LifeGroup Study Notes: from 2-7-10 weekend message
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Series: Fearless
Lesson Two: Risky Living
Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship
“Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith.”
—Hudson Taylor
“We walk by faith and not by sight.”
—Apostle Paul to Christians at Corinth and everywhere
SUMMARY: Life is full of risks. Every morning when we get out of bed, we are stepping into a day of multiple risks. If we carelessly take risks, that is foolish. Often, however, we try to keep our lives as risk free as possible in order to avoid the unpredictable. When our desire is to live our lives for God, this learned tendency to avoid risk can cripple our faith and cause hearing loss when it comes to listening to the voice of the Lord when he is challenging us to step out in faith to advance his kingdom in the earth. This is true whether it involves advancing our own personal life, or stepping out in faith for our family’s sake, or in our career, our neighborhood, our church or in our world. Today, lets look at some thoughts about fear and faith, and allow the Spirit of God to “build us up in our most holy faith” —Jude 20
OVERARCHNG STORY: Read Judges 6:11-15 (NIV).
Talk about how the angel addressed Gideon. What did the angel see in Gideon that Gideon didn’t see in himself? Has God ever challenged you by seeming to be more confident in you than you were in yourself? Talk about your experience, and what fear you have or need to overcome in order to live as difference maker for Christ’s sake.
Contrast verse 14 with verse 15. What is the problem with Gideon’s argument?
DISCUSSION POINTS:
Things we battle in keeping a strong faith
1) Our faith is weakened by our sin. Read 1 John 3:20-21
Talk about the power that condemnation can have on stifling our courage. What should we do when our heart condemns us? Talk about the confidence we can have to follow Christ when our hearts are free from condemnation.
2) Our faith can be weakened by our beliefs. Read Proverbs 23:7
Talk about the ways that living in this world can influence our thinking in regards to being bold in our faith.
3) Our faith can be weakened by unhealthy relationships. Read Proverbs 13:20
Discuss this statement: “You cannot get to where God wants to take you by hanging around people who are not going there. “
When we live by faith God things happen… Discuss examples of the following:
1) We inspire others to greatness. Read Matthew 5:15-16
2) We increase our own measure of faith.
Discuss how faith builds upon itself as we step out in it and see the faithfulness of God.
3) We defeat the enemies that dominate our families.
Taking Action: This week, prayerfully consider areas of your life that are being held back because of apprehension of the risks involved. Ask the Lord to give you the faith to follow the path that you believe Jesus is laying out before you.
Ministry Time