Here are the discussion questions for this week's sermon (May 31st).
Passage: Judges 6-8
God saw who Gideon was and what he was capable of in Christ before Gideon knew any of this was true. God made Gideon into a man of godly valor as he walked with God by faith. Faith means becoming who God created us and saved us to be in Christ as we depend fully on Him.
1. If fear and doubt did not stop you, how would you step out to make a difference for God?
2. What weaknesses, fears or doubts sometims make you hesitate to serve God?
3. What specific truths about your identity in Christ give you hope to rise above your weaknesses through God's power?
Examples: Philippians 1:6; John 15:4-7; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 1:1-10.
If fear and doubt didn’t stop me… A big one for me would be to go on a long-term mission in another country. Maybe some type of medical/ministry… I don’t think it is fear that currently stops me as much as responsibility (maybe I fear letting go of that). I don’t feel called to make such an extreme change to my life right know. But I do feel that I am called to be responsible as a husband to Holly and a father to Corde. One day, probably after retirement, I’ll get the opportunity (if that’s what God has planed for me). Smaller steps of faith… take opportunities on a daily bases to be an influence in someone’s path that may lead them to Christ. I realize I don’t have to be the one who finds a lost sole, tells them of Gods glory and Christ’s sacrifice, leads them in a prayer of salvation, helps them to get baptize, finds them a church and insures they grow spiritually but I would like to seize the opportunity to some how play a small role in that process with those I encounter.
ReplyDeleteWeaknesses, fears or doubts…. Too many to list. One of my greatest challenges has always been letting someone else be in control. Like most men, I feel like: “I can do it”, “I don’t need help from someone else” and “It’s my way or no way” (my favorite). I pray on a daily bases that God will help me become the man he has created me to be (not the man society says I should be). The strength I find through faith helps me let go and admit that I do need help, that I can’t do it on my own and that rarely is it ever about me (You are God, I am not). Amazingly the more I let go, the more I lay at the feet of the Father and the more I die to myself the more alive I feel (this is truly living LIFE – letting go of control and gaining balance through Christ).
Truths about my identity in Christ…
- I know I need Him.
- I know that through Him I can rise above my weakness.
- I have seen opportunities (test if you will) to place my faith and trust in Him. I have both failed and succeeded but the important thing to remember is that they have all been steps in the path I walk with Christ. If from those opportunities I have learned something how can I not call it an achievement?
- I’m not afraid to admit when I’m defeated (which is when I need Him the most)