Bad Ideas
There's Shame in Weakness | Week 4
June 25, 2023 | By Karl Romeus
Is it shameful to have weaknesses? So often, we feel like we have to "fake it till we make it" or pretend like we've got it all together. But what if we were just honest about where we struggle? Today our pastor Karl Romeus talks about what happens when we are honest with God and ourselves and how we will begin to realize that God has enough grace for all people.
SETLIST
Already Won by Flatirons Music
Firm Foundation (He Won't) by Maverick City Music Available on "Firm Foundation (He Won't) Single" From Tribl Records
Make Room by Community Music Available on "Make Room (Live)" From Community Music
More Than Able (ft. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson) by Elevation Worship Available on "Can You Imagine" From Provident Music Group LLC
QUESTIONS
// Bible References
2 Corinthians 12:6-10; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 3:14-20
// Community Question
What comes to mind when we hear someone is weak? What is the image that we see? Is it shameful to be weak? Why or why not?
// Discussion Questions
- Have you ever experienced pressure to hide your weaknesses? Share an example and how it affected your faith. What are some ways the world encourages us to hide or ignore our weaknesses, and how can we resist conforming to these pressures?
- Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. Paul purposely doesn't mention the exact nature of his thorn so that anyone reading the text might relate and see themselves in his situation. God tells Paul, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' What does this mean to you? How have you seen God's power at work in your own life when you were in a place of weakness?
- Can you share an experience when being vulnerable with someone led to a deeper connection? How can recognizing and embracing our weaknesses help us build deeper relationships with others?
- How has relying on your own abilities rather than God's grace affected your life in the past, and what can you do differently moving forward? What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's grace and less on your own abilities?
- The sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in our relationship with God and with others. How can you identify and admit your own weaknesses in order to grow closer to God?
// Challenge: What specific weakness are you currently struggling with, and how can you invite God into that struggle?
