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Finding Hope For Those Who Fail

EVERYONE FAILS AT SOMETHING

Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors. 2 CHRONICLES 20:32-33 NLT

You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. ROMANS 3:23 VOICE

THE HARDEST FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM IS A RELATIONSHIP

But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. ACTS 15:38-39 NLT

We all make many mistakes. A person who never said anything wrong would be perfect… JAMES 3:2 ERV

THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS HOPE FOR A FAILING MARRIAGE

 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. MATTHEW 5:31-32 ESV

JESUS IS A GREATER HEALER THAN YOU ARE A FAILURE

For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. JOHN 1:17 NLT

What may be keeping me from experiencing God’s love?

My spiritual enemy

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,… And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:… REVELATION 12:7-9 KJV

My own insecurity and doubt

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. PSALM 51:1 NLT

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ROMANS 10:13 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet space to reflect with God. Take a few deep breaths and invite Him to guide your time. Think about the most influential relationships in your life. Thank God for those who have shown you His love and faithfulness, even if they weren’t perfect. What qualities do you admire in them? Now, consider how relational failures have shaped or impacted you. Invite God to help you examine those relationships that haven’t turned out as you hoped. It’s okay to acknowledge that someone hurt you. Jesus understands hurt, yet He responds with love and forgiveness. How might you do the same? Also, reflect on your part in relationships. In order to heal and grow, we must admit our mistakes. Confess those to God, remembering we all fail at times. Ask Him to reveal any false beliefs you hold about yourself or your relationships. Open yourself to God’s love and transformation. Finally, ask God for strength to remain committed through difficulties. Consider a step you can take to show love or seek reconciliation, and commit to taking action this week.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 5:31-32 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?
Consider these other passages in your discussion: Romans 3:23, John 1:17, Psalm 51:1, and Romans 10:13.

3. Ask God. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on these passages?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: Have you ever felt like a failure? How does it encourage you to know that everyone fails at something?
  2. START HERE: What failure can you laugh about now?
  3. START HERE: Which relationships (positive or negative) have had the biggest impact on your life?
  4. KEEP GOING: Where in your life are you finding it most difficult to succeed? (e.g. diet, exercise, addictions, work, school, relationships with God or people)
  5. KEEP GOING: Is there a relationship you feel you’re failing at? (e.g. spouse, parent, child, friend) What do you think is contributing to your part in the failure?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 5:31-32 (NLT). What thoughts and emotions do these two verses bring up in you? Where are those coming from?
  7. KEEP GOING: Have you ever experienced divorce, whether between you and a spouse, your parents, or someone else close to you? What was that like for you and what have you learned from that experience?
  8. KEEP GOING: What hope does Jesus offer people who feel like they’ve failed in relationships?
  9. KEEP GOING: What may be keeping you from experiencing God’s love?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: How could you work to love and stay committed in relationships through difficult times and conflict?
  11. LIVE IT OUT: What lies are you believing about yourself or your relationships? Pair up and pray over one another, asking God to replace those lies with His presence, truth and grace.