Sojourn Family,
Over the next five months, we are exploring the fantastic Old Testament book of Exodus. You likely
know Exodus as the great narrative of God’s redemption of his people from Egypt, and you can
probably name most or all of the Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20. But even if you’re familiar
with this great book, we can look at it with the “eyes of our heart” and see the God who is there:
The God Who Redeems (Exodus 1-19),
The God Who Gives (Exodus 20), and
The God Who Sends (Exodus 21-40).
Just as Moses was given a glimpse of the glory of the LORD (chapter 33), we hope to gain a fresh
and true look at God. We hope you enjoy the sermons and your discussions in this series, and we are
praying that you are moved to praise and worship—just as Moses was in his Song after the exodus
through the Red Sea (15:1-19).
I will sing to the LORD,
for he is highly exalted….
The LORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
Who among the gods
is like you, LORD?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders? ….
The LORD reigns
for ever and ever.
The first five weekly studies—The God Who Redeems (Exodus 1-19)—is contained in this booklet, and
the remaining weeks will be gathered in subsequent booklets. Remember, you won’t get through all of
these questions, but as you prepare for your gathering, consider which questions might be most helpful
and meaningful for your people. If there is any way we can better serve or resource you during this
series, please let us know.
Much Love,
Jeremy Linneman
Pastor of Community Life
[email protected]
Note: Some questions have been adapted from Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Exodus: Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary
(Holman 2014).
THE GO D WHO REDEEM S
Exodus 1-2
Opening Question
How do you see God keeping his promises to you
right now?
Take time to catch up on one another’s summers.
What has God taught you over the summer?
What evidences of his grace have you experienced?
How has God prepared you for ministry? Have
you learned your most valuable lessons in a
“palace” or in the “wilderness”?
Context and Meaning
Where might God be calling you to trust him to
step into an area of need in the world?
Summarize Exodus 1:1-2:10, then read 2:11-23 out
loud.
Application
One theologian has said, “an Exodus-shaped
redemption demands an exodus-shaped
mission.” What would it look like for us to derive
our mission from God’s mission? How might
God’s concern for the totality of human need
change how we treat and approach others? Think
through how we as a group can:
What types of slavery does Israel experience in
Egypt?
Why did Moses’s first attempt to help the
Hebrews fail? What were the practical, social,
and spiritual reasons?
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in Exodus 1-2?
• Engage urgent physical needs in our
neighborhood (social, economic needs)
Read Psalm 146:7-9 out loud. How do you see
God’s heart for justice and mercy demonstrated
in our passage?
• Engage urgent spiritual needs in our
neighborhood (through sharing our faith in
Christ)
Deeper Reflection
• Engage urgent physical and spiritual needs
around the world (hunger, poverty, sex
trafficking, etc.)
How is this story of God’s provision for Moses
personally encouraging to you?
Prayer
What does it mean for you that God is our
“Redeemer”? What about our “Mediator”?
Take time together to pray aloud—praising
our Father for his provision for his people
throughout all generations, asking him for faith
to believe fully in his promises, and seeking his
wisdom for how your group can best engage the
spiritual and physical needs around you.
What types of oppression, addiction, or
enslavement are you currently experiencing?
(Consider spiritual, relational, social, and
economic forms.)
5
THE GO D WHO REDEEM S
Exodus 3-10
Opening Question
How have you struggled with discouragement as
you seek to believe God’s promises to you?
How have you seen God use imperfect and
unimpressive people to do great things in his
Kingdom?
In what areas of life are you tempted to believe it
would be easier or better to not follow God?
Which aspect of salvation—liberation,
redemption, adoption, or inheritance—is the
most dear to you? Why?
Context and Meaning
Read Exodus 3:1-14 out loud and summarize
chapter 4-10 in your own words.
Application
Recall what we discussed last week—that God
promised to rescue his people out of complex
oppression and keep them safe in his care. What
does this narrative add to the story of Exodus so
far? What are the major themes or promises?
Make a list of three to five practical ways that
you can remember or “rehearse” the Good News
of our redemption on a daily basis. (Think about
worship, prayer, Bible reading and meditation,
evangelism, and so on.) How might you absorb
yourself in the power and freedom of the gospel
every day?
What is the significance of God’s words, “I am
who I am” (3:14)?
Prayer
In what sense was the nation of Israel God’s
firstborn son? In what sense are Christians
firstborn sons of God? In what sense is Jesus the
firstborn Son of God?
Take time together to share how God is inviting
you to draw closer to him in faith and obedience.
Spend time praying aloud for one another, and
encourage one another in how you see God at
work in each other.
Deeper Reflection
How might God accomplish his plan for your life
without changing a single thing about you?
In what ways are you uniquely gifted (even if
it’s something simple or unimpressive) to serve
in God’s Kingdom and provide for the needs of
others?
What would it look like for you to fully trust
God’s statement, “I will be with you” (3:12)?
6
THE GO D WHO REDEEM S
Exodus 11-12
Opening Question
The Old Testament often provides physical
demonstrations of spiritual realities in the New
Testament.
What has been the most noteworthy thing you’ve
learned through Exodus so far?
How have you experienced the similar
redemption and freedom from spiritual
oppression in your own life?
Context and Meaning
Summarize Exodus 1-12 in your own words, then
read 12:29-42.
In what sense did Israel have to trust God and
how did their obedience play a role in their
redemption?
Review what we discussed the last two weeks—
that God promised to rescue his people out of
complex oppression, then equipped Moses,
an ordinary and limited person, to lead this
redemption. How does this passage fulfill the
promises of God to Israel in previous chapters?
In 1 Pet. 1:22, why does Peter describe love
for one another as our natural response to
Christ’s work? What does this mean for us as a
community?
Application
How should we consider the “ten plagues” on
Egypt? How do you see God’s justice and mercy
on display through them?
The Israelites were instructed to remember the
exodus by celebrating the Passover annually.
What are some practical ways we as a CG can
remember the sacrifice of Christ, celebrate
the Good News, and encourage one another
in love? (Consider sitting together and taking
communion with one another on Sundays,
celebrating each individual’s life in Christ
annually by having them share their testimony
on their birthday, or memorizing a portion of
Scripture together and encouraging one another
in the process.) How can we commemorate what
Christ has done as our Passover Lamb?
Why was it so important that the Israelites
understand and celebrate the Feast of
Unleavened Bread?
What is the significance of the “firstborn son” in
light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?
Why does sin always require a sacrifice?
Deeper Reflection
Read 1 Peter 1:18-22 and Revelation 5:11-14
together.
Prayer
Consider Jesus Christ as the ultimate Lamb of
God—“a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Pet.
1:19) and our new “Passover lamb” (1 Cor. 5:7).
What does it mean daily to center our faith on
Christ?
Take time together to pray aloud, thanking God
for such a great redemption and praying for one
another to fully enjoy the benefits of Christ’s
sacrifice.
7
THE GO D WHO REDEEM S
Exodus 13-14
Opening Question
look like to look forward to “the city that is to
come”?
How do you see an obsession with the “death to
life” or resurrection motif in our culture? Why
are we so intrigued by resurrection stories?
In light of the “pillar of cloud by day,” what does
it look like to journey by God’s presence today?
(Consider the role of the Holy Spirit; Jesus said,
“He remains with you and will be in you” John
14:17).
Context and Meaning
Summarize Exodus 13-14 in your own words and
read 14:5-31 aloud.
What does it mean for God’s presence to be with
and in his church as an entire community?
Review what we discussed the last three weeks—
God’s promise of redemption, his calling of
Moses, and the dramatic Passover event. What
has been most significant to you in this Exodus
narrative so far?
Why is the Lord so passionate about his own
glory? What does that mean for your life—where
can you prioritize his glory and name?
Application
Why did God go ahead of his people as a pillar
of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex.
13:20-22)?
Take time talking through your own life journeys
together. Have each person consider and
describe their walk with God in the following
terms: First hearing God’s voice; Where you felt
like God delayed; When God’s promises have
been fulfilled; Which of God’s promises are yet to
be fulfilled; What it looks like to walk by faith in
God’s presence now.
According to Ex. 14:4, 17, and 31, why did God
allow Pharaoh and the Egyptians to pursue
Israel?
How would you respond to someone who said
that this event didn’t really happen or is just a
myth?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud for your friends
and neighbors who have not yet experienced
freedom in Christ and the indwelling presence of
the Holy Spirit.
How would you describe the parallels between
the exodus event and the Good News about
Jesus?
How is Israel’s crossing of the Sea similar to
Christian baptism?
Deeper Reflection
What specific promises of God can we cling to
today? Consider Hebrews 13:14. What does it
8
THE GO D WHO REDEEM S
Exodus 15-19
Opening Question
significant for our spiritual formation?
Describe a story, movie, or book you’ve recently
seen/read that described someone who had to
take “the hard road” in life. Why was it so compelling?
Deeper Reflection
Consider Moses’s song in light of the coming of
Jesus. How does Christ’s life and work provide
a new level of clarity and power to God’s work in
Exodus?
Context and Meaning
What would it look like for you to frequently
praise God for his glory and name (v. 3), his
personal work (“my strength and my salvation,”
v. 2), his promise keeping (“my father’s God,” v.
2), his reign as a triumphant warrior (v. 3-10), his
uniqueness (“who is like you among the gods?” v.
11), and his love (v. 13)?
Read Exodus 15:1-19 out loud.
Review what we discussed the last four weeks—
that God’s promise of redemption, his calling
of Moses, the dramatic Passover event, and
the exodus through the Sea. How would you
summarize the first half of Exodus in terms of
promises made and promises fulfilled?
Describe a time you felt like you were in an
impossible situation and then God brought you
through?
Consider other instances in Scripture where
God’s people spontaneously break out in song:
When is it appropriate to “stand still” and see
God’s salvation? When does obedient activity
come into play?
• Adam’s song after the creation of Eve
(Genesis 1-2)
• Deborah’s song after Israel’s victory over
Canaan (Judges 5)
Application and Prayer
• Hannah’s song at the birth of Samuel (1
Samuel 2)
Take a moment to dwell on verse 13: “In your
unfailing love you will lead the people you have
redeemed. In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.”
• Mary’s response to the angels’ news and
Elizabeth’s greeting (Luke 1:46-55)
• Zechariah’s prophecy after the birth of John
the Baptist (Luke 1:68-79)
Make a list of circumstances that are challenging
your trust in God’s love and consider how
God is still present and leading you in each
circumstance. Take time to share these with the
group and encourage one another. What does it
mean for you to trust God’s unfailing love and
leading right now?
• All of God’s people praising the Lamb of God
(Revelation 5)
How and why is it so appropriate for us to
respond to God’s work in praise, thanksgiving,
and song? What is it about singing that is so
9
T HE FIRST CO M M A NDM ENT
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
Opening Questions
How does idolatry cause our lives and
relationships to suffer and crumble around us?
How and when were you exposed to the Ten
Commandments as a child—in school, at church,
in culture? What was your understanding of
these laws?
What particular idols or false gods do you find
most appealing or tempting? What are the
unspoken promises being made?
Reading and Discussion
How can you uncover these idols in your life and
recognize God as the true source of life, security,
and approval we desire?
Summarize Exodus 19 and read 20:1-3 out loud.
Why is it significant that the law (Exodus 20)
comes only after the covenant (made to Abraham
in Genesis 12) and the Passover and exodus
(Exodus 1-19)?
Application
Over the next week, look for tangible examples
of (or temptations to) idolatry in our culture
or in your own life. What are these false gods
promising? What is their appeal? How do they
lie to and trick their “worshippers”? Bring your
notes or reflections to group next week.
Why does God introduce himself the way he does
in verse 2?
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this first commandment?
Prayer
How does Romans 1:18-25 and Galatians 5:19-20
describe idolatry for Christians?
Take time together to pray aloud—praising our
Father for his wisdom and his mercy in giving
the law to us. Pray for one another in your
struggles to believe and live in line with his good
law. Pray these words from Psalm 119:18: “Open
my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your
law.”
How do you see this first commandment
affecting the next nine?
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
What “other gods” today do you think we are
tempted to put before the one true God? How is
this “worship” expressed?
5
THE SECO ND COM M ANDM ENT
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything…” Exodus 20:4
Opening Question
How can you rest and find refreshment in the
truth in God’s promise of “showing love to a
thousand generations of those who love me and
keep my commandments” (v. 6)?
What was the most significant thing you discovered from last week’s discussion on idolatry?
Reading and Discussion
How is God inviting you to worship him in all his
fullness and root out any idols in your life?
Summarize Exodus 19 and read 20:1-6 out loud.
How is this commandment different from the
first? What is emphasized?
Application
Continuing the application from last week,
discuss the tangible examples of (or temptations
to) idolatry in our culture and/or in our own
lives. What did you notice in our culture? What
did you find tempting or appealing in your heart?
How might an increased awareness of idols keep
you more focused on Christ?
What does it mean that God is jealous? How can
jealous be a holy attribute? Why is it mostly a
negative and sinful trait in us?
Consider also God’s command in Exodus 34:14,
“Do not worship any other god, for the LORD,
whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Why
does God repeatedly highlight his righteous
jealousy?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud—praising our
Father for his law and his mercy to thousands
of generations. Pray for one another in your
struggles to believe and live in line with his good
law. Pray for this blessing from Psalm 119:1-2
to be demonstrated for your group: “Blessed
are they whose ways are blameless, who walk
according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are
they who keep his statutes and seek him with all
their heart.”
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this second commandment?
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
In what sense was Christ jealous for his own
glory and for his Father’s name?
How do you see God’s faithfulness “to a thousand
generations” by sending his own Son?
6
THE THIRD CO MM ANDM ENT
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God...” Exodus 20:7
Opening Question
Reading and Discussion
What are some ways you see yourself living more
for your own name (status, reputation, glory)
than the name of the Lord? How is God inviting
you back to a better life by putting his name first?
Read Exodus 20:1-7 out loud.
Application and Prayer
What is the significance of a “name” in Old
Testament use? (Consider how it is connected
to one’s essence, honor, power, and family.) How
does this expand your understanding of the third
law?
Reflect on the words of the old hymn “Rock of
Ages” by Augustus Toplady.
Why do you think misusing or cursing the Lord’s
name is so common in our culture?
Not the labors of my hands / Can fulfill thy law’s
demands
Could my zeal no respite know, / Could my tears
forever flow,
How does God’s jealousy (v. 4-6 and Exodus
34:14) on display in this commandment?
All for sin could not atone; / Thou must save, and
thou alone.
Is this commandment primarily given for God’s
people or for those outside of his family and
kingdom? How does that affect our obedience to
it?
Take time to reflect on how we are saved not
by obedience to God’s law but through the
obedience, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Remind one another in your pursuit of holiness
that we are already perfect in the sight of the
Lord. Encourage one another in pursuing
Christlikeness without the burden of having to
prove ourselves or make ourselves right before
God!
Why does this law carry such a strong warning:
“for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who
misuses his name” (v. 7)?
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
Lastly, close in prayer together—praising our
Father for his wisdom and his mercy in giving
the law to us. Pray for one another in your
struggles to believe and live in line with his good
law. Pray these words from Psalm 119:14,16: “I
rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices
in great riches… I delight in your decrees; I will
not neglect your word.”
What does it mean for us to bear the name of the
Lord as his followers?
Consider how our redemption is connected to
God’s name in Acts 4:8-12. How does it move you
to share the gospel message?
7
THE FO URTH CO M M ANDM ENT
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8
Opening Question
Why do we in our culture so struggle to rest from
our work and activities? How do you struggle to
rest?
How do you see a reckless addiction to busyness
and production in our culture?
Reading and Discussion
Why is it so critical for our souls, our bodies,
and our relationships that we observe a weekly
Sabbath?
Summarize the first three commandments and
then read Exodus 20:8-11 out loud.
How are we to balance both worship of God and
physical rest on the Sabbath? How might we
balance both gathering with God’s people and
relational/emotional rest?
After three commandments related to worship,
glory, and idolatry, why does God command
observing a day of Sabbath rest?
What is the point of the Sabbath? Who is the
Sabbath for? (How is it both for us and for God?)
Application
Take time for each person to describe a regular
week in their lives and what they normally do to
rest and emphasize worship weekly. Ask, “How
can you more fully receive the Sabbath as a gift
from God?”
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this fourth commandment?
What is the significance of giving household and/
or family rules along with this Sabbath command
(v. 10)?
Prayer
Read Exodus 31:12-18, which repeats and
expands this law. How is Sabbath keeping “a
sign” between God and his people forever?
Take time together to pray aloud—thanking
God our Father for freeing us from the tyranny
of constant activity and production to rest in
our salvation and freedom in him. Pray for one
another in your struggles to rest, to worship, and
to live in line with his good law. Pray these words
from Psalm 119:52: “I remember your ancient
laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”
Deeper Reflection
Why is it important that this Sabbath law is
rooted in creation (v. 11)? (Why is Sabbath
observance part of what it means to be fully
human?)
Read Mark 2:23-28 out loud. How does Jesus
keep and fulfill this particular commandment?
What does it mean that “the Sabbath was made
for man” (v. 27)? Why is it so important that
Jesus is “Lord even of the Sabbath” (v. 28)?
8
THE FIFTH CO M M A NDM ENT
“Honor your father and mother…” Exodus 20:12
Opening Questions
When or where do you find this law to honor our
parents most difficult or challenging?
What have you found to be most difficult in
honoring your parents as an adult? If you are a
parent, how has your view of this commandment
changed by having kids?
For someone who was neglected, abused, or
mistreated in some way still obey this command
without exposing themselves to continued hurt
or harm?
Reading and Discussion
Given that the church is the family of God, how
do you personally balance time and energy
between your spiritual family and your biological
family?
Read Exodus 20:1-12 out loud.
Notice that the first four commandments are
“vertical” laws (toward our relationship with
God) and the final six are “horizontal” laws
(toward our relationship with others). Why is
that order important?
How does the eternality of our lives affect our
family and church relationships?
Application and Prayer
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this fifth law?
Encourage each member to write down at least
one tangible way they can honor their parents
(or other immediate family members) in the next
month. Encourage one another in practicing
obedience to this rule—especially those with the
most challenging family circumstances.
Why is important to distinguish between
honoring and serving or obeying your father and
mother?
Read also Ephesians 6:1-3. Why is this family
honor so important today?
Spend a few minutes praying aloud for your
families and parents. Pray that they might place
their faith in Christ and grow in him, and that
any broken family relationships be restored.
Why do you think there is a promise attached to
this particular commandment? How might that
promise be fulfilled?
Take time together to pray aloud—praising God
for being a perfect and loving Father and Christ
for being the perfectly obedient and honoring
Son. Pray for one another in your struggles to
believe and live in line with his good law. Pray
these words from Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a
lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
How does the fatherhood of God change the way
you view the call to honor our families?
9
THE SIXTH CO M M A NDM ENT
“You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13
Opening Question
Why is murder such a common theme in our
novels, movies, and music?
Reading and Discussion
Read Exodus 20:1-13 out loud.
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this concise commandment?
What does it mean to be created in the image of
God? Why is that so critical for this law?
Consider Jesus’s teaching on anger and murder
in Matthew 5:21-26. What does it mean to
answer to the Sanhedrin (to the public law) and
to God’s judgment?
Deeper Reflection
How do you see each of the Ten Commandments
preserving life in one way or another?
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
Why is unrighteous anger such a dangerous sin
in Jesus’s eyes?
In what ways does anger (like idolatry, misusing
God’s name, neglecting the Sabbath, and
dishonoring our parents) cause our lives and
relationships to suffer and crumble around us?
What does your anger reveal about what you
truly love and want to protect?
Application
Over the past week, consider how and when
you become irritated, frustrated, or angry.
What was the cause? How did the anger rise or
become irrational within you? What were you
trying to protect? What does it look like to fully
repent—to turn to Jesus for forgiveness and
transformation?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud—praising our
Father for his wisdom and his mercy in giving
the law to us. Pray for one another in your
struggles to believe and live in line with his good
law. Pray these words from Psalm 119:85-86:
“The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your
law. All your commands are trustworthy; help
me, for men persecute me without cause.”
THE SEVENTH COM M ANDM ENT
“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14
Opening Question
Review what we discussed the last six weeks—
God’s laws on worship and idolatry, misusing
his name, observing the Sabbath, honoring our
parents, and murder. How would you summarize
the first six commandments in terms of God’s
character and life with God’?
Reading and Discussion
Read Exodus 20:1-14 out loud.
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this concise commandment?
What does it mean to be created in the image of
God? Why is that so critical for this law?
Consider Jesus’s teaching on lust and adultery
in Matthew 5:27-30. How is Jesus expanding the
original commandment? How do the seventh law
and Jesus’s words on lust preserve life with God?
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
Why is lust such a dangerous sin in Jesus’s eyes?
In what ways does lust (like the other laws)
cause our lives and relationships to suffer and
crumble around us?
What does your lust reveal about what you truly
love and want for yourself ?
How does a man’s lusting after a woman in
particular bring shame on her and promote
injustice and abuse?
Application
In separate groups of men and women, consider
how, over the past week, you have been tempted
to lust in some way—wanting some physical or
emotional satisfaction outside of God’s laws for
you. How did the lust rise or become irrational
within you? What did you most want? What does
it look like to fully repent—to turn to Jesus for
forgiveness and transformation? How can you
protect yourself from lust and adultery?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud—praising our
Father for his wisdom and his mercy in giving
the law to us. Pray for one another in your
struggles to believe and live in line with his good
law. Pray these words from Psalm 119:9-10: “How
can a young man keep his way pure? By living
according to your word. I seek you with all my
heart; do not let me stray from your commands.”
THE EIGHTH CO M M ANDM ENT
“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15
Opening Question
What are more common or hidden forms of
stealing today? Try to make a list of eight or ten
forms of stealing—including the theft of others’
possessions.
Context and Meaning
Read Exodus 20:1-15 out loud.
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this concise commandment?
The Ten Commandments can be either
characterized as “vertical” (toward God; laws
1-4) or “horizontal” (toward one another; laws
5-10). How do the first few commandments help
us understand and interpret this law against
stealing?
Read Matthew 5:43-48. How does love for our
neighbors and enemies prevent us from stealing
from them? (Think back to the examples of
stealing above.)
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
Why is theft such a dangerous sin in Jesus’s
eyes?
In what ways does stealing (like the other laws)
cause our lives and relationships to suffer and
crumble around us?
Where are you tempted to take a little bit more or
reveal a little bit less? What do those particular
temptations show about your heart?
One way to guard against stealing is to remember
and be grateful for what we have. What are some
ways you can cultivate gratitude in your heart
and life?
Application
Remember 1 Timothy 6:17, where we discover
that God “richly provides us with everything for
our enjoyment.” Consider your current income,
possessions, and stewardship, and discuss how
you might more fully enjoy what you have and
give away what you don’t need. Where do you
find God inviting you to be content, cultivate
gratitude, and demonstrate generosity toward
money and possessions?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud for the grace
and strength to love and keep his law. Pray these
words from Psalm 119:9-10: “Turn my heart
toward your statutes and not toward selfish
gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.”
THE NINTH COM M A NDM ENT
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16
Opening Question
Have you ever been to a criminal trial or served
jury duty? What did you learn about the law?
How did you experience the testimonies that
were given?
Where are you tempted to tell a little bit less than
the truth or present something in an untruthful
way? What do those particular moments reveal
about your heart?
Context and Meaning
What are some ways you can grow in Christlike
truthfulness?
Read Exodus 20:1-16 out loud.
Application
How is giving false testimony different from
lying in general? Why do you think God chose
these particular words?
Over the next week, keep a mental record of your
words and promises. Consider where you find
yourself hiding the full truth. In these moments,
reflect on the life-giving nature of God’s law in
Christ, and seek to present yourself truthfully.
Next week, consider sharing what you’ve learned
about God and yourself.
Consider the attribute of God’s truthfulness.
What does it mean that God is always truthful?
How do you see God’s truthfulness throughout
the Scriptures?
How is this particular command an extended
implication of the first four laws—to worship
God alone and put his glory before all else?
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
Why is lying and bearing false witness such a
dangerous sin in Jesus’s eyes?
In what ways does lying (even little “white lies”
or the careful neglect of information) cause our
lives and relationships to suffer and crumble
around us?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud for the
grace and strength to love and keep his law.
Remember that no one can perfectly keep these
laws—except Christ, whose perfect obedience
is transferred to us through our faith in him.
Pray these words from Psalm 119:89-91: “Your
word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the
heavens. Your faithfulness continues through
all generations; you established the earth, and
it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all
things serve you.”
THE TENTH CO M M ANDM ENT
“You shall not covet… anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17
Opening Question
How have you seen covetousness (wanting what
others have) become a normal part of our lives—
and a key part of all advertising?
Context and Meaning
Read Exodus 20:1-17 out loud.
What does it mean to covet? Give a few common
examples in our world. How is coveting a sin and
how do you distinguish between covetousness
and non-sinful desire?
What is revealed about God and life with him
through this particular law?
How is the command against coveting an
extended implication of the first four laws—to
worship God alone and put his glory before all
else?
Deeper Reflection
What is the most significant thing you have
learned in this Ten Commandments series?
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
commandment? What does that mean for us who
believe in him?
Why is coveting such a dangerous sin in Jesus’s
eyes? How might it draw us back to the first
commandment?
In what ways does covetousness cause our lives
and relationships to suffer and crumble around
us?
Where are you tempted to want more than what
you have? What are you most drawn to—others’
possessions, relationships, status, etc.? What do
those particular desires reveal about your heart?
What are some ways you can grow in Christlike
contentment and satisfaction?
Application
Review all ten of the laws one more time. Take
a few minutes to individually reflect on the
commandments, and then have each person
share one area where they most want to see
repentance and growth (movement toward
Christ and his character). How might God bring
about these changes in you?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud for the grace
and strength to love and keep God’s law. Praise
him for sending Christ—our perfect Savior,
the fulfillment of the law, and the Word made
flesh—to restore us fully to himself. Pray these
words from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD
with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
C OVE NA NT LIFE & THE PROM I S E OF H OM E
Exodus 21-30
Opening Questions
What is the significance of God’s promise of
victory for his people? Where is he inviting you
to trust his work on your behalf ?
Why is it so important that the people of Israel
receive their own land? Why are the realities of
“home” and “place” so essential for our well-being and flourishing?
In what sense has our eternal battle already
been won, and what does that mean for your life
today?
Reading and Discussion
What does it look like for you to receive God’s
blessing here and now? What specific blessings
can we expect now and in the age to come (see
Revelation 21:4)?
Read Exodus 23:20-33 aloud.
Why is it so important that Israel break apart the
idols and sacred stones of the foreigners?
Application
What is the significance of the angel of the Lord
that goes before Israel in battle?
Over the next week, consider how God has led
you to your particular “place” in life. What good
has he brought into your life by his grace? What
challenges and trials has he allowed for your
good? Describe your own personal pursuit of
the good life and of a true Home, and bring your
reflections to group next week.
What attributes or characteristics of God do you
see on display in this passage?
How do you consider the severe judgment of God
against his enemies in this text with the mercy
and compassion of God throughout the Exodus
narrative?
Prayer
Deeper Reflection
Take time together to pray aloud—praising our
Father for his wisdom and his mercy in securing
our eternal victory in Christ. Pray for one
another to fully embrace this redemption and to
live fully for the glory of God revealed in Christ.
Reflect on and celebrate these words from
Romans 8:1-2, “There is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus, because
through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life
has set [us] free from the law of sin and death.”
What important truths do you find here about
trusting God, following him, receiving his
blessing, delighting in his law, and living for his
glory? Which of these aspects of life with God is
most challenging?
What are the idols in your heart that compete
with God for your affections, your time, your
resources, your attention, or your love?
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SIN & GLORY: TH E R I D D L E O F
THE O LD TESTAM ENT
Exodus 32-34
Opening Question
•To those who cannot measure up, God is
gracious.
How would you explain the central message of
the Old Testament to someone unfamiliar with
Christianity?
•To those who are rebellious, God is slow to
anger.
Reading and Discussion
•To those who are unfaithful, God abounds in
faithful love and loyalty.
Read Exodus 34:1-10 aloud.
•To those who are guilty, God is forgiving.
What are the attributes or characteristics of God
on display here?
•To those who are unrepentant, God is just.
Application
How would you express Moses’s petition? On
what grounds does he seek God’s favor?
Together, read Psalm 37:5-9 and dwell on God’s
character, presence, and provision for his people.
From the Exodus passage, this Psalm, or another
text, pick a single verse or concept to memorize
and meditate on this week. Plan to share your
reflections with the group next week.
What is new about the covenant declared in
verse 10? How does it fit with previous covenants
in Genesis and Exodus?
What is the significance of Moses’s role as a
mediator (an intermediary) for God and the
people of Israel?
Prayer
Take time together to pray aloud—praising our
Father for his law and his mercy to thousands
of generations. Pray for one another in your
struggles to believe and live in line with his good
law. Pray for this blessing from Psalm 119:1-2
to be demonstrated for your group: “Blessed
are they whose ways are blameless, who walk
according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are
they who keep his statutes and seek him with all
their heart.”
Deeper Reflection
How does Jesus keep and fulfill this particular
How does the presence of God change the way
you consider and relate to his law?
Why is it significant that Moses was fasting for
40 days during this time?
Reflect on these truths. What do these realities
mean for you today?
•To those who are in need, God is
compassionate.
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T HE FILLING O F THE TEM PLE W ITH GLORY
Exodus 35-40
Opening Questions
Christ our true High Priest? How is he also our
prophet/apostle? How does this affect our faith
and hope today?
What reflections do you have from last week—
from considering and meditating on one or more
attributes of God (see Exodus 34:6-7 or Psalm
37:5-9)? How do you see Jesus embodying and
fulfilling these characteristics?
Reading and Discussion
Read and discuss also Hebrews 9:11-15, which
shows that Christ’s sacrifice cleanses us in a way
that the old temple offerings never could. How do
you rest and anchor yourself in the freedom that
comes from Christ’s perfect sacrifice?
Read Exodus 40:34-38 aloud.
Application and Prayer
What is the significance of the pillar of cloud
throughout the Exodus narrative? Read Exodus
13:20-22 and 14:19-25 also.
Reflect on the words of the old hymn “Rock of
Ages” by Augustus Toplady.
Not the labors of my hands / Can fulfill thy law’s
demands
Based on last week’s text (34:1-10) and this
week’s, how would you define or describe God’s
glory?
Could my zeal no respite know, / Could my tears
forever flow,
Why is it important that Moses and Israel
establish a permanent tabernacle? What are
some theological and practical functions for the
Lord’s presence in this specific place?
All for sin could not atone; / Thou must save, and
thou alone.
Take time to reflect on how we are saved not
by obedience to God’s law but through the
obedience, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Remind one another in your pursuit of holiness
that we are already perfect in the sight of the
Lord. No further sacrifices or offerings are
required; Christ has fulfilled all!
Deeper Reflection
Consider the theme or motif of God as Shepherd
throughout the Old Testament (see Ezekiel
34:11-16 and Psalm 23:1-4). How does the temple
serve to establish God’s pastoral presence?
Lastly, close in prayer together—asking God to
empower your worship and prayer this Advent
season to be Christ centered and life-giving. Pray
for one another to feel and enjoy the fullness of
Christ’s presence this Advent.
What does it mean for us today to ‘go to the house
of God’? (Think of gathering with the church but
also the approachability of God through Christ.)
Read and discuss Hebrews 3:1-6. How does the
author compare Jesus to Moses? In what sense is
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TH E S O NG S O F MOS ES A ND M ARY
Deuteronomy 32-34; Luke 1
Opening Question
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
How has this season of Advent encouraged you
in Christ’s first coming and helped you prepare
for his second coming?
Reading and Discussion
How does the birth of Christ fulfill all the
promises of God made to Israel? How might you
reflect on these beautiful truths in a deeper way
this Advent season?
Read Deuteronomy 32:48-52, 33:7, and 34:10-12
aloud.
How do you see God’s promises to Moses and
Israel fulfilled in the final chapters of Exodus?
Pick one line or phrase from Mary’s song (for
example, He “has lifted up the humble” v. 52) that
is most meaningful for you. How does it minister
to you?
Why does Moses have to die before the people
can enter the Land, and how do you see grace and
justice in this as well?
How might you encourage and be a life-giving
presence to your family and friends this
Christmas season?
What is the significance of Moses’s blessing on
the descendants of Judah (33:7) in particular?
How does Judah’s life challenge and encourage
you? (Judah was sinful in numerous ways but
was also chosen as the heir to Christ.)
Application & Prayer
How does Mary’s song remind you of God’s
faithfulness to Israel throughout all generations?
Take time for each person to describe their
plans for Christmas. What challenges do you
envision? How might you encourage and be a
life-giving presence to your family and friends
this Christmas season?
How have you seen—even in our generation—
God continue to fulfill his promises to extend his
mercy, bring down the proud, lift up the humble,
provide for the poor, and protect his people?
Take time together to pray aloud—thanking God
our Father for sending Christ for our salvation,
and praying for this season to be full of grace,
truth, and celebration.
Read Luke 1:46-55 aloud also.
Deeper Reflection
Reflect on Mary’s words as well as the traditional
Advent hymn “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts
(1719).
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