1. Why is it important to develop patience, endurance, peace and contentment in coping with trials? Do we as brethren often expect life to go more smoothly than is good for our spiritual growth? John 16:33; Philip 4:11-13; 2 Tim 2:3-4; James 1:2-4,12; 1 Pet 4:12-13

2. Could some of our trials be rooted in fleshly deficits? How does coping with these trials involve a renewed focus on spiritual growth? Rom 8:7; 1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 7:1; 2 Cor 10:3-4; 1 Tim 5:13

3. How might the Adversary use the world and/or our flesh against us in our trials, and what are effective strategies to resist his influence? Luke 23:34; 2 Cor 4:3-4; 2 Cor 11:12-14,24-26; Eph 6:11; James 4:6-7; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 5:19

4. How does the Lord comfort us in our trials? How may we likewise comfort our brethren in their trials? Rom 8:26; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 1:3-4; Heb 10:24-25