What’s a song you used to (or still do) sing the wrong words to? Is there a song you know you don’t know the lyrics and so you just make them up?

Pete encouraged us to follow the example of the Psalmist and reflect back on and remember what God has done in the past.

• What are some specific ways in which you have experienced God’s goodness in the past year. What have been some of the highlights and things you most enjoyed and will remember fondly?

Pete explained how the Greek word the Paul used for hope was not just a wish or desire, but a solid expectation of good things to come in the future.

• How does Paul’s use of the word “hope” differ from simple wishful thinking when it comes to God’s gifts and promises in our lives?
• In this passage, Paul lists two distinct things he wants us to have a hopeful expectation for from God. What are they and how do you think those things play out in our lives as followers of Jesus?
• Paul then ties our hope to the resurrection and ultimate crowning victory of Jesus. How does this help inspire hope in your own life?
• This entire passage is a prayer that Paul “keeps asking” of from God. What does that mean for us trying to cultivate a deeper sense of hope in our own lives? Is it something we should simply ask for once and expect to get, or something we have to continually seek after?

Pete talked about how the Gospel confronts pessimism head-on and calls us to have hope in a God who has good things for us in the future.

• What are you hopefully expectant for God to do in this coming year, things are you praying and believing to see happen in your own life or those around you?

Spend a few moments praying together.

• Thanking God for all He has done in the past, asking that He would fill you with hope and confidence over His goodness and blessings in the future, and praying for others in our lives who need the hope found in Jesus now more than ever.