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Without Faith We Fail

RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor]

Scripture References & Sermon Points

Sermon Takeaway = Without Faith We Fail

• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:32-34

• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:6

Sermon Point 1: Faithlessness Despises God’s Word

• Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:9

Sermon Point 2: Faithlessness Delivers Painful Consequences

• Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:10–12

Sermon Point 3: Faithlessness Demands True Repentance

• Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:13

• Scripture Reference: Psalm 51:1–12

Sermon Discussion Questions

Get to know me:

The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.

1. Think of a time when you did something nice for someone that produced positive outcomes beyond your generosity. What did you do and what were the ongoing outcomes?

2. Think of a time in recent years when you’ve heard of something bad take place that produced ongoing effects. What happened and what were the effects? Can good effects come from a bad situation? Give an example if you have one.

Into the Bible:

The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.

1. Read Acts 5:1-11. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is one that seems troubling. They only lied about money, right? It's not like they had someone murdered (like King David). We know there is sin that leads to death and sin that doesn’t (1 John 5:16-17). Why do you believe the Lord caused them to die? (Hint v. 3,4) Where do you see faithlessness in their actions? What can you take away from this incident as a learning opportunity from God? (Be Wise: Smart people learn from their own mistakes; Wise people learn from other people’s mistakes.)

Application:

The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.

1. Read Hebrews 11:6. This verse follows what was being said about Enoch, that he was commended because he pleased God. What does it mean to have faith truly pleases God? (See also James 1:22, 2:22) What are things in your life that you haven’t truly given over to faith?

2. Read 2 Samuel 12:9. Point: Faithlessness Despises God’s Word. David’s actions spoke louder than his words. David treated God’s commandments like they didn’t matter. David knew the law. What made David do what he did (and don’t just say sin)? How are our struggles with sin an issue of faith? 

3. Read 2 Samuel 12:10-12. Point: Faithlessness Delivers Painful Consequences. Sin may be secret, but it will not stay secret forever. David thought he could pull a fast one on God, but that’s not how it works. What were some of the results of David’s sin? What are some sins that create second and third-order effects, meaning consequences that keep going?

4. Read 2 Samuel 12:13. Point: Faithlessness Demands True Repentance. David didn’t escape the consequences of his actions, but he turned away from sin and set his eyes on the faithfulness of God. The best thing we can do when we sin is own up to it immediately. Don’t hide it. Don’t deny it. Don’t run from it. Own it. Have you seen repentance in your own life or others turn out for good? How? How do we make sure that we stand by our repentance after we come to the Lord? (See James 5:16)