His Story Week Twelve

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HIS STORY: Week 12 – Ten Ways To Be Perfect Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share context of the story [Provide context by sharing the information below.]

In chapter 16, Exodus recounts how Israel started grumbling against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness right after God’s deliverance from Egypt. They seemingly forgot God’s goodness when the next hardship appeared; yet, God still provided bread from heaven and water from a rock to make sure that they were nourished. God was with Israel throughout their entire desert journey, even giving His Law so that they could know Him and be His people! Tell the story – Exodus 16-17, 19-40 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God takes care of the needs of His people; God makes a way through hard times so that we can be delivered from harm; even in our darkest moments, God is with us; my God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19); God’s plan for man is not devoid of suffering (2 Corinthians 4:7-11); God doesn’t excuse men from sin, but He does provide our deliverance from the consequences of sin; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [If I am not intentionally counting my blessings, I can quickly forget the faithful provision of God; I can allow sin to cloud my memory of that from which God has delivered me; I can think that God has forgotten me in the midst of His plan for me; I need God to help redeem me from my fallen condition; grumbling is the natural state of man apart from gratitude; unless I have God’s perspective, I can look at opportunities in my life as obstacles; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. In light of what you’ve learned today, what do you need to do to obey God? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. In Exodus 32, the Israelites assembled a gold calf to worship. In our society today, what are some idols that we are prone to worship? 2. Of the Ten Commandments, which one do you need to be reminded of most often? Assign Next week’s passage – Joshua 3, 6 [Ask someone to tell the story.] Close in Prayer

HIS STORY: Week 12 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Remember the atmosphere that a spiritual child may need to experience in a Grow Group. They need to be free to ask questions and know that they won’t be criticized if they give a wrong answer. They need to know we are all on the journey together, and that sometimes we are obedient and sometimes we are disobedient. We all need to be reminded that we have not arrived, but that we serve a God of grace and mercy who guides us on the journey.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] A spiritual child may be young in their faith or may have been a believer for years. Spiritual children are typically self-centered, idealistic, and may fluctuate between over-confidence (pride) and under-confidence (defeat). You may see this in their actions and hear it in their conversations. To shepherd someone who is a spiritual child, you must be in relationship with them at a deeper level than just a weekly meeting. Help them build a meaningful relationship with God by teaching them how to pray, pointing them to biblical truths, and involving them in the family of God through corporate worship and relationships with other believers. Spend time listening to them and let them tell you their story. Share your story as well. They’ll appreciate you sharing your struggles and being transparent. Introduce them to other believers who can also come alongside them to help encourage and challenge them. Point out their abilities and invite them to serve in some way so that they can begin seeing their purpose in God’s mission. Give them grace and support when they make mistakes.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] In Matthew 6:33, we are told to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Our relationship with Jesus should not end with a prayer for salvation. It is only the beginning. He desires that we seek His heart in everything that we do. Search your heart today. Is there something that you have yet to surrender fully to the Lord? Commit that to Him today.