Bgroup Lesson Jul 21
Big Idea: Is faith a feeling or a choice? It is indeed a choice, a choice to move forward! Satan hates your power to choose to believe. He tries to influence you to WAVER in your choice and to DRAW BACK from your commitment to believe God. Today, we are going to discuss how our faith secures us victory over the fear, doubt, and unbelief the enemy tries to ensnare us with. He is defeated and we are victorious, so let’s dive in!
Key Scriptures:
Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV) Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 10:38 (ESV) “but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
Exodus 14:15 (ESV) The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.’
God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt and was leading them to the Promised Land. A land flowing with milk and honey. A place with supernatural provision and abundance, but it was also home to a few giants. The Lord had given His promise to the people, yet instead of them being filled with faith and confidence to move forward, they were gripped with fear that stopped them from stepping into the promise!
Numbers 13:30-31 (ESV) “But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'Let us go up at once and occupy it, for WE ARE WELL ABLE to overcome it.’ Then the men who had gone up with him said, “WE ARE NOT ABLE to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.”
Discussion Questions: What area of your life do you need to move forward in currently? What is the Lord leading you to do that you find yourself hesitant to obey? Have you made a fear-filled confession that needs to be replaced with a faith-filled declaration?
2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV) Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
The Bible calls us “soldiers.” Our family in Christ is called our “fellow soldiers”. A soldier can’t shrink back and retreat. They are commissioned to go forward and to conquer. The Bible tells us that when David encountered Goliath, he RAN QUICKLY toward the battle line to meet him. Fear had paralyzed the rest of the army but David, confident in His God, didn’t shrink back but challenged the giant!
1 Samuel 17:45-46 (ESV) Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head.
Discussion Questions: Have you or another family member, friend, or co-worker served in the military? If so, can you speak to the brotherhood and sense of family that exists between fellow soldiers? How is that a picture of how the church should interact? Are you facing a giant right now? Are you frozen in your tracks or are you filled with faith to challenge the enemy standing in between you and your breakthrough?
Genesis 14:14-16 (ESV) When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
Abraham pursued 5 armies with only 318 men and defeated them, recovering loved ones and possessions! King Jehoshaphat had no army compared to the 3 he was up against in 2 Chronicles 20. But he chose to believe in the Lord his God, and the promise He had given through His prophets. And against the odds, again they succeeded in defeating their enemies!
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (ESV) “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
Discussion Questions: What situation are you facing right now where the odds aren’t in your favor? (Financial situation, health diagnosis, family struggle, etc.) How can you encourage yourself to believe the Lord despite the “odds?” What scriptures can you stand on and declare over your situation?
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
We’re in a spiritual battle and have tactical gear to aid us in the fight. Each day as you pray, put on your armor piece by piece: helmet, breastplate, belt, shoes, sword, and shield. Realize that Satan has no power over that armor; it is the ARMOR OF GOD.
Discussion Questions: Do you currently put on the armor of God in the mornings as you get ready for the day? What area does the enemy attack you the most? (Thoughts, Integrity, Peace, etc.) What scriptures do you have to wield when he comes against you in those areas?
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Your friends are critical in a battle! You need a squad, a circle of friends who know the Word and know the Lord. They will encourage you when others may discourage you. If you’re not part of a Bgroup, find one and share your life with them. Prioritize church attendance. Be at every service where the Word of God is being preached and the Spirit of God is ministering.
Discussion Questions: Who are your closest friends? What is it about them you admire the most? Are you part of a Bgroup? If so, what have those relationships added to your life? If not, what keeps you from connection? Are you faithful in your church attendance? Is that something you could commit to in order to see your friendships fortified? (Remember, insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. If you want to see a change, mix things up!)
Matthew 16:23 (ESV) “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not SETTING YOUR MIND on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Thoughts and imaginations are the battleground. Thoughts of defeat and fear come at night and from random sources. You must “take them captive” by calling the lies OUT LOUD. Don’t fight thoughts with thoughts. Fight thoughts with WORDS. “Fear, leave me now! Every lying thought, GO from my mind, in the name of Jesus!”
Philippians 4:8 is a great “thought filter.” Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Discussion Questions: What is a thought you have had recently you know is a lie from the enemy? How do you know it’s a lie? Do you struggle with thoughts of fear, anxiety, depression, or lust? Have you ever challenged those thoughts? Do you have any scriptures you use to replace those thoughts with truth?
God desires for us to walk in victory over fear, doubt, and disbelief. Faith is the key that unlocks that victory in our lives! Be encouraged today that no matter what you face you are victorious in Christ Jesus. Move forward in faith for God is with you! Remember the odds are always in your favor with the Lord of Heaven’s armies fighting for you. Be strong in the Lord. Believe His Word and step into all He has for you!