New Rivers, New Roads (Reprise) “The Tabernacle Prayer” – Discussion Guide

Main Idea:
We can have greater intimacy with God and enter His glory because we have the glory residing in us through Jesus’ shed blood.

Discussion Starter:
Share a time when you took something apart to see how it worked.

Introduction:
It’s one thing to take a tour, yet quite another when you have a tour guide to explain the things you are seeing. This week Pastor takes us on a tour of the tabernacle. This is an illustrative journey of praying through the tabernacle. We learn that we can enter God’s glory, because Jesus allows the glory to reside in us through the shedding of His blood.

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9 and Psalm 100

Discussion Questions:

Read Psalm 100 aloud as you prepare to journey through the tabernacle.

1. Pastor began our journey through “the tabernacle prayer”, with the outer courts. The outer courts were for preparation. Each stage moving closer into the tabernacle created greater intimacy with God. As these steps brought greater intimacy with God, fewer people took these steps. Why do you think this is so?

2. The brazen altar was used for sacrifices. We are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. What is the main problem of offering a living sacrifice? Discuss how this obstacle can be overcome.

3. Next is the bronze laver (bath time!), which is like a full mirror investigation of ourselves. Here we learn how we appear in the eyes of the Lord. The ten commandments and the question of whether we measure up to them were used in Pastor’s example. We know there is no human that can keep all ten commandments, so discuss how this aids in our assessment of ourselves.

4. We move on to the Holy Place and the table of showbread. Jesus is the bread of life. Discuss what you feel this means and how it affects your life.

5. The altar of incense is up next. Incense could only be offered up to God. The aroma of the burning incense would be pleasing to God and accompany the sacrifice. Praise and prayer would rise with the smoke and fragrance. Discuss how this form of worship is similar to and different from our worship today.

6. The final stop on our journey is the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could enter this most sacred of places. The Ark of the Covenant (containing the mercy seat of God) resided here. Once Jesus was crucified, the veil was torn and men were no longer separated from God. Now we are able to enter the presence of God and worship. Jesus was the once and for all sacrifice that bridged the gap between man and God. Reflect for a few moments on how this forever changed our relationship with God. Share your thoughts with the group.

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Peter 2:4-12 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.