– The Getting Started Series –
CONFIDENCE . RECONNECT . PLUG IN . GROWTH
HAVING CONFIDENCE IN THINGS CAN BE IMPORTANT.
On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you that you…
- Can win a tuba playing contest
- Can eat an entire large pepperoni pizza
- Can brush your own teeth
- Can make five free throws in a row
- Can make someone laugh at a joke
- Can drive a car
- Will go to heaven when you die
FOUR THINGS YOU CAN BE CONFIDENT OF
If you’ve placed your faith in Christ
1) CHRIST FORGAVE YOUR SINS
- Read 1 John 1:9.
- How many of your sins were forgiven?
- What difference does it make to know your sins are forgiven?
2) CHRIST MADE YOU A CHILD OF GOD
- Read John 1:12.
- How does someone become a part of God’s family?
- What does it mean to you that you are a part of God’s family?
3) CHRIST WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU
- Read Hebrews 13:5.
- Under what circumstances would Christ leave you?
- How does it make you feel that Christ will never leave you? Why?
4) CHRIST GAVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE
- Read 1 John 5:11-13.
- What does this passage say that we can know?
- What is the difference between knowing something and just hoping for something?
So, let’s try that line again. On a scale of 1–10, how sure are you that you have eternal life and will go to heaven when you die?
WHAT IF I LOSE THE “GOD FEELING”?
Although feelings are important, they do not determine what is true. A follower of Jesus lives by trusting in God himself and what He has said. Your feelings may come and go, but God’s Word (the Bible) is true forever.
It’s a lot like riding an airplane. If you get on a plane, you are trusting in the construction of the plane and the pilot. Your feelings don’t change the fact that the plane will carry you — but they do affect how much you will enjoy the trip!
In the same way, we can rely on God and trust what he has promised in the Bible, and not depend on how we feel. When you feel far from God, just remember, your relationship with God is not based on your feelings, but on the truth in God’s word. The more you learn of what the Bible says, the more your trust will grow. Your feelings will begin to respond to the truth of God’s word and not your circumstances.
What truth in this study is most important for you?
What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community by clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.