The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: MOSES TODAY
Week's focus: More Than 'Thou Shalt Not'
Scriptures: Exodus 19:20--20:21
Week of: October 29, 2006

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
Note these principles from the Word for later recall, reflection & application

1. Before the Ten Commandments were considered restrictive or legalistic, they were received as life-giving and grace-bearing for a people being formed spiritually and socially.

2. We do not break God's laws, we break ourselves upon them when we choose to go beyond or ignore them.

3. Behind each limitation or "no" is a divine provision and "yes" to life in community as God created and intended it.

4. Through Jesus Christ, the Law is now written on our hearts and God's Word is living and active among us.

GUIDED JOURNALING / DISCUSSION
Explore these questions in personal devotions or group discussion

1. Read Exodus 19:1-25. What strikes you as the most important things to remember about this chapter? Write them down and/or discuss them. How do the people respond to God's promises in 19:3-8? What was to be their preparation for God's presence on Mt. Sinai? How did they react to the tremendous events?

2. Read Exodus 20:1-21. Separate each commandment, reading it and considering it individually. What "ethic," "value" or positive provision do you think is behind each commandment? Write down and/or talk about your responses. How would you put each commandment in your own words today? Do you think the Ten Commandments address people in the 21st century? What current issues do you think each commandment addresses?

3. Read Deuteronomy 5:1-33. This is the renewal of the covenant of Mt. Sinai (or Horeb) as the people prepare to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan-their promised land-after 40 years in the wilderness. Why do you think it is necessary and important to renew our covenants with God? In what ways do we hear "new" in familiar or age-old Scriptures?

4. Read Jeremiah 31:31-34. Centuries after Israel was established as a nation then defeated and its people carried away as slaves again, God speaks through Jeremiah of a time to come when God's law would be restored. How would this law be different? Where would this law live and function? In what ways do you see God's living Word at work in this manner today?

MARKINGS LEFT BY PREVIOUS TRAVELERS
Consider what other believers have experienced and shared

FIRST WORD IN GUIDANCE "There are four ways in which God reveals His will to us: (1) through the Scriptures, (2) through providential circumstances, (3) through the conviction of our own higher judgment, and (4) through the inward impression of the Holy Spirit on our minds. The Scriptures come first. If you are in doubt upon any subject you must first of all consult the Bible about it, and see whether there is any guidance there to direct you. Until you have found and obeyed God's will as it is there revealed, you must not ask nor expect a separate personal revelation." - Hannah Whitehall Smith in The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life

TWO KINDS OF LAW "There are basically two kinds [of law]: 1) law as the way things ought to be, and 2) law as the way things are. An example of the first is NO TRESPASSING. An example of the second is the law of gravity. God's law has traditionally been spelled out in terms of category No. 1, a compendium of do's and don'ts. When obeyed, they serve the useful purpose of keeping us from each other's throats. They can't make us human, but they can keep us honest. God's Law 'in itself' however, comes under category No. 2. It has been stated in eight words: "Whoever does not love remains in death" (I Jn. 3:14). Like it or not, that's how it is. If you don't believe it, you can always put it to the test just the way if you don't believe the law of gravity, you can always step out a tenth-story window." - Frederick Buechner in Wishful Thinking

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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