Exodus - Living as God’s People: Week 13
Opening Prayer:
Lord God,
You call us, Your people, to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation.
Not for our own sake, but for the sake of the world,
For the sake of the lost and lonely and forgotten,
For the sake of those who do not yet know You and the power of Your saving, transforming love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Key Scripture:
On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” 7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.
Exodus 19:1-9
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
If you missed Sunday’s talk you can catch up below: (Looking for the text summary? You can find that here.)
Discussion Guide:
Warm Up: Full Circle Moments
Icebreaker: The sermon began with a story about phone photos reminding us of where we were years ago.
Ask the group: Has anyone experienced a "full circle" moment recently? Or, if you looked at a photo of yourself from six years ago, what is one major thing that has changed in your spiritual journey since then?
Part 1: Who God Is (The God Who Carries)
Read: Exodus 19:3-6
Context: The Israelites have arrived at Mt. Sinai. Before God gives them the law (the 10 Commandments), He reminds them of what He has already done.
Discussion: We noted that in the ancient Middle East, nomadic people often had to "carry their gods" and work hard to appease them. Contrast that with God’s description in verse 4 "I carried you on eagles’ wings".
How does it change your mindset to know that God "carried" you out of sin before you followed any rules?
Do you ever catch yourself trying to "carry God" (working hard to earn His favor) rather than letting Him carry you?
Part 2: The Plumber & The Priest
The Analogy: Sam told a story about a failed sewage pump and realizing, "I can’t make this right on my own". He needed a plumber—someone to stand between them and the problem, someone with the right skills to make it clean.
Discussion: A priest is essentially a "spiritual plumber" or a "go-between".
Question: Israel was called to be a "kingdom of priests" but failed; they needed a mediator. In what areas of your life have you realized, "I can't fix this on my own; I need a mediator"?
Observation: How does Jesus fulfill this role of the ultimate "Plumber" or High Priest for us? (e.g., representing us to the Father, or interceding for us).
Part 3: Our Job Description
Read: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Application: The sermon highlights that because of the Holy Spirit, we are now the "Royal Priesthood". We are called to continue Jesus' work in four specific ways.
Break into pairs or discuss as a group: How do we practically do these four things in our daily lives (work, home, neighborhood)?
Representation: Showing the world what God is like.
How can your reaction to stress or conflict this week represent God to your colleagues or family?
Intercession: Standing in the gap/advocating against injustice.
Who is someone (or a cause) that needs you to "stand in the gap" for them right now through prayer and/or action?
Blessing: Pronouncing forgiveness and life over others.
Who is one person in your life (a friend, family member, or coworker) who needs to hear a specific word of hope or affirmation this week? How can you actively speak "life" into their situation?
Worship: Presenting our lives as a sacrifice.
What is one way you could offer a "sacrifice" of time or comfort to God this week?
Prayer Prompts:
Thank Jesus for being the High Priest who made us right with God.
Ask the Holy Spirit to empower everyone to be a "priest" in their workplace and homes this week.
Pray for the specific "intercession" needs mentioned during the discussion.
Additional Resources:
Further Study Resources:
Bible Project - The Royal Priesthood
Find the full sermon recording here
For a printable version of this guide click here