An advent of hope for today

Study Guide

The following may help you reflect further on the message
(the points could also be used as a discussion guide at fellowship groups)

1. Is it important for churches to make use of the advent theme in the build up to Christmas? Does this not make too much of the event… and isn’t it too early in November?
2. How do you understand the idea of hope as an advent theme? See for example Romans 15:4, Colossians 1:27, Titus 2:12-13, and 1 John 3:3.
3. How can the three imperatives in Romans 12:12 help us prepare for the advent season? How can we bring this message to those who do not know the Christ of Christmas?
4. In the midst of our struggles today, how is it possible to rejoice in hope? How does the rejoicing at the birth of Christ help us do this? See Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 2:10.
5. 1 Peter 1:3-6 was written to Christians who were undergoing persecution. How can this help us today?
6. How can Philippians 3:20-21 help us in our daily struggles? In this context, what does it mean to be patient in affliction (Romans 12:12)?
7. Discuss the following: “We are not to escape affliction, but should rather learn the lessons it was sent to teach.” Romans 5:3-5 may help in your discussion. In this context, what did Jesus mean in Matthew 10:22 when he said, “Those who endure to the end will be saved.”?
8. How do you understand James 1:12 and how does this relate to Hebrews12:2-3?
9. What does it mean to be faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12)? How can we practice the kind of prayer in Acts 1:14 and Acts 2:42? See also Colossians 4:2.