Part Two – Failure
Leader Guide
All throughout the Bible, mighty men and women of the Bible have failed, gotten up, and trusted God again. Failure is not the end: it is a wonderful teacher...if you know how to “win at failing.” God’s plan for following Him leads us back to success as we obey His directions.
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. Tell us an embarrassing failure, one that you can laugh at now!
2. Accept that failure is normal. Read Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6, and 1 Chronicles 13:1-2. What do these Scriptures say about people in general? How does this bring about conviction and comfort to you? What is David’s specific sin in this passage? Do you see this sin in your own life?
Leader Note: It is comforting to know that all people will sin. We all want to be the boss of our own lives. We want what we want. So, it is humbling and helpful to know none of us is perfect. It also shows we all need a Savior. David asked everyone except God. His sin was making his own plan with his idea then gathering public support. In verse two, he throws God’s Name in there, but hadn’t really consulted Him. We do this a lot: Make a plan, then act like it was God’s idea!
3. Get clear about your failure. Read 1 Chronicles 15:4, 12-13 and Jeremiah 6:16. What was the difference in this second attempt to repatriate the Ark? Was it the specific rules, David’s attitude, or both? Where are some areas you have found yourself trying culture’s suggestions or strategies, rather than God’s plan?
Leader Note: This time, David went to the priests. He followed the rules God had set up in the Books of the Law about how to handle the holy things and the Ark in particular. His attitude was on seeking God’s plan, not accomplishing his own plan. Culture vs. God’s plan happens in many areas of our lives. Some examples: business success and wealth accumulation vs. tithing and gaining God’s blessing in that way. Faithfulness in marriage vs. “I deserve happiness” mentality. Which of these leads to God’s long-term blessing in your life?
4. Start moving again. Read Psalm 51:1-3 and 27:13-14. Notice the title of Psalm 51. When did this occur? What does David do in these first three verses to move past his sin? What hope does David have in Psalm 27? What does he believe of God?
Leader Note: Psalm 51 was David’s confession, repentance, and plea for God’s forgiveness after confronted by the prophet Nathan. This was for adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, her husband. He admits his sins, asks for mercy, and he trusts that God can clean him and make him whole (“blot out” his sin). We must trust God to restore us and not crush us.
5. Action Steps for Personal Reflection: Where are you off track and need to ask direction of God? Where have you sinned and need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness? In what areas have you been neglecting God’s plan: taking a Sabbath, faithfully tithing, regularly being in community with fellow believers, or others? Are you obeying the command to tell others the Good News of Jesus? Showing compassion for the poor? Pray about your next steps to follow His ways.
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.
6. Check out these verses about the Ark, the Presence of God, and the Holy Spirit. (Note: for the exact specifications of the Ark and how to handle it, read Exodus 25:10-22.)
a. Read Exodus 25:8-9:
b. Read Exodus 25:22:
c. Read Psalm 113:4-6:
d. Read Philippians 2:8:
e. Read John 14:16:
f. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9: