Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

LOOK BACK - REMEMBER GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

[Your Objective: Through discussion and example, sharpen your awareness of God's faithfulness in your own life.]

Look again at Exodus 19:1-4. Of what does God remind Moses in verse 4?

• Why might God have wanted them to look back on their deliverance from Egypt?

What does Lamentations 3:23 say about God's mercies toward us?

• How does this truth speak to our hearts about God’s faithfulness? When we make mistakes and disappoint Him, how does this verse encourage us?

From Deuteronomy 7:9, who has God made a covenant with and how long will He be faithful?

• As Moses is speaking with the Israelites in Deuteronomy 7, it has been 40 years since their exodus from Egypt. What event do you think he might be specifically pointing to in this verse and why?
• How does remembering God's faithfulness in the past help us to deal with present trouble?

Evangelism (Mission) - When you become aware of God's faithfulness, you are naturally excited about it and eager to share that good news with others. Think of a time in your life when God has been especially faithful to you. Write it down and consider sharing it in your group. Now think of how people in your community - especially unbelievers - might respond if you were to share this good news with them? Thank God for His promise in John 1:12 and pray for an opportunity to share your story. Watch God's faithfulness in action.

LOOK AHEAD-CELEBRATE YOUR FUTURE

[Your Objective: Learn to see ourselves as God sees us, and what we can become through Him.]

According to Exodus 19:5-6, what does God say we will become if we fully obey Him?

• What would God's cherished possession look like?
• Why do some feel they are not a cherished possession?
• What are some of the benefits and responsibilities of being a chosen priest of God?

How are God's chosen people described in 1 Peter 2:9 and what is expected of them?

• As chosen priests, we have direct access to God. How should we live in order to maximize this privilege?

What does Ephesians 3:12 say about how we can approach God?

• Priests represent God to people and dedicate their lives to serving God. In what ways do we represent God to others?
• Serving God is sometimes easy and other times difficult. Where must our focus be when serving God by serving others?

Read Ephesians 4:1. According to what standard is each of us to live?

• What things tend to distract us from pursuing and living up to the calling God has on our lives?

Worship (Magnification) - While the specific calling on each of our lives may be different, we are all called to worship God in everything we do. One way we can do that is by focusing less on mistakes of our past and more on how God sees us. If we will approach all we do as though we are doing it for God and not man, we will not only bring a smile to God's face and experience His peace, but we will also begin to be seen as His "cherished possession" and "chosen priest". How can you worship God in this manner? In an attitude of celebration for what He has in store for you, share with the group how you plan to worship God this coming week.

LOOK AROUND - COMMIT WITH THE COMMUNITY

[Your Objective: Commit to doing our part as the community of believers.]

How did the people respond to Moses in Exodus 19:8 and what was their commitment level?

According to Romans 12:5, how is the body of believers in Christ described?

• Compare the scope of what can be accomplished when many people join together for a common goal versus many individuals working toward many different goals.
• How can we reach out to others so that they would want to commit to a church family?

Fellowship (Membership) - As part of a church family we are a community of believers and God is asking us to make a corporate commitment. What is your church asking you to do? Are you willing to do your part? If so, share what you are ready and willing to do and pray for one another as new commitments are made and the community of believers is strengthened.

LOOK IN - PREPARE YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY

[Your Objective: Agree that effective community outreach requires hearts prepared in advance by God.]

What does God ask Moses to have the people do, in Exodus 19:10-11? How many days would it take?

• How much time should we spend preparing for an encounter with God?
• Since we all have busy lives and schedules, discuss some practical ways we can set aside time for God.

What does the psalmist David ask God to do in Psalm 51:10?

• Why is this preparation needed for a life to be useful for God?
• How often should we ask God for these same things and what should we expect when we do?

In Deuteronomy 4:7, of what does Moses remind the Israelites? Why do you think he did that?

• What is the spiritual benefit in reflecting upon our unique relationship with God?

Discipleship (Maturity) - We grow as Christians when we spend time with God and get to know His character. Nothing draws our hearts closer to His than prayer. Take time in your groups right now to pray. Here are some Scriptures to use as your prayer guides, if you like: Psalm 17:6; Psalm 24:3-4; Psalm 15:1-6, 2 Corinthians 7:1; and 2 Timothy 2:21. Commit to taking time for prayer every day this week and let God prepare you for His special work.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Admit that God's work through our lives often requires stepping out of our personal comfort zones and agree to hold one another accountable for a step in God's direction this week.]

When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the horn, and when they saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

Exodus 20:18 (NLT)

Our GOD has revealed to us his glory and greatness. We've heard him speak from the fire today! We've seen that God can speak to humans and they can still live.

Deuteronomy 5:24 (The Message)

Imagine that moment when the Israelites emerged from their God visit. Their clothes must have smelled of God-smoke! When you go out into your community, will people smell God on you? What will you do to make sure they do? Ask God to show you what step He wants you to take outside your comfort zone this week in order to reach others with His message. Maybe He wants you to read a devotion everyday instead of the sports page, take a risk and join a small group, or go out and feed the hungry. Will you be ready? Remember His faithfulness and ask Him to make it so.

Look up - and get ready for a God encounter!