Step By Step [Keep In Step With God] Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon explores the importance of taking small, consistent steps in our faith journey rather than expecting instant spiritual transformation. Using Exodus 23:20-33, Jonathan explains how God promised to lead the Israelites into the promised land gradually, "a little at a time," to build their capacity and maturity. The message emphasizes that God's delays are not denials but development, and that faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater blessings. Just as God went before the Israelites with His angel, He goes before us today, but requires our obedience to activate the journey.
The sermon challenges the modern desire for immediate results and dramatic spiritual breakthroughs, instead highlighting that relationship with God is formed through little steps of faithfulness and obedience. God works slowly and purposefully to develop our character, strength, and capacity so we can handle His promises without being overwhelmed. The key is consistency in the small things, trusting God's perfect timing, and taking the next step of obedience even when progress seems slow.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your faithfulness and love. As we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and to see how Your truth applies to our daily lives. Lord, prepare our hearts to hear Your voice and give us the courage to take whatever steps You're calling us to take. We surrender our expectations and ask that You speak to us in the way that we need to hear from You today. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's one small habit or routine in your daily life that has made a surprisingly big difference over time?

Key Verses

• Luke 16:10
• Exodus 23:20-33
• Deuteronomy 1:30
• Deuteronomy 31:8
• Galatians 6:9
• Philippians 1:6

Questions

• How does knowing that God goes before you change your perspective on taking the next step of faith in your current situation?
• Jonathan mentioned that "obedience activates the journey." What step of obedience might God be waiting for you to take?
• Why do you think we often prefer instant results over God's "little at a time" approach to spiritual growth?
• Share about a time when God's timing seemed slow to you, but looking back you can see His wisdom in the process.
• What's the difference between God's delays being “development" and “preparation” rather than "denial" or "punishment"? How does this change how we view waiting seasons?
• In what "little things" do you struggle to be consistent in your faith walk? What makes consistency challenging for you?
• How can we tell the difference between being patient with God's timing versus being passive or disobedient?
• What would it look like practically to "keep step with God" rather than rushing ahead or lagging behind in your current circumstances?

Life Application
This week, identify one small, consistent step you can take daily to grow in your relationship with God. This could be reading one chapter of the Bible each day, spending 5 minutes in prayer each morning, practicing gratitude, or showing kindness to someone. Commit to doing this small thing every day for the next week, trusting that God uses these little steps of faithfulness to prepare you for greater things. At the end of the week, reflect on how this consistency affected your spiritual life.

Key Takeaways

• God goes before us and prepares the way, but we must follow His leading through obedience.
• Obedience is the bridge between God's promise and our progress… it activates movement in our spiritual journey.
• God works "a little at a time" to build our capacity and maturity so we can handle His blessings without being overwhelmed.
• God's delays are development, not denial. His timing is perfect for our growth and preparation.
• Faithfulness in small, consistent steps is the foundation where big blessings grow over time.

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time together and for the reminder that You are faithful in the small things just as You are in the big things. Help us to trust Your timing and Your process as You lead us step by step into the promises You have for us. Give us the strength to be consistent in the little things this week, knowing that You are working even when we can't see the progress. Help us to keep step with You rather than rushing ahead or falling behind. We commit our next steps to You and ask for Your grace to be faithful in whatever You're calling us to do. Thank You for going before us and for never leaving us to figure it out alone. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.