“Exodus” Week 13: Bricks Without Straw

Exodus Series

Welcome,

We’re delighted you’ve chosen to dig more deeply into the Scriptures and consider what God has for you through this sermon.

These sermon practices are ideally intended to be discussed with others, so find a friend, family member, or roommate to join you. If you haven’t yet joined a life group yet, check out our groups page or stop at the Welcome Center for more info.

EXPLORING SCRIPTURE: Bricks Without Straw

Read aloud Exodus 5:1-18

  • What stands out to you?
  • What questions does the passage raise in your mind?

This week’s sermon explored the relationship between work and worship. Let’s look at a few key characters of this story and how they approached this dynamic. Answer the questions below based on the scripture you’ve just read.

Pharaoh

  • What do we learn about this evil king?
  • How does he view work?
  • How does he view worship?

Yahweh

  • What do we learn about this Good King?
  • How does he view work?
  • How does he view worship?

Israel

  • What do we learn about them?
  • How do they view work?
  • How do they view worship?

REFLECTION: Your Work & Worship

  • What did you grow up believing about work?
  • What did you grow up believing about worship?
  • Does work ever block out your practices of worship?
  • How could you bring worship into your everyday work life? What would that look like? How can you build these habits?

Reflecting with Jesus

Spend a few minutes in prayerful reflection on your own. Either quietly in your head, or writing it down in a journal, answer the following questions:

  • Start by asking God to help slow and focus your mind, so that you may have the ability to discern his voice and hear his leadership in this area. 
  • Then, ask Jesus what he thinks of your work life and worship life. Where do those need to be tougher? Where do those need to be separated? 
  • Finally, ask Jesus how He wants to use this insight. Ask Him: “Lord, when it comes to my worship life, what do you want me to KNOW?” Take your time with this one, being sure to avoid any ‘shoulds’ that may come up that aren’t from Him. If you get a clear thought, ask the Lord, “Lord, when it comes to my worship life, what do you want me to DO?” 
  • Ask the same questions regarding your work life.

PRAYER

Once you’ve completed your personal time of reflection and prayer, pair up with one or two people and share what came up for you during that time. Then take turns praying for each other.