• Sermon Series Name: Failing Forward
• Message Title: A Failing Nation
• Short Summary: This message explores the cycle of disobedience and redemption experienced by the Israelites in the Book of Judges. It challenges us to recognize our own cycles of failure and rebellion, and to embrace a life of full obedience through the grace and power of Jesus Christ.

Icebreaker Question

• If you could have a redo on any decision from the past year, what would it be and why? How might that decision have changed your current situation?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on your commitment from last week: I will ask one open-ended question with a kid in my life, especially when they've made a mistake. What challenges did you face in fulfilling it? Did it open up new avenues for communication or understanding?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on the Message:
   • The message highlighted the cycle of disobedience and redemption in Judges. How do you see this cycle in your own life? What steps can you take to break it?
   • Context: Judges 2:10-19 describes Israel's repeated disobedience and God's response.
   • Life Application: Consider areas where you might be partially obedient. What would full obedience look like for you?
2. Personal Struggles with Obedience:
   • Share a time when you knew the right thing to do but chose not to do it. What were the consequences, and how did you respond?
   • Context: Pastor Elliott shared a personal story of failing to witness to friends.
   • Life Application: Reflect on how fear or comfort might be holding you back from full obedience.
3. Understanding Rebellion:
   • The message defined rebellion as known disobedience. How do you differentiate between accidental sin and rebellion in your life?
   • Context: Judges 2:1-3 shows God's response to Israel's disobedience.
   • Life Application: Identify an area where you might be rebelling against God and consider steps to change.
4. Experiencing God's Grace:
   • Describe a time when you experienced God's grace after a failure. How did it change your perspective or actions moving forward?
   • Context: Psalm 106:43-45 speaks of God's grace despite Israel's rebellion.
   • Life Application: How can you extend grace to others who are struggling?
5. Living the Jesus Cycle:
   • The message introduced the "Jesus cycle" of praying, confessing, obeying, and moving forward. How can you incorporate this cycle into your daily life?
   • Context: Matthew 7:24-27 emphasizes building a life on the foundation of Jesus' teachings.
   • Life Application: Commit to fulfilling the I Will Statement this week, and seek His guidance for living out the calling He has for your life.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will confess my disobedience to God. 

Prayer Prompts

1. Prayer Requests: Invite participants to share personal prayer requests.
2. Confession and Obedience: Pray for the courage to confess areas of disobedience and the strength to pursue full obedience.
3. Breaking the Cycle: Ask for God's help in breaking cycles of rebellion and embracing the new life offered through Jesus.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.