Exodus 40:34-38
“How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it.” Exodus 32:8 (p.70)
“Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34-35 (p.78)
- My Story Shows God’s Glory.
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16 (p.139)
- Pray for The Holy Spirit’s wisdom daily.
“Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted.” Exodus 40:36-37 (p.78)
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (p.930)
- Remind yourself of His commands.
“The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:38-39 (p.78)
“So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.” Psalm 78:7 (p.448)
- Surround yourself with people who will motivate you in your faith.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 (p.926)
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (p.501)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will set aside a specific time to pray for God’s Spirit to give me wisdom.
_____ I will set aside a specific time to read God’s promises.
_____ I will sign up for a Life Group.
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)
Small Group Questions
One Thing: My Story Shows God’s Glory.
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 40:34-38 (p.78)
CONVERSATION STARTER
// What was a time that you needed help? How did that moment impact your story and who you are today?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Tabernacle was the central place of worship for the Israelites. In Moses’ time the tabernacle, which was a large portable tent that housed the ark of the covenant (a sign of God’s promises), represented the visible sign of God’s presence among His people. This was a major change as God’s presence was seen as far removed from humanity and through the Tabernacle God dwelled among His people and went everywhere they traveled.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Exodus 40:36-37 (p.78). Pray for The Holy Spirit’s wisdom daily.
- What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?
- How does God direct you in your life? How does God give us wisdom and direction?
// Read James 1:5 (p.930). God is generous and wants to be in relationship with you.
- What do you need to ask God for?
- How can you apply God’s wisdom to your life right now?
// Read Exodus 40:38 (p.78). Remind yourself of His commands.
- Are you able to see God’s work in your life? Explain what that does/does not look like for you?
- How do we remind ourselves of God’s commands?
- What distractions are getting in the way of living out God’s commands?
- How can we overcome these distractions?
// Read Proverbs 27:17 (p.501). God wants us to be surrounded by people who will build you and your relationship with Jesus up.
- Do you have people in your life that look to help build you up or tear you down? What should your relationship be with people who tear you down?
- How have you seen this Proverb play out in your own life?
// Read Hebrews 10:24 (p.926). Surround yourself with people who will motivate you in your faith.
- Who is in your life that you go to with questions about God?
- How can we surround ourselves with people who want us to grow closer to God?
NEXT STEP
Next Step_____ I will set aside a specific time to pray for God’s Spirit to give me wisdom.
_____ I will set aside a specific time to read God’s promises.
_____ I will sign up for a Life Group.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read Matthew 5:16 (p.736). Jesus wants you to let your good deeds and actions showcase God’s glory and power working in your life. This is how our story highlights God’s ability to work through us and others. Remember we are Christ’s ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:20 (p882) so everything we do reflects Jesus – good and bad.
Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 (p.883). This passage explains that it is through the Spirit that we are changed and empowered more and more into God’s image.
Isaiah 43:1-2 (p.550) 1 Corinthians 10:31 (p.876) 1 John 4:15 (p.943) Isaiah 60:1-3 (p.564)
If you haven’t done this before, try keeping a prayer diary write down things you discuss with God each day and keep an eye how he answers the prayers and share the answers to prayers with other members of the Life Group. Or even keep a Life Group prayer diary. This will encourage you/ the group and you can share it wider. As we said God is generous and this will help you see it.