GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Why did God give us the Ten Commandments? Are they outdated rules, or could they actually be the path to real freedom? These Ten Words show us who God is, who we are, and how life works best—and it all begins with one foundation: worship God alone.
Main Points:
The Ten Words are God’s path to life and freedom with him and others.
The Ten Words all flow from the first—worship God alone.
The Ten Words lead us to Jesus, who gives both forgiveness and power to obey.
On-Ramps:
Surrender to Jesus Christ, asking for his forgiveness and strength.
Put God first daily by spending quiet time in scripture and prayer.
Read the Ten Words daily (Exodus 20) and try to memorize them.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
In Exodus 20, God begins by declaring, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Why do you think God began the Ten Words with this statement? How does it serve as a lens for how His people were to view the commands? How does it shape the way we view the command today to have “no other gods”?
Read Matthew 22:37–38. How does Jesus’ summary of the Law deepen our understanding of the first commandment? In what ways does loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind protect you from “other gods”?
In light of recent, high-profile and even tragic events (such as the death of Charlie Kirk), how does God’s first command — “You shall have no other gods before me” — guide followers of Jesus to bring their faith into every sphere of life (politics, public discourse, community involvement, etc.) in a way that is steady, life-giving, and reflective of His character? What “gods” have you seen others set aside so that their faith in Jesus can be more visible?
What is one “other god” in your life — something you find yourself trusting more than God at times (could be success, comfort, approval, a person, etc.) — and what steps can you take this week to give God its place in your life?
Is there anything in your life you need to reorder so that worship of God becomes more prominent?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Exodus 20:4–6; Romans 1:21–23; 1 John 5:21
