Small Group Discussion Guide
Small Group Guide: "I Am" - Responding to God's Call
Based on Exodus 3-4
Sermon Summary
In this message, we explored Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where God called him to deliver Israel from Egypt. Moses responded with five excuses, each beginning with "if" or "but." Yet every time Moses said "I can't," God responded with "I Am." The sermon reminds us that our obedience doesn't rest in our identity, but in God's identity and His presence with us.
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Key Takeaways
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Discussion Questions
Moses' Five Excuses
1. Lack of Credentials (Exodus 3:10-12)
2. Lack of Content (Exodus 3:13-22)
3. Lack of Converts (Exodus 4:1-9)
4. Lack of Communication Skills (Exodus 4:10-12)
5. Unwillingness to Go (Exodus 4:13-17)
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Personal Reflection
6. The pastor mentioned that words like "if" and "but" can be destructive because they "foster negativity, create resistance, and shrink our sense of what's possible."
7. The sermon emphasized: "The question should no longer be 'Who am I?' but 'Who is the I Am, and will I trust Him?'"
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Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge:
Choose ONE of the following to put into practice:
Option 1: Identify Your Excuse
Option 2: The "I Am" Exercise
Final Thought: Moses kept saying "I... I... I..." while God kept saying "I AM... I AM... I AM..." The difference is everything. When we trust in the great I Am, we can step forward in faith, knowing He goes before us, with us, and will accomplish His purposes through us.
Based on Exodus 3-4
Sermon Summary
In this message, we explored Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where God called him to deliver Israel from Egypt. Moses responded with five excuses, each beginning with "if" or "but." Yet every time Moses said "I can't," God responded with "I Am." The sermon reminds us that our obedience doesn't rest in our identity, but in God's identity and His presence with us.
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Key Takeaways
- God's calling is not about our credentials - It's about His presence with us
- God's character is our confidence - He is eternal, unchanging, and faithful
- God produces the results - We're responsible for obedience, not outcomes
- God equips those He calls - Our limitations don't limit Him
- Looking inward leads to excuses; looking upward leads to obedience.
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Discussion Questions
Moses' Five Excuses
1. Lack of Credentials (Exodus 3:10-12)
- Moses asked, "Who am I?" God responded, "I will be with you."
- Discuss: Why do we often focus on our qualifications rather than God's presence? How does knowing "God is with us" change our perspective on what He asks us to do?
2. Lack of Content (Exodus 3:13-22)
- Moses asked, "What shall I say?" God revealed His name: "I AM WHO I AM."
- Discuss: What does the name "I Am" reveal about God's character? How should God's eternal, unchanging nature affect how we respond to His calling?
3. Lack of Converts (Exodus 4:1-9)
- Moses said, "They will not believe me." God gave him miraculous signs.
- Discuss: When have you felt responsible for producing results that only God can produce? How can we distinguish between our responsibility (obedience) and God's responsibility (results)?
4. Lack of Communication Skills (Exodus 4:10-12)
- Moses said, "I am not eloquent." God said, "Who made man's mouth?"
- Discuss: What personal limitations do you use as excuses to avoid God's calling? How does God's response to Moses challenge those excuses?
5. Unwillingness to Go (Exodus 4:13-17)
- Moses said, "Please send someone else." God's anger was kindled, but He still showed grace.
- Discuss: Why did God's anger kindle at this excuse and not the others? What's the difference between honest questions/fears and outright disobedience?
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Personal Reflection
6. The pastor mentioned that words like "if" and "but" can be destructive because they "foster negativity, create resistance, and shrink our sense of what's possible."
- Discuss: What "if" or "but" statements have you been saying to God lately? How might these be limiting what God wants to do in your life?
7. The sermon emphasized: "The question should no longer be 'Who am I?' but 'Who is the I Am, and will I trust Him?'"
- Discuss: How does shifting from "Who am I?" to "Who is God?" change your approach to challenges, opportunities, or God's calling on your life?
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Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge:
Choose ONE of the following to put into practice:
Option 1: Identify Your Excuse
- Write down one area where God may be calling you to step out in faith
- List the excuses you've been making (start with any that begin with "if" or "but")
- Beside each excuse, write what you know to be true about God's character
- Pray specifically about taking one step of obedience this week
Option 2: The "I Am" Exercise
- Each day this week, read one of the "I Am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John:
- Monday: "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35)
- Tuesday: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12)
- Wednesday: "I am the door" (John 10:9)
- Thursday: "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11)
- Friday: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25)
- Saturday: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)
- Sunday: "I am the true vine" (John 15:1)
- Journal how each "I Am" statement speaks to your current circumstances
Final Thought: Moses kept saying "I... I... I..." while God kept saying "I AM... I AM... I AM..." The difference is everything. When we trust in the great I Am, we can step forward in faith, knowing He goes before us, with us, and will accomplish His purposes through us.