Step By Step [Taking Steps To Freedom] Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon, Jonathan continues the series on taking steps of faith by examining Moses' story from Hebrews 11:27-29. The message explores how the Israelites' journey from Egyptian slavery to freedom serves as a powerful model for our own spiritual journey. Jonathan draws parallels between endurance sports and faith, emphasizing that both require perseverance when things get difficult. The sermon traces the historical context from God's promise to Abraham through to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the powerful example of Moses and the Israelites, open our hearts to understand what it means to step out in faith. Just as they moved from bondage toward freedom, help us identify the areas in our lives where we need to trust You more fully. Give us the courage to see with eyes of faith the unseen reality of Your presence and power working in our circumstances. May our discussion today strengthen our faith and draw us closer to You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker
What's something you started but wanted to quit when it became difficult? What made you push through or what made you decide to stop?



Key Verses

• Hebrews 11:27-29
• Exodus 12:28-31
• Exodus 14:5-31
• 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

Questions

• The Israelites were caught between Egypt (bondage) and the Promised Land (freedom). Where do you feel caught between bondage and freedom in your life right now?
• What is your 'Egypt' - the place of bondage that God might be calling you to leave behind?
• How does keeping your eyes on 'the one who is invisible' (God) help you face your fears, like Moses did with Pharaoh?
• The Israelites had to apply the blood to their doorposts as an act of faith. How does this relate to how we apply Christ's sacrifice to our lives today?
• God didn't remove the Red Sea; He made a way through it. How has God made a way through seemingly impossible situations in your life?
• The sermon outlined three steps to freedom: leave Egypt, apply the blood, and cross the sea. Which of these steps is most challenging for you right now and why?
• Jonathan said, 'When God calls you out of bondage, don't wait, leave it behind.' What's holding you back from fully stepping into the freedom God offers?

Life Application
This week, identify one area of bondage in your life that God is calling you to leave behind. It might be a harmful habit, a negative thought pattern, an unhealthy relationship, or something else that's keeping you from experiencing the freedom God intends for you. Write it down, pray about it daily, and take one concrete step toward freedom. Remember that God doesn't just deliver us FROM something; He delivers us INTO something greater. Share with at least one trusted person what step you're taking, and ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable.

Key Takeaways

• Finding freedom requires taking steps of faith with God - it's not just a destination but a process.
• Freedom begins when we stop fearing our 'Pharaohs' (what enslaves us) and start trusting God.
• We must apply the blood of Christ to our lives through faith… believing isn't enough; we must act on that belief.
• God doesn't always remove obstacles; sometimes He makes a way through them.
• When God calls you out of bondage, don't wait or look back… leave it behind and keep moving forward.

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom You offer us through Your sacrifice. Like Moses and the Israelites, we sometimes stand at the edge of our own Red Sea, facing what seems impossible with the chains of our past threatening to pull us back. Give us the courage to take those steps of faith - to leave our Egypt, to fully embrace the covering of Your blood, and to walk through the impossible situations in our lives. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, the invisible God who makes all things possible. This week, as we identify areas where we need freedom, give us both the wisdom to see clearly and the strength to move forward. We trust that You not only deliver us from bondage but lead us into the promised land of Your purpose. In Your name we pray, amen.