Exodus 19:3-6 [NLT] Big Idea Live according to the Gospel Order – Salvation, Obedience, and Blessing. Grace – Look to Your Salvation Exodus 19:4 “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” Reject Cultural Pressure: Stop striving to prove your worth through external measures like achievements or appearance. Rest in Grace: Preach to yourself daily: “My identity is rooted in God’s grace, not my performance or feelings.” Obedience – Live Out Your Exodus 19:5 “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.” Examine your motivation: Are you obeying out of fear or love? Align your heart with God’s ways, trusting His wisdom, power, and love to guide you. Flourishing – Obedience Leads to Exodus 19:5-6 “Then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” 3 Circles of Flourishing: Individual-Family-Community ** Examples of Flourishing Through Traditional Marriage ** Individual Impact Family Impact Community Impact WHAT NOW? Submit to God’s way of flourishing with the power he provides. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. Individual Flourishing How has (or could) living according to God’s design lead to your personal growth and flourishing? Are there areas in your life where obedience to God has brought unexpected joy or fulfillment? 2. Family Flourishing Can you share an example of how following God’s principles has positively impacted relationships within your family? 3. Community Flourishing How might living in obedience to God help build healthier and more stable communities? SOURCES “The Effects of Marriage on Health: A Synthesis of Recent Research Evidence” Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (aspe.hhs.gov) “Marriage and Well-Being: The Benefits of a Stable Union” Authors: Waite, L., & Gallagher, M. Publication: The Case for Marriage: Why Married People Are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially. “Marital Status and Longevity in the United States Population” Authors: Kaplan, R. M., Kronick, R. G. Journal: Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (jech.bmj.com) “Does the Shape of Families Shape Faith?” Authors: Wilcox, W. B., & Wolfinger, N. H. Published by: The Institute for Family Studies (ifstudies.org) “Marriage and Child Well-Being Revisited: Introducing the Marital Quality-Child Outcomes Framework” Authors: Amato, P. R., & Sobolewski, J. M. Journal: Social Forces (academic.oup.com) “Marriage: America's Greatest Weapon Against Child Poverty” Authors: Rector, R., Pardue, M., & Fagan, P. Published by: The Heritage Foundation (heritage.org) “The Role of Marriage in Social Stability and Economic Mobility” Authors: Lerman, R. I., & Wilcox, W. B. Published by: The Brookings Institution (brookings.edu)