Week 4 - Love
Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12
Study: Love is one of the most profound aspects of human experience, yet its depth and meaning are often misunderstood. The English language falls short in expressing the rich varieties and degrees of love. While we may say we love a favorite pair of boots, a spouse, or a cherished friend, these are expressions of different degrees of affection. However, they are only reflections of a far greater love—the love of God.
God’s love, as described in 1 John 4:7-12, is not something that originates within us or is based on our actions. It is a love that is freely given, unconditional, and transformative. This divine love is not contingent on our worthiness or performance; rather, it is rooted in God’s very nature—"God is love" (v. 8).
The arrival of Jesus, as celebrated in the Advent season, is the ultimate demonstration of God's love. Luke 2:8-14 reminds us of the angels proclaiming peace and good news to shepherds, an act that signifies God's love reaching down to humanity. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are invited to experience and express this love in our lives.
As we abide in God's love, it transforms us, enabling us to love others with a love that mirrors His: sacrificial, boundless, and full of grace. This Advent season, let us reflect on God's perfect love and seek to live as conduits of His love to the world around us.
Discussion Questions:
Reflecting on Love
In 1 John 4:7-12, what stands out to you about the nature of God’s love?
How does the Advent story in Luke 2:8-14 reveal God’s love for humanity?
Comparing Love
How does God’s love differ from the love we experience or express in our daily lives?
In what ways have you seen or experienced secular love versus the love that comes from God?
Living Out Love
How does abiding in God’s love challenge or change the way you love others?
What practical steps can you take this week to reflect God’s love to those around you?
Deepening Understanding
Are there areas in your life where you’ve struggled to accept or believe in God’s unconditional love?
How might meditating on God’s love (as seen in the gift of Jesus) bring transformation to your relationships and outlook?
Prayer Focus
Thank God for His boundless and unconditional love.
Ask for a deeper understanding and experience of His love in your life.
Pray for the ability to reflect His love to others, especially during this Advent season.
Week 3 - Joy
Scripture:
Luke 2:10-11: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Study:
The question, “Do I have joy?” forces us to examine how we define and pursue joy. Scripture reveals that joy is not rooted in circumstances, feelings, or achievements but in our faith and relationship with God. Joy is a byproduct of trusting in Jesus, knowing His character, and treasuring Him above all else.
Joy is tied to the good news of Christ. When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, they were told to “fear not” but instead “behold”—to fix their eyes on the Savior. Similarly, we are called to behold and believe in Christ, allowing Him to transform our understanding of joy.
True joy flows from faith in the promises of God—past, present, and future. We see this in Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Though He endured the cross, His joy was anchored in obedience to the Father and the eternal victory it secured. This shows us that joy is eternal and indestructible when its foundation is Christ.
Our faith in Jesus produces joy even amidst trials because it is rooted in the assurance of His love, His presence, and His promises. While happiness is fleeting and circumstantial, joy remains because Jesus is alive and unchanging.
Discussion Questions:
What is your definition of joy? How does it align with or differ from the Bible’s perspective?
How has focusing on feelings or circumstances affected your experience of joy in the past?
What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from worldly measures of joy to faith in Christ?
How does the truth that “Jesus is alive, so our joy is alive” encourage you in times of trial or suffering?
Who in your life needs to see the joy of Christ reflected in you? How can you share this joy with them?
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the source of true joy. Help us to behold and believe in You, trusting Your promises and treasuring Your presence above all else. In times of trial, remind us that our joy is eternal because You are eternal. Transform our hearts and lives so that we reflect Your joy to the world. Amen.
Week 2 - Peace
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2,6 ²The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ⁶For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Study:
Advent is a time to reflect on the peace Jesus brings. In a world filled with turmoil, we often seek peace through our efforts—whether in escapism, productivity, or control. Yet, these pursuits are temporary and fragile. True peace cannot come from ourselves but is a gift from God through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
When Jesus came into the world, He offered a peace that is permanent, durable, and continuous. As John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you."
This peace is not just a feeling but reconciliation with God. Without Christ, we are in spiritual darkness, unable to navigate the complexities of life or eternity. But the light of Christ shines in the darkness, offering us hope and the chance to become children of God (John 1:12). As we reflect on this peace during Advent, let’s ask ourselves if we are truly relying on Jesus for our peace or turning to substitutes that will eventually fail.
Discussion Questions:
What are some ways you’ve tried to find peace in your life? How do they compare to the peace Jesus offers?
How does knowing Jesus as the Prince of Peace change your perspective on difficult circumstances?
What steps can you take this week to focus more on the eternal peace Christ provides rather than temporary solutions?
Week 1 - Hope
Scripture:
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Study:
Hope is a natural characteristic of humanity; it was placed inside of us at creation. We are hope-filled creatures made in the image of the 'God of hope.' The history of hope can be traced through the biblical text, coming to a climax in the man, Jesus. Every bit of hope humanity has ever had—the hope of being restored to God, the hope of freedom, the hope of experiencing God, His glory, presence, and blessing—is all fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The world was changed through the first advent that we celebrate today, when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, and we await the fulfillment of this hope at the second advent when Christ comes again.
While hope has been scattered, watered down, and lost in our world today, it is the church that should define for the world around us what true hope is. Through the way we live our lives, those without hope should eagerly desire what is given to us through a relationship with Christ. Our hope should be contagious.
Discussion Questions:
1) What has God done to increase your hope?
2) In the face of personal struggles or doubts, how can we remind ourselves that our hope is anchored in God and not in circumstances?
3) How can our hope be on display, or shared with those who have little or no hope?