AUGUST 14

RISK

1. What is the greatest risk you have taken in your life? Why was it risky? What was the outcome of that risk? 

2. What stood out to you from the message? 

3. Read Hebrews 11:23-28

Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):

• Who is talking?
• What is the circumstance?
• Any repeated phrases?
• What surprised you?
• What stood out to you?

Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)

• What questions do you have?
• Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
• What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
• What do you learn about yourself and your choices?

Now make some applications (what’s my response)

• How do you respond to what you are reading?
• How does this apply to your life?
• What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
• Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?

John talked about how faith is not based on our belief, but on the object of our belief. When we have faith in God, we trust He is who He says He is and will do what He says He’ll do. How have you experienced God’s character (His goodness, kindness, selflessness, etc.) as a result of placing your faith in Him despite the risks? If you haven’t stepped out in faith, what false idea about God might you be holding onto that is keeping you from walking in faith? 

4. Read James 1:2-4 and Hebrews 11:26-27. How do you see James’ message on faith lived out in the story of Moses? What is the “reward” that he looked to and what was he willing to endure for that reward? 

5. Have you experienced testing in faith or are you currently in a place of testing? Where do you fix your eyes in times of testing? What does it look like to choose suffering with Jesus over wealth and comfort in times of trial? 

KEY SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 11:23-28 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Take a Next Step

1. In what ways is God inviting you to take a risk to step out in faithful obedience, whether it be in your work, your sexuality, your relationships, etc.? Consider taking Pastor John’s challenge to simply ask God this question. He will show you! 

2. Maybe your next step of faith is to move forward in Christian community. A great next step in discovering what that is would be to attend Starting Gate and hear about all the ways you can come “Belong with Us.”