Bible ReadingJohn 15:4-5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
[02:58] [03:14]Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
[07:26]1 Peter 5:5-6 “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
[39:21] [39:30]Judges 7:20 “And the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, ‘A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!’”
[32:13] [34:18] [34:50]1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
[01:51]Genesis 2:7 “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”
[02:32]Acts 13:2-3 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
[04:50]1 Samuel 24:3-7 “And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. And the men of David said to him, ‘Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, “Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.”’ Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He said to his men, ‘The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.’ So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.”
[14:05]Daniel 4:29-33 “At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king answered and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?’ While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.’ Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws.”
[29:04]Proverbs 3:5-8 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
[27:13]Observation questions- In Acts 13:2-3, what were the believers doing before the Holy Spirit directed them to send Barnabas and Saul? What did they do again before sending them out? [04:50]
- In John 15:4-5, what picture does Jesus use to describe a believer’s dependence on Him, and what does He say happens apart from Him? [02:58]
- What actions did David refuse to take against Saul, even when David’s men believed the opportunity had been given to him? [14:05]
- According to Romans 12:3 and 1 Peter 5:5-6, what two wrong or right postures toward self and toward God are described? [39:21]
Interpretation questions- Why might persistent prayer protect a believer from slowly replacing dependence on God with personal control, quick decisions, or self-confidence? [01:01]
- Romans 12:3 warns against thinking too highly of oneself, while also recognizing the measure of faith God has assigned. How can a believer receive God-given gifts and calling with confidence without slipping into pride? [06:18]
- David had the power and opportunity to harm Saul but restrained himself. What does this reveal about meekness when a believer has the ability to defend himself, retaliate, or force an outcome? [15:31]
- In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar took credit for what he had built. What are some less obvious ways a believer might begin to take personal credit for provision, success, ministry, family, or opportunities? [29:17]
Application questions- Where is there a current decision, pressure, or need in your life that you have been trying to carry mainly in your own strength? What would prayerful dependence look like in that specific situation this week? [04:14]
- Humility means receiving and occupying the space God has given rather than shrinking back or comparing yourself with others. Where do you tend to compare yourself, and how does that comparison affect your confidence or contentment? [08:22]
- Meekness is strength under control. Is there an area where your anger, words, ambition, influence, or ability needs to be brought more fully under God’s authority? What might restrained, obedient strength look like there? [12:42]
- David surrendered the battle to the Lord rather than taking Saul’s life into his own hands. Is there a conflict or relationship in which you are tempted to “pick up the sword” yourself? What could it look like to respond with truth, wisdom, and restraint? [15:31]
- A child trusts, forgives, receives instruction, and lives with wonder rather than trying to control every outcome. Which of these childlike qualities feels most difficult for you right now, and why? [23:53]
- Sometimes backup plans are wise, but fear-driven plans can become a way of forcing doors open. Are there any plans you are holding onto because you are afraid God will not come through? How can you discern between wise preparation and self-reliance? [37:40]
- God’s breaking and correction are not meant for shame but for equipping and greater usefulness. Can you identify a place where God may be inviting you to soften, yield, repent, or wait? What would taking one obedient step look like? [40:46]
