Lead Them Out to Lead Them In

Lead Them Out to Lead Them In

Theme Scripture:

Exodus 6:6-8 "I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...and I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." This scripture establishes God's process: leading His people out of bondage to lead them into His promises.

Introduction

Before God can lead us into His promises, He must lead us out of things that hinder our progress—sin, fear, toxic environments, or old mindsets. Transformation is a journey of leaving and entering.

Illustration: Share a personal story or historical example (e.g., the Underground Railroad) where someone had to leave one place to embrace freedom and new opportunities.

Point 1: God Leads Us Out of Bondage (Deliverance)

Scripture: John 8:36 - "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." God’s first step is delivering us from spiritual, emotional, and physical chains.

Exodus 3:7-8 - "I have seen the affliction of my people...I have come down to deliver them."

2 Corinthians 3:17 - "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Psalm 107:14 - "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains apart."

Illustration:

Modern Story: A man trapped in the cycle of substance abuse found freedom through Christ after joining a church recovery group. Despite his initial resistance, he surrendered to God and experienced deliverance. Today, he leads others to freedom.

Biblical Illustration: The Israelites enslaved in Egypt. God sent Moses as their deliverer to bring them out of oppression, performing miracles like the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

Key Thought: God doesn’t just break chains; He removes the burdens we carry.

Point 2: God Leads Us Out of Fear (Faith)

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." Fear paralyzes progress, but faith empowers us to trust God’s leading.

Psalm 34:4 - "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."

2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."

Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; do not be afraid or discouraged."

Illustration: The Israelites standing before the Red Sea (Exodus 14), terrified of Pharaoh’s army, until God parted the waters.

Imagine a child learning to ride a bike for the first time. They're terrified of falling but trust their parent to guide them. Eventually, the fear fades as they gain confidence. This mirrors our journey of trusting God when fear arises.

Biblical Illustration: Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). At first, Peter had faith, but when he focused on the storm, fear overtook him. Jesus rescued him, demonstrating that faith overcomes fear.

Key Thought: Fear may be present, but faith calls us to step forward even when the path isn’t clear.

Point 3: God Leads Us Out of Comfort Zones (Growth)

Scripture: Genesis 12:1 - "Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you." God called Abraham to leave his familiar surroundings for a greater destiny.

Matthew 14:29 - "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus."

Philippians 3:13-14 - "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal."

Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"

Illustration: Share about someone stepping out in faith—leaving a secure job to pursue their calling or mission work.

Modern Story: An executive left their high-paying job to follow God’s call to full-time ministry. Although it was challenging to leave the comfort and security of their corporate life, they saw immense spiritual and personal growth through obedience.

Biblical Illustration: Abraham’s call to leave Haran (Genesis 12:1-4). He left everything familiar to follow God, not knowing the destination but trusting in God’s promise.

Key Thought: Growth begins where comfort ends. Trust God’s leading when He calls you to the unknown.

Point 4: God Leads Us Out of Sin (Repentance)

Scripture: Romans 6:18 - "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." God leads us out of sinful patterns into righteousness. Repentance is a turning point.

Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out."

1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Colossians 1:13 - "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son."

Illustration: A prodigal daughter turned from a life of rebellion after hearing the gospel at a revival meeting. Her heartfelt repentance led to restoration with her family and reconciliation with God.

Biblical Illustration: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). He squandered his inheritance on wild living, but when he turned back to his father, he was embraced with grace and restored to sonship.

Key Thought: God is always ready to welcome us back when we turn away from sin and toward Him.

Point 5: God Leads Us Into His Promises (Purpose)

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...to give you a future and a hope." Once God brings us out, He has a purpose and promise to fulfill in our lives.

Deuteronomy 6:23 - "He brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land He promised on oath to our ancestors."

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works."

Joshua 1:3 - "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.

Illustration: A young couple who felt called to adopt a child waited years through uncertainty and red tape. Despite delays, they trusted God’s promise, and today they are a family with a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Biblical Illustration: The Israelites entering the Promised Land (Joshua 6). Despite facing walls and battles, God fulfilled His promise to lead them into their inheritance.

Key Thought: God’s promises often require perseverance, but His faithfulness never fails.

Point 6: God Leads Us Into Community (Unity)

Scripture: Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." God brings us into the Body of Christ, where we grow and fulfill His mission together.

Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on...not giving up meeting together."

Romans 12:4-5 - "For just as each of us has one body with many members...we are one body in Christ."

1 Corinthians 12:12 - "For just as the body is one and has many members...so it is with Christ."

Illustration: A woman moved to a new city feeling isolated but joined a small group at church. The fellowship, prayer, and shared meals brought healing and joy into her life. She found her “family in Christ.”

Biblical Illustration: The early church after Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47). Believers sold possessions to care for one another and devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, displaying radical unity.

Key Thought: God doesn’t call us to walk alone; He places us in a family of believers to grow and serve together.

Point 7: God Leads Us Into Eternal Life (Hope)

Scripture: John 14:2-3 - "I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and take you to myself." The ultimate leading is into eternal life with Christ.

1 Peter 1:3-4 - "In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope...into an inheritance that can never perish."

Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning."

Romans 8:18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed."

Illustration: A terminally ill believer shared their faith with joy and peace, knowing they were being led into eternal life with Christ. Their testimony inspired their family and friends to trust in God.

Biblical Illustration: Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54-60). As he was being stoned, Stephen saw a vision of Jesus welcoming him into eternity, giving hope to others even in the face of death.

Key Thought: Eternal life is our ultimate destination, and this hope gives us peace in the present.

Conclusion

God always has a purpose in leading us out of something to lead us into something greater. God may be calling you to step out in faith today. We must trust God’s leading, embrace His promises, and step into the abundant life He offers.

Example: A hiker lost in the wilderness found a guide who knew the way out. Initially skeptical, the hiker decided to follow and was safely led to their destination. This is how God leads us—not just out of trouble, but into His promises and eternal life.

Final Scripture: Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart...in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."