Message Notes
Look Back
What are you doing to overcome obstacles that keep you from trusting God with every situation?
Look Up
Read Deuteronomy 5:6-10 and Exodus 20:2-17
- What does the 1st verse of these passages focus on? Why is this important to remember?
- Does the fact that God gave Israel these rules after he rescued them from slavery in Egypt change the way you think about these “rules”?
- What role did the 10 Commandments play in your life growing up? How did this shape your thoughts about and relationship with God?
- What role have “rules” played in your life? Do you typically tend to follow rules or avoid them? Why do you think you see rules this way?
Read Matthew 22:34-40
- Why do you think the Jewish religious leaders focused on the commandments given by Moses? What does this say about how they viewed the rules?
- What does Jesus’ answer to the Jewish religious leaders say about His view of the rules?
- What does Jesus say is the foundation, or starting point for all the commandments? Why do you think this is the case?
- How easy is it for you to accept that following God’s rules is a way that you can show love to God? What helps you, or stops you from seeing things this way?
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
Are you trying to earn God’s favor by following a set of rules, or avoiding God because of His rules? What will you do to better understand God’s rules and how they can help guide you?
Notes
The rules that people impose on others tell us a lot about them. This is true of God’s rules too. It is important for us to remember that God’s rules are a confirmation of, not a condition of his love and relationship with us. They provide us with a framework for healthy relationships with God and others. His motive is provision and protection of those he loves. We express our love for God when we commit to understand and follow His rules and avoid making our own rules.
