GRACE AT HOME STUDY GUIDE

The One Thing You Need Next Year

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we're reminded of life's fleeting nature and our need for God's enduring love. The Psalmist's words in Psalm 130 echo this sentiment, urging us to cry out to the Lord from the depths of our being. This passage beautifully illustrates the contrast between our transient existence and God's eternal loving-kindness. We're called to recognize that our days are but a handbreath, yet in God's love, we find purpose and meaning. This realization should motivate us to steward our time wisely, making the most of each moment as we walk in the light of God's love. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to examine our lives and ask: Are we living with the awareness of God's abundant redemption? How can we align our fleeting days with His eternal purpose?

Rewatch the Sermon

Small Group Guide

Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to understand His love more deeply.

Key Takeaways:
1.  The love of God gives purpose to our days.
2. The love of God secures this life and the next.
3. The love of God motivates us to live for Him.

Discussion Questions:
  1. The pastor mentioned Martin Lloyd-Jones' final words: "I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great savior." How does this statement reflect the theme of God's love in the sermon?
  2. Read Psalm 130 together. How does this psalm illustrate our need for God's love and forgiveness?
  3. The sermon emphasized that our lives are fleeting (James 4:13-14). How does understanding this impact the way we view God's love and our purpose?
  4. Discuss the concept of God's love securing both this life and the next. How does this truth affect your daily walk with Christ?
  5. The pastor stated, "Without Christ, everything in this world is twisted and dark and feeble." How have you experienced the difference God's love makes in giving life meaning and purpose?
  6. Reflect on Hebrews 2:11, which says Christ is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. How does this impact your understanding of God's love for you personally?
  7. How does the idea that "Christ will be happier to see you than you will be to see Him" challenge or encourage your view of God's love?

Practical Applications:
  1. Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day this week meditating on a different aspect of God's love (e.g., His forgiveness, faithfulness, sacrifice).
  2. Love-Motivated Service: Identify one way you can serve others this week out of gratitude for God's love.
  3. Scripture Memorization: Commit to memorizing a verse about God's love (e.g., Romans 8:38-39 or 1 John 4:9-10).
  4. Sharing God's Love: Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone this week, motivated by God's love for them.

Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His immeasurable love and asking for His help to live in light of that love in the coming week.