Sermon Study Guide, 10/13/2024 

Hope For Everyone: Hope Fueled

Sermon Summary: Hope Fueled

In this final message of the Hope for Everyone series, we explore how our faith must move beyond intellectual belief and take root in actions of the heart. Using Paul’s example of adapting to reach others with the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23), we’re reminded that God calls us to use our freedom not for ourselves, but to serve others. As we commit to the next chapter of Menlo Church’s mission, we are invited to trust God with our time, finances, and talents. Our generosity is a reflection of the grace we’ve received, and through it, we can bring hope to future generations.

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CONNECT:

Think about a time in your life when you felt called to take a bold step of faith. How did you feel leading up to that moment? Was there a sense of excitement, fear, or a combination of both? Reflect on how taking that step deepened your trust in God. Just as the Apostle Paul adapted his approach to meet people where they were in their faith, how do you sense God calling you to act in faith today?

ENGAGE:

• Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. What does Paul’s example teach us about living out our faith in a way that reaches others? How might you “become all things to all people” in your current relationships to help them experience the gospel?
• Reflect on 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Paul encourages the church in Corinth to give generously and cheerfully. How does this passage challenge your current attitude toward generosity? What steps can you take to give with joy and faith?
• Hebrews 11:1,6 speaks of faith as "the assurance of things hoped for." What are the areas in your life where you feel God is asking you to trust Him more, even without seeing the full picture?
• In Luke 16:10, Jesus talks about being faithful with little before being entrusted with more. How might this principle apply to your finances, time, and resources today?
• Discuss 2 Peter 3:8-10. How does God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance influence the way you live and interact with others? Who in your life are you praying for to experience the hope of Jesus?

APPLY:

• Reflect on the resources God has entrusted to you—your time, finances, and talents. How can you practically live out the principle of being a cheerful giver in these areas? Consider what it looks like to offer these gifts with joy and gratitude, knowing they can make a lasting impact.
• As you think about the vision God has placed on your heart throughout this series, ask yourself: What bold step of faith can you take this week to invest in the future of Menlo Church and those who have yet to hear the good news? Whether it’s through a financial commitment, volunteering your time, or using your talents to serve, how can you contribute to the mission of bringing hope to others?

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PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible generosity You have shown us through Jesus. Help us to respond to Your call with hearts full of faith and joy. May we live with the same generosity and patience You display toward us. Teach us to trust You in every area of our lives, knowing that You are faithful to provide and sustain us. We ask that You give us the courage to take bold steps of faith, and may our actions reflect Your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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