4.17.22 Huddle
Intro Question:
- When is a time in your life when you felt like you lost hope?
- What helped you through that time?
Lesson Intro
Often we look to ourselves, the people in our lives, and our material things to give us hope, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Yet, when we look at the amount of depression and mental health problems, it becomes clear that those things don’t provide true, lasting hope. We will look at the apostle Peter and how he found hope in the midst of a very difficult and hopeless situation in his life.
Bible Engagement
Luke 22:54-62 CSB
54 They seized him [Jesus], led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance. 55 They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. 56 When a servant saw him sitting in the light, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with him too.”
57 But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know him.”
58 After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter said.
59 About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with him, since he’s also a Galilean.”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
- Why did Peter not want to be associated with Jesus?
- Even though Jesus told Peter this would happen, why did Peter forget what Jesus said?
- In moments of temptation and strife, what are some ways we might forget Jesus’ words?
- What is something you could do to turn to Jesus in the midst of your struggle?
- What was Peter’s response when he realized he had denied Jesus?
- What do you think went through Peter’s mind when he made eye contact with Jesus?
1 Peter 1:3-9, 13 CSB
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- What are some ways in this passage that Peter has learned to move past grief, depression, and feeling like a failure, to a place of health and hope?
- What does Peter mean by the term “living hope”?
- How is our living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, different from the world’s version of hope?
- How can we root our hope in God and not ourselves?
- What does Peter say our hope should be set on?
- What are some ways people can lose hope?
- When you are carrying on conversations in your own head during a seemingly hopeless situation, what are some practical ways you can turn those conversations to make the between you and the Lord?
Challenge Questions
- What area of your life are you relying on your own means for hope and fulfillment?
- How can you turn that over to Jesus?
Memory Verse
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer
Pray that when you struggle with thoughts of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, or darkness, that you would turn first to Jesus. If anyone is struggling with feeling hopeless in your group, pray over them.
Note to leaders: Today’s topic may bring up some things that people may need to seek further help. Here is a list of resources that you can refer people to.
Counseling Resources
Christian Counseling Services http://www.evansvillechristiancounseling.com/
1133 W. Mill Road, Suite 211, Evansville, IN 812-483-2364
$75/hr
Crossroads Counseling Center http://cccgo.com/counselingcenter
4311 Epworth Rd, Newburgh, IN 812-518-1490
First appt $50, subsequent appts on sliding scale based on income
Lighthouse Counseling Services, Inc. www.lcsinc.org
230 2nd St., Suite 406, Henderson KY 270-826-8761
Insurance accepted
Dr. Mark Stenstrom
4333 Hwy. 261, Newburgh, IN 812-858-7885
Within Sight https://www.iamwithinsight.com/
15 S. Vann Ave, Evansville, IN 812-402-8333
$220 initial eval, subsequent appts $150-$175 Insurance accepted