God’s Name
Exodus 20:7 | Leader & Student Information

Tyler Bowles • Associate Pastor
October 14, 2026

2 Minute Read
Week 4 Devotional
Scripture

Lesson Summary

A name represents a person. God’s name represents who He is, so the way we use His name matters. The third commandment calls us to honour Him rather than use His name carelessly, claim His approval for things He has not said, or pretend to follow Jesus while deliberately living a lie.

Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s name would be treated as holy. We put that prayer into practice through truthful words, trustworthy promises, kindness, and courage to do what is right. Our lives should reflect the character of the Saviour we claim to follow.

When we fail, we do not need to pretend we are perfect. Jesus offers forgiveness through His death and resurrection. We can confess our sin, apologize to those we have hurt, and make things right where possible. Honouring God includes being honest about our need for His grace.


Small Group Questions

Understanding the Passage
  1. How would you feel if someone used your name to tell a lie or make fun of you? How does that help you understand why the way we use God’s name matters?
  2. What makes it easy to use God’s name without thinking—in conversation, messages, jokes, or online? What could help you change that habit?
  3. Why might someone say that God agrees with them when they are really sharing their own opinion? How could you check whether something is actually taught in the Bible?
  4. Jesus says our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no. When is telling the truth hardest for you? What would help you be trustworthy in that situation?
  5. If a classmate knew you followed Jesus, what might they think about Him after watching how you treat people? Where could your actions give a clearer picture of His kindness?
  6. What is the difference between pretending to be a Christian while living a lie and following Jesus but honestly admitting when you sin? How does Jesus’ forgiveness help us stop pretending?
  7. Read Matthew 6:9. What is one practical way you could honour God’s name this week through your words or actions?
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October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
God’s Name
Week 4 Devotional Scripture Exodus 20:7 (ESV) Lesson Summary A name represents a person. God’s name represents who He is, so the way we use His name matters. The third commandment calls us to honour Him rather than use His name carelessly, claim His approval for things He has not said, or pretend to follow Jesus while deliberately living a lie. Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s name would be treated as holy. We put that prayer into practice through truthful words, trustworthy promises, kindness, and courage to do what is right. Our lives should reflect the character of the Saviour we claim to follow. When we fail, we do not need to pretend we are perfect. Jesus offers forgiveness through His death and resurrection. We can confess our sin, apologize to those we have hurt, and make things right where possible. Honouring God includes being honest about our need for His grace. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage How would you feel if someone used your name to tell a lie or make fun of you? How does that help you understand why the way we use God’s name matters? What makes it easy to use God’s name without thinking—in conversation, messages, jokes, or online? What could help you change that habit? Why might someone say that God agrees with them when they are really sharing their own opinion? How could you check whether something is actually taught in the Bible? Jesus says our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no. When is telling the truth hardest for you? What would help you be trustworthy in that situation? If a classmate knew you followed Jesus, what might they think about Him after watching how you treat people? Where could your actions give a clearer picture of His kindness? What is the difference between pretending to be a Christian while living a lie and following Jesus but honestly admitting when you sin? How does Jesus’ forgiveness help us stop pretending? Read Matthew 6:9. What is one practical way you could honour God’s name this week through your words or actions?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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Tyler Bowles

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October 11, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
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October 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
No Other Gods
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Associate Pastor

September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Floating, Fishing, & Following
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Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Saved to Obey
Week 1 Devotional Scripture Exodus 19:1-6 (ESV) Lesson Summary When Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, God reminded them of everything He had already done. He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, protected them through the plagues and Passover, brought them through the Red Sea, and provided food and water in the wilderness. Israel had not saved themselves. God carried them “on eagles’ wings” and brought them to Himself. The order of these events is important. God did not give Israel the Ten Commandments and promise to rescue them if they obeyed well enough. He saved them first and then taught them how His rescued people should live. Their obedience did not purchase salvation; it was meant to be their response to God’s grace. This pattern helps us understand the Gospel. We cannot save ourselves by following rules or doing enough good things. Jesus died and rose again to save sinners. Those who trust Him are forgiven and brought into God’s family. Because He has saved us, we learn to follow His ways. God’s commands are “words of life.” They reveal His character and teach us the good way He designed us to live. Christians obey God because we belong to Him, trust His wisdom, and know that His ways are better. Three Main Ideas God saves: Israel’s rescue depended entirely on God. God calls us to obey: Obedience follows salvation; it does not earn it. God sets His people apart: God’s people belong to Him and are called to show His goodness to others. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage What did God want Israel to remember about their rescue from Egypt? Why does it matter that God saved Israel before giving them the Ten Commandments? What do you think God meant when He said He carried Israel “on eagles’ wings” and brought them to Himself? How can God’s commands be “words of life” instead of rules that prevent us from enjoying life? Which of God’s commands is difficult for you to trust or obey? What would it look like to remember God’s grace and follow Him in that area?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 13, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
God’s Plan Seems Backward
Scripture Genesis 25:19–34 Additional passages: Romans 9:10–13; Psalm 115:3 Watch The Sermon If you haven’t yet, be sure to watch the sermon to join the discussion.Watch Here Message Summary Genesis 25 introduces us to Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac and Rebekah waited twenty years before God answered Isaac’s prayer for children. Their story reminds us that God’s timing is not always our timing. Before the twins were born, God revealed that the older son would serve the younger. This seemed backward because Esau, as the firstborn, would normally receive the birthright and inheritance. Romans 9 explains that God’s choice of Jacob was not based on anything Jacob had done. God chose Jacob according to His own purpose and will. Later, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal. Esau treated God’s covenant promises as though they were less valuable than his immediate physical needs. Jacob’s actions revealed his tendency to take matters into his own hands, while Esau showed that he did not value God’s eternal promises. The message challenged us to trust that God’s timing is better, His plans are wiser, and His priorities are more valuable than ours. Rather than forcing our own plans, we should act faithfully, pray, and wait on God. Above all, we should value the salvation God has provided through Jesus Christ and refuse to let temporary concerns distract us from eternal priorities. Small Group Questions Opening Question Have you ever had to wait longer than expected for something important? How did that experience affect your trust in God? Understanding the Passage What difficulties did Isaac and Rebekah face in Genesis 25:19–21? What does Isaac’s response teach us about how he handled their long period of waiting? What did God reveal to Rebekah about Jacob and Esau before they were born? Why would “the older shall serve the younger” have seemed backward to the people of that time? What do Jacob’s actions in this passage reveal about his character? What does Esau’s willingness to sell his birthright reveal about his priorities? How does Romans 9:10–13 help us understand God’s choice of Jacob? Growth and Application Where are you currently tempted to take matters into your own hands instead of prayerfully trusting God? What is the difference between acting faithfully and trying to force God’s plans? What temporary desires or concerns can distract you from valuing God’s eternal promises? How can you practically hold your plans loosely while continuing to make wise and faithful decisions? How should the gospel shape your response when God’s timing or plans are difficult to understand? How does remembering God’s eternal plan of salvation help you trust Him with the circumstances you do not understand? Prayer Pray for: Faith to trust God when His timing is different from ours. Humility to surrender our plans to His wisdom. Wisdom to act faithfully without trying to control God’s purposes. Greater desire for God’s eternal promises than for temporary satisfaction. A deeper appreciation for the salvation we have received through Jesus Christ.

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor