Philippians 4:4-13 1. Read Philippians 4:413 2. What hardship, pressure, or uncertainty is currently testing your faith? How does this passage encourage you to stand firm through dependence on Christ? 3. How does difficulty affect your joy and the way you treat others? In one situation you are facing, what would rejoicing in the Lord and responding with gentleness look ...
Keep ReadingExodus 22:16-20 Read Exodus 20:13 and then 22:1620.What does it mean that the covenant community of God has been "redeemed for holiness? Verses 1617 treat sexual intimacy as serious and covenantal. Why does Scripture consistently place sexual intimacy within marriage?How does this passage strengthen our view of marriage? How does our culture encourage people to separat...
Keep ReadingExodus 21:3322:15 What do you notice about the different situations addressed in this passage?What common principle seems to connect the laws about pits, animals, theft, property damage, and borrowed possessions? What does this passage teach us about responsibility for negligence?How is negligence different from intentional wrongdoing, and why does God still require re...
Keep ReadingExodus 21:18-32 Read or recite 2nd Corinthians 5:14-15. Read Exodus 21:18 - 32. We just completed our fourth week in the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22 Exodus 23:33). What has stood out to you from this portion of Scripture? The underlying principle of Exodus 21:12 32 is that the crime should fit the punishment, no matter who the crime was committed...
Keep ReadingExodus 21:12-17 Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and recite together. Read Exodus 21:12-17 What do these verses teach us about the value God places on human life?What distinctions does the passage make between different kinds of offenses? Why do you think the Law distinguishes between intentional and unintentional killing (vv. 1214)?What does this teach us about justice,...
Keep ReadingExodus 21:1-11 Read or recite Psalm 119: 129 - 131 Read Exodus 21:1 - 11. What did you learn from Sunday's sermon? What are some common misconceptions in our society concerning the laws about slaves found in Exodus 21:1 - 11? During the time of Moses, slavery was voluntary, temporary, and considered benevolent. What do each of these (voluntary, tempo...
Keep Reading2 Corinthians 5:14-21 1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. Paul says, "the love of Christ controls us." What are some other things that tend to "control" or motivate us? How does being captivated by Christ's love change the way we approach evangelism? 2. It was asked, "Are you amazed that God has saved you?" Why is our own delight in the gospel so important for personal evange...
Keep ReadingExodus 20:22-26 Read or recite Psalm 119: 129 - 131 together. Read Exodus 20:22 - 26. What thoughts come to your mind when you consider the many, many laws found in the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22 23:33)? The Law of God reveals the character of God! As we went through the laws of God found in Exodus 20:2226, what was one attribute of God that was ...
Keep ReadingExodus 20:18-21 Read or recite Psalm 119: 129 - 131 together. Read Exodus 20:18 - 21. What encouraged you from today's sermon? What were the three responses of the Israelites to God's awesome presence on Mt. Sinai and His verbal communication of the Ten Commandments to them? Which of the Israelites' three responses stands out to you and why? It ...
Keep ReadingExodus 20:16 1. We heard that truth is rooted in God's own character rather than merely being a good moral principle. How does understanding God as "the God of truth" change the way we think about honesty in everyday life? 2. It was mentioned that slander, gossip, half-truths, deception, exaggeration, flattery, and sharing information carelessly are ways in which w...
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