Freedom is a seven-week journey through the Exodus story. The class traces how God meets people who feel stuck, burdened by regret, confused about identity, weighed down by shame, or uncertain whether their past can be redeemed.

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Lesson One
Lesson Two
Lesson Three
Lesson Four

The aim of this lesson is to help us see that who we are and where we are today are connected to our family history. No matter our present circumstances, God is at work within our story and desires to move us forward in His purposes.

The book of Exodus begins with a list of Abraham’s descendants who came to Egypt. These verses tell us that Israel’s bondage in Egypt has a backstory. Long before Abraham had children of his own, God told him that his descendants would live in a land that was not theirs and would be enslaved for four hundred years (See Genesis 15:13–16).

A key figure in the opening verses of the Exodus story is Abraham’s great-grandson, Joseph (Exodus 1:6). Joseph’s life explains how Israel came to be in Egypt in the first place. His story shows how family systems shape individual lives and how patterns can move through generations.

Repeating Patterns Across Generations
Abraham — Fear and Survival Shape Decisions (Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–13).
Pattern established: fear-driven choices during uncertainty.

Isaac — Favoritism Within the Home (Genesis 25:28).
Pattern reinforced: parental favoritism creates rivalry.

Jacob — Deception and Family Conflict (Genesis 27:1–35).
Pattern continues: deception used to secure blessing.

Jacob’s Household — Divided Family System (Genesis 29:30–31; 30:1–24).
Pattern expands: competition and insecurity within the family system.

Joseph is born into a multi-generational, blended family system shaped by favoritism, rivalry, loss, and competition. These patterns do not begin with him, but they profoundly shape his life.

Key Notes For Joseph's Family System
Large blended family
Multiple mothers within one household
Clear birth-order differences among siblings
Unexpected death of mother
(See Genesis 35:16–26)

Joseph’s Life Within This System
Joseph — Favored Son (Genesis 37:3–4).
Pattern repeated: favoritism passed to the next generation.

Joseph — Betrayed by Brothers (Genesis 37:12–28).
Pattern escalates: unresolved rivalry leads to betrayal.

Joseph — Displacement and Loss (Genesis 37:36).
Individual consequence: family conflict reshapes his life circumstances.

Joseph — God at Work in Egypt (Genesis 39:2–3, 20–23).
New movement: God works within the broken system, not outside it.

Joseph — Family Relocation to Egypt (Genesis 46:1–7).
Generational outcome: family patterns result in long-term placement in Egypt.

Key takeaway: God worked faithfully within Joseph’s complex family system to move His purposes forward (see Genesis 37:24; 41:14; 45:5-8; 50:20).

A genogram is a graphical representation of family relationships showing the quality and proximity of relationships and patterns across generations.

Questions to Ask
Step 1 — Who Is in Your Family System?
Who are the key people in your family across two or three generations?
Include parents, grandparents, siblings, and children.
(If you are unsure about someone, it is fine to leave it blank.)

Step 2 — Living Situations
Who raised you?
Were there deaths, divorces, separations, or remarriages?
If so, who did you live with?

Step 3 — Children and Birth Order
Who else lived in your home?
How many children were in each family?
What was the birth order?
Are there any siblings who died young or were not raised in the home?

Step 4 — Basic Relationship Closeness
Which relationships felt close?
Which felt distant?
Who in your family provided stability or support?

Step 5 — Patterns You Notice
Do you notice repeated patterns such as:
favoritism
distance between siblings
Strong bonds between certain people

Many approaches to doing a genogram exist. The purpose of this exercise is to provide awareness to your family history and highlight relationships that play a part in who you are and where you are today.

Feel free to search the internet for "genogram examples." Here are a few resources that may be helpful.

Our first lesson focussed on family systems. The aim of this lesson is to help us see how certain events, both good and bad, shape the direction of our lives. Even when those events feel unexpected or painful, God is at work using them to prepare us for what comes next.

The Bible gives us three clear seasons of Moses’ life: Moses was 40 when he fled, 80 when God called him, and 120 when he died. While we will not likely live as long as Moses, we see that God often does His deepest work later than people expect. Moses’ life, from the beginning, was shaped by loss of family, questions about identity, consequences for violent actions, and long seasons of waiting. Yet it was through those very experiences that God formed him for the work he would eventually be called to do.

Season 1: Birth to 40 years
Moses is born under Pharaoh’s decree and rescued from death (Exodus 2:1–10).
He is raised in Pharaoh’s household and educated in Egyptian power and privilege (Acts 7:22).
At about 40 years old, Moses kills an Egyptian and flees Egypt (Acts 7:23–29).

Season 2: 40 to 80 years
Moses lives in Midian as a shepherd (Exodus 2:15–22).
He marries, raises a family, and lives a quiet, hidden life.
At about 80 years old, God calls Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1–10; Acts 7:30).

Season 3: 80 to 120 years
Moses returns to Egypt and confronts Pharaoh (Exodus 4–12).
He leads Israel through the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
He leads Israel through the wilderness, receives the Law, and guides the nation for forty years.
Moses dies at 120 years old on the edge of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:7).

This rough overview of Moses’ life allows us to step back and look at his story as a whole rather than as a collection of isolated moments. Looking at life this way helps us see movement, change, and growth over time.

Consider the following questions:
•Why might it be beneficial to look at a life in seasons instead of only in moments?
•How does seeing Moses’ life in three seasons change the way you see his story?
•How does the fact that Moses’ greatest work came late in life shape the way you think about your own story?

1.Moses is born under threat and rescued
Exodus 2:1–10
Age: birth to infancy
Pharaoh orders Hebrew baby boys killed. Moses is preserved and lives.

2.Moses is nursed by his mother and adopted into Pharaoh’s household
Exodus 2:7–10; Acts 7:21–22
Age: infancy to young adulthood (roughly 2 to 40)
Moses begins life in a Hebrew home and is then raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter with Egyptian education and status.

3.Moses kills an Egyptian and flees Egypt
Exodus 2:11–15; Acts 7:23
Age: about 40
After witnessing injustice, Moses kills an Egyptian this single violent moment ends his life in Egypt and forces exile.

4.Moses finds refuge in Midian and meets a Priest
Exodus 2:16–20
Age: early 40s
Moses is treated kindly by a forienger with seven daughters.

5.Moses marries Zipporah and becomes a father
Exodus 2:21-22; 18:3-4
Age: early 40s
Moses, for the first time, belongs to a family of his own.

6.Moses lives as a shepherd in Midian
Exodus 3:1
Age: roughly 40–80
Moses spends decades in ordinary work, far from power and status.

7.God calls Moses at the burning bush
Exodus 3:1–12; Acts 7:30
Age: about 80
God calls Moses when he believes his life is mostly behind him.

8.Moses returns to Egypt as God’s messenger
Exodus 4–7
Age: early 80s
Moses returns to Egypt to face his past and speak for God.

9.Moses leads Israel out of Egypt and through the sea
Exodus 12–14
Age: early 80s
Moses becomes the public leader of God’s people.

10. Moses leads Israel through the wilderness and dies at 120
Numbers–Deuteronomy; Deuteronomy 34:1–7
Age: 80–120
Moses leads for forty years and dies on the edge of the Promised Land.

A timeline is not just a list of events. It shows how moments change direction. Let’s practice with Moses. Choose one event from Moses’ life and reflect on it using these questions:
•Which event from Moses’ life stands out to you most?
•How did that moment change Moses’ direction?
•How do you think that moment prepared him for what came later?

If you divided your life into three chapters, how would you describe the first chapter?
How would you describe the chapter you are in right now?
What would you want the next chapter of your life to be about?

Just as Moses’ life unfolded through a series of defining moments, each of us has a story shaped by turning points. We are going to sketch those moments, not to relive them, but to understand how we got here.

Set a timer for five minutes. Answer the following questions. You do not have to use complete sentences or go in detail. Simply write down the first thing that comes to mind. If nothing comes to mind, skip the question and go to the next.

1.What is one of your earliest memories?

2.What is a time when life did not go as planned?

3.What is a moment when you had to grow up or take responsibility?

4.What is a time when you experienced loss, disappointment, or failure?

5.What is a season when something new began?

6.What is a relationship or event that changed how you see yourself?

7.What is a moment when you felt stuck or uncertain?

8.What is a moment when you felt supported or helped?

9.What is a recent event that feels important to where you are now?

10.What is one moment you believe God used to help you or others, even if it was difficult?

A timeline is a simple way of mapping the important events of a person’s life from beginning to the present. In therapy, it helps people move from seeing their life as a collection of problems to seeing it as a story with chapters and turning points.

Over the next week, take time to think about the events in your life that have shaped who you are today. Use the questions below to begin mapping your story.
•Which events do you think had the biggest impact on you?
•What are some high points in your life so far?
•What are some low points in your life so far?

Place these events in chronological order on the timeline. If an event was a high point, place it above the horizontal line. If it was a low point, place it below the line.

God often calls people who feel unqualified and unready. The aim of this lesson is to help us focus on our strengths instead of our weaknesses, and to recognize that God often uses what is already present in our lives when He calls us to step forward.

This section begins with Moses’ “new normal.” He is working an ordinary job for his father-in-law. Nothing seems extraordinary about his situation. Life, as far as we know, is steady. Then, in a moment, God interrupts his life with a holy calling.

God reveals to Moses that He has heard the groaning of His people in Egypt, remembered His covenant with their forefathers, looked upon their oppression, and is going to bring them out of Egypt. The catch is that Moses is the person God is commissioning to lead the rescue mission.

In our previous lesson, we looked at key events in Moses’ life. To put this event into perspective, it had been nearly forty years since Moses fled Egypt. He fled because he killed an Egyptian and Pharaoh sought his life. Now, God calls Moses to return. As you can imagine, Moses is apprehensive and uncomfortable with the idea.

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11–12)
Moses’ first objection is that he lacks the standing required to go before a man of great power.

“What do I say to the people? Who do I tell them sent me?” (Exodus 3:13–22)
Moses’ second objection is that he lacks the necessary information to fulfill the request.

“What if they do not believe what I say?” (Exodus 4:1–9)
Moses’ third objection is that he lacks credibility and fears the people will not accept him as a leader.

“I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10–12)
Moses’ fourth objection is that he lacks the ability to communicate God’s message.

Throughout Exodus 3–4, Moses focuses on what he believes he lacks. For every objection Moses raises, God responds by directing him away from self-focus and toward God’s provision. Throughout the burning bush incident, God points to what Moses already possesses and shows how it can be used to accomplish what He is calling Moses to do.

Fill in the blanks based on the text.

Moses’ source of power…
God responds by reminding Moses:
“I will certainly be _________ you.” (Exodus 3:12)

Moses’ lack of knowledge…
God responds by revealing:
“I _____ WHO I _____.” (Exodus 3:14–15)
(Also: “The LORD God of your fathers… has sent me to you.”)

Moses’ fear of how people would respond…
God responds by providing:
Signs to ____________ Moses’ message. (Exodus 4:2–9)
(The staff becomes a serpent, the hand becomes leprous then healed, water becomes blood.)

Moses’ concern over his speech…
God responds by promising:
“I will be with your mouth and _________ you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:11–12)

Fast-forward to after Israel has crossed the sea. Moses’ perspective has changed. He acknowledges that God Himself is the source of his strength. In Exodus 15:2, he declares, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.”

Who was Moses’ source of strength according to Moses?
Who was Moses’ source of strength according to God?
Is it possible to ever “know enough” about a specific topic or situation before acting?
Are we ever fully prepared for the journey of life?

It is easy to get stuck. Sometimes we get stuck because we are looking back at our past. Other times we get stuck because we are worried about what lies ahead. Like Moses, God calls us to focus on the present. He invites us to acknowledge how our story, with all its ups and downs, can be redeemed and used for His glory.

Thus far in this course, we have explored our family history and our life timeline. Some parts of our story were shaped by circumstances beyond our control. Other parts were shaped by choices we made and their consequences. In both cases, one truth remains: we cannot change the past. While we cannot change what has already happened, we can begin to change the meaning of our past and how it shapes the way we move forward.

“We cannot change the past, but we can change the meaning of our past.”

“In the right situation, our weaknesses become our strengths” - David Rendall

What are two or three strengths you see in your life right now? (These may include experiences, skills, personality traits, or lessons learned.)

Which part of your story has been difficult but has also shaped you in a meaningful way?

How might something you once viewed as a weakness actually serve as a strength in the right situation?

Where do you see an opportunity, right now, to use one of these strengths?

How does Moses’ journey help you rethink what God might be able to use in your own life?

In this exercise, you will take the free personality assessment at 16personalities.com. This tool helps identify your natural preferences, strengths, and typical ways of responding to the world. Understanding your personality can give insight into how you think, make decisions, lead, communicate, and handle stress.

Our story is rarely practiced alone. The aim of this lesson is to help us recognize the importance of relationships and become more aware of the support systems around us right now.

What takes place in this section marks a major turning point in Israel’s story. For the first time, God’s instructions are not directed only at a leader, but at households. Every family is given the same responsibility and the same opportunity to respond.

Consider a few observations from the reading.

First, no Israelite is excluded from deliverance.
Salvation is obtained by obeying God’s commands.

Second, no one is called to walk alone.
Protection is found by participating in community with people of faith.

Lastly, no one is able to remain passive.
Obedience requires a deliberate response from every household.

Go back through Exodus 12:1–13 and note at least five words or phrases that show how God designed this moment to be carried out as a group rather than individually.

Note: As you read, look for language that highlights households, families, shared responsibility, and collective participation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

This section shifts the focus from instruction to outcome. The people act, but the text repeatedly emphasizes what God is doing (or will do) in and through their obedience.

Consider a few observations from the reading.

First, God provides clear direction. Moses passes on God’s commands so the people know exactly how to respond.

Second, God honors faithful obedience. When the people do as they are told, God blesses their actions.

Lastly, God brings promised deliverance. The LORD passes through Egypt, spares the households marked by the blood, and carries out the promise He made.

Go back through Exodus 12:21–28 and pay close attention to what God is doing or promising to do in this moment.

Note: As you read, list five actions that are attributed to God in the text. Use simple words or short phrases drawn directly from the passage.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Before leaving Egypt, Israel did not simply trust God in isolation. They trusted God while surrounded by others who were walking through the same moment.

Major transitions in life are rarely navigated alone. Even when we have burned bridges, lost close connections, or moved into new environments, the presence or absence of support plays a significant role in how we cope with change.

Social capital is a sociological concept that refers to the invisible resources that develop through our relationships and social interactions. This exercise is designed to increase awareness of the support systems currently present in our lives.

Who are the people you interact with most during an average week?

What groups, settings, or communities are you currently connected to (work, school, family, church, social spaces)?

Which of these connections provide practical support such as information, help, or opportunities?

Which relationships tend to open doors or create opportunities for you?

Which relationships do you tend to avoid or distance yourself from during difficult seasons?

A genogram is used to understand a person within their family environment across generations. An ecomap is used to understand a person within their broader social and community environment.

Four categories:
1) Top Left - Bio/Psycho
2) Top Right - Environmental
3) Bottom Right - Social
4) Bottom Left - Spiritual

Center:
Your name

Twelve subcategories:
Environmental (work, live, learn)
Social (family, friends, activities)
Spiritual (community, practices, milestones)
Bio/Psycho (Physical health, mental health, medication/treatment)

An exercise we can use to help us focus our energy on the right things is the Circle of Control.

This exercise helps us take a stressful situation and break it down into what we can control, what we can influence, and what is outside our control. When we do that, we stop trying to manage outcomes that are not ours to manage. We can then focus on the next right step that is actually within our reach.

Download the handout below and list five items in each of the following categories:
•Most control
•Some control
•No control