May 15, 2011
Good Work Wk 3: Hope
Posted by Michael
Learn:
Philippians 1:19-29
19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.
Main Idea:
Anyone who is going through a rough time would no doubt love to choose hope if they could. The problem is that despair can way down a person and make hope seem impossible. Hope is born out of a trust in something or someone you believe can deliver. It does no good to put hope in something that ultimately cannot fulfill. That is why our hope must be in the person of Jesus Christ. Every disappointment we face, every tragedy, every situation that seems hopeless brings an opportunity for growth. We can choose to put our hope in Christ rather than go down a road that may bring momentary comfort but will lead to regret in the long run.
Know What: The opposite of hope is not disappointment. It is despair.
So What: Hope in itself is not necessarily helpful. Hope in Jesus always is.
Now What: When tempted to despair, believe that God is and that He is good.
Discuss…
1. What is the world’s definition of hope? What is the biblical definition?
2. When faced with a difficult situation, is it easier for you to choose hope or despair? What does it look like when you choose despair?
3. What are some things (other than Jesus) that you have put your hope into in the past? What are some things (other than Jesus) that you may be tempted to put your hope into now?
4. How are hope and joy related? Is it possible to have one without the other? Does one depend on the other?
5. Look back on a time in your life where you had a major crisis. How did you react to it? Did you have your hope in circumstances (getting back with the guy/girl, getting the job, etc.) or in Jesus? What did you learn about hope during that time?
6. Do you believe that God is really good and can be trusted? If you believe it intellectually, do you also believe it “practically”? Is there any situation you are going through right now where it is tempting to choose despair? What would it look like for you to really trust God during this time?
Next Steps…
This week, whenever you are tempted to choose despair, ask God to remind you of who He is. Remember that He is good and can be trusted. Pray about what it would look like for you to live in that reality.
