July 21-27, 2019

Take about 45 minutes during your missional community gathering to discuss what God is teaching you and how he is leading you in light of the weekend sermon.

Connecting:

1. Was there anything in your life that immediately came to mind when you heard the sermon this past weekend?
2. What are some of your expectations you have towards your job, car, home situation, retirement, and health?
3. What are some exceptions you have for the way people treat each other in the work place, marriage, sibling relationships, lifelong friendships, and on the public train or bus?
4. What have been some of your reactions in the past when these expectations are not met?

Application: When we are paralyzed by our expectations the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

1. Read Romans 8: 18-30. In what ways do the failed expectations we mentioned earlier point us to our need for God?
2. Have you ever considered that your expectations for more might be a hunger for the reality that is to come?
3. How do you know that these expectations are from the Holy Spirit verses being selfish and possibly sinful? How would you explain the difference to someone?
4. Read Romans 8:26-27 again. Has there ever been a time when you were wrestling over your expectations and disappointments in this life and you could tell that the Holy Spirit was interceding on your behalf and working within you? Could you tell in the way that you were praying?
5. In what ways did this free you from your expectations and give you peace?

Application: Your own fears, failures, or expectations are going to be useful seasons for God to prove His inseparable love in you and through you.

1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-6. What are some of the expectations you have of God while you are here on earth?
2. How can focusing on these expectations instead of your expectations of the world produce in you endurance?
3. What role does participating in this journey on earth with other believers play in the way you form your expectations of this life?
4. What would you say to a Christian who is struggling with their expectations of this life and who are pessimistic about a faith family’s ability to help? Is there any part of your testimony that would be helpful?
5. How could you use the failed expectations a nonbeliever has of the world as a way of sharing Christ?