Summary: Jesus gives his disciples 6 commands in a series of verses called "The Great Commission." These were his last minute instructions before he left the earth. Jesus also sandwiches the 6 commands with 2 promises that make an otherwise impossible task actually obtainable.
Text: Matthew 28:18-20
1. Read 28:19-20a.
a. What are the 6 commands that Jesus gives us?
b. When most people think of the great commission, they think "Go and Make Disciples." Are there commands that you see now that you didn't see earlier or had never thought of with these verse?
c. What are the easiest of those commands for you? What are the most difficult ones? Which ones, if any, have you never done before as a follower of Jesus?
2. Read 28:20b. What promise does Jesus make to his followers in these verses? Why is that promise such a big deal coming on the heels of an absolutely impossible task?
3. What is the difference between "teaching them to KNOW" and "teaching them to OBSERVE"? How will observing the teachings of Jesus actually impact people around us and make disciples?
4. Read 28:18. Why do we often treat this command and commission by Jesus more like just a suggestion? The language is very clear that ALL authority belongs to Jesus. So why do we struggle with these commands so often?
5. Baptism is a very public display. Jesus is calling his followers to a public life of devotion to him. What are areas of your life that you need to "go public" in? Not just with actual baptism, but even areas like your attitude, actions, and language? Does it look like your life is hiding what Jesus has done for you and the great message that he has entrusted you with?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Vision 2015: The Lord's Prayer
Summary: The disciples submit to Jesus a simple request: "Teach us how to pray." Were they doing it wrong? Is there a certain way we should pray? Could frustrations in our prayer life stem from a real lack of understand about prayer and what it is? Jesus answers the request for the disciples by laying out a simple prayer that addresses the "how" of prayer for us today.
Text: Luke 11:1-13 and Matthew 6:6-13
1. READ Luke 11:1. The phrase "in a certain place" infers that prayer for Jesus was habitual. He had a "spot" that he went to pray. Throughout Scripture we see Jesus praying very early in the morning and very late at night, so maybe Jesus even had a favorite time of day to spend with God.
-Do you have any prayer "habits"? A certain time of day, a certain place, a certain thing that you do during that time?
-If so, how have these habits strengthened and helped your prayer life?
2. READ Matthew 6:6. One of the reasons why prayer isn't gaining traction in your life may be that you don't have an environment that is conducive to talking and hearing from God. Yes, you can pray in the car on the way to work or while you are in school or shopping for groceries. However, if prayer is about gaining intimacy with God, listening to Him, hearing His voice, and growing closer to Him, does location and atmosphere of environment matter?
-Do you think you could be getting so much more out of prayer if you were intentional about where you prayed? Or does it not really matter?
-What are some examples of locations and times of day in your schedule and life that would be the prime time and spots for prayer? Would you commit to those moving forward to increase your intimacy level with God?
-TRY THIS: this week, switch it up. Pray in a place that is distraction free. Pray at a time of day when you are sharp (not tired, distracted, or rushed) and see what a difference it makes in your time spent with God. Come back next week ready to share.
3. What are the various aspects of prayer given in this story? Remember, it's not just the words that Jesus says, it's what he means by the words that he said.
a. Our Father, in heaven, hallowed be your name. You kingdom come, your will be done.
-Here, we are praying for God's glory.
b. Give us this day our daily bread.
-Here, we are praying for the gifts that God gives, and acknowledging that they come from Him.
c. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
-Here, we are thanking God for his grace, asking for forgiveness, and being reminded of how we need to extend those same things to others.
d. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.
-Here, we are asking for God's guidance. Help us not to make the same mistakes, and protect us from poor decision, sins, the wrong path, and destruction in our life.
-Do you see elements of those things in your prayers? Which one is the most frequent? Which ones do you do the least? What order do you usually pray these things in? How much time do you spend on each item? (Chances are, our prayers are dominated by "asking" for things and thanking God for things. Most prayers are lacking in the Glory given to God for who he is, confession of sins, and protection for later).
4. Read Luke 11:9-10. "Asking" is one of the easier aspects of prayer. What about seeking? What "seeking" do you need to focus on to back up your asking? What practical steps are involved in "finding?"
BONUS:
Here are 2 great outlines that are easy to remember when you are praying.
A- Adoration. Start off by worship of God, who He is, His greatness, His power, His majesty.
C- Confession. Confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness and protection from future sins.
T- Thanksgiving. Thank God for what He's given you, done for you and in you, and blessed you with.
S- Supplication. Bring your requests to God. This is last! Don't ask for more until you thank for what He's already done! Don't ask until you've elevated Him and humbled yourself through adoring Him and confessing your sins.
P- Praise
R- Repent
A- Ask
Y- Yield (listen to God)
Text: Luke 11:1-13 and Matthew 6:6-13
1. READ Luke 11:1. The phrase "in a certain place" infers that prayer for Jesus was habitual. He had a "spot" that he went to pray. Throughout Scripture we see Jesus praying very early in the morning and very late at night, so maybe Jesus even had a favorite time of day to spend with God.
-Do you have any prayer "habits"? A certain time of day, a certain place, a certain thing that you do during that time?
-If so, how have these habits strengthened and helped your prayer life?
2. READ Matthew 6:6. One of the reasons why prayer isn't gaining traction in your life may be that you don't have an environment that is conducive to talking and hearing from God. Yes, you can pray in the car on the way to work or while you are in school or shopping for groceries. However, if prayer is about gaining intimacy with God, listening to Him, hearing His voice, and growing closer to Him, does location and atmosphere of environment matter?
-Do you think you could be getting so much more out of prayer if you were intentional about where you prayed? Or does it not really matter?
-What are some examples of locations and times of day in your schedule and life that would be the prime time and spots for prayer? Would you commit to those moving forward to increase your intimacy level with God?
-TRY THIS: this week, switch it up. Pray in a place that is distraction free. Pray at a time of day when you are sharp (not tired, distracted, or rushed) and see what a difference it makes in your time spent with God. Come back next week ready to share.
3. What are the various aspects of prayer given in this story? Remember, it's not just the words that Jesus says, it's what he means by the words that he said.
a. Our Father, in heaven, hallowed be your name. You kingdom come, your will be done.
-Here, we are praying for God's glory.
b. Give us this day our daily bread.
-Here, we are praying for the gifts that God gives, and acknowledging that they come from Him.
c. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
-Here, we are thanking God for his grace, asking for forgiveness, and being reminded of how we need to extend those same things to others.
d. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.
-Here, we are asking for God's guidance. Help us not to make the same mistakes, and protect us from poor decision, sins, the wrong path, and destruction in our life.
-Do you see elements of those things in your prayers? Which one is the most frequent? Which ones do you do the least? What order do you usually pray these things in? How much time do you spend on each item? (Chances are, our prayers are dominated by "asking" for things and thanking God for things. Most prayers are lacking in the Glory given to God for who he is, confession of sins, and protection for later).
4. Read Luke 11:9-10. "Asking" is one of the easier aspects of prayer. What about seeking? What "seeking" do you need to focus on to back up your asking? What practical steps are involved in "finding?"
BONUS:
Here are 2 great outlines that are easy to remember when you are praying.
A- Adoration. Start off by worship of God, who He is, His greatness, His power, His majesty.
C- Confession. Confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness and protection from future sins.
T- Thanksgiving. Thank God for what He's given you, done for you and in you, and blessed you with.
S- Supplication. Bring your requests to God. This is last! Don't ask for more until you thank for what He's already done! Don't ask until you've elevated Him and humbled yourself through adoring Him and confessing your sins.
P- Praise
R- Repent
A- Ask
Y- Yield (listen to God)
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Vision 2015: Parable of the Talents
Text: Matthew 25:14-30
1. In the story, the master gives each of his servants a "talent" (a sum of money). For this story applied to our lives, God is the master, we are the servants, and the "talent" is what God has entrusted each of us with in this life.
1. In the story, the master gives each of his servants a "talent" (a sum of money). For this story applied to our lives, God is the master, we are the servants, and the "talent" is what God has entrusted each of us with in this life.
READ 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Scripture says that every follower of Jesus has been given a gift by God. Looking at the list in this text, what are some of the talents or gifts that God has given you? The passions, the skills, the desires, and the giftings? Are you using those talents to help others follow Jesus, or are you simply using them for your own advantage? What are some ways that you could utilize those skills more to honor God?
(Different approach: Let others tell YOU what they think your talents and giftings are as they have seen you and talked with you).
(Different approach: Let others tell YOU what they think your talents and giftings are as they have seen you and talked with you).
2. The man that was given the 5 talents refused to stifle future growth by sitting back and being satisfied with what he had already.
Are there areas of your life in which you have become "satisfied"? Where has growth stopped? READ Matthew 25:28-29. What happens to God-given gifts and talents that aren't utilized effectively for God?
3. The man in the story that had 2 talents was still faithful with what he'd been given, even though it wasn't as much as other people had.
READ Luke 16:10-12. What are the little ways that we can be faithful? The everyday tasks, relationships, and "small" areas of our lives? Sometimes it's easier to focus on the big things and harder to remember to be faithful with the little things. Remember, the easiest step to being entrusted with more in life is to simply be obedient and faithful with what you currently have.
4. The men that were given the 5 and 2 talents risked it all to make more.
What risks do you need to take it 2015? READ Mark 12:30. The key word in that verse is "all." What areas do you need to take a step of faith in? What excuses have you been telling yourself as to why you haven't taken the step yet?
What risks do you need to take it 2015? READ Mark 12:30. The key word in that verse is "all." What areas do you need to take a step of faith in? What excuses have you been telling yourself as to why you haven't taken the step yet?
Saturday, December 27, 2014
All I Want For Christmas... JOY
Summary:
Joy... the angels talked about it, the shepherds experienced it, the wise men found it, and Mary sang about it. So how can we have joy? Scripture gives us great insight into how we can experience joy as we look forward to 2015, and how our response to this joy will shape the outlook of our lives.
1. Read Luke 2:8-12. Are you looking for joy? Where are you looking for it? The shepherds were simply living their normal lives, and when God showed up they experienced joy. Did you know that you can have joy in your current job, relationship, marriage, income level, professional level, and social status? If the shepherds can have it, then so can you!
-Joy was given to us by God. You can't buy it, earn it, be optimistic enough to obtain it, or get lucky enough to win it. Yet, so many people spend their entire lives trying to find something that God has already made available for them right where they are. The message from the angels was "Good News of Great Joy." How can you get this great joy? By understand that the "Good News" is personal to you. What is the "Good News" and how is it for you?
2. READ Luke 2:17-18. Joy should always be shared with others. If someone asked you to tell them about the joy that Jesus gives you, what would you share with them?
3. Read Matthew 2:10. The wisemen had been traveling for 2 years to find the new King that had been born. When they finally arrived, they were filled with joy. Part of their joy experience included a 2 year journey. What do you think were the difficulties they experienced along the way. Can you imagine having to wait 2 years for a pay-off? What faith! What patience! What endurance!
Read Psalm 30:5 and John 16:20. Think about a difficult "journey" that you have had, where you allowed God to lead in your life during difficulty. How did God shows up in the journey, and how did you experience joy in the end?
4. Read Luke 1:29-30. How does Mary respond to the Good News of Great Joy when she first hears it? Now read Luke 1:46-48. How does she respond to the same news later? So what changed?
-Joy is a choice for us, and oftentimes a hard choice. Read Hebrews 12:2. Jesus made the hard choice to endure the cross. Do you think that decision was hard for him?
-Read John 15:11. Since Jesus died on the cross, what does that mean for us? Who is the source of joy? Who defines it? (Jesus is the source, and he defines it! Therefore, he is the only place to get it from!)
Joy... the angels talked about it, the shepherds experienced it, the wise men found it, and Mary sang about it. So how can we have joy? Scripture gives us great insight into how we can experience joy as we look forward to 2015, and how our response to this joy will shape the outlook of our lives.
1. Read Luke 2:8-12. Are you looking for joy? Where are you looking for it? The shepherds were simply living their normal lives, and when God showed up they experienced joy. Did you know that you can have joy in your current job, relationship, marriage, income level, professional level, and social status? If the shepherds can have it, then so can you!
-Joy was given to us by God. You can't buy it, earn it, be optimistic enough to obtain it, or get lucky enough to win it. Yet, so many people spend their entire lives trying to find something that God has already made available for them right where they are. The message from the angels was "Good News of Great Joy." How can you get this great joy? By understand that the "Good News" is personal to you. What is the "Good News" and how is it for you?
2. READ Luke 2:17-18. Joy should always be shared with others. If someone asked you to tell them about the joy that Jesus gives you, what would you share with them?
3. Read Matthew 2:10. The wisemen had been traveling for 2 years to find the new King that had been born. When they finally arrived, they were filled with joy. Part of their joy experience included a 2 year journey. What do you think were the difficulties they experienced along the way. Can you imagine having to wait 2 years for a pay-off? What faith! What patience! What endurance!
Read Psalm 30:5 and John 16:20. Think about a difficult "journey" that you have had, where you allowed God to lead in your life during difficulty. How did God shows up in the journey, and how did you experience joy in the end?
4. Read Luke 1:29-30. How does Mary respond to the Good News of Great Joy when she first hears it? Now read Luke 1:46-48. How does she respond to the same news later? So what changed?
-Joy is a choice for us, and oftentimes a hard choice. Read Hebrews 12:2. Jesus made the hard choice to endure the cross. Do you think that decision was hard for him?
-Read John 15:11. Since Jesus died on the cross, what does that mean for us? Who is the source of joy? Who defines it? (Jesus is the source, and he defines it! Therefore, he is the only place to get it from!)
Saturday, December 20, 2014
All I Want for Christmas... PEACE
Summary: If any character in the birth narrative was lacking peace, it would have been Joseph. His fiancé is pregnant, and he's not the father. She still claims she is a virgin and that God gave her the son. What a mess! So Joseph has a personal plan in place to gain peace in his life. God steps in with a gracious interruption, and we learn 3 things from this story that can bring us real peace in life today.
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
1. Read Matthew 18:18-19
a. Joseph reveals his personal plan (divorce her quietly) for obtaining peace in life despite the crazy situation in which he finds himself. What are the personal plans that we strive towards in life that we think will bring us peace? (Money, relationships, family, professional/career, retirement, etc)
b. How have some of those things let you down? Have they come up short in your life despite your consistent striving and straining?
2. READ Matthew 1:20-21
The angel told Joseph to "do not fear" his current situation. Be at peace with what is going on around him, because God is working things out. What areas of your life is God telling you "do not fear", but instead find peace in Him? Why is that so hard sometimes?
3. READ Matthew 1:21
-How does "for Jesus will save his people from their sins" bring about peace in life?
-What is your "peace" story (your personal testimony) of the day you realized that Jesus paid for your sins? (Now would be a great time to share your Jesus story. It may be the first time the group has heard each other's spiritual journey).
4. READ Matthew 1:23
-Why does "God with us" matter? What's the big deal? How does that empower Christians? How does it help eliminate excuses?
-Do you have a "peace" story in your life that was possible because God was with you, and you knew it?
5. READ Matthew 1:25
-How can "he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" result in peace for your life?
-Do you think you are lacking peace because you don't know what to do, or because you know what to do and are filled with fear, anxiety, and worry? How can you address both of those issues in your life? What are the action steps?
-Do you have a "peace" story in your life that was a result of you listening to God and doing what He said?
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
1. Read Matthew 18:18-19
a. Joseph reveals his personal plan (divorce her quietly) for obtaining peace in life despite the crazy situation in which he finds himself. What are the personal plans that we strive towards in life that we think will bring us peace? (Money, relationships, family, professional/career, retirement, etc)
b. How have some of those things let you down? Have they come up short in your life despite your consistent striving and straining?
2. READ Matthew 1:20-21
The angel told Joseph to "do not fear" his current situation. Be at peace with what is going on around him, because God is working things out. What areas of your life is God telling you "do not fear", but instead find peace in Him? Why is that so hard sometimes?
3. READ Matthew 1:21
-How does "for Jesus will save his people from their sins" bring about peace in life?
-What is your "peace" story (your personal testimony) of the day you realized that Jesus paid for your sins? (Now would be a great time to share your Jesus story. It may be the first time the group has heard each other's spiritual journey).
4. READ Matthew 1:23
-Why does "God with us" matter? What's the big deal? How does that empower Christians? How does it help eliminate excuses?
-Do you have a "peace" story in your life that was possible because God was with you, and you knew it?
5. READ Matthew 1:25
-How can "he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" result in peace for your life?
-Do you think you are lacking peace because you don't know what to do, or because you know what to do and are filled with fear, anxiety, and worry? How can you address both of those issues in your life? What are the action steps?
-Do you have a "peace" story in your life that was a result of you listening to God and doing what He said?
Saturday, December 13, 2014
All I Want for Christmas... LOVE
Summary: Love is defined in many different ways, shown in many different ways, and sought after in many different ways. In a culture that had many different definitions and understandings about what "love" was, Paul wanted to communicate with clarity to the church how followers of Jesus are to show the true love of Jesus to others (both inside and outside of the church). Paul gives a simple equation for us:
Grace --> Joy --> Generosity = LOVE
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 8; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
GRACE:
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1
1. What is grace? How would you define it or describe it? A dictionary definition of grace is "receiving something that you did not deserve." According to that definition, what has God given or made available to you that you don't deserve? (God's grace that Paul is talking about is the forgiveness of sin, salvation, and the Gospel of Jesus being made available to us).
2. God's grace is not only a one time grace given by Jesus, but grace given to us each day. What grace does God give you each day? (life, health, provisions, family, friends, job, influence, etc).
The first step to understanding how to love Jesus and how to show the love of Jesus to others is to embrace this gift of grace and remind yourself of it daily!
JOY:
Read 2 Corinthians 8:2
Next Sunday we are going to talk about how you can have real joy in life. DON'T MISS IT! BRING A FRIEND!
1. Imagine that you were in the middle of facing some hard tests in life. What if right now your life was filled with agony, suffering, and great pain (affliction defined). Financially, put yourself in someone's shoes that is facing "extreme poverty."
Paul mentions that some Christians in Macedonia (Northern Greece) were experiencing these same things. Yet, he described them as having "abundant joy." How can that be? How could those terrible things not choke the joy out of their life? What would your response be?
2. Read Habakkuk 3:17-18. EVERYTHING (and I mean EVERYTHING) went wrong in this guys life! But his response was rejoicing and joy in God. Here is the key: Joy is linked to your source of life, not your experiences in life. God's grace (the source) produces joy no matter what your experiences (death, loss, hardship, poverty, pain, suffering) may be.
Without focusing on the source, you'll never have joy; and remember that the source that Paul mentions is the understanding of the grace of God.
GENEROSITY:
Read 2 Corinthians 3-5.
1. List some of the things that happen when Grace leads to Joy, and Joy produces generosity.
a. Gave according to their means (obedient to the tithe in their giving)
b. Gave beyond their means (faithful generosity over-and-above the basic tithe)
c. Of their own accord, begging us to give (no one forced them to give or guilted them into it)
d. Taking part in the relief of the saints (they identified needs around them and tackled them)
e. Gave themselves first to God (their lives, their heart, their soul, that went first)
f. By the Will of God (did you know that God's will for your life is to be generous unto Him?)
g. Gave themselves to us (they didn't just look after their own needs/ministries/church, but to other needs as well)
READ 2 Corinthians 8:8
1. An understanding of grace, joy, and generosity lead to a powerful show of the love of Jesus. The church in Macedonia had no idea that their obedience and faithfulness would produce a story that was told not only 350+ miles south in Corinth, but in the pages of Scripture for billions of people to read.
What is your "love" story? If the story of your response to grace, your joy, and your generosity were told, would it be a powerful show of what the love of Jesus looks like? Or would you be embarrassed or ashamed? You can start a new story today! Start with embracing grace in your life, and see what God does in you and through you to show the love of Jesus to the world.
Grace --> Joy --> Generosity = LOVE
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 8; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
GRACE:
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1
1. What is grace? How would you define it or describe it? A dictionary definition of grace is "receiving something that you did not deserve." According to that definition, what has God given or made available to you that you don't deserve? (God's grace that Paul is talking about is the forgiveness of sin, salvation, and the Gospel of Jesus being made available to us).
2. God's grace is not only a one time grace given by Jesus, but grace given to us each day. What grace does God give you each day? (life, health, provisions, family, friends, job, influence, etc).
The first step to understanding how to love Jesus and how to show the love of Jesus to others is to embrace this gift of grace and remind yourself of it daily!
JOY:
Read 2 Corinthians 8:2
Next Sunday we are going to talk about how you can have real joy in life. DON'T MISS IT! BRING A FRIEND!
1. Imagine that you were in the middle of facing some hard tests in life. What if right now your life was filled with agony, suffering, and great pain (affliction defined). Financially, put yourself in someone's shoes that is facing "extreme poverty."
Paul mentions that some Christians in Macedonia (Northern Greece) were experiencing these same things. Yet, he described them as having "abundant joy." How can that be? How could those terrible things not choke the joy out of their life? What would your response be?
2. Read Habakkuk 3:17-18. EVERYTHING (and I mean EVERYTHING) went wrong in this guys life! But his response was rejoicing and joy in God. Here is the key: Joy is linked to your source of life, not your experiences in life. God's grace (the source) produces joy no matter what your experiences (death, loss, hardship, poverty, pain, suffering) may be.
Without focusing on the source, you'll never have joy; and remember that the source that Paul mentions is the understanding of the grace of God.
GENEROSITY:
Read 2 Corinthians 3-5.
1. List some of the things that happen when Grace leads to Joy, and Joy produces generosity.
a. Gave according to their means (obedient to the tithe in their giving)
b. Gave beyond their means (faithful generosity over-and-above the basic tithe)
c. Of their own accord, begging us to give (no one forced them to give or guilted them into it)
d. Taking part in the relief of the saints (they identified needs around them and tackled them)
e. Gave themselves first to God (their lives, their heart, their soul, that went first)
f. By the Will of God (did you know that God's will for your life is to be generous unto Him?)
g. Gave themselves to us (they didn't just look after their own needs/ministries/church, but to other needs as well)
READ 2 Corinthians 8:8
1. An understanding of grace, joy, and generosity lead to a powerful show of the love of Jesus. The church in Macedonia had no idea that their obedience and faithfulness would produce a story that was told not only 350+ miles south in Corinth, but in the pages of Scripture for billions of people to read.
What is your "love" story? If the story of your response to grace, your joy, and your generosity were told, would it be a powerful show of what the love of Jesus looks like? Or would you be embarrassed or ashamed? You can start a new story today! Start with embracing grace in your life, and see what God does in you and through you to show the love of Jesus to the world.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
All I Want For Christmas... HOPE
Summary: Hope today is at best "wishful thinking." It's like a Christmas wish list for most people. Maybe you'll get lucky. Maybe something good will happen. Maybe you'll receive what you asked for. All you can do is hope.
Scripture shows a very different viewpoint of hope. For Christians, what we hope FOR is always secondary to what we hope IN. Because of the faithfulness and power and love of God, our hope is strong, steady, and stable.
Text: Hebrews 6:13-20
1. Part of our Hope is built on what God has already done for us. So many times He has proven Himself reliable, faithful, powerful, and true.
a. Read Hebrews 6:13-16 and Genesis 12:1-3. What were the promises that God made Abraham? Why would these things make Abraham so full of hope?
b. What has God done for you already that would reinforce the hope you have in Him moving forward? How has God already shown his faithfulness to you that should make your future hope in Him easier?
c. We don't always put our hope in God, though. What are some of the other areas of our lives in which we rest our hope? (job, money, family, spouse, ourselves, government, others)
2. Read Hebrews 6:17-18
God wants to show you the hope that He offers. He wants you to see Him for who He really is through that hope.
a. What does scripture say that this hope will do for us? (it will encourage us). We often desire hope when times are hard, but why is hope important for us even when life is going well? (the Christian life will be filled with risk and steps of faith. If you're ever going to be obedient in your relationship with God, then your hope in Jesus is essential).
b. How do you "hold fast" to this hope? (study it, wrestle with it, be familiar with it, remind yourself of it, embrace it, keep in on the forefront of your mind, live in a constant state of hope).
3. Read Hebrews 6:19-20 and Hebrews 10:23
What we hope FOR is secondary to what (or who) we hope IN.
a. How is the "hope" that Christians have significantly different from any other "hope" in the world today? (Because our hope is in someone, not something. And that someone is perfect, true, righteous, flawless, fully God, fully man, sacrificial, and loving).
b. When scripture says that the hope of God is like "an anchor for the soul" what is God promising to us? (steadiness, stability, firm foundation, provision). What does this language NOT communicate? (won't remove us from all storms, won't make the waves always go away, won't take us out of all tough situations, won't totally eliminate storms).
Scripture shows a very different viewpoint of hope. For Christians, what we hope FOR is always secondary to what we hope IN. Because of the faithfulness and power and love of God, our hope is strong, steady, and stable.
Text: Hebrews 6:13-20
1. Part of our Hope is built on what God has already done for us. So many times He has proven Himself reliable, faithful, powerful, and true.
a. Read Hebrews 6:13-16 and Genesis 12:1-3. What were the promises that God made Abraham? Why would these things make Abraham so full of hope?
b. What has God done for you already that would reinforce the hope you have in Him moving forward? How has God already shown his faithfulness to you that should make your future hope in Him easier?
c. We don't always put our hope in God, though. What are some of the other areas of our lives in which we rest our hope? (job, money, family, spouse, ourselves, government, others)
2. Read Hebrews 6:17-18
God wants to show you the hope that He offers. He wants you to see Him for who He really is through that hope.
a. What does scripture say that this hope will do for us? (it will encourage us). We often desire hope when times are hard, but why is hope important for us even when life is going well? (the Christian life will be filled with risk and steps of faith. If you're ever going to be obedient in your relationship with God, then your hope in Jesus is essential).
b. How do you "hold fast" to this hope? (study it, wrestle with it, be familiar with it, remind yourself of it, embrace it, keep in on the forefront of your mind, live in a constant state of hope).
3. Read Hebrews 6:19-20 and Hebrews 10:23
What we hope FOR is secondary to what (or who) we hope IN.
a. How is the "hope" that Christians have significantly different from any other "hope" in the world today? (Because our hope is in someone, not something. And that someone is perfect, true, righteous, flawless, fully God, fully man, sacrificial, and loving).
b. When scripture says that the hope of God is like "an anchor for the soul" what is God promising to us? (steadiness, stability, firm foundation, provision). What does this language NOT communicate? (won't remove us from all storms, won't make the waves always go away, won't take us out of all tough situations, won't totally eliminate storms).
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