Hope has a name. Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection we are offered a hope that will never disappoint us. It is a hope that transcends the promise and pressures that can surround us in life: debt, addiction, relationship breakdown, work and marriage. As we understand that He has tailored a plan for each one of us, and that even our suffering has a purpose, our lives are filled with God’s hope.
Discover
Read Romans 5:1-5. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?
Discuss
1. Read Romans 5:3-4. Suffering builds character. Character develops hope. Discuss
2. Read Matthew 22:13. This is a picture of the opposite of the life God offers us. What does the kind of life God picture for us look like?
3. How do you find a way up and out of what can look like “hopeless situations”?
4. Talk about some of the ways God tries to get our attention.
5. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Discuss.
6. We are unextraordinary people who God makes extraordinary. Discuss what this means for you.
Respond
We are all created to be “hope carriers”. We carry the life, light and hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Who can you bring hope to this week? Share their name together with the group and pray for them and for the opportunity to share.