The Risk of Faith

Key Takeaways

• God advances his mission by transforming opponents into instruments for his purpose. 

• God turns enemies into family through people taking meaningful risks. 

• Meaningful risks are actions that move us out of our comfort zone to benefit others. 

Study Questions

• Question 1

  What struck you most about Saul's conversion story? How does it challenge your understanding of God's grace? 

• Question 2

  The sermon mentions "kicking against the goads." In what ways have you resisted God's direction in your life? 

• Question 3

  How does Ananias' response to God's call ("Here I am, Lord") inspire or challenge you? 

• Question 4

  Discuss a time when you took a meaningful risk for your faith. What was the outcome? 

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Encountering God's Transforming Grace

READING :

Acts 9:1-19

DEVOTIONAL :

Saul's dramatic conversion reminds us that God's grace can reach even the most unlikely people. Like Saul, we all have areas of opposition to God in our lives. Reflect on where you might be resisting God's work. How might God be calling you to surrender those areas to him? Remember, no one is beyond the reach of God's transforming love. Pray for openness to God's voice and willingness to respond like Ananias: "Here I am, Lord."

APPLICATION :

Identify one area of opposition in your life that you need to surrender to God this week.

Day 2 : From Enemy to Family

READING :

Ephesians 2:11-22

DEVOTIONAL :

God's mission involves transforming enemies into family. In Christ, former dividing walls are broken down, and we become part of God's household. Consider how this truth applies to your relationships. Are there people you view as "enemies" or outsiders? How might God be calling you to extend his welcoming love to them? Pray for a heart that sees others as God sees them - as potential family members in Christ.

APPLICATION :

Practice saying "Here I am, Lord" as a daily prayer, opening yourself to God's leading.

Day 3 : Taking Meaningful Risks

READING :

Matthew 25:14-30

DEVOTIONAL :

God designed us to take meaningful risks for his kingdom. The parable of the talents illustrates this principle. What "talents" has God entrusted to you? Are you using them boldly or burying them out of fear? Reflect on a step of faith God might be calling you to take. Remember, the risk is real, but the reward is worth it. Ask God for courage to step out in obedience, trusting his presence with you.

APPLICATION :

Take a small but meaningful risk this week to share your faith or serve others.

Day 4 : Overcoming Fear with Faith

READING :

Isaiah 41:8-13

DEVOTIONAL :

As Christians, we're called to be people not governed by fear. God repeatedly commands us, "Do not fear, for I am with you." What fears are holding onto instead of fully surrendering to Christ? Meditate on God's promises in this passage. How might your life look different if you truly believed God was always with you, strengthening and upholding you? Pray for a deepening trust in God's presence and power in your life.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on how Jesus took the ultimate risk for you. Spend time in gratitude and worship.

Day 5 : Extending Forgiveness

READING :

Matthew 18:21-35

DEVOTIONAL :

As forgiven people, we're called to extend forgiveness to others. This parable powerfully illustrates the magnitude of God's forgiveness toward us and our responsibility to forgive others. Is there someone you're struggling to forgive? Reflect on the immensity of God's forgiveness toward you. How might this change your perspective on forgiving others? Ask God to soften your heart and empower you to extend his forgiveness, even when it's difficult.

APPLICATION :

Share with a friend or family member week about any "coincidences" or divine appointments you experienced as a result of being open to God's leading.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

People: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Psalm 150:3-6

Confession of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Father, you see our hearts when we run hard in the wrong direction. Lord Jesus, you call us by name, but we resist your voice. Holy Spirit, you send us to strangers, yet we retreat in fear. Forgive us for opposing your mercy, distrusting your grace, and withholding embrace. Form us into people who risk in faith, that we might welcome others as you have welcomed us. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:10-11

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 9:32-43