Sermon Discussion/Study ?'s - June 11 Sermon

Ice Breaker: Have you ever known someone who was genuinely excited, on a continual basis, to see Jesus face-to-face in Heaven?

• What do you think fueled that hope?
• How did that hope impact other parts of their day-to-day life?

 
READ Romans 15:13

• How does this verse title God?
• How does the hope that Christians find in God differ from the typical meaning we have when we use the word ‘hope’? (Ex. “I hope we arrive safely” vs. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain” Hebrews 6:19.)
• How would you define true, biblical hope?
• How did Pastor Thomas define it in his sermon?
• Based on these two definitions and two verses how would you evaluate yourself on a “hope scale”? Does the hope that is yours in and from God permeate your mind? Why or why not?

 
Hope’s Link

• What does Romans 15:13 tell us the impact of hope will be on God’s people?
• What Christian(s) do you know who are characterized by joy and peace and hope? What did it look like in the midst of real life?
• What word in the verse describes how we are linked to joy and peace and hope?
• If ‘belief’ is the link, then what is probable to occur if we are lazy about building our faith relationship with Jesus on a regular basis?
• How have you personally experienced that your hope in God ebbs and flows based on your time strengthening your relationship with Him through Bible reading, prayer, obedience, etc?

 
Hope’s Sermon

• READ Psalm 42:11.
• What is the real life situation the psalmist reveals about himself in the first half of this verse?
• Have you had any moments or days like this in the last few weeks? What was your situation?
• What is the three word sermon that the psalmist preaches to himself?
• John Piper commented on this verse, “The psalmists wrestle and fight and struggle to maintain their hope in God. The best sermon you preach yourself this week may be only three words long: Hope in God! Hoping in God does not come naturally for sinners like us. We must preach it to ourselves, and preach diligently and forcefully, or we will give way to a downcast and disquieted spirit.”
• What aspects of “hope in God” can the psalmist (and yourself) be genuinely encouraged by even when you feel depressed (downcast) or upset (in turmoil)?
• How would that aid you in responding to downcast or frustrated moments? Be specific.
• Who do you know that is downcast or in turmoil who may be encouraged by the presence of a godly friend and/or some loving reminders of our hope in God?

 
Close in prayer for yourself and seek the Lord for how to minister hope to yourself and the other individual you mentioned above.