Message Notes for December 8, 2019

Series: Surprise Guests

Week Two – Divine Purpose

Luke 1: 5-7

Remain faithful to God despite what blessings you see or don’t see.

Luke 1:8-10

You are chosen by God.  John 15:16

You are a priest before God. 1 Peter 2:9

Luke 1:11-17

God hears your prayers.

God has a purpose for your life to help prepare people to receive Jesus.

Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20

Luke 1:18-25

God is bigger than our obstacles.

Questioning God’s ability to accomplish great things, despite huge obstacles, does not stop God’s move.  It only removes our voice in it. 

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of December 8, 2019

Series: Surprise Guests

Week Two – Divine Purpose

• Who is the most interesting surprise guest you have had in the Christmas season?  What made them interesting?
• How have you surprised someone lately?  What did it take to plan the surprise?  How did it make him/her feel?
• Read Luke 1:5-25.  What unexpected surprises do you see in this passage? 
• How do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth felt, not being able to have children, yet remaining obedient to God? What would the community have thought?  Would you say you deserve more from your obedience to God, or less?  Explain!  How would you say God has blessed you despite your behavior?
• Zechariah was chosen out of 1000 priests by the casting of lots to go into the holy place of the temple and burn incense.  How do you think he would have felt having this honor?
• Being chosen to serve God was the privilege of a lifetime.  Read John 15:16. How privileged do you feel having been chosen to serve God?  How do you show that excitement and passion?
• Why do you think the Angel said that God had heard Zechariah’s prayers?  Do you feel God hears your prayers?  Why?  Why not?
• What was the purpose given to John?  How does that model our purpose in Matthew 28:18-20?
• What obstacles have you made bigger than God?   What happened to Zechariah for not believing God is bigger than his obstacles?  How does this happen to us?
• Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other.

The following are some passage reminders of God hearing our prayers.

Psalm 6:8-9, Psalm 18:6, 28:6, 31:22,  34:6,  34:17,  40:1,  55:17,  66:19, 116:1, 145:19, Proverbs 15:29