This week, Pastor Deric continues the Advent series ‘Christmas Heroes’ with a message about Elizabeth from Luke 1.

1. True spirituality requires faith in God (v. 5-7).
2. True spirituality requires time alone with God (v. 24-25).
3. True spirituality requires fellowship time with others (v. 39-45).
4. True spirituality requires courage to challenge the status quo (v. 60).
5. True spirituality is best shaped in the home (v. 80).

ICEBREAKER: What are some films that would make it on to your top 50 list of movies?

1. Zechariah and Elizabeth had to wait a long time before they became pregnant with their first child [Luke 1:24]. Why do you think God makes His people wait for certain answers to prayer [cf. Psalm 27:14; Acts 1:4-5; and Romans 8:18-25]?

2. What are the similarities in the following births: Isaac [Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-7], Samson [Judges 13:1-25], Samuel [1 Samuel 1:1-28], and John the Baptist [Luke 1:5-25]? What lessons do you learn from these events?

3. The reason Elizabeth secluded herself after she conceived is unspecified in the text [Luke 1:24-25]. Why do you think she did so? What might it indicate about her character [cf. Genesis 30:23; Psalm 113:1-9; and Isaiah 4:1]?

4. Why do you think the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped when Mary entered her home [Luke 1:41, 44]? What did it reveal about Mary’s baby [cf. Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:15; and John 1:19-36]?

5. What does it mean for a believer to “be filled with the Holy Spirit” [Luke 1:41]? Also consult Acts 4:8; Acts 11:22-26; and Ephesians 5:18.

6. What is the relationship between blessedness and believing according to Elizabeth’s words in Luke 1:42-45? Why does this matter [cf. Matthew 15:28; John 20:29; and 1 Peter 1:8]?

7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?

“Faith is the root of all blessings. Believe, and you shall be saved; believe, and you must needs be satisfied; believe, and you cannot but be comforted and happy.” (Jeremy Taylor)