The Big 10 - Week 2: A Holy Name
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of May 3rd, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
Breaking the Ice/Think Time
Name-calling is something we teach our children not to do. Why is respecting someone’s name important?
Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30 minutes)
Read Exodus 20:1-7
In verses 1-6, God reminds the Israelites who He was, what He had done, and gives them the first two commandments. Review these verses and summarize what is said.
What does God command the Israelites not to do in verse 7? What does he say will happen if they ignore this command?
What does vain mean in this context? What does it mean to take the name of the Lord your God in vain?
In our context, what are ways we take the Lord’s name in vain?
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
How has your life this past year been a positive or negative reflection of the Name of God? What adjustments would you like God’s help with in this area?
John Durham writes of Ex. 20:7, “God’s name must be honored, blessed, praised, celebrated, and shared. To treat Yahweh’s name with disrespect is to treat his gift lightly, to underestimate his power, to scorn his Presence, and to misrepresent to the family of humankind his very nature.”
How does our treatment of God’s name affect others? How can we respect and reflect the name of God to be a positive influence to others?
God not only hears but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is