How To Have Faith That Doesn’t Quite Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Fua explores the story from Matthew 15:21-28 where Jesus encounters a Gentile woman seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter. The message focuses on developing a faith that doesn't quit, even when facing silence, rejection, or cultural barriers. Pastor Fu highlights how this woman, despite being an outsider, demonstrated extraordinary faith through her persistence, humility, and willingness to worship Jesus even when initially met with silence and apparent rejection.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss this powerful message about persistent faith, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to recognize the areas in our lives where our faith may be wavering or where we've given up too quickly. Guide our conversation and show each person here exactly what You want them to learn about having a faith that refuses to quit. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
What's something in your life that you've been surprisingly persistent about, even when it would have been easier to give up? (It could be anything from a hobby to a relationship to a goal you've pursued.)
Key Verses
Matthew 15:21-28
Questions
In the sermon, Pastor Fua talked about staying faithful when God is silent. Can you share a time when you felt God was silent in your life? How did you respond?
The Gentile woman in the story faced multiple barriers - cultural, social, and even apparent rejection from Jesus and the disciples. What barriers have you faced in your own faith journey?
Pastor Fua mentioned that 'silence reveals things in our lives.' What do you think God might be revealing to you in seasons of silence?
The woman in the story was willing to accept even 'scraps from the table' rather than demanding a place at the table. What does this teach us about humility in our approach to God?
How do you typically respond when you feel rejected or when your prayers seem to go unanswered? What can we learn from this woman's persistence?
Pastor Fua said, 'Pride builds a brand. Humility builds a life.' How have you seen this play out in your own experience or in the lives of others?
The sermon challenged us to consider whether we put the same persistent energy into our faith as we do into other areas of our lives. In what areas might you need to be more persistent in your faith?
The Gentile woman wasn't just asking for a miracle; she was seeking the miracle worker. How might this distinction change how we approach God with our needs?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your spiritual life where you've been tempted to give up or where you've stopped asking God for breakthrough. Commit to being persistent in prayer about this matter every day this week. Additionally, practice a posture of worship and humility like the Gentile woman - perhaps by physically kneeling in prayer or by journaling about areas where pride might be hindering your relationship with God. Remember that sometimes what appears to be rejection or silence from God may actually be an invitation to deeper faith.
Key Takeaways
Stay faithful when God is silent - His silence isn't rejection but an invitation to deeper faith and spiritual growth.
Keep asking when you feel rejected - persistence in prayer demonstrates faith that refuses to quit, even when facing obstacles.
Surrender pride and align with God's heart - true faith is marked by humility that acknowledges our position and God's sovereignty.
Sometimes we need to be willing to accept whatever God offers, even if it seems small, knowing that even 'crumbs' from God are powerful.
Before we belong to any culture, tribe, or nation, we belong to God - our primary identity comes from Him, not our cultural background.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the Gentile woman whose faith refused to quit despite silence and apparent rejection. Help us to develop that same kind of persistent, humble faith that keeps seeking You no matter what barriers we face. When we encounter silence, give us the strength to keep trusting. When we feel rejected, give us the courage to keep asking. And when pride rises up, help us surrender it and align our hearts with Yours. May we be people whose faith doesn't quit but rather grows stronger through every challenge. Use us to impact others as we demonstrate this kind of unshakable faith. In Your powerful name we pray, amen