LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA

On Sunday, we heard about how Jesus was faithful to the Father’s will, and His faithfulness was a fountain of blessing for us. He submitted Himself to the Father’s will, dying to himself for the sake of the Father’s glory and for our good, and we are called to do the same. But how? It is not human nature to deny one’s own will to do the will of another, at least not in the selfless way we are called to. Let’s take a look at someone who was able to be faithful to God, even if imperfectly, by believing in God’s promises. Abraham was told that through his children all the nations of the Earth would be blessed, and for those of us here to discuss this, we are a part of those being blessed through God’s plan to grow Abraham’s family and to show us who He is. This was ultimately accomplished by the coming of Jesus, Abraham’s descendant.

Passages we’ll review:
Hebrews 11:8-19; Proverbs 3:5-6

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

READ

Read Hebrews 11:8-10

Abraham was called to leave behind his city, his family, and the part of the world he knew best in order to live in a tent in the wilderness. But he was called by God. This passage speaks about how Abraham lived in the land promised by God.

Why do you think it mentions that Abraham was living in tents like a foreigner in the promised land?

How do the promises of God enable us to live the way God has called us to?

Do you ever believe your plans for your life are better than God’s? Do you ever believe God is holding out on you? Discuss.

Logically, His plans have to be better than our own. He knows everything and He loves and cares about us. He has all the power to shape us, provide for us, and use our circumstances for our good. We can trust Him. He has no reason to lie to us or to distort the truth. He doesn’t need us - He is the Creator of the Universe - but He wants to bless us.

Of course, in life we have to make plans. God gave us a mind for a reason. It honors Him when we use our minds to bring glory to Him, namely in using the wisdom of His Word to guide our decisions. We should make plans that we believe will honor God and not plans that go against His designs. His purposes are good and He is not holding out on us. Plans made out of fear or selfishness will always create more problems than they will solve.

Read Hebrews 11:11-12

Abraham and his wife Sarah had been promised descendents by God, but as time wore on, they still had the promise but no child. Here it is revealed that, because of their faith, they received their son, Isaac, who became the father of Israel, the father of God’s people.

Have you ever had to hold onto a promise of God to get you through a hard time?

What of God’s promises do we have fulfilled for us now?

Read Hebrews 11:13-16

What promises do we have that will be fulfilled in the future?

What do you think about the promise of a better country, one with a city designed and built by God?

Read Hebrews 11:17-19

Why do you think God tested Abraham in this way? What does it demonstrate?

What is your understanding and experience of God’s faithfulness?

God keeps His promises, and one of the most repeated promises of the Bible is that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will also give you the power and strength to do His will by reminding you of His goodness, provision, and the glorious future He has planned for you.

If you have walked with God and have experienced His faithfulness, meditate on it and cherish it, and that will make it easier to talk to others about it! If you feel you haven’t experienced it, draw close to the Lord, talk to Him, walk with Him and you will see His goodness and faithfulness. If you truly seek Him out and walk with Him, I guarantee you will see His goodness.

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Proverbs 3:5-6

What does it mean to trust God? How is passive trust different from active trust?

Think of a time in your life when you had to rely solely on the Lord. Did you choose to trust Him? What emotions did you experience? How did God use this situation to increase your faith and grow your relationship with Him?

When are you more likely to rely on your own wisdom, experience, or knowledge instead of looking to God alone? Why?

Consider the following: The more confident you are in God, the more comfortable you are with His control. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Are there areas in your life where you need to strengthen your faith and trust in God?
   

2. What things do you need to surrender to God and not control on your own?
   

3. What step of faith is God calling you to take now?
   

4. What are you looking forward to in faith?