Faith Full, Part 4: “Pivotal Circumstances”
July 16, 2023

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Message Review

The third catalyst God uses to fuel our faith is pivotal circumstances. The circumstances of life (especially the negative ones) act as pivots; they will cause us to either pivot toward or away from God. When we pivot toward Him, our faith grows. When we don’t, our faith erodes. 

Main Point: The circumstances of life will pivot us toward or away from God, and thus grow or erode our faith in God.

Scripture References: Matthew 11:1-6; John 16:33

Bible Study

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Matthew 11:1-19. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’ original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was Jesus trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • This Week’s Sermon was about God using Pivotal Circumstances as a catalyst to fuel our faith. What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?

  • Pastor Ronnie said, “The circumstances of life (especially the negative ones) act as pivots; they will cause us to either pivot toward or away from God.  When we pivot toward Him, our faith grows.  When we don’t, our faith erodes.”  How have you seen this dynamic play out in your own life and faith, or in the life and faith of others?

  • Read Matthew 11:1-6 again together. Why would John ask Jesus is he really was the Messiah in verse 3?  What was Jesus communicating to John when He said in verse 6, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me?”

  • Read John 16:33 together. What promises does Jesus make in this verse?

  • Why would God allow “trouble” and hardship in our lives? 

  • Pastor Ronnie said, “Transformation rarely happens when we’re comfortable”.  Do you believe that to be true? Why or why not?

  • In the sermon, Pastor Ronnie said, “Our circumstances in and of themselves never grow or erode our faith.  It’s our interpretation of the circumstances that determine which way we pivot.” What does that mean to you?

  • Pastor Ronnie shared that praying, “Lord, help me recognize you in this” amid pivotal circumstances, has helped him interpret them differently and keep his eyes focused on Jesus.  What would help you recognize God amid your pivotal circumstances so you can interpret them differently?

  • Are you currently experiencing a pivotal circumstance? Is it causing your faith to grow or erode?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.