Week of January 19
Exodus 20:7
OPENER
- What’s your favorite t-shirt, hat, etc. that represents a brand, school, team, or organization? Why do we wear certain clothes to advertise our affiliation?
DISCUSSION
- Read Exodus 20:7. The name of the Lord (Yahweh) represents his character. What do you most appreciate about God’s character?
- Where in your life do you think you represent that aspect of God’s character most clearly?
- What does it look like to carry God’s name as a Christian at your work or school? In your extended family? In your neighborhood?
- Where are you tempted to find your identity apart from God (Can’t think of where? Just look at the T-shirt you have on!)
- Re-read Exodus 20:7. When God talks about misusing his name, he’s referring to the way we misuse it in our hearts (worshiping him without love for him), actions (calling ourselves Christians but not living like it) and words (using his name to open doors). Which of those three examples are you most tempted toward?
ACTION STEP
- We can represent God’s name by loving his name, reflecting his name, and sharing his name. Which one of those three areas do you need to focus on this week?