Scripture
Deuteronomy 7:6-9
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
Israel was in a unique relationship with God. They belonged to Him and He had chosen them out of all the people of the earth. God reminded them that they were no different from any other people; they did not form an important, vast nation; they had no significance in the eyes of the world. But Spend some time in worship. God loved them and He had promised their ancestors that He would deliver them from oppression – and now He was keeping His promise for He is faithful. God chose one nation of the world to have an intimate relationship with Him so they could proclaim His love to the rest of the world and provide the environment into which the Saviour would come to love and save everyone. God blessed (and blesses) Israel so that they can pass that blessing on to the rest of the world.
Not only were the Hebrews chosen but they were set apart from the nations. (It is interesting to note that the word ‘nations’ means all the countries of the world except Israel, whereas the word ‘earth’ includes Israel with all other countries). God is aware that the Hebrews may well forget Him in the abundance they will find in their new land and so He reminds them about who He is to them and who they are to Him. When people remember God loves them it is easier to obey Him than when they forget this fact.
God describes various aspects of His character to them:
- He is sovereign – God is God and there is none other like Him.
- He is faithful – whatever He has promised He will carry through. He never forgets a promise – nor does He break any of His promises.
- He works on His people’s behalf – whether such work is visible or not, God is always working on behalf of those who follow Him.
- He sets people apart – and so His people are called ‘holy’. Today His people are the temple of the Holy Spirit as He dwells within each one who follows Him.
Icebreaker:
Who is/was the most faithful pet you have ever had? How do/did they show their faithfulness? What do/did they mean to you?
Application
- How does the statement that God chose you make you feel? What difference does it make to the way you see yourself?
- How has God’s faithfulness been evident in your life recently? Where have you noticed God working in the background to move things forward? What does this mean to you?
- Who has come into your life who you feel may be a heavenly encounter – because they have been sent by God for you to minister to them or for them to minister to you? Or just to learn and fellowship together in His name What do such relationships mean to you? How do they differ from the relationships you have with friends you meet in the workplace or a sports environment etc?
- How have your relationships with other Christians drawn you closer to God?
- Do you feel holy? What does being holy mean to you? How does considering being set apart by God to do specific tasks for Him make you feel?
- God is God. He is sovereign. What or who do you find pushes God off the centre of your life? How do you bring Him back to be the focus for you? Or do you struggle with this issue?
- How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group.
Service
Spend some time in the coming week asking God how He wants to use you to minister to others on His behalf. How can you be holy this week? Report back to the group next time you meet as to what happened.
Bibliography
Adeyemo, Tokunboh et al, Africa Bible Commentary, Word Alive Publishers, Nairobi, 2006
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