Bold Faith [Blind Faith] Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon on bold faith from the Book of Mark, Jonathan examines the story of blind Bartimaeus. Despite being told to be quiet by the crowd, Bartimaeus persistently called out to Jesus for healing. When Jesus heard him, He stopped everything to respond, asking what Bartimaeus wanted. After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus immediately chose to follow Jesus rather than going his own way - contrasting with the rich young ruler who walked away sad when asked to give up his possessions.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts to receive the message of persistent faith. Like Bartimaeus, help us to call out to You even when obstacles stand in our way. Remove any spiritual blindness that prevents us from seeing Your truth clearly. May our discussion today strengthen our faith and deepen our commitment to follow You wholeheartedly. Guide our conversation and help us to apply these truths to our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker
Share about a time when you were completely out of your comfort zone. What happened and how did you feel during that experience?

Key Verses

• Mark 10:46-52
• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
• Matthew 7:7

Questions

• Jonathan mentioned that 'Jesus doesn't want to make us comfortable; He wants to make us effective for His kingdom.' How does this statement challenge your view of faith?
• Bartimaeus refused to be silenced by the crowd when seeking Jesus. What 'voices' in your life try to silence your faith or prayers?
• How does the contrast between Bartimaeus and the rich young ruler (both in Mark 10) reveal different responses to Jesus' invitation to follow Him?
• The sermon emphasized persistent prayer. What does it mean to 'never stop praying' as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:17?
• When facing difficulties, do you tend to run to God or to other sources of comfort? What might this reveal about your faith?
• What's the difference between allowing Jesus to be your Savior versus allowing Him to be your Lord? How is this playing out in your life?
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 says; 'We live by believing and not by seeing.' How can we develop faith that doesn't depend on what we can see or feel?
• Bartimaeus immediately followed Jesus after being healed. What prevents us from responding with the same immediate obedience when Jesus works in our lives?

Life Application
This week, practice persistent prayer by intentionally maintaining an ongoing conversation with God throughout each day. When you face obstacles or discouragement, choose to call out to Jesus even louder rather than being silenced. Identify one area of your life where you've been hesitant to fully follow Jesus (like the rich young ruler), and take a concrete step toward surrendering that area completely to Him. Remember that true discipleship means following Jesus boldly, not just receiving His blessings and going your own way.

Key Takeaways

• Be persistent in pursuing Jesus, even when voices try to silence you or tell you to give up.
• Follow Jesus boldly and completely - don't just receive His blessings and then go your own way.
• There is pain and sorrow in choosing our own way instead of following Jesus' path for us.
• Jesus requires all of us - there is no such thing as partial surrender in true discipleship.
• Prayer is meant to be an ongoing, intimate conversation with God throughout our day, not just formal requests.

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to Yourself just as You called Bartimaeus. We're grateful that You stop to hear our cries and respond with compassion. Forgive us for the times we've chosen our own way like the rich young ruler, clinging to comfort rather than following You wholeheartedly. Give us the persistent faith of Bartimaeus - faith that refuses to be silenced and immediately responds to Your call. Help us to maintain an ongoing conversation with You this week, bringing everything before You in prayer. May we follow You boldly, without shame or hesitation, knowing that You are the greatest treasure worth pursuing. In Your precious name we pray, amen.