Small Group Discussion Guide

Message Details

• Sermon Series Name: Failing Forward
• Message Title: God's Power Through Our Weakness
• Short Summary: This message explores how God uses our failures and weaknesses to demonstrate His strength and purpose. Through the story of Jephthah from Judges 10-12, we learn the dangers of negotiating with God and the importance of trusting His will. The message challenges us to focus on God's kingdom rather than our own desires, encouraging us to follow His clear commands and do the obvious good He places before us.

Icebreaker Question

• If you could have any superpower to help you in your daily life, what would it be and why? How might this relate to relying on God's strength in our weaknesses?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on your commitment from last week. What challenges did you face in fulfilling it? How did you see God show up in your efforts or circumstances?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on the Message:
   • The message highlighted Jephthah's story and his rash vow. How do you see the theme of negotiating with God in your own life? What are some ways you might be tempted to make deals with God rather than trusting His plan?
   • Context: Jephthah made a vow to God that led to tragic consequences. This reflects our tendency to try to control outcomes.
   • Life Application: Consider areas in your life where you need to release control and trust God's will.
2. Understanding God's Will:
   • The message emphasized the importance of aligning with God's will. Describe a time when you struggled to discern God's will. What steps did you take to seek His guidance?
   • Context: The message referenced 1 John 5:14-15 about asking according to God's will.
   • Life Application: Identify practical ways to seek God's will in your daily decisions.
3. Experiencing God's Strength in Weakness:
   • Share a personal story where you felt weak or inadequate. How did you experience God's strength in that situation?
   • Context: The message reminds us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness.
   • Life Application: Reflect on how you can rely more on God's strength in your current challenges.
4. Avoiding Additions to God's Word:
   • The message warned against adding to or subtracting from God's Word. Have you ever encountered teachings or beliefs that seemed to add to Scripture? How did you respond?
   • Context: Deuteronomy 12:32 cautions against altering God's commands.
   • Life Application: Commit to studying Scripture more deeply to understand God's true commands.
5. Doing the Obvious Good:
   • The message encouraged us to do the obvious good God places before us. What are some simple, obvious acts of kindness or service you can do this week?
   • Context: The message challenges us to follow God's clear commands and do the good He sets before us.
   • Life Application: Make a plan to act on one specific opportunity to serve others this week.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• This week, I will intentionally seek out and act on one obvious opportunity to serve or show kindness to someone in my community, trusting that God will use my actions for His purpose.

Prayer Prompts

1. Begin by asking for any specific prayer requests from the group.
2. Pray for the courage and wisdom to trust God's will and release control over areas where we are tempted to negotiate with Him.
3. Ask for God's guidance in recognizing and acting on the obvious good He places before us, and for His strength to be evident in our weaknesses.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.