Leader Guide
We start off a brand-new series this week called Magnify. Many times, in life when things are going well, we have all we need, and extra in the bank we tend to forget about God and trust these things. This is what happened to the Israelites in the Old Testament. They had been wandering around the desert for 40 years, having to trust God completely for their daily needs. As they are about to enter the promised land, flowing with milk and honey, they are reminded to be careful to not forget their God.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leaders: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Are you a forgetful person? Have you ever forgotten something really important?
2. Remember Your God in Every Season. Read Deuteronomy 8:11-15. What were the Israelites being warned of? Why do we tend to forget God when things are going well?
Leaders: Often in life when things are going well, we tend to put God on the back-burner. We put our trust into our jobs, bank account, or even another person. We use God as a backup plan. Here the Israelites were warned about this.
3. Read Deuteronomy 8:16, Philippians 4:12-13. Where did the Israelites learn to trust God? Have you been more aware of God in the hard times or good times? What had Paul learned in his lifetime?
Leaders: We are not saying it is wrong to have blessings. We just need to be hyperaware of the tendency to slowly forget God when things are going great. Just like the Israelites we often learn to trust God in the desert. As Paul we need to learn to trust God in every season of life, blessing or in need.
4. Remember your God in Every Success. Read Deuteronomy 8:17-20, Colossians 1:16. Have you yourself or have you known someone that took credit for their success? Who gives us the ability to work hard, be successful and gain wealth? Is there something in your life replacing God right now?
Leaders: Everything we have is because of God. If we are not careful, we can begin to worship the things created instead of the Creator.
5. Action Step: This week ask God to examine your heart. Is there anything that has replaced God in your life? If so, ask yourself if that thing has ever done anything for you? Choose to remember the Lord your God. The one that died for you, created you, and loves you so.