Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Out Humble, Confident Faith---
### Bible Reading
Luke 7:1-10 (ESV) – The Faith of the Centurion> After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
1 Samuel 30:1-8, 18-19 (ESV) – David at Ziklag> Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. ... And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” ... David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all.
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### Observation Questions
- What actions did the centurion take to seek help for his servant, and what do these actions reveal about his character? ([07:14])
- How did the centurion describe his own worthiness and his understanding of authority when he sent word to Jesus? ([17:00])
- According to the sermon, what was Jesus’ reaction to the centurion’s faith, and how did it compare to the faith he found in Israel? ([27:25])
- In the story of David at Ziklag, what did David do when he faced a crisis and loss? ([43:13])
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### Interpretation Questions
- Why is the centurion’s humility significant, especially considering his status as a Roman officer and a Gentile? How does this humility relate to genuine faith? ([18:20])
- The centurion recognized Jesus’ authority and did not require Jesus to physically come to his house. What does this teach about the nature of faith and how we approach God’s power? ([20:57])
- The sermon says that faith is “confident obedience to God’s word, not emotional certainty.” What does it look like to obey God even when we don’t feel certain or see immediate results? ([25:32])
- When David lost everything at Ziklag, he turned to God for direction and took action. What does this show about the relationship between faith, prayer, and perseverance in hard times? ([43:13])
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### Application Questions
- The centurion’s faith began with compassion and action for someone in need. Is there a specific need you’ve noticed in someone’s life recently? What practical step could you take this week to respond with compassion, even if it costs you something? ([07:56])
- Humility was a key part of the centurion’s faith. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to admit your need for help or to give God credit for your abilities? What would it look like to practice humility in those areas? ([18:20])
- The centurion submitted to Jesus’ authority without demanding a sign or proof. Are there areas where you find yourself waiting for a feeling or a sign before obeying God? What would it look like to say “yes, Lord” and act in faith this week? ([25:32])
- Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith. If Jesus looked at your faith today, would he be amazed by your trust or by your unbelief? What is one area where you want to grow in faith so that God would marvel at your trust in Him? ([27:25])
- When life falls apart, like it did for David at Ziklag, do you tend to give up, isolate, or turn to God for help? What is one practical way you can turn to God and seek His direction in a current challenge or loss? ([45:09])
- The sermon said that faith grows as we hear and respond to God’s word. What is one promise or command from Scripture that you need to act on this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? ([36:41])
- Restoration in David’s story came through faith-fueled perseverance. Is there something in your life that feels lost or stolen—like hope, joy, or a relationship? What step of faith or prayer could you take to begin seeking God’s restoration? ([47:16])
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Closing Thought: Let’s be people whose faith is not just something we talk about, but something we live out—through compassion, humility, obedience, and perseverance. May our faith cause God to marvel, and may we see Him do the impossible as we trust and obey Him.
