Message Notes
Look Back
What did you intentionally do this week to be better together with others? What was the result?
Look Up
Read Exodus 12:12-13 and Isaiah 8:16-22 Isaiah 8:16 Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me…19 Someone may say to you, "Let's ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do." But shouldn't people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? 20 Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. NLT
- Why do you think God told the people of Israel to do so many unrelated things (sacrificing a lamb, eating a meal in a specific way, spreading blood, etc.) to secure their safety?
- How easy is it for you to obey God’s instructions when they appear confusing or do not make sense to you? What things help you move from skepticism to obedience?
- How do you distinguish between obedience to God’s instructions and “lucky” habits? Is it possible for God’s instructions to evolve into lucky habits, traditions or meaningless rituals? Have you ever experienced this personally?
Read John 3:16-21
- What do these verses have in common with Exodus 12? How are they different?
- What do these verses say about people? How does this compare to Isaiah’s warning and instruction? How does this apply to people today?
- How easy is it for you to see God as a loving Father who has gone to great lengths in order to give eternal life to those who follow Jesus? What helps or hinders you in believing this?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
In what ways do you look for hope, help or peace in ways that are not honoring to God? How will you commit to understand and obey God's instructions in a new way?
Notes
Obeying God’s instructions is rarely easy, and is often confusing and misunderstood. Followers of Jesus are offered different “guides” in the Holy Spirit and the Bible. The key is that we consistently ask God for guidance, rather than seeking other sources or means. God will answer and will guide us with His power when we are persistent in seeking His will and direction.
