Summer Playlist Week #3

Recap: The song of the week in our series Summer Playlist is “Anchor” by Skillet. The lyrics to this song are rooted in Hebrews 6:18-19.  We discovered the greatest promise we hold onto is the promise of the HOPE we have in Jesus. This hope carries three critical things in the life of a believer… Confidence, Security, and Closeness to God. What stood out the most to you as we considered biblical HOPE?

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Samuel 17

Icebreaker: What is your favorite summertime food or dessert?

Focus Questions

  1. Have you ever had someone break a promise that they made to you? How does that affect promises other people make to you? Does it affect how you view God’s promises to you?
  2. What promise(s) of God have you been waiting on for a long time?
  3. Read Hebrews 6:13-20. To whom did God make a promise in verse 13? By whom did God make a promise in verse 13? What was the promise God made in verse 14? According to verse 15, what did Abraham have to do to get what God wanted to give him? Using verses 17 and 18, what are the two “unchangeable” (immutable) things in which it is impossible for God to lie?”
  4. Read Matthew 11:28-30. In the beginning of verse 28,  Jesus says “Come to me.” He didn’t offer an invitation to come to his miracles or teachings. The invitation was to come to Him. How is a personal relationship with Jesus important when dealing with disappointment and stress? Why is just knowing about Christ not enough? What is the difference between weary and heavy-laden? Describe a time you felt this way.
  5. Take the time to read through the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, paying special attention to verse 48. David ran full-out toward Goliath with total confidence because he knew it was God who called him to this task. Have you ever experienced a supernatural confidence that you knew had to come from something greater than yourself? How can supernatural confidence be built in you?
  6. The main reason a ship needs an anchor is so that it does not get blown off course or crash into nearby rocks. Even in the harbor, ships use anchors so they don’t drift, hit something, and sink. We, too, need an anchor so we don’t sink. Make a list of all the things that make you feel safe and secure. (e.g., having a retirement account, locking the doors at night, having the cupboards filled with food for the week, knowing my paycheck is deposited every Friday.) Many people feel secure by accumulating money or possessions, forgetting that these can be lost in a moment. Whether in the storms of life or in the harbor during the calm times of life, we all need an anchor for our souls so that we do not destroy our lives. What can you do to ensure your anchor is God Himself instead of earthly things? Could you give up your earthly anchors?
  7. Each of us knows many, many people. Family, co-workers, neighbors, community members – but we are closer to some than others. What are some characteristics of your closest relationships that differ from acquaintances? Who are you the closest to? Make a list of things you do to enrich closeness with that person and ensure you don’t drift apart? (e.g., celebrate their accomplishments and birthdays, regular one-on-one time, confiding in them, listening to them, asking questions to learn more about them, doing things together they enjoy, etc.)Look over the list you made. How does this compare to what you do to enrich closeness with God and ensure you don’t drift away? What do you need to work on to show God you want to be closer to Him and make Him a priority in your life?

Send Out Question: What is one thing you will do this week to improve your supernatural confidence, supernatural security (anchor), or supernatural closeness with Christ?