Jesus and the Ten Commandments: Week 2 Exodus 20:1-3; Psalm 19

Kick of the discussion with prayer followed by this week’s reading and discussion questions

You can use the kick off prayer below (or do your own), and give time for others to pray into the night together. 

Example kick off prayer

‍Father we praise you for gathering us together. Despite whatever weighed on our hearts as we entered this house, we pray that your Spirit guides our time together and free us from anything that is not of you. We pray that by the strength of your might we may speak truth in love to one another. We pray that we are led by the gifts of your spirit, so that we may build up one another and your church as a whole. As we read your word, we pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner pleasing to you.  

Passage: The Ten Commandments

Psalm 19:

1  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  2  Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.  3  There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.  4  Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.   In them he has set a tent for the sun,  5  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.  6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.  7  The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;   the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;  8  the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;   the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;  9  the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;   the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.  10  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;   sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.  11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.  12  Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.  13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!   Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.  14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Exodus 20:

1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

• God begins the Ten Commandments by calling for exclusive devotion. What do you think it reveals about His heart? 
• What are some “other gods” that subtly compete for your trust, love, or loyalty? (e.g. safety, control, approval, comfort, success, public opinion)
• When you drift toward idols, what helps you realign your heart with the worship of the one true God? How does the gospel draw you back? 
• What is one area in your life where you want to surrender your loyalty to Jesus more fully this week?

End your time together praying, inquiring God to speak through gifts of the spirit so that you may build one another up. Be bold in sharing any thoughts, pictures or words that come to mind to test if they are given by God to revive the soul. Is God highlighting anything to you personally? Share and get others to pray for you?

Community

Community is not simply about shared interests or casual friendship—it is the spiritual family God gives us to grow in grace, truth, and love. At Kingscross Church, we believe community is both the context for spiritual formation and the fruit of the gospel. As image-bearers of a relational God, we are created not for isolation but for deep connection—belonging, burden-bearing, rejoicing and weeping together.

We practice community because:

• Jesus formed a new family of disciples, not just individuals (Matt. 12:49–50).
• We are called to love one another, forgive one another, confess to one another, and spur one another on (Heb. 10:24–25).
• Spiritual formation requires proximity, presence, and participation with others.

Through community, we practice the way of Jesus—being known and knowing others, shaping and being shaped, forgiving and being forgiven. It is where grace becomes tangible.

View Habit: Community

Practice

• Simply hold a discussion as a community group, now or another time between now and meeting again next week, to simply discuss what kind of community do you want to be and to invite others into.
• How can you individually use your gifting to support such a community?

Pray

Pray for a faith filled and spirit led community to florish at Kingscross, and for giftings to be fanned into flame within us.

Example:

Father God,

We thank You that You have not called us to walk alone, but have placed us in the midst of a people—Your church, Your family, Your body. Fill our community afresh with Your Holy Spirit. May we be marked by love, truth, grace, and unity. May we carry one another’s burdens, celebrate each other’s joys, and spur one another on toward love and good works.

Lord, teach us to be present with one another. Give us hearts that are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Root out comparison, jealousy, and fear. Instead, let our fellowship overflow with encouragement, compassion, and faithfulness.

And Lord, I ask personally: Speak to me or through my community. Stir up what You have planted in me. Fan into flame the gifts You’ve given—whether they’ve been hidden, doubted, or dormant. I surrender afresh and ask for courage to walk in what You’ve called me to. Help me to trust that You’ve placed me in this community not by accident, but by divine appointment—for the building up of others and the glory of Your name.

Come, Holy Spirit. Lead, fill, and empower. Make our community a dwelling place for Your presence, and make my life a vessel ready to be poured out.

In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.