Faithful Through Challenges – Outline

Faithful Through Challenges

- OVERVIEW

This week, we will explore stories of brave people from the Bible and history who stood strong in their faith despite facing big challenges. We’ll learn about Polycarp, the Waldenses, and the Reformers, and see how their trust in God helped them during tough times. We will also see how their courage can inspire us today.

- SAT – Introduction

- Memory Text

Revelation 2:10

KJV 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

CEV 10 Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.

B F
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A I W G Y L
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- Lesson

Long ago in Smyrna, Christians like Polycarp were forced to worship Roman gods. Polycarp chose to stay loyal to Jesus instead, even if it meant he would die. He believed in Jesus for 86 years and wouldn’t deny Him even to save his life – Revelation 2:10

KJV 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

CEV 10 Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.

This week, we’ll learn about brave people like Polycarp and others in the Bible who kept their faith in very hard times.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The Bible tells a story about a bronze snake that healed people if they looked at it. This story teaches us to focus on God for healing and not on earthly things. Just like Jesus, who was not believed by many, we should trust and follow God’s truth even when others do not – Luke 21:16-17

KJV 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

CEV 16 You will be betrayed by your own parents, brothers, family, and friends. Some of you will even be killed. 17 Because of me, you will be hated by everyone.

- Conclusion

Polycarp’s story teaches us that being faithful can be tough, but it’s worth it because we’re showing our true love for Jesus.

- Reflection

Who was Polycarp and why is he important?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean to be faithful to God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUN – Persecuted Yet Triumphant

- Lesson

Daniel and John spoke about times when God’s people would be treated badly for their beliefs – Daniel 7:25

KJV 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

CEV 25 “This king will speak evil of God Most High, and he will be cruel to God's chosen ones. He will try to change God's Law and the sacred seasons. And he will be able to do this for a time, two times, and half a time.

Revelation 12:6

KJV 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

CEV 6 The woman ran into the desert to a place that God had prepared for her. There she would be taken care of for 1,260 days.

Revelation 12:14

KJV 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

CEV 14 But the woman was given two wings like those of a huge eagle, so she could fly into the desert. There she would escape from the snake and be taken care of for a time, two times, and half a time.

..Despite this, God always had a safe place for them and gave them strength through His Word, like in Psalm 46

KJV 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

CEV (A special song by the clan of Korah and for the music leader.) 1 God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea. 3 Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains. 4 A river and its streams bring joy to the city, which is the sacred home of God Most High. 5 God is in that city, and it won't be shaken. He will help it at dawn. 6 Nations rage! Kingdoms fall! But at the voice of God the earth itself melts. 7 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come! See the fearsome things the Lord has done on earth. 9 God brings wars to an end all over the world. He breaks the arrows, shatters the spears, and burns the shields. 10 Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.

..This tells us that no matter how tough things get, God is always with us and helps us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

In the sixth century, the church leaders made it hard for Christians who wanted to follow the Bible. They had to either agree with the church or face really scary punishments. But they kept their faith strong and relied on God’s help during these tough times – Daniel 7:25

KJV 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

CEV 25 “This king will speak evil of God Most High, and he will be cruel to God's chosen ones. He will try to change God's Law and the sacred seasons. And he will be able to do this for a time, two times, and half a time.

Revelation 13:5-7

KJV 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

CEV 5 The beast was allowed to brag and claim to be God, and for 42 months it was allowed to rule. 6 The beast cursed God, and it cursed the name of God. It even cursed the place where God lives, as well as everyone who lives in heaven with God. 7 It was allowed to fight against God's people and defeat them. It was also given authority over the people of every tribe, nation, language, and race.

- Conclusion

Even in the hardest times, God is ready to help and protect us, just like He did for His people in the Bible.

- Reflection

What did Daniel and John predict about God’s people?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How did God help His people during these tough times?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MON – Light Vanquishes the Darkness

- Lesson

Jude warned Christians to defend their faith because some people were trying to change the church’s teachings – Jude 1:3-4

KJV 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

CEV 3 My dear friends, I really wanted to write you about God's saving power at work in our lives. But instead, I must write and ask you to defend the faith that God has once for all given to his people. 4 Some godless people have sneaked in among us and are saying, “God treats us much better than we deserve, and so it is all right to be immoral.” They even deny we must obey Jesus Christ as our only Master and Lord. But long ago the Scriptures warned that these godless people were doomed.

..This was really important for the Waldenses, who only believed in the Bible and Jesus as their guide, even when it was dangerous. They remind us to always stick to what the Bible teaches us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Being faithful to God sometimes means facing big challenges. God’s Word and His Spirit give us the strength to keep going, just like the apostles who were brave and stood up for their beliefs – Acts 5:29

KJV 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

CEV 29 Peter and the apostles replied: We don't obey people. We obey God.

Ephesians 6:10

KJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

CEV 10 Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.

- Conclusion

The Waldenses show us that the truth in the Bible can guide us through dark times, just like a light.

- Reflection

Why did Jude warn the early Christians?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What can we learn from the Waldenses?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUE – Courage to Stand

- Lesson

The Waldenses and Reformers followed the example of the apostles, choosing God over anyone else – Acts 5:29

KJV 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

CEV 29 Peter and the apostles replied: We don't obey people. We obey God.

..They were brave and stood up for God’s truths, using the strength God gave them – Ephesians 6:10

KJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

CEV 10 Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.

..They remind us to hold on tightly to our faith and keep our eyes on Jesus – Revelation 3:11

KJV 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

CEV 11 I am coming soon. So hold firmly to what you have, and no one will take away the crown you will be given as your reward.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Following God can be tough, but He promises to be our safe place and help us stay strong – Isaiah 32:2

KJV 2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

CEV 2 They will be a place of safety from stormy winds, a stream in the desert, and a rock that gives shade from the heat of the sun.

Isaiah 26:20-21

KJV 20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

CEV 20 Go inside and lock the doors, my people. Hide there for a little while, until the Lord is no longer angry. 21 The Lord will come out to punish everyone on earth for their sins. And when he does, those who did violent crimes will be known and punished.

..These promises help us face tough times with bravery and honesty.

- Conclusion

Like the Waldenses and the apostles, we can find the courage to stand for our beliefs by trusting in God’s strength.

- Reflection

How did the apostles show courage?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does Ephesians 6:10 tell us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WED – The Morning Star of the Reformation

- Lesson

The Reformers loved studying the Bible because it filled them with joy and showed them how to live. Wycliffe was so changed by the Bible that he translated it into English so more people could read and understand God’s words – Psalm 119:162

KJV 162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

CEV 162 because they bring happiness like treasures taken in war.

..His work helped spread God’s Word everywhere, like seeds carried by water.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Wycliffe, known as the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” loved the Bible and wanted everyone to read it in English. His dedication shows us how important the Bible is for knowing God and sharing His truths with others – 2 Timothy 2:2

KJV 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

CEV 2 You have often heard me teach. Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others.

- Conclusion

Wycliffe’s work reminds us how powerful and precious the Bible is, and encourages us to read and share it.

- Reflection

Who was John Wycliffe and why was he called the “Morning Star of the Reformation”?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does Psalm 119:162 say about God’s words?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THU – Cheered by Hope

- Lesson

In the Middle Ages, many believers faced very scary situations because they chose to follow Jesus. They found strength and joy in God’s promises, like the one that says because Jesus lives, we will live too – John 14:19

KJV 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

CEV 19 In a little while the people of this world won't be able to see me, but you will see me. And because I live, you will live.

..They looked forward to a future with Jesus, which gave them courage to face hard times.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Even in the hardest times, faithful people find strength by being close to Christ. The promises in the Bible offer great comfort and motivation, encouraging believers to endure tough times with the hope of eternal life – John 11:25-26

KJV 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

CEV 25 Jesus then said, “I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. 26 And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?”

  1 John 5:11-13

KJV 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

CEV 11 God has also said he gave us eternal life and this life comes to us from his Son. 12 And so, if we have God's Son, we have this life. But if we don't have the Son, we don't have this life. 13 All of you have faith in the Son of God, and I have written to let you know you have eternal life.

- Conclusion

Like the martyrs of the Middle Ages, we can face our fears and challenges with hope, knowing Jesus promises us eternal life.

- Reflection

How did faith in Jesus’ promises give strength to believers in the Middle Ages?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What do John 11:25-26 and 1 John 5:11-13 tell us about life and death?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRI – Further Thought

- Lesson

God showed His truths bit by bit to Reformers like Wycliffe, knowing that too much at once could be overwhelming. This careful way of teaching invites us to embrace each piece of understanding and be ready for more.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Huss encouraged focusing on growing spiritually rather than getting caught up in worldly things. His words remind us to prioritize our spiritual journey and cherish God’s truth above everything else.

- Conclusion

Learning about God is a lifelong journey. We should be patient and open to growing in our understanding, just like the Reformers.

- Reflection

Why did God reveal His truths little by little to the Reformers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we apply the gradual learning of the Reformers to our own learning about God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How can we show courage like Polycarp today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean to trust in God’s promises during challenges?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to learn about brave believers from history?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Faithful Through Challenges

This week’s lessons showed us examples of true bravery and faithfulness from the Bible and Christian history. We learned about individuals like Polycarp, groups like the Waldenses, and movements like the Reformation, all who faced great dangers but stayed strong in their faith because they trusted in God’s promises. Their stories teach us that no matter what challenges we face, we can always find strength and hope in God’s Word. As we reflect on these lessons, we can find inspiration to be courageous and faithful in our own lives, knowing that God is always with us.