A Thrill of Hope: Unexpected Hope
Luke 1:26-38 | Ryan Falls
I. Let hope surprise you
a. Biblical Hope grows as we change the horizon from our plan to God’s
i. The personal horizon – the invitation of Grace/being seen by God
ii. The punctiliar horizon – All true hope is predicated on Jesus
iii. The cosmic horizon – History isn’t shaped by humans, but God
II. Struggle with hope
a. Making its way from our head to heart through a wrestling with:
i. Grief
ii. Disruption
iii. God’s goodness
III. Surrender to hope
a. Surrender: Let go of your hope and embrace God’s
b. Steps to surrender
i. Count the cost
ii. Consider the commitment
iii. Trust the plan and the process
Questions for Discussion
- What were your hopes for 2020 on December 31, 2019?
- Do you have hope right now?
- What makes biblical hope unique?
- Put yourself in Mary’s sandals. What would your reaction have been? How should that relate to your life as a follower of Jesus?
- Why should we struggle with hope? How are you doing so right now?
- Have you surrendered to hope? What do the steps to surrender (counting the cost, considering the commitment, and trusting the process/plan) look like for you right now?
- What is your takeaway and application this week?