December 1-2, 2001 Bible Study

DEEPER IMPACT
A study sheet for further exploration
December 1-2, 2001

Great Expectations: Do You See What I See?
Luke 1:5-24

Share a time when you found yourself to be speechless

Read the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:5-24 and 57-80. Now focus on verses 5-24.

How would you describe Zechariah and Elizabeth?
In what ways do you feel spiritually barren?
How is John the Baptist's mission a model for you today?

Living with lowered expectations...

What do you think Zechariah was thinking as he did his duty at the temple?
Why did Zechariah doubt? What causes you to doubt?
What was the result of Zechariah's doubt? What results do you see in your own life?
How has your voice been silenced?

The key to a fruitful life is not living by what we picture or expect for ourselves but grabbing hold of what God wants to do through us.

How can you elevate your thinking above what you see?
What was the significance of Zechariah's 9 months of silence? Paul's 3 years in the desert? (see Galatians 1:18)
How has God changed you during times when you have waited on him?

Read Luke 18:27, Mark 9:23, and Hebrews 11:1. How does this help you embrace God's big picture for you?

In the same way that God used the parents of John the Baptist to "prepare the way" for Jesus, what are you doing to "prepare the way" for generations to come?

Have each person in your group share in what ways they are beginning to see what God has in store for him or her. In what areas are they experiencing doubt? Have group members share what possibilities they see for each person. Share together what God could have in store for you as a group. Pray as a group that you will be able to believe and not be silenced about God's possibilities.