Be willing to EMBRACE GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY… and learn to TRUST IN HIM.
Habakkuk 1:5
“wonder and be astounded” is literally: BE ______________, ______________!
Habakkuk 1:12-13
Four approaches Habakkuk (unsuccessfully) uses:
1 _________________ gets us nowhere with God because _______________ ________________________________________________.
2 _________________ gets us nowhere with God because _______________ ________________________________________________.
3 _________________ gets us nowhere with God because _______________ ________________________________________________.
Isaiah 55:8-9
Habakkuk 1:14-17
4 _________________ gets us nowhere with God because _______________ ________________________________________________.
Key Idea: Be willing to ____________________________________…
and be __________________________________________.
Proverbs 3:5
“There are times in your spiritual life when there is confusion… God [is] taking you through a way that you temporarily do not understand. And it is only by going through the spiritual confusion that you will come to the understanding of what God wants for you.”
The breastplate of righteousness is about ____________________________.
We need this piece of armor because Satan will try to ___________________________________________________________________________.
Luke 22:1-6
Four ways we develop spiritual blind spots:
We _________________________________________________________
We _________________________________________________________
We _________________________________________________________
We _________________________________________________________
The Goal:
__________________________________________________________________________.
John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”
Question to consider this week:
In what area of my life has God spoken truth that I am not presently following?
Three things that can help you discover blind spots:
Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether…. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Have you ever had a collision or near miss because you didn’t see what was in your blind spot? Describe what happened and how you felt.
SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS
Ephesians 6:14 What connections can you see between the belt of truth (genuine relationship with Jesus) and the breastplate of righteousness (living right)?
2 Samuel chapters 11:1-18, 26-27 and 12:1-18. What were David’s blind spots? How could he have avoided the trouble he found himself in?
Consider the courage it took for Nathan to speak into David’s life. Is there someone who does that with you?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
We heard four ways that blind spots often develop in our lives. Can you think of any others? Which of the four do you see most in the lives of people you know? Which one is the greatest challenge for you?
On a scale of 1-10, how often do you find that your life and your love for Jesus are lined up? Why do you say that?
The question to consider this week was: “In what area of my life has God spoken truth that I am not presently following?” Would you be willing to your areas with the group? Are there any courageous next steps you need to take to get your life in line with your love for Jesus? (Spend some time praying for each person who shares.)
(NOTE: This message was given at our worship gathering but due to technical issues it was re-recorded without a live audience the next day.)
God is ______________; everything is ________________________.
Question 1: If God is sovereign, are we just like ‘puppets on a string’ who have to do whatever He wants?
Two true statements:
1.
2.
Question 2: If God is sovereign and created all things, isn’t he to blame for sin, evil and suffering in the world?
Genesis 3:1-13
Three types of evil that are present at the fall:
1._________________ evil (Satan tempts Adam and Eve)
2._________________ evil (Adam and Eve disobey God)
3._________________ evil (Sin affects all of creation)
All sin, evil and suffering we experience is the result of ___________________.
James 1:13-17
God is ______________________________________ of sin, evil and suffering but He is _________________________________________.
Question 3: If God is sovereign, good and all-powerful, why doesn’t he do something about sin, evil and suffering in the world?
2 Peter 3:8-9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Job 1:20-22
The real issue is this:
When God doesn’t treat sin, evil and suffering the way we expect Him to will we ______________________________________________?
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
