January 5: God Leads

As believers, we are on a journey. How would you describe the journey God has mapped out for us? What is the goal of that journey? Because we are on a journey, it’s vital that we understand the importance of following Him as He guides us and understand the reason for the journey. As we begin a new year and a new study of the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy I believe you have a great opportunity to continue to encourage your group to share and show the good news of Jesus.

Illustration
Consider opening with an illustration related to using a map, GPS, or phone map app such as Google Maps. Use it to illustrate how people rely on maps to direct them; then  emphasize the importance of relying on God to direct our journey of faith.

Video Introductions of Numbers
The downloadable teaching ideas provide an overview to the book of Numbers. You might want to supplement using one of the following video options:

Consider these questions as you close the session:

• Would you say that your walk with the Lord through prayer, Bible study, and worship is more about experiencing God’s presence or obeying when God is speaking? 
• What struggles do you experience related to obeying God? How can you overcome these struggles?

We are on a journey and God’s presence is always with us. He never leaves us, nor will He abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). However, we need to be careful to only be satisfied with His presence. It would be like knowing you have a map or a GPS app but only using it when you need it. This journey requires that we are constantly listening to the map directions from God.

He is with us and knows when we should go and when we should wait, when we should turn and when we should go straight, when we should move slow or when we should speed up. Obedience and God’s presence go hand-in-hand. And all of this is for your benefit so that you might arrive at the “Promised Land” knowing you have been a good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23), have grown in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) and have shared with others how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you (Mark 5:19). This is your journey of faith!

DOWNLOAD THE SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHING IDEAS

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