Making Room When Jesus Knocks For Hope

Advent is the ultimate example of God Knocking.

Is HOPE more than wishful thinking?

• Words for HOPE:
  • TIKVAH (Hebrew): expecting, bind by twisting together, securely.

  • ELPIS (Greek): something is going to happen.

The is key.

For the believer, HOPE is more than wishful thinking because:

• It is on fulfillment of God’s promises.

| 2 Corinthians 1:20 |

• It is in salvation

| Romans 5:1-2 |

• It is by the Holy Spirit.

| Romans 8:16 |

• It is to resurrection/eternal life.

| 1 Peter 1:3 |

Our HOPE is what the world desperately needs!

Here’s your action step for making room:

• the .

• Someone to your home.

| Isaiah 9:2-6 | Luke 2:25-32 | Hebrews 6:19, 11:1 | Romans 8:24-26 | John 14:19 | 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 | Psalm 33:4 | John 3:16 |

 

---

 

Small Group Questions

Reminder that this the final week of Small Group questions.

Celebrate the end of Small Groups the week of December 8th.

What Do You Think?

Have someone quickly re-read the fill-ins from Sunday’s message. Then share what particular point(s) stood out to you, challenged you, or raised a question for you.

The Story of Your Life.

1. Speaking of Hope, what are you most looking forward to this Christmas season?

2. This Christmas series encourages us to take action steps each week to practice what is being preached. This week’s action step is to invite someone into your home to share hospitality and hope. Can you share a time when someone’s hospitality made you feel truly welcomed? What impact did it have on you?

Digging Deeper.

1. Abraham hoped against all odds, trusting God’s promise for a son even when it seemed impossible. Read Genesis 15:1-6 when the promise was given, and then read Genesis 21:1-7 when the promise was fulfilled.

a. Have a few members recap the story in their own words.

b. How does Abraham’s hope in God’s promise inspire you to trust Him in situations that seem hopeless?

c. What does this passage tell us about God? People and yourself?

2. 1 Kings 18:41-46 exemplifies praying with expectation. After a long drought, Elijah prayed persistently for rain, expecting God’s to come through even when no change was visible at first. Read it together and answer the following prompts.

a. Have a few members recap the story in their own words.

b. How does his example encourage you to remain expectant in prayer, especially when answers seem delayed?

c. What does this passage tell us about God? People and yourself?

3. Pastor Willie emphasized that “Our HOPE is what the world desperately needs!” Read the following verses out loud one at a time. Then share as many insights as possible on Hope.

a. Romans 15:13.

b. Isaiah 9:6.

c. Hebrews 10:23.

d. Romans 8:24-25.

e. 1 Peter 1:3.

f. Psalm 33:18-22.

g. Lamentations 3:21-23.

Personal Reflection and Application.

1. Have everyone share one thing someone else shared in this discussion that struck a chord with you.

2. Pray for one another (preferably men with men and women with women).