5.14.22 - Survival Is Insufficient: The Faith Parables of Jesus (Kenny Camacho)

Revolution Church Annapolis

SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:1-13 & Matthew 21:28-32

“When you chase survival, when you chase self-sufficiency, the best you can ever hope for is appreciation. But when you admit weakness, you can experience love. If faith is confidence in God’s promises and God’s character, the only way you will ever truly discover it is by learning to more deeply–and more audaciously–depend on Him.”

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever felt like you are in “survival mode”? Kenny said that one of the consequences of this feeling is that “your world shrinks down.” Do you know that feeling? Have you felt it in the last few years, as we have been going through the pandemic?

2. How do you get out of “survival mode”?

3. Kenny defined faith as “confidence (not certainty!) in the promises and character of God.” Take a few minutes to think over this definition: what is helpful about it? What questions do you have? Would you agree or disagree?

4. In the story of the two neighbors, it is the first man’s “shameless audacity” that ultimately convinces the second man to help. Try to connect this to prayer: does praying feel “shameless” or “audacious” to you? Would you want it to? How does this story challenge you?

5. It’s important to the parable that God is not like the second man, who only answers requests begrudgingly. How does Jesus describe God’s attitude towards our needs/prayers?

6. What about the second parable, about the two sons? When have you said “no” to something…and then changed your mind? When have you said “yes” to something…and then dropped the ball? How do you feel about each experience in hindsight?

7. What is Jesus trying to communicate about God’s Kingdom in this parable?

8. How can you take a step of faith towards God this week? How can you accept a deeper connection in our church community?