LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
The bald eagle has been a national symbol since 1782, when it was placed on the Great Seal. It symbolizes strength, courage, and independence. Eagles are noble birds - large, beautiful, and powerful. They have exceptional vision. When they encounter a storm, rather than rising above the clouds, they fly through the storm, using the pressure from the wind to glide through in order to conserve their energy. Compared to all other birds, they are able to carry the heaviest loads in flight. They can travel great distances, and even though they are big, they can maneuver well in flight.

Eagles mate for life, building nests in large trees near bodies of water. When eaglets are born, they are totally helpless. They cannot hold up their heads, have limited vision, and their legs can’t hold weight. They rely completely on their parents for care and protection. Over the next 8 weeks, they grow stronger. They pick up sticks in the nest, play tug or war, practice holding things with their talons, and stretch and flap their wings to build up strength. Flying is an innate skill; they only need to build up the needed strength and learn to perfect the skill. Their time in the nest is for their training. Then at 8-14 weeks, they learn to fly. They remain close to home for the next month or so in order to perfect their flight and learn to hunt before venturing out on their own.

Our life in Christ is much like that of an eaglet. In Christ, we are people of noble birth. We have great privilege and opportunity as His children, but we must learn to be responsible stewards of such great treasure! This week, we will look at how we can mature in Christ to develop the kingdom mindset needed to do His work.

Passages we’ll review:
Exodus 19:4-8a; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Peter 1:13-16

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

Think of a prominent person in society who was born into privilege. Have they lived up to their calling well or have they ruined the good name they inherited? How does this affect others?
{notes}

READ

Read Exodus 19:4-8a

What did God mean when He said that He had carried them on eagles’ wings (think back to the Big Idea)?

When God freed His people from the land of Egypt, He made a covenant with them. In the Bible, a covenant between God and another person always started with God, as He pursued a relationship with that person, offering them the blessings and promises of His covenant if they chose to remain faithful to the conditions of that covenant. —Editor’s Note

In verses 4-6, we find the conditional covenant God made with His people after He freed them from the Egyptians. What was the condition that God expected from His people? What did He promise as a result of their faithfulness to that covenant?

God’s covenant with the people of Israel had a much bigger purpose than freeing them from the Egyptians. What was God’s plan and purpose for His people as He initiated this covenant with them as His chosen people?

In the same way, we also have a covenant with Christ. He has given us freedom from sin by giving us His righteousness. How are we to live as a result of this gift?

How did the people respond to God’s instructions? What can we learn from their response?

Read 1 Peter 2:9-10

God had told the nation of Israel that they would be set apart to be His treasured possession, His priests, His holy nation. How is this still true today for those of us who are in Christ? How does it feel to know that you are God’s treasured possession and that you are royalty?

According to Peter, what is the purpose of our new identity? What is the only proper response to such mercy and profound rescue?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16

When God freed His people from the land of Egypt, He made a covenant with them. In the Bible, a covenant between God and another person always started with God, as He pursued a relationship with that person, offering them the blessings and promises of His covenant if they chose to remain faithful to the conditions of that covenant. —Editor’s Note

Why is being holy so difficult? What are some habits, struggles, patterns, or sins from your life before Christ that you have to be aware of so that you can intentionally fight for them?

What does Peter share as the “secret” to living a holy life? How do you keep your focus on Jesus regularly?

Warren Wiersbe wrote: “To a dedicated believer, there is no such thing as ‘secular’ and ‘sacred’. All of life is holy as we live to glorify God.” Why does our commitment to holiness make no division between sacred and secular?

LET’S PRAY

“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular; it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no common act.” (A.W. Tozer) —Editor’s Note

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. How does your life before Christ compare to your life now after salvation? What are the major changes the Lord has brought about in your life? What are some ways He is growing you right now?
   

2. What are some specific steps you can take this week to live a more holy life?
   

3. How and with whom can you display and proclaim His character, nature, and grace this week?
   

4. What can you do as a LifeGroup to remember what the Lord has done and who we are as a result? How can you carry out kingdom work?