December 22-23, 2001 Bible Study

DEEPER IMPACT
A study sheet for further exploration
December 22-23, 2001

Priceless
Luke 1:67-80

How did (would) you announce the birth of your children?

Read Luke 1:57-80.

What is significant about the naming of Zechariah and Elizabeth's baby?
Have each person in your group share the meaning of their name. (Have a resource, such as a guide to naming babies, on hand to help.) Has the meaning of your name been reflected in your life experience? If so, how?
What does Zechariah do when he can finally speak? (v. 67)
What empowers him to do this?

Prophecy is proclaiming God's promised future.

What two things does Zechariah praise God for in verse 68?
Why is each important?
How do those two things impact how we can live our life moment by moment?
What does Zechariah have to say about his son? (v. 76-79)
What happens to John as a result? (v. 80)
Do you think Zechariah only said this about John one time or repeatedly throughout his life? How do you know?
Who are the people who have proclaimed God's promised future for you? How do you see the impact of that in your life?

In moments of feeling "crumpled", God's word can speak what we can't. Read Jeremiah 29:11, substituting your name or the name of your child each time the verse says "you."

How are you "preparing the way" to the Lord and God's purpose in the life of a child close to you? As a parent, grandparent, godparent, aunt or uncle, friend, how could you do that? Who could you do that with?
Children learn more by seeing than hearing. How are you modeling God-purpose and passion before the young lives around you? How could you improve?

As the community of God, how could your group help to mentor and resource the next generation? What could you do together to impact the spiritual formation of children?