GPS: Live This Way
Small Group Lesson Plan: "GPS: Live This Way"
Sermon Basis: Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-39, Proverbs 3:5-6, and supporting Scriptures
Primary Theme: Understanding the Ten Commandments as God’s guardrails for flourishing relationships with Him and others, and how they point us to Jesus.
1. Opening (10 minutes)
Welcome and Prayer
Open with a brief prayer, inviting God’s wisdom and presence into the discussion.
Share the aim: to explore how God’s commandments are designed to set us free and guide us into healthy relationships with God, family, and community.
Icebreaker
Ask: “When you hear the word ‘commandments’ or ‘rules,’ what feelings or memories come to mind?”
2. Sermon Recap & Scripture Reading (10 minutes)
Recap Key Sermon Points (summarize in your own words or use these):
God’s commandments are not prison bars, but guardrails.
There are three types of Old Testament laws: moral, ceremonial, and civil/judicial.
The Ten Commandments reflect God’s character and are repeated in the New Testament.
Jesus summarized the law as loving God and loving your neighbor.
The law shows us our need for a Savior; Jesus is the fulfillment.
Read Scripture Together
Exodus 20:1-17 (Ten Commandments)
Matthew 22:36-40 (Greatest Commandments)
Proverbs 3:5-6
3. Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
A. The Purpose of the Law
Why did God give the Ten Commandments? (Sermon: relationship with Him, healthy families, protecting freedom, pointing to Jesus)
How does the image of “guardrails” versus “prison bars” change your view of God’s rules?
B. Types of Laws
The sermon outlined three types of Old Testament law. How does understanding this help us respond to criticisms about Christians “picking and choosing” Old Testament laws?
C. The Heart of the Commandments
Which commandments focus on our relationship with God? With others? (First 4: God; Last 6: others)
Why do you think God started and ended the Ten Commandments with commands about the heart (no other gods, no coveting)?
D. Relevance Today
The pastor said, “God wants your heart before He wants your habits.” How does this truth impact your daily walk with God?
In what ways do you see the commandments as relevant (or not) in today’s world? Give some examples.
E. The Law and the Gospel
How does the law point us to our need for Jesus?
The sermon compared the law to a mirror—it shows us our flaws but can’t fix them. How have you experienced this in your own life?
4. Personal Reflection (10 minutes)
Invite everyone to silently reflect or write:
Which commandment is most challenging for you right now?
How might obeying God’s “guardrails” bring more freedom or flourishing in your life?
Optionally, invite one or two people to share.
5. Application & Prayer (10 minutes)
Application Challenge:
This week, pick one commandment to focus on. Ask God to help you live it out, not out of obligation but out of love for Him and others.
Closing Prayer:
Pray for soft hearts, wisdom to walk in God’s ways, and for anyone who realizes their need for Jesus as Savior.
6. Optional Activities
Family Connection: The pastor encouraged teaching the Ten Commandments to kids with hand signals. Discuss how group members might teach or model these truths at home.
Scripture Memory: Challenge the group to memorize Matthew 22:37-39 or a favorite commandment.
Leader Tips:
Keep the group focused on grace: the law points us to Jesus, who alone fulfills it.
Encourage honest sharing and respect differing experiences.
Use direct sermon quotes to ground discussion (e.g., “God wants your heart before He ever wants your habits”).
