Week Four – Trust Issues
Leader Guide
Most of us love being in control. A great many of us also have trust issues. Choosing to trust God instead of handling things ourselves is one way we show that we really love and believe in God. Craig Groeschel writes, “We want God to prove Himself so we can trust Him. God wants us to trust Him so He can prove Himself.”
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What’s one of the most controlling things you do with people? What’s one of the most trusting things you ever do?
2. Reveal. Read Luke 5:2-5. The disciples came to a time of decision. What was Peter’s first instinct in verse five? What did Jesus ask them to do? Have you ever had such a clear choice and decision about doing something God asked you to do?
Leader Note: The disciples knew everything there was to know about fishing. It was the family business! Jesus asks them to go out again, to a specific depth, and work some more. Peter at first seems to explain why doing what Jesus asks is a bit of a waste of time.
3. Release. Read Luke 5:5-6 and Proverbs 3:5-6. In the second half of verse five, what words jump out at you? What attitude do you imagine accompanied those words? How does the Proverbs passage teach you to respond? What are some specific ways your life might look different if you had given God your complete trust?
Leader Note: Every translation or version of verse 5 includes one of these words: nevertheless, yet, or but. Peter is willing to obey, even though he thinks he knows better: “Nevertheless, because You asked me; because You said; because Your Word says.” This should be the attitude of our hearts. Let God reveal your first inclination, then as Proverbs says, don’t lean on your own ideas, but trust Him. Release and exchange your way for His way. Make that mental shift. Then act. It is not enough to decide to follow God. Real love and commitment require action.
4. Respond. Read Luke 5:8-11. What is Peter’s immediate physical response? What do his words indicate? Have you ever had an experience where you trusted God despite your fears or your “better judgment”—and something amazing happened? Share with your group.
Leader Note: Peter knelt at once because he realized he was in God’s presence. He saw the miracle, but also his sinfulness. God’s supernatural response to Peter’s obedience increased his faith and showed him God is real. Note that it was not the other way around. God did not prove Himself first so that Peter would trust. Peter obeyed, then Gob blessed him.
5. Start Praying: Do you want to trust God completely? Be bold and pray specifically.
Lord Jesus, I don’t fully trust You with my ______, but I thank You for Your goodness, faithfulness, and love. Help me move from knowing about You to knowing You, and from believing in You to trusting in You fully. I am ready to RESPOND by giving You control in the _________ area of my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
6. Commit: Do you want to have complete trust in God, even when you do not understand? Try these ideas: Write down some practical, everyday actions you identify as showing trust in God? Rate each of the following areas by how well you trust God with each: relationships, family, money, forgiveness, health, protection (use a 1 to 5 scale with 5 meaning “total trust”). Finally, trust that God will help and heal your lack of trust as you explore this devotion plan: Understanding God’s Purpose.
Leader Note: Ask your group members to commit to at least one suggested action step.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
In each of the passages below, miracles take place. In each case, answer these questions.
Decide who asked the impossible: Was it God, His messenger, or someone who needed a miracle?
Was there faith before action, or action before faith? Does that make a difference?
7. 1 Kings 17:8-16: LN: Elijah was sent to the poor widow by God. He asked her to give him the last of her food. She obeyed... and had unending food until the end of the drought/famine.
8. 2 Kings 4:1-7: LN: This time, the widow sought out the man of God (Elisha) and asked God for a miracle. When God/Elisha asked her to do a fairly weird thing, she did not hesitate. God provided for her because of her faith and obedience.
9. John 6:5-14: LN: Jesus first tested Philip. Philip at once tells why this won’t work. Andrew comes with a bit of food and faith. Also, the boy obviously offered up all his lunch to Jesus.
10. Mark 9:17-25: LN: The father had reached out for help before. He continues to seek help (that is faith and hope). When the father begs Jesus “if you can do anything for him,” Jesus seems to be upset. But He is really just teaching the man (and us) that with God, all things are possible. The father wants to believe and offers the prayer we all should be praying: “I believe; help my unbelief!