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NEW: Online Group Plan for Session 6
Date: July 12, 2020
The Culmination of Our Hope
The Point: What we hope for in Christ will one day be fully attained.
Get Into the Study
Use the following as you introduce the session.
The Eiffel Tower will re-open to tourists on June 25th after a three-month closure due to COVID-19 restrictions—the longest closure since World War II. There is a catch, though. Elevators will continue to be off limits. Anyone wishing to visit the tower will have to take the stairs. Will a journey to the landmark be worth the effort when access is only available to the second level? Will tourists consider the view worth the trek up 674 steps?
When faced with an opportunity, we often wonder if the risk is worth the return. Or if the result will be worth the effort. Unfortunately, outcomes are often difficult to predict, and little in life is guaranteed. However, we can be assured that what we hope for in Christ will be fully attained. This life’s journey with its sacrifices, trials, and suffering will all be worth it when we finally experience the culmination of our hope—eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Ask: “When has a destination been well worth the journey?”
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Get Into the Study [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, prepare to show a video clip of some “overrated” destinations . Then ask Question #1 .
Study the Bible [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, review some prayer resources from the International Mission Board (IMB) so that you can equip your group with tools for praying for the church in areas of the world that are difficult to reach and where believers are often persecuted.
Live It Out
Use the following as you conclude the session.
On June 8th, New York City entered Phase 1 of reopening exactly 100 days after its first reported case of COVID-19. Depending on your perspective, 100 days of quarantine may have felt like forever, or it may have seemed more like a temporary blip. In part, this perspective depends on what you experienced during quarantine. Did you lose freedom, recreation, and access to restaurants? Did you lose income or a job? Did you lose health or the life of a loved one? But there is more to perspective than experience. As Christians, our perspective is shaped by our view of eternity. We have the sure hope of an eternal future in the kingdom of God. When we look to this future, we know that all suffering is temporary, even the suffering of death.
Ask: “How will hope in eternity shape your response to the on-going trials and suffering of COVID-19?”
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Live It Out [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a video from Open Doors, highlighting certain countries where the church is persecuted. Lead the group in prayer for these persecuted believers, that they may have the strength to endure in a way that brings glory to God.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When did you achieve something that took a lot of time and effort?
- When have you been excited in anticipation of something?
- What experience on your “bucket list” is the least likely to happen?
1 Peter 5:5b-7
- When has God strengthened you and supported you in a time of pain?
- In what ways have you experienced strength and support from God?
- How does your hope for eternity influence your everyday life?
1 Peter 5:8-9
- What role can our group play in foiling the devil’s work in our lives?
- How can believers stay sober-minded and alert to the devil’s attacks?
- In what ways is Satan like a roaring lion?
1 Peter 5:10-11
- In what ways have you experienced God’s grace?
- How can we keep our focus on eternity without ignoring the present?
- When have you received God’s gracious restoration?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – Midnight
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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