Exodus 12:31-51 & 14:1-30
“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord…” Exodus 14:10 (p.54)
“I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.” Isaiah 43:16 (p.550)
- God Always Makes A Way.
- Don’t be afraid.
“But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’” Exodus 14:13-14 (p.54)
Series Memory Verse: “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Joshua 1:5 (p.168)
- Do what He says.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.’” Exodus 14:15-16 (p.54)
“‘If you love me, obey my commandments.’” John 14:15 (p.823)
“Jesus replied, ‘But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’” Luke 11:28 (p.793)
- Walk with God.
“Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!” Exodus 14:21-22 (p.55)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (p.548)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will pray every day for God to show me a way through my obstacle.
Small Group Questions
One Thing: God Always Makes A Way.
Key Verse: “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Joshua 1:5 (p.168)
Bible References: Exodus 12:31-51 & 14:1-30 (p.53-54)
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Do you like challenges or avoid them? Think back over your life, was there ever a challenge that you had to overcome?
How does your faith come into it and how do you deal with challenges?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
As the Hebrew people were released from their enslavement by the Egyptians, God appeared to them as a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night. He went out in front of them to show them the way that He had prepared for them. God used the pillar of smoke and fire to guide them both day and night to show that He was always with them leading them towards something important.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Exodus 14:13-14 (p.54). We are called to not be afraid.
- What fears are you experiencing right now?
- How can you go to Jesus with those fears?
- How can we support each other at this time?
// Read John 14:15 (p.823). Here, Jesus explains that if we truly love Him, we would keep His commandments.
- What are commandments?
- How can we love God by obeying His commandments?
// Read Exodus 14:15-16 (p.54). Do what He says.
- Is there anything in your life that you need God’s guidance in?
- How can God reveal His way to you?
- What does it look like to follow Jesus for you?
// Read Isaiah 41:10 (p.548). This passage explains how God is always with us and makes a way for us.
- What areas of your life do you need God to strengthen and help you right now?
- What can we do when we get discouraged to focus on seeing God’s way?
// Read Exodus 14:21-22 (p.54). Walk with God.
- What situation do you need God to open a door for you?
- Are you walking with God where He is leading you?
NEXT STEP
My Next Step This Week: ___ I will pray every day for God to show me a way through my obstacle.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read Psalm 23:1-3 (p.423). In this passage, we get to see that God is with us no matter the circumstance or situation we find ourselves in. God wants to walk with you through all seasons of life. He will make a way for you visible and be there with you through it.
Read Philippians 4:13. Here we get to see that God is our source of strength and power. It is through Jesus that we are empowered and able to overcome our obstacles and find our way.
Isaiah 43:16 (p.550) Psalm 48:14 (p.435) Psalm 119:45 (p.469) Isaiah 43:19 (p.550)
Take time to read Exodus 15:1-21 (p55-56). These are two songs of praise to God one by Moses and one by his sister Miriam following the safe crossing through the Red Sea. They were Spirit led and there was dancing and tambourines.
- This was a corporate time of celebration. Do you think there is still a place for corporate praise and worship and thanksgiving when God brings His church through a difficult time?
- What is our individual reaction to God bringing us through difficult situations? How do we show our thanksgiving to God?