LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
70 years ago, on May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay ascended to the peak of Mt. Everest. Others had tried and failed, but through the lessons learned by others and by using their own experiences, the pair finally succeeded. Hillary was an unlikely hero. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, he was a beekeeper by trade. He had developed a love for “tramping,” or long-distance hiking, when he was 16, and often told others that his goal in life was to see the world.

Hillary never anticipated the fame and fortune that would come with conquering Mt. Everest. When asked later about his experiences at the peak, Hillary replied, “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” As he continued his explorations of other Himalayan Peaks with the Sherpas, he saw the need to help the people of that region. His philanthropic efforts helped improve the lives of the Sherpa people by providing them with schools, hospitals, bridges, water pipelines and more. Through his journey to the summit, Hillary understood that there was so much more to the view if only he could push through the doubts and difficulties and move out of his comfort zone. Christ desires the same from us! This week, we will go with Paul to the mountaintop view, and see the valley below from His viewpoint!

Passages we’ll review:
Ephesians 1:18-22; Isaiah 40:10-11, 25-31

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

What is your favorite comfort object? Why does it bring you so much comfort?

READ

Read Ephesians 1:18-19

The Christians in Ephesus during Paul’s time found themselves in a world much like ours today. Ephesus was a great city, the second most populated in the Roman world, and the center of trade for its region as a great port city. It was known for its marble streets, grand amphitheater, huge library, and prosperous artisan trades; a place where religion and politics merged together. As a result, the Ephesian Christians faced many distractions and false teachings.

What did Paul pray for the Ephesian Christians in his prayer? Why did he pray for these things?

If we have what Paul prays for, how would it change the way we live our lives? How would it change our values? How would we see the world differently? How would we respond to trials?

Read Ephesians 1:20-22

How was God’s power exhibited in Christ? Why do we need to be reminded of this?

What does Christ have power over? What does that mean for us?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Isaiah 40:10-11 and 40: 25-31

The first 39 chapters of Isaiah reveal God’s judgment of His people. They had a long, difficult journey ahead of them, but chapter 40 begins the passage of hope that God offered to them. What hope are we given in verses 10 and 11?

When are you likely to forget that God is the Creator and ruler of all things? How can you remind yourself that God is Creator and ruler of all?

God uses the starry night sky as an example to remind us of His power. How can this encourage us?

How does God strengthen those who have faith in Him?

What most encourages you to trust in the Lord from these verses? Why?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. It is not enough for us to simply hear the word of God. We need to understand who He is and what He has done for us in Christ. What is one area of your life that you want to grow in trusting God and His power? Pray that God will deepen your understanding of Him as you seek to know Him more.
   

2. Our mission in life is to declare God’s holiness and glory to the world around us. What is your testimony? How have you seen His glory at work around you? Do you bring glory to Him in everything you do?
   

3. In a world that is without hope, how can we share the hope that we have with others? Look for opportunities this week to share that hope with those who are hopeless.