Date: October 17, 2021
The Basis for Confidence
The Point: Confidence comes from trusting God.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
Begin by sharing this news item:
Several years ago, Izaiah Webb was a pole vaulter and triple jumper at North Central College. He was the best freshman on the team and had even qualified for nationals in his events. But in his sophomore year, he suffered a devastating injury – he broke his back.
“It was really tough because it felt like I lost a part of myself those eight weeks because I had identified as an athlete, and I had gone to this college to do athletics,” Webb said. The injury left him with feelings of despair. “My confidence was really low just cause I was at a pretty high level and essentially restarted,” he said.
While he was recovering from his injury, Webb visited a sports psychologist. He soon realized that he loved the field of sports psychology. Webb credits the sports psychologist who worked with him after his injury, as the person who helped him regain his confidence. Webb recovered from his injury and continued to compete in track and field. Today he is a graduate student at Northern Illinois University, with a goal of getting a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Webb has always liked helping people. Now he wants to use his own experiences in a career helping other athletes to conquer any anxieties they have and regain their confidence.
Say: Izaiah Webb says it was his sports psychologist who helped him regain his confidence enough to return to competition, after his injury. Then call attention to Question #1 (When have you seen confidence in someone really pay off?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.wifr.com/2021/08/08/former-athlete-uses-injury-inspire-sports-psychology-career/
Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video clip of someone inspiring confidence in others. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #3.
Begin by sharing this news item:
The Axis Church in the Nashville neighborhood of Germantown caught fire on September 13. The fire started when someone threw a Molotov cocktail through the front window (video surveillance footage showed the Molotov cocktail thrown through the window). Because the attack involved a house of worship, law enforcement officials classify it as an act of terrorism and a federal crime.
Jeremy Rose, the lead pastor, said, “We’re not receiving it as an attack, we’re receiving it as a gift. It’s a gift from the Lord to remind us of our mission of why we’re in downtown Nashville and it’s affirming that we’re in the right place. The church exists because this stuff exists. This clarifies the need for the mission of the church in these sorts of communities.” When Rose planted the church almost 12 years ago, he chose the location because it had a reputation for being a dangerous neighborhood at that time, and he wanted the church to be a light in the community.
While the fire did not damage the building’s structure, the smoke damage has destroyed the furniture and equipment inside the church.
“I told my staff before we talked with the media, this is proof that we’re needed here,” Rose said. “I’m not looking at this as persecution, and I’m not looking at this as we’re victims. We’re going to have trouble in this life, so these things should never surprise us.… I’ve never been more excited than I am right now in the life of our church. I’m super pumped about what God is doing through this situation.”
Say: The Axis Church has faced a challenge with the arson attack on their building. Then call attention to Question #3 (When have you found it challenging to follow God’s leading?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
— Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina.
Study the Bible (Option from Advanced Leader Guide)
As you wrap up your study and discussion of Genesis 12:7-8, use the Optional Idea on page. 38. Here’s the link to the song “Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp. The song can be found at https://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/walk-by-faith-jeremy-camp/.
Live It Out (Option from Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play the song “Confidence” by Sanctus Real to allow group members to thank and praise God for the confidence He gives us. Then close with prayer.
Live It Out (Option from the Senior Adult Leader Guide)
Conclude the session by singing together the hymn “Trust and Obey.”
https://hymnary.org/text/when_we_walk_with_the_lord
Additional Questions
Icebreakers
- What gave you confidence to drive by yourself the first time?
- What are characteristics of someone you can rely on?
- What’s something or someone in which you have total confidence?
Genesis 12:1-3
- How did you feel the first time you sensed God leading you to do something challenging?
- How does God’s blessing to Abraham apply to us?
- Why would God’s promises in these verses have inspired confidence in Abraham?
Genesis 12:4-6
- When have you felt confident God was asking you to do something?
- What risks was Abraham taking by trusting God?
- How does confidence in God help us to be obedient to what He calls us to do?
Genesis 12:7-8
- What are some reasons you have confidence in God?
- How can reflecting on God’s promises strengthen our confidence in Him?
- What’s the relationship between trust in God and worship of Him?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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