     How was Elijah, the prolific prophet, challenged in his sense of self-worth? 1 Kings 19: 1 - 7

5.     Having endured unimaginable afflictions himself, how does Paul help us understand that God’s disciplines are designed for our good? Hebrews 12: 1 - 11

6.     With newfound knowledge that God’s methods of character-building strengthen His followers, what consolation comes to us from one such Christian soldier? 1 Peter 5: 6 - 10