Sunday, December 11
th, 2016
Advent: Week 2
We encourage you to use The Park’s Advent guides with your Missional Community Group as we have added a section specifically for group meeting.
As you read and study together, make sure to work hard at hearing from everyone that has gathered together. Pray for one another and be accountable to applying the word of God to your lives.
In Luke 2, we garner a beautiful picture of God’s blessing to faithfulness. Simeon, a righteous and pious man, was praying for the consolation of Israel. He received a revelation from the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah. The text doesn’t indicate how old or how long Simeon had been praying this prayer, just that he was faithful in his ways. Once Simeon saw Christ and the revelation was fulfilled, he gave praise to the Lord through a song for His faithfulness to His promises. Faithfulness was rewarded with faithfulness-a wonderful picture of covenant fidelity.
Questions for this week:
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What area of your life has God called you to be faithful in this season? How is that going? How does it aid you to know that God rewards those who are faithful to Him? What are some ways that your missional community group can encourage you in your faithfulness this season?
- Simeon had received word that he would see the messiah before he died, and when he saw baby Jesus, he knew that was the fulfillment of what was promised to him, even if it may not have been what he expected. How have you seen God work in your life in a way that wasn’t what you expected, but that was a promise fulfilled?
- The promise made to Simeon was at a time where the spirit of God had been silent. What does it look like for you to wait in expectation of God in the midst of uncertainty?
- Anna was a faithful woman who continually gave thanks to God and shared the word of Jesus “to all who were waiting for the redemption of Israel.” This Christmas season, are you living a life of thanksgiving and joy in a way that you share the Good News of Jesus with those who are in need of redemption? If not, what’s holding you back? How are you loving and engaging the poor in spirit in this season of Advent?
- How would the visiting of the Shepherds and the song from Simeon be an encouragement to Mary? Would it be a relief to her that God is moving through others and showing them that her son actually is the Son of the Most High? Has there been a time when the Holy Spirit moved through you to encourage one another? Has there been a time when someone was used by the Holy Spirit to encourage you?
- Simeon was said to be righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit moved him. How can we become more righteous and devout in our lives so that we can also be used by the Spirit?