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Cell Notes on the New Exodus 1
WELCOME
What is the craziest idea you have heard with regard to the Book of Revelation (e.g. in relation to the number 666, literal prophecies, the Beast etc.)?
PRAISE/ WORSHIP
Decide to praise Jesus and put all other distractions aside.
WORD
Passage: The Song of Moses and of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3-4)
Do you think we should say “praise”, “thanksgiving” or “sung worship” instead of “worship” to refer to those moments of singing on a Sunday or in cell? Why? Why not? Today’s passage is about worship.
The New Exodus
We have just started a five-talk series on the New Exodus. To set the Old Testament backdrop to today’s New Testament passage you may wish to start by reading either Psalm 105:23-45 (which is a summary of the Exodus) or Exodus 15:1-19 (which is the Song of Moses and of Israel). After that get somebody to read Revelation 15:1-8. Discuss what we mean by “the New Exodus”.
Song of Moses - Song of Moses and of the Lamb
Compare the Song of Moses in Exodus with the Song of Moses and of the Lamb in Revelation. What are your observations?
The Song of Moses and of the Lamb
Re-read Revelation 15:3-4 and focus on each of the lines starting with “for”. (There are three). Can you link each of these up with the first three lines (which are proclamations)? Philip distilled three main ideas from this which are listed below.
1. God is righteous
How did God show himself to be righteous in the First Exodus?
How does God show himself to be righteous in the person of Jesus?
“Righteousness” throws up many different issues but Philip decided to focus on God’s righteousness as expressed in his desire for justice. We can worship him by seeking justice.
ACTION
- Do you think God cares about justice?
- Do you care about justice? Why? Why not?
- Which social justice issues do you care about personally?
- Would you consider making a difference in these areas? Why? Why not?
- Have you ever looked up organizations such as Tearfund (www.tearfund.org)?
- To give you some practical examples: would you consider taking a decision today to only purchase Fairtrade chocolate, tea and coffee?
- What about clothes? Does your taste in fashion maybe contribute to the exploitation of people in the developing world?
- What about banks? Do you think it is important to try and find banks that re-invest your money ethically (and not in diamonds or weapons)?
2. God is holy
How did God show Himself to be holy in the First Exodus? (By putting the fear of God into the surrounding nations).
How do Isaiah 66 and Psalm 86:8-10 describe the behaviour of the nations? (These two passage lies behind Revelation 15:4b). There is a party atmosphere in these passages and in Revelation 15:3-4.
ACTION
- Are there any areas in your life where you fudge the truth (e.g. by copying CDs illegally, buying pirate DVDs, “white” lies etc.?)
- Confess these and repent either personally or as a group for God is holy and He wants us to be holy. He wants our whole lives to be an expression of worship.
3. God is King
How did God demonstrate He was King in the First Exodus? (By destroying Pharaoh and his armies).
How does God show Himself to be King in the person of Jesus Christ?
Do you see yourself as Christ’s slave? Why? Why not?
Consider the nature of a bond-servant as described in Exodus 21 and Deuteronomy 15. How does this apply to us? Does it apply to us?
ACTION
- To what extent do you call the shots in your own life? Do you involve God in your decisions?
- Do you think your priorities in life reflect God’s priorities for your life?
- Confess and think of how you can change with God’s help and worship him entirely
WITNESS
Discuss what difference it would make to our friends if our lives were an expression of worship to God. Use specific examples that have come out of the Word section. Pray for strength.
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Philip Parnham, 12/08/2008 |
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