Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  1 Peter 1:3-4

DISCUSSION

    What does "new birth into a living hope" mean to you? 

    This starts with surrendering to Christ and trusting him. How does this play out in our daily lives?

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.  Proverbs 3:1-2

Solomon is saying that we are to let God's commands sink deep down into our hearts, into the core of who we are. We are to become so familiar with them that they become second nature to us. 

DISCUSSION

    What are some ways that God's Word sinks down deep into our hearts and the core of who we are?

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:3-4

Trust in involved in experiencing God's peace and the kind of life He longs to give you. 

DISCUSSION

    How hard or easy is it for you to trust? People? God? 

    What influences how well you trust? In what ways do you long to trust Jesus more?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

You are loved by the God of the universe. His love for you is unchanging and steadfast. 

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