Expectation

Week 2: Expectation

While Jesus was on earth, He performed miracles and changed the life of those who encountered Him. In Hebrews 13:8, the Bible says that Jesus never changes, His character is the same now as it was then. When we live in expectation that Jesus is powerful enough to heal and wants to change lives, it will drive us to action!

Sermon Recap:

Expectation
1.) Expectation leads to Invitation
2.) Expectation leads to Preparation
3.) Expectation leads to Perspiration

The greater our unity the greater our impact!

We will Invite people to come be a part of what Jesus is doing
We will Prepare for Jesus to do what only He can
We will Perspire working to do what we know Jesus is calling us to do.

Connect

Is it easy for you to EXPECT God to move in a major way in your life and the life of your friends and family? Why or Why not?

Discussion questions:

1) When Jesus healed the paralyzed man, the Bible says that everyone who saw it was amazed and praised God. What is something God has done recently in your life that has amazed you?

Mark 2:12, John 21:25, 2 Samuel 22:2-51, Matthew 8:5-13.

Whether it is providing for us in generous ways, healing disease, or helping us overcome sin, God is always accomplishing more in our lives than we could ask for or imagine! He told us in His word that He is powerful, and that His power is working for our good. Despite His promise, our minds cannot fathom how much He plans to do in our lives on Earth and what He is preparing for us in heaven. A heart in awe of the goodness of God and full of affection for Him, is a heart that is less likely to stray from God.

2) Is there any person who is outside of Jesus's healing power? If not, how should that affect the way we interact with people?

Romans 5:17-19; John 11:32-44.

Jesus died for the sins of everyone who believes in Him; salvation is a free gift to those who believe. Throughout the Bible and throughout history, God has proven that He is able to heal physical ailments and even raise people from the dead. That means that the Lord is able to heal anyone of anything if it is His will.

3) Hebrews 13:8 says that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  What are some promises you see in Scripture that are still true for us today?

Philippians 4:19; John 6:47-50; Romans 8:1; Acts 2:38-39

According to 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  This is a great promise from the Lord about who He is and how He interacts with us.  This promise should not only comfort us to know that God is patient with us, but should also stir us into inviting, preparing, and perspiring for the sake of other people.

Leader's note:  This list of Scripture references is a very small sampling of the promises that can be found in the Bible.  Don't let the end of this list be the end of your discussion if you find that your group has a lot to contribute for this topic.

4) Last week Pastor Steven Furtick said that when we expect God to answer our prayers, sometimes we have to dig ditches to prepare for what He is going to do.  If you are expecting Jesus to save the person you are praying for, what ditches do you need to be digging this week to prepare for it?

Matthew 9:36; Philippians 2:3-8

There are many practical things that we can do as we ask and expect God to save the people we are praying for.  It's important to remember that people are people and not projects.  Some of the best ways we can reach out to people and dig little ditches is to serve them and invest time in them.  As we invest time in people, we will learn their story and hear of the needs they have.  Not only will that quality time help us serve them better, but it will also help us have compassion for them.  Jesus had compassion for the people He came to save, and we should share that same love for them.

Leader's note:  Also consider that some people must forgive the person they are praying for before they will be able to serve or invest time in them.  If we are asking the Lord to forgive them for their sins against Him, we must also be willing to forgive them for the things they may have done against us.

Take Away

This week lets be intentional about expecting Jesus to save people in our lives that need Him!! As a group share the name of one person you would like to invite to the Easter services, take the chance to pray for each other.