DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"The Burning Bush"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Open in prayer, asking for a greater awareness that God is in the room in a special way as we meet.
- Looking back, did anyone do any of the five daily practices from the last Group Guide? If so, is there a day that stood out to you?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- For starters, describe a time when something surprised you because it wasn't what you expected. What made it memorable?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Exodus 3:1-12 (you can take turns reading 1-2 verses each).
- What caught Moses' attention about the burning bush?
- Why did God tell Moses to remove his sandals?
- When God called Moses to return to Egypt, what reasons did Moses give for why he wasn't qualified?
- How can focusing only on God's holiness or only on his closeness lead to an incomplete view of him?
- What does God's response, "I will be with you," teach us about where our identity comes from?
Go Deeper
- Which tension do you struggle with more: seeing God as distant rather than personal, or seeing God as approachable but forgetting his holiness?
- Do you naturally think too highly or too poorly of yourself? Why?
- Is there a relationship where you've only focused on the negatives or only the positives?
- What "holy tension" might God be inviting you to embrace this week?
- How does knowing God is with you change the way you face your current challenges?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Go around and share things you are thankful for as well as prayer requests. Then take turns praying for one another. Close by having the last person read this week’s verse to meditate on (Exodus 3:12a) and then pray: Father, thank you that my identity is not found in my strengths or weaknesses, but in your faithful presence. Help me trust you wherever you lead. In Jesus' name, Amen.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
And God said, "I will be with you." (Exodus 3:12a, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 – God Is Holy.
Read Exodus 3:1-6. Spend five minutes quietly reflecting on God's greatness and holiness. Worship him simply for who he is before asking him for anything. Pray, "Lord, help me honor your holiness with awe and reverence."
Day 2 – God Is Near.
Read Psalm 139:7-12. Notice moments throughout your day where God is present in ordinary places—at work, home, in conversation, or in silence. Pray, "Thank you for being with me wherever I go."
Day 3 – Honest Identity.
Read Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 12:3. Write down three God-given strengths and three areas where you need God's grace. Then thank God for both, recognizing that your identity is found in him.
Day 4 – Embrace the Tension.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Think of one difficult relationship or situation you've labeled as either hopeless or perfect. Ask God to help you see both the beauty and the brokenness with his perspective. Pray, "Lord, help me grow by embracing truth instead of oversimplifying."
Day 5 – God Is With Me.
Read Exodus 3:11-12 and Matthew 28:18-20. Memorize God's promise: "I will be with you." (Exodus 3:12). Before facing today's responsibilities, remind yourself that God's presence, not your ability, is your greatest confidence. Pray, "Jesus, thank you that my identity is not found in my strengths or weaknesses, but in your faithful presence. Help me trust you wherever you lead."