Leaving a Legacy of Hope
Leaving a Lasting Legacy - Part 3
November 13-17, 2006

[God] commanded our ancestors to teach [his word] to their children, so the next generation might know them... and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God...

Psalm 78:5-7 NLT

There is abundant evidence that hope brings healing to your body, your mind, your heart, and your soul. Doctors have even discovered that hope makes your immune systems function better. Do you want to be hopeful? God offers it to you in His Word. In fact, the book of Romans gives you eight reasons for hope - reasons available to all who follow Christ. When you discover these truths, you will find it's impossible to be hopeless.

8 REASONS FOR HOPE - Because I trust Jesus, there is...

MONDAY

1. NO CONDEMNATION: I'M FORGIVEN!
[Your Objective: Understand the importance of forgiveness in the life of a Christian.]

Read Romans 8:1. For whom is there no condemnation?

  • Describe what a life with no condemnation looks like.
  • How can the knowledge of forgiveness transfer to a Christian's daily life?

Fellowship (Membership) - As a member of the body of Christ, God expects you to be like Christ. Jesus said in John 12:47b, "For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it" (NIV). Why do you sometimes tend to expect perfection in others? How can you learn to extend God's grace instead of judgment? Ask God to show you where you might be judging others harshly and for an opportunity to invite God's grace into that situation.

2. NO DOMINATION: I'M SET FREE.
[Your Objective: Realize that Christ can set you free from guilt, shame, disappointment, and resentment.]

In Romans 8:2 what sets you free from the law of sin and death?

According to Romans 8:3, what does God's plan do for you that Moses' law could not?

  • How did God use Moses' law to prepare you for salvation?

What pleases God, according to Romans 8:5-6?

  • What does your thinking have to do with pleasing God?

Discipleship (Maturity) - As you grow in Christ, He changes your thinking. What is something in yourself you think you can never change. Write down the need and pray for about it, asking God for grace and strength to mature in that area.

TUESDAY

3. NO TERMINATION: I'LL LIVE FOREVER!
[Your Objective: Recognize that as a Christian this life is not all there is.]

According to Romans 8:11, what did the Spirit of God do for Christ that He also promises you?

What does Romans 8:24 say about hope?

  • Why are some people afraid of death?
  • How does hope in Christ take away that fear?

Evangelism (Mission) - Once you have the hope of eternal life in Christ, it's hard to hold it in. The natural response of the forgiven heart is to tell others. Think of one person you ache to share Christ with. Pray for an opportunity of getting through to him or her.

4. NO LIMITATION: I'LL SHARE GOD'S GLORY.
[Your Objective: Grasp the fact that your fellowship with Christ involves sharing in both His glory and His suffering.

As a child of God, what does God give you in Romans 8:16-17a?

  • Why is it important to understand what you have in Christ?

Read Romans 8:17b-18. What two things do you share with Christ?

  • Knowing nothing can compare to God's glory, how should you approach difficult times?

Fellowship (Membership) - Describe a time when a fellow believer was there to support you through tough times. How does knowing what you have in Christ help you encourage someone else?

WEDNESDAY

5. NO MISCALCULATION: I HAVE A PURPOSE!
[Your Objective: Realize all things have a purpose.]

In Romans 8:28, for whom will all things work to good?

How did God choose to form his people, in Romans 8:29?

Who will pray for you when you don't know how to pray, according to Romans 8:26?

  • How does God use even your mistakes for His purposes?
  • What would life be like if God didn't have a specific purpose for each of His children?

Ministry - Describe a time in your life when God used you to serve others in the church. How might you pass on this sense of purpose to the next generation? How will you help the next generation discover God's purposes in their lives? Commit to carrying out these ideas.

6. NO INTIMIDATION: I NEVER NEED TO FEAR!
[Your Objective: Discover how God puts fear in its place.]

According to Romans 8:31, who will be against you if God is for you?

Read Romans 8:33. Who can accuse the people God has chosen?

What makes you able to conquer these things, according to Romans 8:37?

  • There are amazing stories of Christians overcoming physical and emotional perils in the world today. They faced these events without fear, trusting God. What kinds of lessons can you learn from these stories?
  • Although God is for them, many Christians still have fears. Why do you think those fears still exist? How can you overcome your fears?

Discipleship (Maturity) - As you grow in Christ, you develop Christ-like attributes such as love, joy and peace. What is your greatest fear? What are some practical steps you can take to place God in the middle of that fear?

THURSDAY

7. NO DEPRIVATION: I NEVER NEED TO WORRY!
[Group Objective: Rejoice that God has already taken care of all your needs.]

According to Romans 8:32, what has God already given you? Of what future provision does that gift assure you?

  • What things do you usually worry about?
  • What logical conclusion can you make from the truth you just read, and how should that set you free from worry?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Learning to trust God is a gradual process. You get better at it as you grow in Christ and see Him show up for you over and over again. When you worry, what are you really saying about God?

8. NO SEPARATION: I'LL ALWAYS BE LOVED!
[Your Objective: Become aware of God's love.]

Nothing can ever separate you from God's love. According to Romans 8:38-39, what are some of the "things" that can't separate you from God?

  • In what ways are you aware of God's love for you?
  • When a believer feels distant from God, how can he or she regain the intimacy they once felt?

Worship (Magnification) - Worshiping God often results in a feeling of being wrapped in His love. Recall a time when you experienced that feeling. What are some strategies to remember God's love throughout each day and how can you pass strategies along to the next generation?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Recognize that God's message of hope carries a responsibility to light hope in others.]

What are we to do with this hope God has so freely provided? God expects us to:

Live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for suchwonderful blessings as these.

Ephesians 4:1(LB)

One practical step you can take is to decide you'll make a difference in this world. Pray for opportunities this week to pass on God's message of hope. What are some areas of church ministry that you communicate God's hope to the next generation? Consider investing in youth ministry, teaching a Sunday school class, or another activity.