Small Group Discussion

Discussion Questions: Recognizing Our Excuses

1. What “respectable excuses” resonated with you from the sermon? (Examples: “God changed my heart,” “Something came up,” “I don’t have peace about it anymore,” “I meant it at the time”)
2. Why do you think we feel the need to make our broken promises sound spiritual or justifiable? What are we really trying to protect?
3. Read Matthew 23:16-22. How were the Pharisees using technicalities to get around their commitments? How do we do similar things today?

Key Takeaways:

1. When you start something… FINISH IT!
2. When you say you’re going to do something… DO IT!
3.  When you could cut corners… DON’T DO IT!
4. When you face a hard decision… CHOOSE TO FOLLOW IT GOD’S WAY!

Practical Applications:

This Week’s Challenge: The Faithfulness Audit

Text one Group member mid-week with an update on your progress.

List 3-5 promises or commitments you’ve made (to God, family, work, church, etc.)

Honestly assess each one:

Am I keeping this promise?

Have I made excuses?

What’s preventing me from following through?

Choose ONE commitment to focus on this week and take concrete action to follow through.

Pray daily: “Not my will, but Your will be done” (Luke 22:42)