Group Notes | August 14

Overcomer: Finishing Strong
August 14, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

It takes only a fraction of a second to make a choice that has consequences that can last for the rest of your life, yet you somehow pick up and finish with integrity. Can anyone give a personal example?

Over the past several weeks we have learned lessons from the life of Moses, starting with his birth until, at 80 years of age, he led the children of Israel out of Egypt, where he guided them for forty years. Today we focus on one incident when his disobedience to God cost him the reward of going into the promised land. Still, he continued to be passionate in serving God.

 

Discuss:

  1. Read Numbers 20:1-12 for a background of Moses’ disobedience.
  2. Had God ignored Moses’ action, what lessons would that have taught Israel about disobeying and dishonoring Him, and about the importance and authority of the Ten Commandments? Which one did it violate in particular?

He didn’t let his past failure keep him from his future obedience

  1. In verse 12 of Numbers 20, how do you think Moses felt when God reprimanded and punished him in front of the multitude?
  2. How would you have felt if it had happened to you (perhaps a congregation, or company)? Can you share?

He continued to lead

  1. God continued to give Moses instructions in Numbers 20. What does verse 27 say? What does this tell us about the heart of Moses?
  2. Think of a time when your own disobedience caused God to have to discipline you; did you let the bitterness give you a reason to walk away from God for a season?

He continued to bless those around him

  1. If you go back to Deut. 31 (read it on your own), you will see Moses pours his remaining days into blessing the tribes of Israel, mentoring Eleazar to take the place of Aaron, and preparing Joshua to take his own place. What do these actions tell you about his inner character?
  2. Ask yourself a very serious question: in the same circumstances, would you (or have you) continued serving God with a passion, or shut Him out of your life?

Key Point: It was GOD’S work, not Moses’

 

Close:

It would have been so easy to let the humility of the one act of disobedience take root and grow a “root” of bitterness. Read Hebrews 12:15. Most of us have had times of God’s disciplining, and have sometimes felt it unfair (from our perspective). As you go into small groups, discuss things in your life that need to be dealt with so that you let the past go, and finish strong.  Also, most of us know someone who feels they have been hurt or treated unfairly, and have turned away from God (read James 5:20).  Pray this week that you will examine your heart, certain that God has first place in all you do and say, and that you are committed to serving Him until He calls you home!

Memory Verse: Deut. 31:6: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Focal Passages: Numbers 20:1-12, 27; Deut. 34:1-8.

Quote for finishing strong: Having a “4th Quarter Ministry!” Jerry Falwell, Sr.

 

 

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