The Lamp of God's Promise

Sermon Notes January 14, 2017 I Kings 15:1-5 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Some Questions for Discussion: Focus the discussion on: How does the lamp of God’s promises to you in Christ fortify you day to day? 1. Think of what light symbolizes – not in the Bible but in our culture, in music, movies, books, or customs of our holidays. 2. When do you leave lights on in your home? Why? What is your purpose? 3. Talk about the “lamp in Jerusalem” (I Kings 15:4, 11:36) – what does the image of a lamp suggest? a. What did the lamp our text represent? [Leader: if necessary, review the sermon; the information in II Samuel 7.] b. When was this promise fulfilled completely? [Leader: you may want to review Hebrews 11:32f] c. Why did God have a “lamp in Jerusalem?” 4. Is there a “lamp of God’s promises” in your heart and mind? a. Do you ever wrestle with doubt about whether or not “it’s all true?” b. How do you fortify your faith at times like that? c. Why do you believe that the promises of God to us in Christ are true? What convinces you of that? 5. Would you share what your pattern is in reading the Bible, and how it functions to strengthen you through life? Would you share some specific examples? 6. Which promises of God are you actively relying at this time in your life – promises which you call on so often that you remember them? You may not be able to quote them exactly (you can paraphrase them) but would you be willing to share a few of those with us?