Grow Guide | Oct 12 & 16
Who We Are
Exodus 19:3-7; 20:1-17
Connecting Questions
Are you a rule breaker or a rule follower? Name some examples in your life of times you either broke the rules or followed them closely.
Can you think of an example of a rule that needs to be broken? What rules should never be broken?
Context
Last week we read ending of the epic story of the Exodus, when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea to escape Egypt and start a new life. Once the adrenaline of the escape dissipated, the Israelites complained about their wanderings in the wilderness, but God knew they needed time to let go of their identity as an oppressed people, learn to trust God, and discover their new identity as a free nation. Moses lead them to Mount Sinai, where in today’s reading he received the 10 commandments which outlined the basics of what the Israelites needed to do (or not do) to be a thriving community.
These commandments continue the covenant God made with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis. A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties, and here it’s an agreement between God and the Israelites. God promises to bless and care for them, and in our reading for today, God shows them how they can best keep their promises to God by obeying the 10 commandments to the best of their ability. Today, the 10 commandments continue to bless communities of faith and help them to grow together in love and joy.
Look at the Book
Read Exodus 19:3-7.
Look closely at Exodus 19:4-6. Why do you think God names the Israelites as God’s “treasured possession” before giving them the 10 commandments? How does knowing you are God’s beloved child affect the way you view the 10 commandments? How do you try to live into your identity as God’s treasured possession?
Look at the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. Why do you think they start with our relationship with God, then move to our relationships with others? How could you live into this order in your daily life?
Which commandment is hardest for you to follow? Which one is the easiest? Has that changed throughout your life?
Martin Luther’s Large Catechism challenges us to see the complexity behind the seemingly simple commandments. We may think we can easily obey “you shall not murder,” yet Luther claims we murder others when we think ill of them, neglect their hunger or fail to address their lack of housing. Pick one or two commandments to think deeply about this week. In what ways are you avoiding the truth about yourself and your human tendency to sin?
Taking it Home
Spend time with the 10 commandments this week (put them where you will see them, use them as part of your daily devotions, etc.). How does spending time with them affect your heart and your daily living?
Look for ways people are following the commandments and doing amazing things in the world. If one million people follow one commandment to the best of their ability, it makes a powerful impact!