Journeying Through Faith: Following God's Path to Freedom
Summary
In our journey through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the Israelites' 40-year trek through the wilderness, a time when God was preparing them for the Promised Land. This period of preparation is not just a historical account but a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. As a church, we are called to be a multigenerational family on a mission, and it is clear that God is doing a work in us before He can do a work through us.
Last week, we explored the concept of remembering God's faithfulness as a means to grow our faith. We discussed how God's blessings are abundant, yet our capacity to receive them is often limited by our character. It is through times of trial and preparation that God expands our hearts and our faith, enabling us to fully embrace His goodness.
However, faith is not a passive state of waiting for God's blessings. Faith is active and manifests in following God. The story of the Exodus illustrates this beautifully. When Pharaoh released the Israelites, God did not lead them on the shortest, most obvious route to the Promised Land. Instead, He took them on a longer path through the wilderness to protect them from potential battles that could discourage them and cause them to return to Egypt. This teaches us that freedom is not an instantaneous state; it is a process that unfolds as we follow God.
Following Jesus is about more than belief; it is about action. The early Christians were known as followers of "The Way," emulating Christ in their daily lives. This active following leads to true freedom. It is not a free-for-all but a disciplined journey of transformation.
God's path is often inconvenient and challenging. It may take longer and lead us through suffering and hardship. Yet, it is in these difficult times that we grow and learn to trust God more deeply. The path to the Promised Land is not just about reaching a destination; it is about becoming the people God intends us to be—people who trust and follow Him step by step.
As we reflect on our own lives, we must ask ourselves what the last thing we did simply because Jesus did it. And looking forward, what might God be inviting us to do next as His followers? It is in these moments of decision that we step into the freedom that comes from following Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- God's path for our lives is not always the most convenient or the shortest, but it is the one that leads to true freedom and growth. As we follow Him, we may encounter hardships, but these are opportunities to deepen our trust and reliance on Him. [50:41]
- Following Jesus is an active pursuit that transforms us into His likeness. It is not enough to simply believe; we must also act on our faith by living out the teachings and example of Christ in our daily lives. [38:33]
- The journey of faith is a communal experience, not a solitary one. As we walk with God, we are called to be part of a multigenerational family on a mission, impacting the world around us and raising up the next generation to continue the work. [25:40]
- The presence of God is the source of our joy and strength. In times of uncertainty and challenge, it is the assurance of His presence that sustains us and gives us the courage to stand up for justice and righteousness. [23:31]
- Our giving and service are acts of worship that extend beyond the walls of the church. When we contribute our resources and efforts, we are participating in God's work in the community and the world, fulfilling the mandate to be His hands and feet on earth. [19:24]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 13:17-22 - "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.' But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, 'God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.' And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people."
2. Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
3. John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What route did God choose for the Israelites after they left Egypt, and why did He choose this route? (Exodus 13:17-18)
2. How did God guide the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness? (Exodus 13:21-22)
3. According to Psalm 16:11, what is found in God's presence?
4. What does Jesus declare about Himself in John 14:6?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God have chosen a longer, more difficult path for the Israelites instead of the shorter route? (Exodus 13:17-18)
2. How does the presence of God provide joy and strength during challenging times, as mentioned in Psalm 16:11? [23:31]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be "the way, the truth, and the life" in the context of our spiritual journey? (John 14:6)
4. How does the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness serve as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey? [29:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was leading you on a longer, more challenging path. How did that experience shape your faith and trust in Him? [41:46]
2. In what ways can you actively follow Jesus in your daily life, rather than just believing in Him? What specific actions can you take this week? [38:33]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in your life, especially during times of uncertainty and hardship? [49:29]
4. Think about the last thing you did simply because Jesus did it. What was it, and how did it impact your spiritual growth? [38:33]
5. What might be the next step God is inviting you to take as His follower? How can you discern and act on this invitation? [40:26]
6. How can you contribute to your church's mission of being a multigenerational family on a mission? What specific role can you play in impacting the world around you? [25:40]
7. Reflect on your giving and service. How can you view these acts as worship and extend them beyond the walls of the church to impact your community? [19:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Challenging Path
God's path for our lives often diverges from our expectations, leading us through trials and tribulations that serve to strengthen our faith and character. This journey, though fraught with inconvenience and challenge, is not without purpose. It is designed to cultivate a deeper trust in God and to prepare us for the true freedom that comes with spiritual growth. As we navigate this path, we may find ourselves facing longer routes and unexpected hardships, yet these are the very experiences that shape us into the people God intends us to be. It is through perseverance and reliance on God that we can embrace the fullness of His blessings and the joy of transformation. [50:41]
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: When have you experienced a difficult path that ultimately led to personal growth, and how can you apply that trust in God's guidance to a current challenge in your life?
Day 2: Active Faith in Following Jesus
Belief in Jesus is the foundation of our faith, but it is through our actions that this faith is truly expressed and made manifest in the world. Following Jesus requires us to not only internalize His teachings but to also live them out in our daily interactions and decisions. This active pursuit of Christ-likeness is transformative, leading us to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple. As we emulate Christ in our lives, we step into the freedom that comes from aligning our will with God's and participating in His redemptive work on earth. [38:33]
1 John 3:18 (ESV)
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: What is one concrete action you can take today to live out your faith in a way that reflects Jesus' teachings and example?
Day 3: Faith as a Communal Journey
The walk of faith is not meant to be a solitary endeavor but a shared experience within a community of believers. As members of a multigenerational family on a mission, we are called to support one another, learn from each other, and work together to impact the world for Christ. This communal aspect of faith allows us to pass on the wisdom of the elders to the younger generation and to grow collectively as the body of Christ. Together, we can accomplish far more than we can alone, and in doing so, we fulfill our calling to be a light to the nations. [25:40]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of someone else in your faith community this week, and what steps will you take to make this happen?
Day 4: God's Presence as Our Strength
In times of uncertainty and hardship, it is the presence of God that provides us with the strength and joy to persevere. The knowledge that God is with us gives us the courage to face challenges and to stand up for justice and righteousness. This assurance is not just a comfort but a powerful motivator that enables us to act with conviction and to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the circumstances we may encounter. [23:31]
Psalm 16:8 (ESV)
"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to rely more on God's presence for strength, and what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His nearness during this time?
Day 5: Worship Through Giving and Service
Our acts of giving and service extend beyond the walls of the church and into the broader community, where we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. By contributing our resources and efforts, we participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth and demonstrate our worship in tangible ways. This form of worship is not only an expression of our love for God but also a fulfillment of His mandate to care for others and to make a difference in the world around us. [19:24]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your gifts to serve your community this week, and how will you commit to taking this action?
Quotes
- "God's way sometimes is harder, it takes longer, it can be frustrating, it's almost always inconvenient, but it's better." [42:23] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "Following actually leads to freedom. It's not a free-for-all, it's a process, it's a journey." [37:52] (Download | )
- "God led the people around by the way of the Wilderness towards the Red Sea... that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people." [34:01] (Download | )
- "God's following God's way is longer, it's harder but it's better... some of the hardest most painful things in my life I can look back on and go gosh I don't know why that had to happen but I'm really glad that it did." [43:29] (Download | )
- "God says he is working them for good, he's doing something bigger and as we're a part of it we get free and we get blessing and we get love." [46:57] (Download | )
- "God you make known to me the path of life... in your presence there's fullness of joy." [48:59] (Download | )
- "I want to be with you in John 14 verse 6 Jesus says I'm that way, I'm the truth, I'm the life... I am the way I am that presence stay present with me." [50:02] (Download | )
- "God in his understanding in his sight... actually want something better for my people than they want for themselves." [51:27] (Download | )
- "What is the last thing you did simply because he did it... what might be the next thing that God is inviting you to do as His follower?" [38:33] (Download | )
- "God show me what to do and I'll do it... God said that's the problem. We want a map, we want a destination, we want God to send us coordinates... and then we take it and go our own way." [44:39] (Download | )
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