What a powerful week of study this has been as we have learned to identify potential idols in our lives by observing the examples of the Israelites. Even if we are the ones who created our idols or caused the bondage we now find ourselves in because of them, God looks on us with compassion and kindness. He is never distant from us, but He longs to set us free and draw us closer to Himself.

Here are a few highlights from our study of Session 2:

• We observed the foolishness of the Israelites in 2 Kings when they had tried to serve the One True God and their idols at the same time, and we recognized the deception that lulled them into this false sense of compromise. We cannot serve two masters!
• We also discovered how idols can lead us into slavery, similar to the bondage of Israel under Pharaoh. They felt utterly powerless under his cruel control, but the key we cannot miss is that they cried out to God in their despair, and He heard them. Exodus 2:24-25 describes four ways God responded to their cries:
  • “And God heard their groaning;
  • and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob;
  • and God saw the Israelites;
  • and God knew.”
  • God then called Moses to be His tool for delivering the Israelites out of Egypt.
• In Isaiah 44:6-20, we read how skilled craftsmen fashioned the false gods. They used half of the wood for cooking their dinner and the other half for making their idols, and yet they somehow thought there was some value in these gods (vv. 16-17). They were wasting their skills on foolishness! We then explored areas where deception has played a role in our own bondage to idols, and then we evaluated our motive for using our God-given gifts and talents. Are we using our gifts for God’s glory or for our own glory, pride, comfort, happiness, or selfish motive?
• Lastly, we learned to identify the true treasure of our hearts and to store up lasting treasures in heaven. We must guard our hearts and always make room for God to reign and rule in our hearts and lives.

On p. 34, we read:

• Matthew 6:21: What we treasure is where our heart is.
• Isaiah 44:9: If we treasure idols, we treasure what is worthless.
• 2 Kings 17:15: We become like what we follow.

On the other hand, “If God is our treasure, our hearts will be devoted to Him (Matthew 6:21). If we treasure Him, we’re treasuring what is of infinite value. If we follow Him, we will become like Him.” (2 Cor. 3:18)

Session Two Discussion Questions for Small Groups

ICE BREAKER: In a baseball game, each player has his own theme song that is played whenever they step up to bat. If you had a theme song, what would it be?

QUESTION 1: We learned about two kinds of bondage the Israelites faced. One was in Egypt when Pharaoh took control and forced them into slavery, by no fault of their own, and the other was when the Assyrians invaded their land as a consequence of their idol worship. In both instances, we learned that God saw their bondage and longed to set them free, but He insisted that they have undivided hearts toward Him.

An idol is much like Pharaoh because it can hold power over us and keep us in bondage to it. Describe how a “Pharoah” in your life seems to have power over you to keep you in bondage. What are some ways this false god has oppressed you? What can you do about it? (p. 24-27)

QUESTION 2: When we feel powerless or in bondage to our idols, we can also cry out to God. He knows all about it. He is never distant, and He alone is able to set us free. Which of the responses of God in Exodus 2:24-25 means the most to you, and why?

QUESTION 3: In Isaiah 44:6-20, we read how skilled craftsmen fashioned the false gods. They used half of the wood for cooking their dinner and the other half for making their idols, and yet they somehow thought there was some value in these gods (vv. 16-17). They were wasting their skills on foolishness!

Let us think about our God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. Are you using your gifts for God’s glory or for your own glory, pride, comfort, happiness, or selfish motive? Explain. What is a gift you would like to cultivate more to use for God’s glory?

QUESTION 4: “If God is our treasure, our hearts will be devoted to Him (Matthew 6:21). If we treasure Him, we’re treasuring what is of infinite value. If we follow Him, we will become like Him.” (2 Cor. 3:18)

 What are some ways you practically follow, and therefore worship, the Lord and how these ways have molded you more into His image?

QUESTION 5: What truth from this week had the greatest impact on you? Why?

(BONUS if time)

QUESTION 6: When God heard the cries of the Israelites under Egyptian bondage, He called Moses to deliver them from Pharoah. Moses’ insecurity and fear suddenly came to the forefront as He questioned God for choosing him. He was worried about being “slow of speech.”

In what ways do you question God’s call on your life? What are some insecurities you need to give to God so you can walk in obedience?

Reading Schedule

• April 30 – May 6: Read Session 2, pp. 11-37; Small groups: Introduction

• May 7 – 13: Read Session 3, pp. 39-61; Small groups: Discuss Session 2
• May 14-20: Read Session 4, pp. 63-87; Small groups: Discuss Session 3
• May 21-27: Read Session 5, pp. 89-113; Small groups: Discuss Session 4
• May 28 – June 3: Read Session 6, pp. 115-139; Small groups: Discuss Session 5
• June 4 – 10: Read Session 7, pp. 141-165; Small groups: Discuss Session 6
• June 11 – 17: Read Session 8, pp. 167-193; Small groups: Discuss Session 7
• June 18 – 23: Catch up and complete study; Small groups: Discuss Session 8

How to Participate

1. If you haven’t yet, be sure to register by leaving your name and email address below.
2. Purchase the study book.
   • KellyMinter.com
   • Lifeway
   • Amazon
   • Christianbook.com
3. Subscribe to this site to receive future updates by email. Enter your email address in the field to the right, and then click the subscribe button.
4. Join our closed Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, for weekly interaction, activities, videos, and small group sessions. Closed means that no one will be able to see our posts unless they are members of the group. This is for your safety and privacy.
5. Small Groups: There will be a schedule for small groups pinned to the top of the Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, as we get closer to the time. All you need to do is show up at the scheduled day and time, and the discussion will take place underneath the group photo. 
6. Follow my ministry page on Facebook, Shari Lewis Ministries, to stay up-to-date on ministry events and for daily prayers, nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for your life, photos that you are welcome to share, and faith building blog posts to strengthen you in your walk with Christ.

Have a blessed week!

Registration