Table Talk | July 19-20

Kyle Patrick   -   July 20, 2025

Key Takeaways:

  1. Discontentment can lead to disrespect towards God and His provision.
  2. Sin always has consequences, but God provides a way for deliverance.
  3. Jesus is our ultimate source of salvation, just as the bronze serpent was for the Israelites.
  4. We must be quick to repent and look to Jesus for forgiveness and life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. The Israelites’ were discontent with God’s provision. Can you relate to times when you’ve felt dissatisfied with God’s timing or provision in your life? How did you handle those feelings?
  2. Pastor Jody shared a personal story about journaling during difficult times. How do you process and reflect on challenging seasons in your faith journey?
  3. The Israelites’ complaining led to blasphemous disrespect towards God. How can we guard against allowing our frustrations to turn into disrespect or ingratitude towards God?
  4. The sermon drew parallels between the bronze serpent and Jesus. How does this Old Testament story deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?
  5. Discuss the concept of “looking to live” – both in the context of the Israelites looking at the bronze serpent and us looking to Jesus for salvation. What does this mean practically in our daily lives?
  6. Pastor Jody warned against mistaking the gift for the giver. In what areas of your life might you be prone to this error?
  7. How can we be like Moses, “holding up Jesus” so others can look to Him and live?

Practical Applications:

  1. This week, practice gratitude by keeping a daily log of God’s provisions, both big and small.
  2. Examine your heart for areas of discontent or impatience. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any attitudes that need to change.
  3. If there’s an area of sin you’ve been ignoring or justifying, take steps to repent and seek accountability within the group if appropriate.
  4. Look for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with someone in your life who needs to “look and live.”
  5. Reflect on how you view God’s gifts in your life. Are there any you’ve elevated above the Giver? Make a conscious effort to thank God for these blessings.
  6. Memorize a verse related to God’s deliverance, such as John 3:14-15 or Galatians 3:13, to reinforce the lesson from Numbers 21.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your patience with us even when we grumble and complain. Help us to be content with your provision and quick to repent when we sin. May we always look to Jesus, our ultimate source of life and salvation. Give us opportunities to lift Him up so others may come to know You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.