Tough as Nails | Week 2
Fix Your Eyes
INTRODUCTION
The New Testament records that early Christians didn’t fear loss. They were selfless and confident. They weren’t arrogant or self-confident. They were humble because their confidence wasn’t in themselves; it was in Jesus. That faith in who Jesus was and what he had done for them freed them to boldly love others. Does our faith look like that? How would it change our world if it did?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word “Christian”? Why?
2. What are some things about our world that tempt you to view Christianity as fragile? Why do you think those things endanger the faith? How do you think those assumptions influence your relationship with Jesus?
3. During the message, Pastor said, “Faithfulness shines brighter during times of uncertainty.” Talk about a time when uncertainty made your faith shine brighter.
4. Read Hebrews 11:37–38. Does the idea of having the kind of faith that would make the world unworthy of you seem realistic or attainable? Why or why not?
5. In what area of your life are you successful at looking forward and being faithful? What are some practical ways you can you apply your approach to that area of life to an area of life in which you’re tempted to look backward and be fearful?
6. What is one thing you can do to fix your eyes on Jesus instead of safety, security, and comfort? How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Is your version of Christianity worth the price early Christians paid for it? The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, “They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.” What would that kind of faith look like for you and me?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Hebrews 12:1–2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.