TALK IT OVER – The Journey Week 8 (The Idols)

It is hard to believe that we are through our 8 week series on Exodus.  It was a great time of growing together.  We hope that you were able to TALK IT OVER either in your life group or with friends and family throughout the week!  Here is the TALK IT OVER questions and Discussion Guide for week 8.

 Discussion GuideThe Journey Week 8 (The Idols)

 TALK IT OVER

1. Why do we find it difficult to wait on God for an answer instead of running ahead of Him? Share some examples of how that has happened in your own life.
2. What kind of idols do believers struggle with today? What is the key to destroying those idols and living in obedience to God’s direction?
3. Discuss the typology between Moses and Jesus. How has Christ’s sacrifice on the cross affected our future? Why is it important to recognize Jesus as our great intercessor?
4. Discuss the righteous anger of God. What is the relationship between punishment and mercy? How does Christ fit into this for us?
5. What part does repentance play in our being restored to God? Why is it important to live a life of repentance? How does this bring blessing into our lives?

TALK IT OVER WEEK 7 – The Commandments

 The Journey Week7 (The Commandments) Discussion Guide

TALK IT OVER QUESTIONS

1. What is your reaction to words like “rules” and “law”?  Do those words give you confidence or do they make you want to rebel?

 2. Share a good story from your childhood of how you broke the rules and suffered the consequences. 

3. How does it make you feel when you read through the Ten Commandments?  Do you feel guilty or do you have confidence in the work that Jesus did on the cross for us?

4. Do you understand that you cannot meet the standard of God’s law?  How do you know this?  Do you understand that Jesus came to pay the price for us because we could not meet that standard?  He came to give us spiritual life!  How does that make you feel?

5. We often talk about sins of commission (what you do) but very rarely talk about sins of omission (things that God has asked us to do but don’t act on them).  What are some things that you would see as sins of omission?

6. Read through Dr. Tim Keller’s “A Quick Comparison Of Religion and The Gospel”.  Where do you land?  Religious or centered in the Gospel?  How can you live a life centered in the Gospel?

TALK IT OVER – The Journey Week 6 (The Provision)

It is hard to believe that we are already through 6 weeks of our series The Journey.  Check out the Discussion Guide and Talk It Over section below:

Discussion Guide - The Journey Week 6 (The Provision)

TALK IT OVER QUESTIONS

1.Do you feel like you trust God with your life?  Are there things that you struggle to trust God with as you walk the journey of life?

2. Holistic ministry is both in word and deed.  What do you find easier, proclaiming the gospel or serving others?  Do you believe that these two things must work together to advance God’s Kingdom?

3. Israel had just come through one of the biggest miracles ever seen.  They were saved from Egypt as God led them on dry ground through the Red Sea.  Why do you think Israel struggled to trust God with things like food and water after they experienced such an amazing miracle?  Do you think you would have done the same?

4. God has provided so much for us spiritually as Christians.  Do you view your salvation as a major provision from God?  How often do you reflect with thanksgiving that God has saved you?

5. God’s Word is spiritual food for our soul.  Do you take time to read God’s word on a daily basis?  If not, what holds you back?  What are some things that you can help you be more consistent with this?

6. How do you do with resting and taking a Sabbath?  Do you view this as important to your spiritual life?

TALK IT OVER – The Journey Week 5

The Journey Week 5 (The Exodus) - Discussion Guide

Talk It Over Questions:

1. Take a few moments to share personal examples of times when you have been “up against it” in life. How did it make you feel?
2. When Israel was “up against it” they longed for the bondage of Egypt. Why do we find it so difficult to embrace change? How can the pain of change benefit our spiritual growth?
3. Why is fear such a debilitating emotion? How does fear affect our spiritual lives?  Why did Moses say to the people in Exodus 14:13 “to stand still”? How would this affect the emotional trauma they were experiencing?
4. Why is obedience important when it comes to breaking through life’s circumstances? What was the significance of God command to Moses to  “lift up his  rod and stretch out his hand” ? What is the impact of doing things God’s way?
5. What is the relationship between “walking in obedience” and “lifting up the name of  the Lord”? Why is it important for believers to honor God through the circumstances of life?
6. Read the “Song of Moses” and the “Song of Miriam” found in Exodus 15. What are the significance of these songs? How do these songs relate to us breaking through the difficult circumstances of life?

Talk It OVER – The Journey Week 4

Discussion Guide - The Journey Week 4 (The Passover)

TALK IT OVER QUESTIONS

1.      If you are in a relationship with Christ, share your story.  When did you come into relationship with God through Jesus?  How did that change your life?  Did you feel like you had a new beginning to your life?

2.      There is no doubt that we see tension in Exodus 12.  How does it make you feel that Pharaoh finally released the Israelites?  How does it make you feel that the firstborn of the Egyptians were killed?

3.      There is no doubt that the scriptures talk about the love of God (John 3:16 for example).  Exodus shows us the judgment of God and in the New Testament we see that through Jesus we escape the eternal judgment of God.  How do you think we keep in balance the love of God and the judgment of God? 

4.      How are you at remembering and reflecting on what Christ has done for us?  How often do you reflect on that?  What are some ways that can help you do that on a regular basis?

5.      The Passover and Christ as our Passover lamb is a story of HOPE.  What gives you hope for the future? 

6.      The Feast of Unleavened Bread is all about getting the sin OUT.  What are some things you need to give over to God today?

Talk It Over – The Journey Week 3 (The Battle)

Discussion Guide - The Journey Week 3 (The Battle)

Message Notes - The Journey Week 3 (The Battle)

TALK IT OVER QUESTIONS:

TALK IT OVER Questions

1. Are you someone who trusts in God and let’s Him fight your battles?  If not, what is holding you back?  Do you feel like you trust God more than yourself?

2. In Exodus 7 Aaron’s staff becomes a serpent.  What are some things that God has placed in your hands that could be used for His glory? 

3. Do you feel like you trust God’s plan for your life?  How do you deal with times where you don’t fully understand what God is doing? 

4. What do you think it means when it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart?  (Exodus 7:3, 10:27, 11:9-10).  Do you think this shows us that the journey and struggle was part of God’s plan?  Do you think the same is true for your life?

5. What are some past battles in your life that God has brought you through?  Do you often remember those things that God has done?  Do you take time to celebrate what God has done?