Group Notes | December 4
Self on the Shelf: A Reason for Hope
December 4, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
If you could ask for one thing for Christmas, and you knew you would get it, what would it be? (After answers): How many of these were material desires?
This week we continue to fill our hearts and minds with the right perspective of the Christmas season, remembering the miracle of Christ’s birth as He left His glory as the Sovereign God of the universe to come to this earth as a baby. His birth provides us with salvation through the greatest story ever told. We will focus today on Mary’s role in His coming, and the hope that His life can give us.
Focal Passages: Luke 1:26-45; Isaiah 9:6,7
Discuss:
Christmas is a Reminder that Christ Reigns
- Christianity is different from all other religions. What are the reasons given in Luke 1:32 and 33?
- Many prophecies were given foretelling the coming of a Messiah who would reign for eternity. Read Isaiah 9:6,7. How does this impact how you live today?
Christmas is a Reminder of His Power
- Jesus did not leave His power in heaven when He came to earth, but was fully God, and fully man. What was His first miracle?
- What are some reasons that Mary and Joseph never doubted that Jesus is the Son of God?
- What does verse 37 tell you? What does “nothing” mean? What is a “nothing” in your life that you feel it is impossible for Him to fix? (How much do you pray about it?)
Christmas is a Reminder of God’s Plan
- In verses 38 and 45, why does scripture say that Mary was blessed?
- Can anyone list a promise that God has given in His word? Do you believe them? As you can see, belief brings blessings!
- What is the promise for you in Jeremiah 29:11? How do your actions show that you believe that?
Close:
The Christmas season reveals our hearts like no other time of the year. It is easy for our thoughts to be centered on decorations, cards, and gifts, but we need to lay open our desires, and look at them through the eyes of God: do we have a “give me” attitude, or are we examining our lives to see that we are fulfilling the purpose He had for us when He gave us the free gift of salvation? Do we allow Him to always reign supreme, believing His promises and not doubting His ability to handle anything that happens to us? Are we using this time to bless others as He has blessed us? Talk for a few minutes before prayer about the multitude of opportunities that exist to give of yourself to your neighbors and your community (or even your world). Be aware that even in the church body Christmas can be a time of sorrow for those who are alone, or have lost a loved one, and ministry occasions abound, in turn, possibly opening doors for us to tell the “greatest story ever told” to a lost and dying world. Above all, pray that your walk with Christ is deeper than it was last year at this time.
Memory Verse: Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Focal Passages: Luke 1:26-45, Isaiah 9:6-7.
Some of God’s Promises:
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Heb. 13:5b
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Rev. 21:4.