Study Questions

1. The sermon describes the Pharisees as using God's mercy as a "loophole" to stay comfortable. In what ways do we sometimes use scripture or religious rules to justify staying in our comfort zones rather than pursuing the heart of God?
2. Jesus responds to the rich young ruler by first looking at him and loving him before delivering a hard truth. How does knowing that Jesus speaks difficult things to us out of love change the way you receive tension or conviction in your own life?
3. The rich young ruler's wealth was described as his "savior." What things in your own life — whether success, comfort, relationships, or security — might be functioning as a savior in place of Christ?
4. Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak, likely his most valuable possession, without hesitation when Jesus called him. What is something you are holding onto that might be getting in the way of fully running toward Jesus?
5. The sermon points out that the people most ready for God throughout Scripture are often the poor, the sick, and the desperate. Why do you think desperation and dependence make someone more open to God? Where have you experienced this in your own life?
6. James and John wanted glory without sacrifice. In what ways do we pursue the blessings of following Jesus while avoiding the cost of discipleship?
7. Jesus asks both the disciples and Bartimaeus the same question: "What do you want me to do for you?" How would you honestly answer that question today, and what does your answer reveal about the "world you are trying to live in?"
8. The sermon describes two kinds of spiritual sleep — dreaming of success and control, or living in a nightmare of hopelessness and feeling too broken to be helped. Which of these resonates more with you, and why?
9. Spencer warns that when Jesus begins exposing our blindness, our natural instinct is defense rather than surrender. Can you think of a time when you defended yourself against conviction instead of leaning into it? What helped you eventually surrender, or what is still keeping you from it?
10. The sermon contrasts the kingdoms of this world, where greatness is measured by control and recognition, with the kingdom of God, where greatness is measured by sacrifice and humility. Where do you find it hardest to live by kingdom values in your everyday life?
11. None of the people in Mark 10 — the Pharisees, the rich young ruler, James and John — woke up thinking they were spiritually asleep. What practices or habits help you stay honest with yourself and open to God's correction before tension builds?
12. Spencer intentionally avoided giving a "five-step plan" for spiritual wakefulness, saying the goal is dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency. How do you personally cultivate a posture of surrender and dependence rather than trying to "master the technique" of the Christian life?