Life Group Sermon Study

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Life Group Sermon Study Man on Fire-Spiritual Cul-de-sac June 9, 2013 Key Scriptures this Week: Exodus 13:17-22, 14:1-4, 10-18; Colossians 2:13-14; I Corinthians

10:31; Matthew 5:16 Break the Ice: A key part of healthy group life is making sure your group is getting to know each other and building good relationships. Break the ice by using a few of these questions to get your group started.   

Who has been influential in shaping your character? Why? Where have you seen God move in your life this week? What did you learn about God from the message this week?

Engage with Questions: It is recommended that you read the “Key Scriptures this Week” (above) as a group before discussing the following questions. 1. Share what you know about the character of God. In the passages above, describe how the Israelites responded to their circumstance. From the sermon, what do we learn about why God led them into this spiritual cul-de-sac? How could our circumstances help us understand God better? God is more focused on developing His character in you, than saving you from a difficult circumstance. Does this statement help you deal with difficult circumstances? Why or why not? 2. What is the difference between being hemmed in by your sin and being hemmed in by God orchestrating your steps? As a group, share how this quote from Aaron challenges you, “You and I will never escape the spiritual cul-de-sac until we move from how can I display my glory to how can I display the glory of God through me?” 3. Read Colossians 2:13-14. How does this scripture show how powerless we are? What does it say about God delivering us from our battles? Aaron said, “Spiritual cul-de-sacs exist to refresh your trust in God in the midst of uncertainty.” Explain how you have seen this phrase played out in your life. 4. How has God come through for you in the past? How has He taken care of you? How helpful is it to remember how God has delivered you through your circumstances? Inspire Movement: The focus of this exercise is to challenge group members to apply the study to their daily walk. Have each group member identify a possible circumstance that could cause them to not trust God and “freak out?” Ask each member to share one thing they learned from this study that will move them to trust God’s will in their particular circumstance. Equip Your Mind: We encourage all life group members to take time to memorize God’s Word. Leaders, we ask you to find an avenue in which to encourage each member to commit God’s Word to memory. Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses. Exodus 14:31

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Below are sermon notes from Sunday: When I cannot see God’s purposes, God’s promises can make me angry. God isn’t just concerned about delivering you from the difficulty of your circumstances; He wants to reclaim and transform your heart. What God orchestrates, He regulates. “God, I’m not sure what You are doing or why I’m in this position, but I’m going to rest in the fact that You have led me here for a reason and are in control. Somehow, this fits Your purpose for me so I’ll trust You.” Rehearse what God has done. Trust how God is leading. “Freaking out” isn’t helpful. It’s sinful. The story line of the entire Bible is that God rescues people who cannot rescue themselves. God, if you “show” then I’ll “go”. God says, “go” and then I’ll “show”. kabod = weighty or heavy glory = radiance, brilliance, brightness, honor, respect, or credit “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” – John Piper Spiritual cul-de-sacs exist: To refresh my trust in God in the midst of uncertainty To remind me of my salvation (deliverance) To humble me when I am tempted to think and behave with a sense of entitlement To grow my faith to deeper levels of maturity To display the glory of God in me so others can see Group Prayer:  Ask God to display His glory through each of us and not our own glory.  Ask God to strengthen your faith in the midst of uncertainty.  Pray for Aaron and other preaching pastors in future weeks at TPCC. Pray for health, strength, protection, wisdom and boldness.