“Self-Reliance?” (Mark 14:66-72)

SELF-RELIANCE?

(Mark 14:66-72)

INTRODUCTION: What could be wrong with “self-reliance”?

I. WE MUST HEED CHRIST’S WARNINGS.

II. WE MUST PUT NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH.

III. WE MUST STAND FIRM IN CHRIST.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. How strongly did you feel the pressure to focus on “self-esteem” as you were growing up? How prominent was the attention given to this matter?
2. Who was Ralph Waldo Emerson? What is Unitarianism? Pantheism? Transcendentalism? Why did he focus so ardently on “self-reliance”?
3. How did Peter respond to Jesus’ warnings that Peter would deny him? What warnings did Jesus give to all of us which are often ignored?
4. What does Proverbs 3:5 mean by “do not lean on your own understanding”? What can we lean on instead? Give an example if you can on how this truth has worked in your own life.
5. Biblically speaking, what is the “self” in “self-reliance” better known as?
6. Why must we put no confidence in the flesh in justification? In sanctification? In service to Christ and others? How does confidence in Christ lead to better, more energetic, effective, and confident service?
7. What lesson must we NOT take from the fact the Jesus rescued Peter from even this great, disgraceful fall?
8. In what two distinct ways does self-reliance constitute the most basic weakness?
9. Why do you think Emerson’s notion of “Self-Reliance” became so popular?
10. In what way(s) do you need to practice greater confidence in Christ?