GOING DEEPER
10.06.2019 | GOD, PART 1 | Wk 4: “The God Who Liberates”
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Breaking Ground
Share about a time when you had a bad habit that you finally were able to quit. What helped you stop doing it? How did it feel once you were past it?
The Dig
Read Exodus 7:1-5.
Take a moment to discuss anything that stands out on the first read through.
Re-read verses 1 & 2. At the time, Egypt was the greatest military empire in that part of the world & Pharaoh was its leader. But God sends Moses, a shepherd, to confront Pharaoh & order him to let the Israelite slaves go.
First, reflect on what this says about how God views power. What are the power dynamics that would be taking place in this confrontation (military empire vs. slave, strong vs. weak, king vs. shepherd, etc.)?
What does it say about God’s view of worldly power that He sides with & uses a shepherd to confront someone like the Pharaoh?
Re-read verses 3-5.
Take time to reflect on the theme of liberation at the heart of these verses.
What do you see as the connection between who God is & liberation in our world?
What does it say about God that He so strongly identifies Himself with an oppressed group (Israelite slaves), rather than the most powerful nation in the eyes of the world (Egypt)?
Next, take time to think about Pharaoh’s hardened heart. Ultimately, as discussed on Sunday, Pharaoh refuses to free the Israelites because his heart is hardened by pride, obsession with power, & his own sense of superiority.
Why do you think these traits are so deeply tied to a human being having a “hard heart” / opposing what God is trying to do in the world?
Has there ever been something in your life, worldview, or behavior that you knew was hurting you or hardening yoru heart, but you just couldn’t stop? What led you to change it?
Finally, close by reflecting on where you might need to find a God who wants to liberate/free you, no matter the cost.
What are some things that “harden your heart” when it comes to helping or caring for people?
Where do you need liberation or change in your life right now? What might it look like to have God change you in that area of life?
Getting Out of the Hole
This week, take time to reflect on the topic of liberation. Take 10-15 minutes to journal about two questions:
First, where do you personally need to experience radical change in the patterns or habits of your life? Where can you begin to take steps towards small changes in that area?
Second, where do you need to become more active in helping other, less-fortunate people in our world?
Share your thoughts with your group next week.
Additional Resources*
Jesus and the Victory of God by NT Wright
Simply Jesus by NT Wright
Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament by Chris Wright
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, October 13: Join us for the next week of our series GOD PT. 1, where we will be looking at the God who leads!
* Please see mye3.org for details.