Chapter Nine

Gospel Enemy #3: Self-Reliance

1. Why does it seem strange to think of self-reliance and its “cousins” as enemies of the gospel? (123-124)

2. What is self-reliance? How does it compare to self-righteousness? (124)

3. According to John 15:5, what is wrong with a self-reliant approach to life? (125-126)

4. According to 1 Corinthians 4:7, why do you think the authors state that we should not be self-reliant about anything! Do you agree? Why or why not?

5. The last paragraph on page 126 states that all believers are inclined to fall prey to self-reliance every day! Do you agree? What have you done in the last 24 hours that has not been done with 100% dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit?

6. Read Matthew 26:31-35. What was the object of Peter’s dependence? In what ways do our acts of self-reliance resemble Peter’s denial of Christ? (127-128)

7. Read Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 3:5-6. When we fall into a pattern of self-reliance, how can the truth from these Scriptures shift our dependence back onto the power of the Holy Spirit?

8. Read the story of Brian’s struggle with self-reliance on pages 128-131. What similar patterns and outcomes have you seen in your own life?

9. Which of the four excerpts from John Newton do you identify with the most? Why? (131-132)

10. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-8. What insights and applications do you find in the description of Paul’s thorn in the flesh? (132-133) What types of “thorns” have you experienced?

11. Now read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. How did this promise help Paul deal with his thorn in the flesh? Why do you suppose Paul was able to “boast” of and be “content” with his weaknesses?

12. What thorn can you be content with in your life?

13. In your own words, explain what Paul meant when he said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong?”