Speaking of JESUS

Discussion Questions

1. "Second nature" is sometimes said to be the ability to do something without thinking about it. Think of an activity that you once had to put a lot of thought into, and it seemed like it would never be second nature, but now it is. Tell us more about that ...
   
   
2. If "second nature" is doing something habitually, instinctively, without intentional effort, then how would you define "first nature"? Could you give some examples?
   
   
3. Going from "first nature" to "second nature" could be progress (e.g., learning to tie your shoes). Or, it could be regress. Where have you observed "second nature" that's worse than the first?
   
   
4. After listening to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount for seven weeks, we're returning to conclude our series on the Book of Exodus. In chapter 32, we see a culmination in the people's regress. They go from trusting God (Ex 14:31) to complaining against him (Ex 16:8), to betraying him (Ex 32). In contrast, Moses progresses from excuse-making (Ex 4:13), to courageously leading (Ex 14:13), to sacrificially offering himself to save the people (Ex 32). As you listen to chapter 32, pick a single word or phrase that interests or puzzles you, challenges, raises questions, or gets your attention. Why did that word/phrase "get" you?
   
   
5. What do you get to know more deeply about God, the Father of Jesus, through hearing this?
   
   
6. Consider the rest of Exodus: God renews the broken covenant in Ex 34 and the people join with one heart to build the tabernacle—see Exodus 39:42, "According to all that the LORD had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work," see also Ex 35:20-29. How is this good news for you?
   
   
7. Reflecting on this, what do you want to say to people in your household, church, or neighborhood?
   

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