Go around the group and see who knows any or all of the 10 commandments.

This question is intended to be a light and fun starter to get group conversation going. You could make a
game of it with a prize.

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Read Exodus 19:1-8 as a group. What does this passage teach us about God? How do you understand the terms “kingdom of priests” and “holy nation”? Why are these terms important?

God interacts with people and speaks to them (vs. 3), He is relational, He’s a Covenant God, and He wants His people to be expressions of who He is to the world.

Kingdom of priests: A priest is a mediator. Priests represent God to His people and His people to God. A kingdom of priests indicates that all the people in God’s kingdom are intended to be this kind of representative.

Holy Nation: They are God’s own people who are set apart, thinking and living differently than the world. These terms give us insight into God’s desire for His people to be holy like He is holy, set apart like He is set apart, for the purpose of influencing the rest of the world to know Him (v. 5-6).

God calls his people, Israel, to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation who bless the world. In this season, where have you seen the actions of Christians set them apart as God’s people? Where have you seen the actions of Christians being exactly the same as the culture around them?

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“Holy refers to life burning with an intense purity that transforms everything it touches into itself.” - Eugene Peterson

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“You are holy to the extent that your life is devoted to him, and your actions reflect his character.” - Nicky Gumbel

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5. There’s a difference between being willing and being able. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were willing to obey God’s commands, but you struggled to follow through?
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Describe an example from your own life.

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In vs. 8 we see that the Israelites are willing to obey God’s commands, but soon after were unable.
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6. Once you discovered your inability to obey God and be “holy,” how did you respond? Many things are impossible without God. Yet, God gives us His Holy Spirit to empower us to live a holy life. Without dependence on the Spirit, it really is impossible to live a holy life. So, how do we learn to depend on the Spirit?

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An awareness of our inability to be holy in our own strength is the first step in helping us recognize our need for the Holy Spirit to overcome our flesh. It is from this awareness of our poverty of spirit (Matt. 5:3) and the ensuing repentance that we are enabled and empowered to walk in the light of obedience. It’s the ultimate freedom. Freedom from sin and darkness.

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“But you are not like that (like those who do not believe in Jesus), for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” - 1 Peter 2:7-9

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7. Take some time individually in prayer. Ask God to reveal an area of your life where you are not living in holiness and, thereby, not showing others the light of God. Spend some time in reflection and repentance as you open to God.
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8. Those who feel comfortable, share what God revealed during this time and determine ways you can pray for and encourage one another to walk in the light. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” - Psalm 119:105

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Close in prayer for each person.

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