Week 4 Sermon Questions For Groups

Hall of Faith – Moses

Introduction:
One of the first people you think about in the Old Testament is Moses. Moses is mentioned 772 times in 710 verses in the Old Testament. And he is mentioned in 79 verses in the New Testament. Those numbers are second only to David. Moses is revered in the Bible. The Scribes in Jesus’ day championed Moses and the law that was given to him and they claimed to be his disciples. Moses is recorded in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. He had a front row seat to the signs and wonders God performed against Pharaoh, including the parting of the Red Sea. He received the 10 commandments from God on Mt. Sinai. Moses protected, guided, taught, encouraged, rebuked, prayed for and was responsible for an entire nation through the good times, bad times and all the times in between. Moses met face to face with God. And finally he appeared in the transfiguration of Jesus. “And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.” Matthew 17:3. In addition, however, Moses dealt with anger issues during his life.

Something To Talk About:

Colossians 3:8 says: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice…” Paul tells us to lay aside all forms of anger, whether it is a deep-seated, carefully hidden bad attitude, or a violent, explosive temper, animosity, resentment, or bitterness. But how is that done? Here are three ways:

Take a breath: For some of us, being angry and aggressive is something lurking just below the surface. One of the ways to deal with anger that is ready to boil to the surface is to take a breath, pausing to engage your mind and reflect on what the scriptures say about the subject. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20) Taking a moment before you react can help you “abide” in Christ. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” (John 15:9).
Ask God why: Too often we try to answer the “why” question by ourselves, in the absence of a direct answer from God. But it is wise to remember that knowing God doesn’t mean we will understand everything about God and His ways. It’s the place where we cannot figure out why God let us undergo hardships and sufferings in our life. Asking “why” is biblical. Almost the whole book of Job wrestles with the question “why.” Psalm 22 starts out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” Jesus quoted Psalm 22 and asked “why” from the cross. There’s nothing wrong with asking “why.” God can handle your questions.
Give it to God: If I have learned anything through the trials and hardships of this life it is this: knowing and understanding God’s character is more important than knowing and understanding His motives. If I love him, I don’t need an explanation. I know His character. I’ve experienced His love, His compassion, His provision. So, as much as I cry and shout and beg for answers, I know down deep that the only answer to any question that will make any difference is this, “do you love and trust me me?” If you’re hurting, the Lord doesn’t expect you to cover it up with a plastic smile. Tell Him what you’re really thinking and feeling. He has promised never to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He hears your prayers even in the dark times when He seems absent and silent. Turn it over to Him and trust Him.

Questions:

Moses had no identity, a scarred past, and no home. Can you relate to any of these things? If so, please explain.
There are many causes of anger and many different forms that anger can take. But all forms of anger need to be dealt with promptly. Can you remember a time in your life when you didn’t deal with your anger? What was the result?
Perhaps you need to make a list of all the people you are angry with. How can you deal with that anger? How can you get rid of it this week?
Ephesians 4:25-32 not only lists behaviors that we need to give up, it also teaches us how we are to live instead. Rather than being angry, we should practice kindness and forgiveness. Who in your life do you need to practice kindness and forgiveness to?
What do you feel like God is asking you to do in response to The Hall of Faith series?

Take One Thing Home with You
Over the last four weeks we have looked at four men in the Hall of Faith. Abraham, the forefather of faith, let other men walk off with his wife on two different occasions. (Genesis 12 and 20) David, the friend of God, concealed his adultery with a murder. (2 Samuel 11) Solomon, the wisest man in the world, let his eyes turn him away from God. (1 Kings 11) Moses had a very serious problem with his temper. (Exodus 2, 32:19; Numbers 20:11)

The question is what do we do with the information. Should we all just throw up our hands, conceding that people are typically a mess? Of course not. These four men can be characterized as righteous—or at least people of faith as we see in Hebrews 11. Sin does indeed have consequences. But if for no other reason, we should at least avoid it to escape the incredible pain that accompanies it. (Galatians 6:7) We will all face issues in our lives as these four men did. It’s how we handle our issues. And just as importantly, how we grow and move forward from the experiences.

Because you have not been used by God to date, does not mean you won’t be used. Your past does not define you. It is your current attitude and availability toward God that determines your future. God is calling out to you, wanting to use you, wanting to reveal Himself to you. If you are you stuck in the past, will you be available to God? I hope you have been encouraged by this series. God knows your abilities and your weaknesses. He’ll take you to places you never dreamed, people you’ve never have met and journeys that will take a lifetime.

God can use you regardless of your struggles and trials in life just as He did with Abraham, David, Solomon and Moses.