Moses: The Gaps in Me
February 9, 2025
A quick survey of world history confirms that leadership is forged in the crucible of adversity. Apart from the challenges of the Civil War and World War II, we may have never fully known the inspiring leadership of men like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Scripture chronicles the stories of men and women who answered God’s calls to lead through challenges of biblical proportions. Join us as we survey the lives of Moses, David, Esther, and Barnabas to learn how God bridges the gaps between heaven and earth through humble servant leaders.
Passage
God bridges the gap of our ##Sin## (Exodus 2:11-3:10)
God bridges the gap of our ##weakness## (Exodus 3:11-4:13)
God bridges the gap in our ##impossible## ##circumstances## (Exodus – Deuteronomy)
Principle
God’s ##grace## is sufficient to bridge the gap of your ##weakness##.
Practice
Surrender your ##weakness## to God.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
When was the last time someone offered you advice? Did you accept it? Why or why not? Has anyone ever confronted you about a legitimate weakness in your life or leadership? How did you respond? God can use the advice and influence of others to bridge the gaps in our lives, but we must be humble enough to recognize the truth and obey His voice.
HEAR
Read Exodus 18:1-12
- Why did Jethro come to Moses in the desert? What does that tell you about the level of Moses’s sacrifice and commitment to the task God had given him?
- What was Jethro’s reaction to all that had taken place in Egypt? Do you think Jethro was surprised by all God had accomplished through Moses? Why or why not? Have you ever been surprised by the way God used someone you knew?
- What effect did Moses’s obedience have on his father-in-law? When was the last time someone’s obedience inspired your faith?
Read Exodus 18:13-18
- What concerned Jethro about Moses’s leadership? What was Moses’s excuse for this situation?
- What had become normalized for Moses was alarming to Jethro. Are there things you’ve normalized that someone with an outside perspective would find alarming?
- What did Jethro warn would result from Moses persisting in this behavior? Have you ever been confronted by a Jethro?
Read Exodus 18:19-27
- How would you summarize Jethro’s advice to Moses?
- What was Moses’s response to his father-in-law? What does this say about Moses?
- Would you welcome a Jethro’s advice today? Why or why not?
HUDDLE
If someone like Jethro were to visit you and had a front-row seat to everything about your life, what advice might they offer you? Why haven’t you already implemented that advice? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Exodus 1-3
- Day 2: Exodus 4-5
- Day 3: Exodus 6-8
- Day 4: Exodus 9-11
- Day 5: Exodus 12-14
- Day 6: Exodus 15-16
- Day 7: Exodus 17-18
Passage to Memorize: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Think Deeper
- What is your go-to excuse when you want to avoid doing God’s will?
- Is there something in your past that you believe has disqualified you from being used by God?
- What will you do this week to surrender your weakness for God’s glory?
Suggested Reading
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day, by John Maxwell
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, by John Maxwell
Moses, by Charles Swindoll
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.