Sermon Discussion Guide
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Holiness of God: How Big?
How big is the God you believe in?
Are you willing to believe in a God who is bigger than your understanding?
Are you willing to believe in a God who is bigger than your ability to control?
Are you willing to believe in a God whose love is bigger than you can imagine?
1.) Read Isaiah 40:25 and Genesis 3:1-5. What does it mean to say that the Lord is the Holy One? What is the appeal of the temptation to be like God? What is it in us that doesn’t want a God who is above us, beyond us, greater than us, etc.?
2.) Read Exodus 2:11-15 and Exodus 2:23-3:4. What are the various dynamics going on here that are beyond our understanding? Can you share an experience when you chose to believe, trust, have faith in God though what He was doing was beyond your understanding? What would have happened in Moses’ life, and what happens in our lives if we’re not willing to believe in a God who is bigger than our understanding?
3.) Read Isaiah 55:8-9. Does it make sense to believe in a God who is beyond your understanding? Why or why not? What is the good news in this passage?
4.) Read Exodus 3:5-6. Moses hides his face (but doesn’t run away!!!) knowing this God He is encountering is far beyond his control. Have you ever gone away from God when He did something beyond your control that you didn’t like? Why did you, or didn’t you, go away from God?
5.) Read Jeremiah 18:1-6 and Romans 9:20-21. Why do we resist being clay in the potter’s hands? Why is it good news that we are, in fact, like clay in the potter’s hands? Why is it even good news to know that He makes, “one vessel for beauty and another for menial use”?
6.) Read Exodus 3:7-10. In what ways do you see God’s infinite love in these words? Share about a time that you experienced the love of God to a degree that you never could have imagined. Are you willing to believe in God’s love that is bigger than you can imagine? Why or why not?