Discussion Guide | Nov. 23, 2025

November 24th, 2025

Introduction

"Moses and the Manna Midterms" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon explores how God tests His people not to make them fail, but to reveal what's in their hearts and prepare them for His promises. Using the story of the Israelites in Exodus 16, Pastor Julie examines how God provided manna from heaven when they ran out of food in the wilderness. Despite witnessing miraculous provisions like the parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites grumbled and complained, romanticizing their past slavery in Egypt. God's tests are designed to build our faith muscle and develop our character so we can steward the good things He wants to give us. Just as the Israelites needed faith to conquer the Promised Land, we need faith to walk into God's promises for our lives.

Pastor Julie connects the manna to Jesus, who declared Himself the bread of life in John 6. While Israel failed their tests in the wilderness, Jesus passed every test, providing the ultimate provision for our spiritual hunger. The message concludes with practical challenges: expressing gratitude instead of complaining, meditating on God's promises, and keeping a record of answered prayers to build faith during uncertain times.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to speak to us. Help us to be receptive to Your voice and willing to grow in our faith. Lord, we know that You test us not to harm us, but to reveal what's in our hearts so You can meet us there and prepare us for the good things You have planned. Give us ears to hear and hearts that are ready to trust You more deeply. We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our discussion and help us apply Your truth to our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the most memorable pop quiz or surprise test you ever took in school? Did you pass or fail, and how did it make you feel?

Main Study

Key Verses

Deuteronomy 8:2
Exodus 16:4
Exodus 16:11-12
John 6:35
Matthew 4:4
Philippians 4:14
Matthew 6:33-34

Questions

Why do you think God allows us to go through tests and trials? How does this differ from how we might view difficult circumstances?
The Israelites romanticized their past slavery in Egypt when they faced hunger in the wilderness. Can you think of a time when you romanticized a difficult past situation? What was really happening in your heart?
How does grumbling and complaining affect our faith and our relationship with God? What are some practical ways we can combat a complaining spirit?
Pastor Julie mentioned that faith is like a muscle that must be built. What are some ways we can strengthen our faith muscle in everyday life?
God provided manna daily for the Israelites, requiring them to trust Him each day. How does this relate to Jesus' teaching about not worrying about tomorrow in Matthew 6?
The manna was kept in the Ark of the Covenant as a reminder of God's faithfulness. What are some tangible ways you can remember and record God's faithfulness in your life?
Jesus declared Himself the bread of life, connecting to the manna story. How does Jesus satisfy our spiritual hunger in ways that earthly provisions cannot?
Pastor Julie shared about giving away her wedding fund and how God provided abundantly. How has God shown His faithfulness to you when you've had to trust Him in uncertain circumstances?

Life Application

This week, take on the 'no complaining challenge' - commit to going seven days without grumbling or complaining. When you catch yourself wanting to complain, instead reframe the situation and express gratitude for something God is doing. Ask a spouse, friend, or family member to help keep you accountable. Additionally, start or continue keeping a record of answered prayers and times God has shown His faithfulness in your life.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God tests us not to make us fail, but to reveal what's in our hearts so He can meet us there and prepare us for His promises
Faith is a muscle that must be built through situations that require us to trust God, even when circumstances seem uncertain
Grumbling and complaining reveal unbelief in our hearts, while gratitude builds faith and acknowledges God's goodness
Jesus is the ultimate bread of life who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and passed every test we could never pass
God wants to get us not only to our promised land, but to get the promised land into us through developing our character and faith

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our bread of life and for providing everything we need. Help us to trust You in times of uncertainty and to remember Your faithfulness in our past so we can have confidence in our future. Give us strength to express gratitude instead of complaints, and help us to see every test as an opportunity to grow closer to You. Build our faith muscle so we can be ready for all the good things You have planned for us. May we be people who pass the tests You give us, not in our own strength, but through Your grace and power. Thank You for never giving up on us, even when we fail, and for sending Jesus to pass every test on our behalf. In His precious name, Amen.

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