Message Details

• Sermon Series Name: Failing Forward
• Message Title: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
• Short Summary: This message explores the importance of listening to God and fixing our eyes on Jesus to avoid the pitfalls of cultural distractions. It emphasizes the need for spiritual clarity, community support, and taking faithful steps even when the full picture is not visible.

Icebreaker Question

• If you could have a superpower to help you focus better, what would it be and why? How do you think it would change your daily life?

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

• Reflect on last week's commitment: "I will follow God and do the obvious." What was the obvious opportunity you identified to serve or show kindness this week? Did it challenge or strengthen your faith in any way?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on the Message:
   • The message highlighted the Israelites' failure to cry out to God during their oppression. Read Judges 13:1. Why do you think they settled for their situation? How can we avoid settling in our spiritual lives?
   • Life Application: Identify an area in your life where you might be settling. What steps can you take to seek God's best instead?
2. Listening to God:
   • The message emphasized the importance of listening to God. Describe a time when you felt God was speaking to you, but you struggled to listen. What was the outcome?
   • Life Application: What practical steps can you take this week to improve your spiritual listening skills?
3. Community Support:
   • Manoah sought clarity from God through prayer and community. How has having a supportive community helped you in your faith journey?
   • Life Application: Who in your life can you turn to for spiritual guidance? How can you be that person for someone else?
4. Taking Faithful Steps:
   • The message encouraged taking the first step of obedience without seeing the whole picture. Share a time when you took a step of faith. What did you learn from that experience?
   • Life Application: What is one step of faith you feel God is calling you to take right now?
5. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus:
   • Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about fixing our eyes on Jesus. What distractions in your life make it difficult to focus on Him? How can you overcome these distractions?
   • Life Application: Commit to one specific action this week that will help you fix your eyes on Jesus more consistently.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will fix my eyes on Jesus by praying this prayer each day: Heavenly Father, help me stop guessing and start listening. Help me see You clearly, hear You fully, and allow others to walk with me as I follow You simply, one step at a time. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Prayer Prompts

1. Prayer Requests: Begin by asking if anyone has specific prayer requests they would like to share.
2. Clarity and Focus: Pray for clarity and focus in your spiritual lives, asking God to help you fix your eyes on Jesus amidst distractions.
3. Community and Support: Pray for the strength and wisdom to support one another in your faith journeys, and for God to place the right people in your lives to guide and encourage you.

Rewatch the Message

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