Lesson 1: Advent: The Need Scripture: Genesis 6: 5-8

December 3, 2023 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

This devotional, from Genesis 6, focuses on the sin of humanity and how it grieved the heart of the Lord to the point where he was sorry that he made man on the earth. The birth of Christ is ultimately rooted in grief in the heart of God.

Reflective questions for the class to discuss after the lesson is presented and discussed:

• What are some things that grieve your heart? Do the same things that grieve the heart of the Lord bring your heart sadness?

• Do you ever struggle to make your relationship with God personal? Would a more intimate relationship with God change the way you live?

• In what ways this week did you allow love of self to replace love for God? What was the outcome?

• In what ways this week did you die to self and act out of love for God? What was the outcome?

Lesson 2: Advent: The Promise Scripture: Isaiah 59: 1-21

December 10, 2023 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

This devotional, from Isaiah 59, focuses on the promise of a Redeemer. Isaiah 59 exposes our sin and leaves us hopeless on our own, but then points us to the source of hope, Jesus Christ.

Reflective questions for the class to discuss after the lesson is presented and discussed:

• Have you ever questioned the faithfulness of God? What circumstances caused you to doubt his character?

  
  

• Are you quick to blame your circumstances or relationships for your sin? Why do you point the finger and argue for your own righteousness?

• Name some things that your culture defines as hope? Why are these sources of hope flawed?

• What difficult circumstances or relationships are you facing right now? How is Jesus your source of hope in the midst of this difficulty?

Lesson 3: Advent: The Announcement

Scripture: Luke 2:14

December 17, 2023 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

This devotional, from Luke 2, focuses on the announcement of the birth of Christ. This announcement is a joyful hymn of celebration but also a definition of our biggest need and Christ’s mission on earth.

Reflective questions for the class to discuss after the lesson is presented and discussed:

• Are you struggling with familiarity? Is your brain and heart in a spiritual monotone? How can you slow down this Advent season and personalize your walk with Christ?

• Where do you see a Glory war raging in your heart and in your life? Why are you tempted to live more for the glory of self than the glory of God?

• Where are you struggling to find Peace with God, within yourself, and with others? How can you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart? (Colossians 3:15)

• Why is it difficult to admit that you have a Heart problem? Who, or what, are you blaming for your Glory and Peace problems?

Lesson 3: Advent: The Plan

Scripture: Isaiah 53:10

December 24, 2023 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

This devotional, from Luke 2, focuses on the announcement of the birth of Christ. This announcement is a joyful hymn of celebration but also a definition of our biggest need and Christ’s mission on earth.

Reflective questions for the class to discuss after the lesson is presented and discussed:

• Are you struggling with familiarity? Is your brain and heart in a spiritual monotone? How can you slow down this Advent season and personalize your walk with Christ?

• Where do you see a Glory war raging in your heart and in your life? Why are you tempted to live more for the glory of self than the glory of God?

• Where are you struggling to find Peace with God, within yourself, and with others? How can you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart? (Colossians 3:15)

• Why is it difficult to admit that you have a Heart problem? Who, or what, are you blaming for your Glory and Peace problems?

Lesson 4: Advent: The Announcement

Scripture: Luke 2:14

December 17, 2023 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

This devotional, from Luke 2, focuses on the announcement of the birth of Christ. This announcement is a joyful hymn of celebration but also a definition of our biggest need and Christ’s mission on earth.

Reflective questions for the class to discuss after the lesson is presented and discussed:

• What physical or emotional pleasures populate your Top 10 list? Are you at risk of turning any of these God-given pleasures into idols?

• Where do you see brokenness in your life or in your world? Are you ever tempted to look at this brokenness and question the love of God?

• Fill in the blank: “If only I had _______, then my life would be ________.” What are you defining as a need? Does the Bible name this as a need?

• Where is your heart struggling to find peace with God’s plan for your life? How can the Advent season serve as a reminder to help put your soul to rest?

In closing our Advent 2023, SAUMC Education Ministry has enjoyed your participation and remember--

”God knows what we actually need, and he will provide. This means we don’t have to be afraid of what the future holds or lose sleep at night playing out all the “what ifs” of life.

This Advent Season, if your heart is not at peace, and if you don’t have stability and security in your soul about what you’re facing, maybe you haven’t understood the full implications of Christmas.

Yes, your life will be confusing, and yes, your life will be difficult, but God never turns his back on you.” Paul David Tripp Ministries.