Leader Guide
We are in week 3 of our series called Lamb, where, in preparation for Easter, we have been considering the Old Testament sacrificial system. Sometimes we drift into becoming too-comfortable around God. We lose sight of His holiness, grandeur and power. We are reminded that it is imperative to approach God the way He requires us to, and not however we feel is right.
What you will need:
A Bible or Bible app
A notebook
A pen
A highlighter
(Scripture references below are linked for easy access)
Jump Start
Leaders: This section is designed to spark discussion, explore God’s truth, and apply it to daily life. Keep in mind that not everyone in your group may be a Christ follower. Their participation shows openness, so pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you lead.
1. What is one way people break the rules that drives you crazy? (Skipping in line at a store, driving recklessly, sports fouls) Why do we break rules to do what we want instead?
2. When the Israelites left Egypt after hundreds of years in slavery, many had drifted away from submitting to God’s leadership of their lives. What situations have you found yourself in that cause drift God? (examples: work, friend groups)
Leaders: The focus in this discussion isn’t for your group to feel defeated but to consider where we are missing much of what God has to offer us. It all starts with resetting our posture when it comes to sacrificial worship.
3. Read Leviticus 9:22–10:3. True worship is on God’s terms. When it comes to how you worship God, do you ever wonder if you’re worshipping the way He wants you to? How might this passage shine a light on the way we worship today?
Leaders: Well, this sounds extreme! Aaron’s sons tried to worship God on their own terms and how’d that work out? Not good! REMEMBER, God delights in us and is patient with us if we are willing to let Him lead us back to His way of worship.
4. Read 1 Peter 2:5; Leviticus 10:3. True worship will lead to transformation. How does taking an honest inventory of our sinfulness adjust our posture in worship?
Leaders: Encourage your group to be “introspectively hopeful”! As they look inward, the result is gratitude toward God for His constant help as we are made into the image of His Son. Be careful not to find yourself thinking that getting back to worship on God’s terms is something other people need to work on. Romans 3:23 reminds us it’s a message for every one of us!
5. Read Hebrews 12:28–29. Do you view your own worship as “acceptable” before God? List and consider the ways we worship God. Which ones tend to become more about our preferences and in which ones do we offer “acceptable worship with reverence and awe?”
Leaders: God is a consuming fire. He is not always safe. His holiness can’t exist with sin. As the passage reminds us “His kingdom cannot be shaken” and because of this we have security that the problems and cares and struggles will not contaminate His kingdom. Remind your group that God offers us safety and sanctuary within His holiness. It is for our good that we cast off the ugly, painful, unclean parts of life so that we can join Him. Holiness in worship is a preview of heaven. Nothing that mars this life will persist.
Action Steps: Have your group commit to at least one specific way they will each worship through sacrifice in the coming week.
Leaders: Follow up the next time you meet or by text to ask about it!