Take about 45 minutes during your missional community gathering to discuss what God is teaching you and how he is leading you in light of the weekend sermon.
General Sharing: What are some of the most physically painful things you have experienced? What are some things you do to avoid pain? (ex: warming up a car, taking an elevator vs. stairs, washing hands with soap). In any of those cases would it be better for you to experience that pain? Why do you think we avoid pain even when we know it might be good for us?
Application [Discipline points to a relationship]. Read Hebrews 12:5-10. What is a distinct memory you have of being disciplined as a child? Looking back, are you able to appreciate it now? What kind of relationship did if form between you and the one disciplining you? According to Hebrews 12:5-10 why is God responsible for disciplining us? (we are his children). What are some ways you feel the Lord has disciplined you in the past? How is that encouraging to you now? What would you say to someone who feels as if they are currently being disciplined?
Application [God is more concerned about growing our character than our comfort]. Read Hebrews 12:11. What are some of the things you think about God in the moment of being disciplined? Looking back, what would you say is your greatest character trait because of being disciplined? Read Romans 5:2-5. In what ways does growing in character produce hope? Think about mentors you currently have or have had in the past. What character traits did they have that made you want them as a mentor? How did their character give you hope?