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: We turn away from God more easily than we realize, and our sin is often more serious than we're willing to admit. But the incredible news is that God's mercy is greater than our failures. Through Jesus, we discover a God who takes sin seriously but offers forgiveness and a way forward. And when we've experienced that mercy ourselves, we're called to extend it to others.
Main Points:
Israel turned away from God incredibly quickly.
Israel underestimated the seriousness of their sin.
Israel discovered God's mercy was greater than their failures.
On-Ramps:
Take sin seriously in your own life.
Bring others before God through prayer.
Show mercy and help others return to God.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
In verses 1-2, which of the 10 commandments did the people’s request violate?
How did the people’s worship of the golden calf threaten their witness of God to the world?
Many of the people groups surrounding Israel worshipped bull or calf idols. How might we today mix the world’s ways into our Christian walk?
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 33:12–17; 34:5–9; 40:34–38
