Sermon Discussion Guide (April 19th, 2026 Sermon)

April 20th, 2026
by Hoffmeyer Road

April 19th, 2026 Sermon Discussion Guide

This sermon from Exodus 3:1-10 focuses on Moses' calling at the burning bush and how God prepares, positions, and provides for His people through their circumstances, responses, and instructions. Pastor Greg challenges the congregation to consider what God has been preparing them for over the past 10 years and emphasizes that today is the first day of the rest of their lives. Using Moses as an example, an 80-year-old man who had spent 40 years in Egypt's luxury and 40 years as a shepherd in Midian. The message illustrates how God uses ordinary circumstances to prepare us for extraordinary purposes. The sermon emphasizes that our response to God's calling reveals what we truly believe about Him, and encourages believers to step forward in faith even when the path isn't completely clear.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today to study Your Word. As we examine the calling of Moses and reflect on how You work in our own lives, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your voice and willing to respond with faith and obedience. Prepare our hearts to hear from You today, and may we leave this time changed and ready to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could go back 10 years and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Key Verses

Exodus 3:1-10
Acts 4:13
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Joshua 3:13-17
Philippians 3:13

Questions

How do you think Moses felt when God called him at age 80, after 40 years of being a shepherd? What does this teach us about God's timing?
The pastor mentioned that God uses both good and bad experiences to prepare us. Can you share an example of how a difficult experience in your life prepared you for something later?
Moses had to make a choice to 'turn aside' and investigate the burning bush. What are some ways God might be trying to get our attention today that we might be tempted to ignore?
The sermon mentioned that our response to God's leading demonstrates what we really believe. How do our actions sometimes contradict what we say we believe about following God?
What does it mean to you that the disciples were described as 'uneducated, common men' yet they 'turned the world upside down'? How does this encourage you in your own calling?
The pastor talked about standing 'on the edge of the water' like the Israelites at the Jordan River. What situation in your life right now requires you to step out in faith before seeing God's provision?
How can we distinguish between God's voice calling us to something new versus our own desires or societal pressures?
The message emphasized that 'today is the first day of the rest of your life.' What vision do you have for how God might want to use the remaining years of your life for His kingdom?

Life Application

This week, commit to reading your Bible five out of seven days, spending time in substantial portions (a chapter or more) rather than just a single verse. As you read, ask God to speak to you about how He might be preparing you for His purposes. Also, identify one area where you feel God may be calling you to step out in faith, and take one concrete step forward in obedience, even if you can't see the complete path ahead.

Key Takeaways

God prepares us through our circumstances - both ordinary jobs and difficult experiences are used by God to equip us for His purposes
God positions us through our response - how we respond to God's calling reveals what we truly believe about Him
God provides through His instructions - He gives us direction and mission, just as He called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt
Age is not a barrier to God's calling - Moses was 80 when God called him to his greatest work
Our past experiences, both good and bad, are preparation for future ministry and service to others

Key Takeaways

Lord, thank You for showing us through Moses' life that You are always preparing us for Your purposes, regardless of our age or circumstances. Help us to be attentive to Your voice and responsive to Your calling, even when it requires us to step out in faith. Give us courage to take the next step You're asking of us, trusting that You will provide and guide us just as You did for Moses. May we use the time You've given us - whether few years or many - to serve Your kingdom and make disciples. Help us to be faithful in reading Your Word and listening for Your direction. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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