Loved for Love - Exodus 19-20 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, 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.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus 19:1-6 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. 1 Peter 2:9-10 And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before a me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:1-17 Questions for Small Group/Personal Study If you listened to the message, what stood out to you intially? Read Exodus 19:1-6. What does verse 4 reveal about God’s attitude toward these former slaves? Have you ever felt God’s love and care of you when life has been difficult? The Israelites knew they had trust issues with God. They complained about lack of provisions during the journey, they accused God of being unloving and of malpractice (bringing them out to the desert to die of hunger and thirst), they tried to overthrow God’s appointed leaders, they worshipped idols. During times of fear, what helps you to keep your faith in God? Is there a prayer God has not answered yet? After being a thorn in God’s side, what do you think the Israelites thought of God’s offers in vv. 5-6? Do you believe God offers you the same (see 1 Peter 2:9, and 10)? How does it change your view of God knowing He values you, just like the Israelites, despite your sinfulness- even after you believed in Him and repented. What does God’s actions toward you reveal about the character of God? Read Exodus 20:1-17. Did you learn anything new about the ten commandments? If so, which specific ones? Is there a commandment you think our society struggles to uphold? Is God speaking to you about, or asking you to focus on specifically obeying the ten commandments? If you feel comfortable, share with the group what it is so they can pray for you, and help you follow up on your decision.