STUDY 2 Scott Button Focus God's promises flow from the heart of God and express who God is and God's heart for us. God wants His best for us and we see that in what God promises us. God's promises are not a free giveaway to anyone, no matter the choices they make or the life they choose to live. God's promises are manifested as we walk in a relationship with Him through the saving work of Jesus on the cross and in his resurrection. Many of God's promises are called a Covenant and are built especially on abiding in a relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The thing about covenant relationships is that they may bend, but they can't be broken. God never forgets them, even if we do. Because they are based on our relationship with God, we need to lean into them as well as stand on them. While we may fail to hold up our end of the relationship, God never falters. Looking Back Share as a whole group or in twos or threes In the last week or two how has a promise of God shaped how you prayed or what you did? OR In the last week or two, where did you wish you had stood on God's promise but didn't? What was the outcome? As a group, take time to share any other good news or concerns. Meditation and Prayer: Take time to sit quietly and listen to Jireh – Elevation Worship & Maverick City – YouTube. Then flow straight into prayer, where you can give thanks for God's promises and pray for things shared. Looking Up God's covenant promises allow us to choose a path we would never take without them. When we step towards them, they shape our hearts and set what we believe. They set God's values into our everyday lives, families and church. Open God's Word Read Genesis 12:1-7. "God's covenant promise to Abram (father), who becomes Abraham (father of many)." What can we learn about God's heart for the people of the world in this promise? Think about Abram, who has a large extended family and many workers and their families with him. What do you think were the range of things Abram had to communicate to others, do and organise as he “went”? Read Galatians 3:7-9 & 3:26-29 If you have put your faith in Jesus, then the promise made to Abraham has been made to you. What does that say to you about God's heart for you? How can this give a purpose to your life? Let's look at some more promises of God that have their foundation in the covenant God first made to Abraham. In pairs, choose a passage to read and reflect together: What does this reveal about God's heart for you? What human fears or particular temptations to not trust God does this speak to? Philippians 4:19 | Lamentations 3:21-24 | Matthew 28:18-20 (especially 20) & Romans 8:37-39 | John 6:68 & John 10:10 | Phil 4:13 & Eph 3:20 Each pair shares briefly with the group. Back in your pairs – reflect again on your passage and ask yourself: What fear or temptation to not trust God will this overcome in my life? What will I choose to do, pray or change so that I can lean into this promise and allow it to shape me? Looking Forward Prayer in Pairs or Threes Prayer for each other's commitment from above. Pray for one person whom you know who is far from God. Pray for the opportunity to bless or share or serve or invite or pray with them this week.