Session 1
A Promise Made with One Nation
“Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:3
Open (5 minutes)
Have you ever been asked to keep a promise someone else made? How did that feel?
Read together
Exodus 19:3-6; Exodus 31:16-17; Jeremiah 31:31-34. The teaching is at wordsoftheapostle.com/teaching.php?t=one-nation
Talk about it
- Who did God speak to at Mount Sinai? Why does that matter when we ask if a law is for us?
- Why would God call the Sabbath “a sign” between Him and Israel?
- Jeremiah promised a new covenant written on hearts. What is different about a law written on a heart?
- Abraham was made right with God 430 years before the Law. What does that tell us about faith?
Remember this
The Law of Moses was a covenant God made with Israel, and the Sabbath was its sign. Even then, God promised a new covenant that would be written on our hearts.
Pray
Father, thank You for the new covenant. Write Your ways on our hearts, not just on stone.
This week
Read Romans 4 this week and underline every time the word “believe” or “faith” appears.
Leader tip: be hard on rules and gentle with people. Some in your group may have carried these burdens for years. Let them talk.