2023-12-Web-GV

JESUS IS OUR SURE HOPE, WAIT FOR HIM

DECEMBER 17, 2023

Worship

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Prepare the Way of the Lord, Hark the Herald / King of Heaven, Living Hope, I Speak Jesus, King of Kings

Welcome

What are the things you usually wait for during Christmas season?

Word

LUKE 2:25-38

(ALSO READ VERSES 21-24 FOR CONTEXT)

25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s [j]Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, [k]to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT [l]OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and [m]rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”36 And there was a prophetess, [n]Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in [o] years and had lived with her husband seven years after her [p]marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very [q]moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

POINT IT OUT!

INTRO

(Romans 15:13, Luke 2:21-24, Matthew 5:17-18, Galatians 4:4, Luke 2:24, 2 Corinthians 8:9)

I. Wait with HOPEFUL ANTICIPATION

(Luke 2:25-35, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 49:6)

II. Wait with JOYFUL PERSEVERANCE

(James 1:2-4, Job 19:25-26, Hebrews 12:2)

III. Wait with GRATEFUL SERVICE

(Luke 2:36-38)

PARAPHRASE IT!

Restate the verse in your own words.

TALK ABOUT IT!

  • What did you like about these verses?
  • What did you learn about God?
  • What did you learn about People?
  • What did you learn about waiting for Jesus, our SURE HOPE?
  • What did you learn about following Jesus?
Works

APPLY IT!

Based on this lesson on “JESUS IS OUR SURE HOPE, WAIT ON HIM”, write down your action point to apply what you learned. Make it your “I Will…” statement and follow the S.M.A.R.T guideline to come up with a do-able action point.

 

Simple

Measurable

Appropriate

Realistic

Time-bound

“I Will _____________________________”

SHARE IT!

Who will you share these truths to this week?

PRAY CARE SHARE IN ACTION

Pray for your family, loved ones and others you encounter to discover Jesus, our sure hope this Christmas season. Beyond material gifts, share about the real meaning of the holiday to as many you can reach as you let the Holy Spirit guide and empower you!

WEEKLY PRAYER POINTS

I. Thanksgiving

• Worship God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do in our lives.

II. Country and the World

• Upright and moral governance of public servants; repentance and salvation for government leaders and citizens for a Christ-centered Philippines.

• God’s help and comfort, salvation for Israel, wisdom for their leaders in government, military and their soldiers as they defend themselves against terrorists’ attacks

• PRAISE GOD for the release of hostages so far! Continue to pray for the release of the remaining ones.

• War in Ukraine to end, loss of lives prevented; conflict in African, East Asian and Middle East countries to stop.

III. Church

• CCFers would honor and love God and make disciples.

• Elders, pastors, dleaders, and families (holy, humble, harmonious, happy, heart-working).

• Ministries and churches expansion worldwide.

IV. CCF Facilities

• Worship and Training Center

• Prayer Mountain

V. Personal Concerns

• Deeper intimate relationship with God.

• Righteous living.

• Salvation of family and friends.

Memory verse

LUKE 2:29-32

29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

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