The Story: Oct-Nov Study Guide

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

STUDY GUIDE

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STUDY GUIDE INTRODUCTION

As a church family we are taking this 2014-15 school year to study the Bible together from Genesis to Revelation. Our hope is that as we focus on the larger story of what God has been up to in the world it will help us better understand the role He has for us to play at this time in history. As you study the scriptures as a family, as a small group or as a class, please pray for our church to clearly hear God's voice. This study guide is meant to help you explore the big themes of the Bible. You can use it as a stand-alone study before or after our Sunday worship times in which the sermons will be based on the same large topic, or you can use this study guide as a supplement to the other Story materials like the teaching DVD and The Story novel. We arranged this study in a way to help us each be more intentional about being disciples of Jesus by asking these three primary questions:

1) What does the text say?

2) What is God saying to me through this text?

3) What is God asking me to do different in light of this text?

Thank you for being willing to be a part of this journey we are on together as a church family, and thank you for being open to how God wants to invite you more deeply into His beautiful story.

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The week of October 5: 10 COMMANDMENTS Sermon Scripture: Exodus 20:1-17 Sermon Title: “New Commands and Covenants” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 5 *Exodus 19 *Exodus 24 *John 1:1-18 *Hebrews 3:1-6 *Galatians 3:15-24 *Matthew 22:3440* CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) Why was the law given to the people?

2.) What difference did the law make?

3.) Why were the people afraid of God? REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) If we can’t depend upon our righteousness what is the point of following the rules?

5.) What do you make of Jesus’s statement in Matthew 22 about the “greatest commandment”? And how does this fit with the “10 commandments”?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

6.) If being righteous is not possible what is it that motivates us to be obedient?

7.) As the Apostle Paul asks, “should we not sin that grace can abound?” (see Romans 6) 8.) Who are the people you need to love better in order to fulfill the “great commandment”?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”

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PRAYER: A HOLY ENCOUNTER Exodus 19:3-8 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel; ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.

The Lord wants to communicate His love and commitment to us as His people.

Our part is to “show up” and follow His ways. Pray for the Lord to show you His love for you and where He wants you to follow Him.

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The week of October 12: WANDERING Sermon Scripture: Numbers 14:11-12, 17-23 Sermon Title: “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 6 *Numbers 13 *Exodus 32 *Exodus 33 *Romans 3 *Matthew 4:1-11* CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) What is it that the people of God focus on in their wanderings?

2.) In Numbers 13 God sends out spies, what is the majority report and what is the minority report?

3.) What is the result of what they predict?

REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) How can we help ourselves from being controlled by our circumstances?

5.) Jesus is tempted with appetite, approval and ambition in the desert (just like the people of Exodus). Which of these areas do you face the most temptation in this season of life?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?” BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

6.) What does the life of one who is led by God look like?

7.) There are examples in history of those who thought God was leading them but they were clearly misled. How can we prevent this error?

8.) Jesus went into the “wilderness” on purpose in order to be with the Father.

What does this look like in your life?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”

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PRAYER: AS INTERCESSION Numbers 14: 17-20 And now I pray, let the power of my Lord be great, just as You have spoken, saying, ‘The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.’ “Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now.” Then the Lord said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; As we pray for others, reminding God of His love and mercy, God hears us and acts on our behalf. Ask the Lord who He wants you to bring before Him today that He might have mercy on their behalf.

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The week of October 19: JOSHUA Sermon Scripture: Joshua 1:1-11 Sermon Title: “Strong and Courageous” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 7 *Joshua 1-7 *Hebrews 4 *John 15:1-17 * CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) What is the history for those who have been in the wilderness?

2.) Why did they have to wait to go into the land?

3.) If you were Joshua what would be your fears?

REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) How difficult would this decision have been for Joshua and the Hebrew people? Why? 5.) What role does the Word of God play in this decision?

6.) How has God given you strength and courage in past situations that were hard?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

7.) Is there one thing you think He is calling you to do that might be a part of your story?

8.) What are the risks involved when we trust God in new ways?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”

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PRAYER: STRENGTHENING YOURSELF IN THE LORD Joshua 1: 5, 7, 9 “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you… …Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go… …Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go...”

Prayer can be a great source of strength as we hear from the Lord and commit to His ways. Meditate on these strong words to Joshua and to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

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The week of October 26: JUDGES Sermon Scripture: Judges 6:11-16 Sermon Title: “A Few Good Men … and Women” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 8 *Judges 1-8 *Romans 1 and 2 *Matthew 25: 31-46 *John 13: 1-17* CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) What do you notice that is similar about these leaders?

2.) What is unique to each of the Judges?

3.) What does this part of the story say about God? REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) What changes do we need to make if we want to be leaders?

5.) What are the dangers we face when we take on leadership?

6.) What does Jesus show us about leadership in His ministry?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

7.) If we are to be leaders in God’s story what do we need to do?

8.) What is your story as a leader of God’s story?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” PRAYER: QUESTIONING GOD Judges 6: 12-13 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” And Gideon said to Him, “Oh my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

Sometimes God seems to be absent just when we need Him. Prayer is a way to dialogue with the Lord about all our concerns and questions. Don’t be afraid to ask Him your questions. He is big enough to handle it.

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The week of November 2: RUTH Sermon Scripture: Ruth 4:1-10 Sermon Title: “The Faith of a Foreign Woman” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 9 *Ruth 1-4 *Matthew 1:1-17 *Romans 4 * CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) What are the cultural laws that Ruth seems to ignore?

2.) Where is Ruth’s faith evident? Where did she have to risk?

3.) How significant was this one woman to God’s story?

REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) Who is your story significant to? Who are the people you have influence with?

5.) What do you do on a regular basis to remember your true identity in God’s story?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

7.) The story of Ruth tells us that God uses people right where they are to accomplish His great purposes. What does this mean for where God has placed you?

8.) What risks do you need to take in order to join God in the work He is doing around you?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” PRAYER: COMMITMENT BEYOND BORDERS Ruth 1:16 “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Even though this is not a prayer it is a beautiful statement of commitment beyond where we have come from, beyond who we were before Christ, beyond even our family.

It is a statement of desire to follow God even though it is costly. Ask God who and what and where He is calling you to make a sacrificial commitment.

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The week of November 9: SAUL Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3-10 Sermon Title: “Standing Tall; Falling Hard” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 10 *1 Samuel 8:1-21 *1 Samuel 9-13 *Psalms 57-59 *Matthew 23 * CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) How does Samuel determine God’s will for him?

2.) Why do you think God’s people want a king? And what does God want for the people?

3.) Why does God grant the people’s request?

REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) What do we learn from Saul’s leadership that we can apply to our own life?

5.) Who are the people you are asked to lead and how is God asking you to lead them?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

6.) What do you believe God is calling you to do in ministry / leadership?

7.) Is there some attitude or behavior that you need to change?

8.) How has your story been an opportunity to see God at work?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” PRAYER: HEARING GOD’S VOICE I Samuel 3:10 Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak Lord, for Your servant hears.”

This is the simplicity of prayer; God speaks and we listen. Often we have so much to say we forget to wait and listen to what God has to say. Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice right away. It took time and a willingness to wait, but He longs to call each of us by name. Take time right now to be quiet and listen… speak Lord, for Your servant is listening…

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The week of November 16: YOUNG DAVID Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Sermon Title: “From Shepherd to King” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 11 *1 Samuel 16, 20, 24 and 31 *Matthew 20: 1-28 *Romans 12 * CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) How does Samuel choose David?

2.) What is it that makes David a good choice? What reasons might he be a bad choice?

3.) What do you observe in the relationship between Saul and David?

REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) What are the ways that we look at the outside rather than the inside of our leaders?

5.) What are the ways that we rule ourselves out as a leader?

6.) What role does God play in the choosing of leaders?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

7.) What are some ways God wants to use your strengths in the way you lead?

8.) What are some ways God wants to use your weaknesses in the way you lead?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” PRAYER: WHAT GOD SEES I Samuel 16: 7 & 12-13 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.

In prayer ask God to give you a picture of your heart. Offer it to Him and let the Holy Spirit come upon you…

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The week of November 23: KING DAVID Sermon Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-13 Sermon Title: “Trials and Tribulation” Additional Readings: THE STORY – CHAPTER 12 *2 Samuel 5-11 & 22-24 *Psalm 51 *1 Timothy 4:11-16 *2 Timothy 3:10-15 CONTEXT questions (what did the text say to the original audience?)

1.) List the ways that David is a success as a king.

2.) List the ways that David is a failure as a king.

3.) What do you think causes David’s failure as a leader?

REPENT questions (where does our thinking need to change?)

4.) In seeing how God responds to David’s failure, how does He respond to our failures?

5.) Who do you have in your life who can help you see the need for repentance?

6.) What does repentance look like for followers of Jesus?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO ME?”

BELIEVE questions (where does our behavior need to change?)

7.) What mistakes do you need to own up to with God and with the people around you?

8.) What would it look like for you to reach out to people around you who have made mistakes?

STOP AND PRAY SILENTLY: “GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” PRAYER: CONVICTION LEADS TO REPENTANCE Psalm 51: 1 & 10-11 - Have mercy upon me, Oh God, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

David prayed this Psalm having been convicted by the prophetic word. We too need to open ourselves to the word and let the Holy Spirit use it to bring us to repentance. Take some time to pray asking God to reveal the areas in your life that don’t line up with His plan for you.

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DISCIPLESHIP LEARNING CIRCLE INTRODUCTION The Learning Circle is a discipleship tool, which means it is a way to help us better follow Jesus. The premise is simple: God is always speaking, always wanting to communicate His love and plans to us, and we want to be people who hear this voice and respond in obedience. The first half of the circle is about REPENTING, which means to have our thinking changed by God. The second half of the circle is about BELIEVING, which means to have our behavior changed by God. Use this tool in order to help lead conversations all the way around the circle so that we might be people who more clearly know the ways of Jesus and more obediently follow the ways of Jesus. You will notice that our drawing of the Learning Circle includes two places to stop in order to engage prayer. Use this time as a group to listen for the voice of God because He wants to speak to us, and speak through us to our brothers and sisters.