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SUNDAY SCHOOL PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE EXODUS BOOK 1 � LESSONS 1-14 G O D O N T H E M O V E

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Page 1: EXODUS - ibclr.orgEXODUS OVERVIEW CHART4. Personal Study Guide | ibclr.org EXODUS 7 III. THE MESSAGE OF LAMENTATIONS5 The motivation for the Exodus is found in Exodus 2:23b,24: “Their

S U N D A Y S C H O O L P E R S O N A L S T U D Y G U I D E

E X O D U S

B O O K 1 � L E S S O N S 1 - 1 4

G O D O N T H E M O V E

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Page 3: EXODUS - ibclr.orgEXODUS OVERVIEW CHART4. Personal Study Guide | ibclr.org EXODUS 7 III. THE MESSAGE OF LAMENTATIONS5 The motivation for the Exodus is found in Exodus 2:23b,24: “Their

Dr. Daniel Hinton, author

S U N D A Y S C H O O L | B O O K 1 | L E S S O N S 1 - 1 4

P E R S O N A L S T U D Y G U I D E

E X O D U SG O D O N T H E M O V E

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a letter from Ste ven W. Sm it h , Ph D

Exodus: God on the Move

We are profoundly grateful that God loves us enough to come after us.

This is the story of Exodus. God is coming after His people.

God forged a covenant with Abraham. This was not Abraham’s idea. It was God’s idea. He came after him. And the God who led him eventually led his family to Egypt.

We are grateful that God delivers us.

Egypt saved them. But after 400 years their salvation became their slavery. And so God comes out after His people to deliver them from their bondage.

We are grateful that God lives among us.

God decided that He would manifest His presence in a tabernacle in the wilderness. God is no longer watching and seeing, He is among His people. What a glorious thought.

And now we have the themes of Exodus: covenant, deliverance from bondage, and God’s presence. We also have the story of our own lives: God initiates a covenant with us, God frees us from slavery and sin, and then God brings us into His presence.

We find ourselves in Exodus, and we find the storyline of the Bible. Atonement, sacrifice, deliverance, and the Gospel come into full color when we study Exodus. If the Gospel is a plan, it serves both as the backdrop and the navigational tool in which we are led to God and to an understanding of ourselves. And we have it in one magnificent story. To God alone be the glory for His precious word, and for being God on the Move.

Onward,

Steven Smith, Senior Pastor

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

S U N D A Y S C H O O L P E R S O N A L S T U D Y G U I D E

5 Historical ContextReference Guide (This one-page guide highlights the historical context for the entire book of Exodus)

6 Literary Context (Understand the book as a whole.)

6 Redemptive Context

Reference Guide (This one-page chart most thoroughly describes Exodus within salvation history. It is important to remind students throughout the study, of Exodus’ connection to the other Old and New Testament books.)

10 LESSON 1 Ch 1:1-14

20 LESSON 2 Ch 1:15-22

30 LESSON 3 Ch 2

42 LESSON 4 Ch 3:1-10

52 LESSON 5 Ch 3:11-22

64 LESSON 6 Ch 4:1-31

76 LESSON 7 Ch 5:1-7:7

88 LESSON 8 Ch 7:8-10:29

100 LESSON 9 Ch 11:1-12:32

114 LESSON 10 Ch 12:33-13

128 LESSON 11 Ch 14

140 LESSON 12 Ch 15

152 LESSON 13 Ch 16-17

164 LESSON 14 Ch 18

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4 EXODUS Personal Study Guide | Book 1

E X O D U S 6 : 6

S A Y T H E R E F O R E T O T H E

P E O P L E O F I S R A E L ,

‘ I A M T H E L O R D , A N D I W I L L B R I N G Y O U O U T F R O M

U N D E R T H E B U R D E N S O F T H E

E G Y P T I A N S , A N D

I W I L L D E L I V E R Y O U F R O M S L A V E R Y T O T H E M , A N D

I W I L L R E D E E M Y O U W I T H A N O U T S T R E T C H E D A R M A N D

W I T H G R E A T A C T S O F J U D G M E N T .

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Personal Study Guide | ibclr.org EXODUS 5

H I STO R I C A L C O N T E X T R E F E R E N C E G U I D E

I N T R O D U C T I O N & C O N T E X T• Moses is overwhelmingly agreed upon as the author of Exodus. It is presumed that Moses wrote this second

book of the Pentateuch sometime between the beginning of his tenure as the leader of Israel (at age 80) and his death (at age 120).

• Scripture dates Solomon’s fourth year of reign, when he began to build the temple (ca. 966/65 B.C.), as being 480 years after the Exodus (1 Kin. 6:1), establishing the early date of 1445 B.C. Jephthah noted that, by his day, Israel had possessed Heshbon for 300 years (Judg. 11:26). Calculating backward and forward from Jephthah, and taking into account different periods of foreign oppression, judgeships and kingships, the wilderness wanderings, and the initial entry and conquest of Canaan under Joshua, this early date is confirmed and amounts to 480 years.1

• In many ways, Exodus marks the formal collecting of Israel as a nation. Seventy descendants of Abraham multiplied to 2-3 million during an approximately 400 year period. In these early days as an established people, God (in his sovereign timing) would speak, demonstrate his power, execute his judgment upon Israel’s afflicters, provide for his people, instruct his people and discipline his people.

THE ROUTE OF THE EXODUS2

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L I T E RA RY C O N T E X T R E F E R E N C E G U I D E

T RAC I N G T H E M E S SAG EI. PREVAILING THEMES

a. Presence- God draws a leader into his presence to be used as an instrument to draw his people out of bondage and into God’s presence. This theme stretches from the burning bush to the tabernacle where God dwells among his people.

b. Covenant- God, remembering his covenant with Abraham will be proven faithful by delivering his people into the land he promised, sustaining a great number of Abraham’s descendants, and ultimately blessing the world through this people.

c. Bondage- The Israelites are moved from bondage in Egypt to bondage to God. They suffer working for Pharaoh, and they thrive working for God

d. Deliverance- God is a God who rescues, who delivers, who saves

e. Hope- Where can humans turn when the brokenness of the world and the destruction of sin reaches their front door? In the pit of despair, is there hope?

II. LITERARY STRUCTURE & ELEMENTS

A Simple Outline3

(1) Salvation from Bondage (Chapters 1-18)

(2) God Gives Israel the Law (Chapters 19-24)

(3) God commands Israel to build the Tabernacle (Chapters 25-40)

EXODUS OVERVIEW CHART4

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Personal Study Guide | ibclr.org EXODUS 7

III. THE MESSAGE OF LAMENTATIONS5

The motivation for the Exodus is found in Exodus 2:23b,24: “Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel – and God knew.”

While this speaks of God’s compassion, not the perspective. God is on the outside looking in thus “he saw” and “he heard”. He was not with them, but above them.

As a result God calls a leader who is first in His presence (Ex 3). Moses is able to lead people into God’s presence because He has been in God’s presence. Then, in perhaps the most telling verse, God communicates to Moses that God is going to relate to him in a different way; a way in which they know His name (6:3).

Thus the appeal of Moses to Pharaoh is that he lead these people to go out so that they could sacrifice to their God (5:1). Pharaoh’s opposition was not just opposition to a people it was opposition to God’s people being in God’s presence. Pharaoh represents the obstacle that was keeping God’s people from His presence.

The people are led by the presence of God represented in a cloud by day and a fire by night both representing the presence of God. In the end of the book the people are building a tabernacle for God to dwell among them. Exodus is God leading people out of bondage and into His presence. While the promises of the covenant were very practical, God did not lead them to unlimited pleasure or fortune. God lead them to His presence. This makes us conclude that God, only able to give His best, was giving His best when He gave Himself. Thus when Mary chose to be with Jesus over choosing to do for Jesus, Jesus said she had chosen the “greater thing that would not be taken away from her.” Luke 10, and further that while we do not get what we want in prayer, every prayer for more of the Spirit will always be answered (Luke 11:15). God is always willing to give us the best. And the best He can give is always Himself.

Like the Israelites who left Egypt, all believers in Christ are redeemed and consecrated to God. - Chuck Swindoll

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R E D E M P T I V E C O N T E X T R E F E R E N C E G U I D E

EXODUS IN REDEMPTIVE CONTEXT

Scholars believe that the Exodus took place ~1445BC. In biblical history, this event comes after the creation of the world, the fall of mankind, the flood in which Noah and his family were spared, the Tower of Babel, the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Using Max Anders’ 9 eras of the Old Testament, notice where Exodus falls.

Creation Patriarchs Exodus Conquest Judges Kings Exile Return Silence

In fact, the beginning of Exodus asserts that a Pharaoh rose up who did not recognize Joseph. Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob’s twelve, thrived in Egypt and rose to influence in Pharaoh’s court. This was a favorable situation for the Israelites until a Pharaoh arose who did not look upon Joseph’s people (now numerous) with esteem.

God Story: Remind the students that the Bible tells one overarching narrative.

Psalms: Remind the students about the era of the Kings, before the Kingdom split, when David wrote many of the Psalms.

Nehemiah: Remind the students where we were in the storyline when we walked through Nehemiah as a church. During the exile, Nehemiah was granted permission by Artaxerses, a foreign ruler to return and rebuild Jerusalem.

Lamentations: Remember when Nehemiah and God’s people joined together to rebuild the walls, and re-devote their lives to faithfulness? Rewind the story backward to when the city was first destroyed. This is when Lamentations is written. This is the

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Personal Study Guide | ibclr.org EXODUS 9

beauty of the Bible. As disciples of Christ and students of the Word, we can read Lamentations through the lens of Nehemiah. We know what happens next in redemptive history. Jeremiah laments and rightfully so. And not too long after, Nehemiah weeps for the city, repents on behalf of the people and God uses him to do a tremendous work.

Exodus: Be sure to set the proper redemptive context for this book. We have moved backward chronologically. All of the events of the book of Exodus precede David, Nehemiah, Jeremiah. We have moved back to the origins of Israel as a nation. With David, Nehemiah, Lamentations in mind, we have a unique view of Exodus. How will God’s people respond to the written Law? Will they forsake other Gods? Will they follow God’s edicts? Will they be lead by God alone?

EXODUS, THE GOSPEL & THE CHURCH6

A Pattern of Salvation

Exodus

First: God communicates his desire to moveSecond: God does what only He can do showing his strength. Third: God teaches how they need to live in this new state of reality. Fourth: God disciplines them so that they can live in this new reality.Fifth: God lives among his people.

The Believer

First: God calls us (Romans 8:9,10)Second: God delivers us (John 3:16) Third: God tells us how he wants us to relate to himself Fourth: God disciplines us (Hebrews 12:1ff)Fifth: God lives among his people. (John 17:3)

The Church

First: God calls people to Himself Second: God delivers them through Jesus Third: God teaches them through Jesus Fourth: God disciplines Ananias and Saphira Fifth: God dwells among His people

“All of the Old Testament could be seen as the Discipline of the Lord. Egyptian Slavery is the instructive discipline of the Lord. The Exile is corrective discipline.” -Dr. Steven Smith

SOURCES1 Macarthur Study Bible, Exodus Introduction2 https://www.studylight.org/pastoral-resources/bible-map-archive/getImage.cgi?b=b&i=39&s=l

3 Longman, How to Read Exodus, 344 https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-pentateuch/exodus

5 Dr. Steven W. Smith

6 Dr. Steven W. Smith

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L E S S O N 1

E X O D U S

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTThe opening scene of Exodus features God’s people in agonizing slavery in Egypt, creating intense anticipation. What about God’s promises? What will God do? How will his people respond?

A KEY PASSAGENow there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” (1:8-10)

1 : 1 - 1 4

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Personal Study Guide | ibclr.org EXODUS 11

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D L E S S O N 1

What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 1:1-14

1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.

w

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R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D L E S S O N 1

k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

35-40 40:34-38

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

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CONTENT(1) A New Location: How Did We Get Here? (1:1-7)

Before we move forward through the book of Exodus, let’s briefly look back to remember how Israel came to their current position.

Genesis 1-11 Creation, Fall of Man, Flood, Tower of Babel

Genesis 12-36 Israel dwells mostly in the promised land. This section features the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s twelve sons.

Genesis 37-50 The story of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph. His jealous brothers sell Joseph into slavery, which eventually lands him in Egypt. After a severe famine in Canaan, Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt seeking relief. Instead, they find their brother, Joseph who has risen to respected status in the Egyptian government. Rather than vengefully sending the brothers back home, he forgives their ill deeds and welcomes Israel to Egypt, who had enough resources to aid Israel during the time of famine. During these times, Israel was treated kindly by Egypt because of Joseph.

1:6-7

6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.

Scholars believe that approximately 250-350 years passed between Joseph’s death and the new Pharaoh’s decision to enslave the Israelites.

During this time, the nation grew rapidly.

(2) A New Pharaoh (1:8)

There is some scholarly speculation about exactly what happened in the Egyptian government that brought forth this new leadership. Some suggest that the term “arose” seems to indicate that this new ruler came from outside Egypt. Nevertheless, the shift was clear. Since the Israelites had become large in number, in the Egyptian mind, there were at least two clear advantages to enslaving them. First, should they decide to align with foreign enemies, Egypt could be at risk. And secondly, their enslavement would bring about economic advantage through forced labor.

Of interesting note here is:

(a) Israel is seen (for the first time in biblical history) as an organized people, a nation.

(b) Although the Israelites grew in number amongst the Egyptians for a few hundred years, they were still seen as a distinct people.

1:8-9

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.”

“This story of salvation is really our story. Israel’s emergence from slavery shows us how God brings us out of our slavery to sin.” Nancy Guthrie

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R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D L E S S O N 1

(3) A New Reality (1:8-15)

So what did life in Egypt look like?

V11 Taskmasters afflicting with heavy burdens

V11 Israelites built cities Pithom and Raamses

V12 They were oppressed

V12 They multiplied in number

V12 The Egyptians feared the number of growing Israelites

V13 The Israelites worked as slaves

V14 Their work was bitter and hard, making bricks and working in fields

V15-16 The Egyptians demanded that Israelite newborn boys be killed

If you glance ahead, you can see things are even worse than that!

V17 The Hebrew midwives cunningly disobeyed these orders to save the boys.

V20-21 The Israelites continued to multiply

V22 Pharaoh commanded all of the people to cast every Hebrew son into the Nile

In summary, the new reality for the Israelites was unthinkable. Amidst their hard and monotonous labor came the threats to their family life and threats to their existence as a people.

Do you remember God’s promise to Abraham? What were the three promises?

God promised that the descendants of Abraham would be many, would be numerous. He promised that they would have a land. During these moments in biblical history, the promises seem jeopardized, compromised. If all the Hebrew young men are killed, how will they continue as a people?

The yearning continues. How will God’s people continue multiplying into a great nation under this type of terror? Can God deliver his people from a potential massive genocide? Look at 1:20-21. God dealt well with the midwives and gave them families. These simple sentences should remind us of God’s sovereignty. Amidst the pain, the affliction, God is with his people. And we can be sure that God is faithful. His promises are sure. His Word remains.

God hears your cry, God sees your groaning, God knows your circumstances. -Alistair Begg

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CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Under the severe oppression of a new Egyptian leader, God’s people continue to multiply in number.

Our Main Point: God leads his people in times of trial, comforting the faithful, and carrying forth his redemptive plan according to his justice and faithfulness.

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T (1) Why do you suppose God has allowed his people to be enslaved?

(2) What is the posture of the people’s hearts at this moment? How do you imagine you would feel if America had fallen into the hands of oppressors? What do you suppose would happen to your prayer life?

(3) Is God in control of the events of the world? In this moment of evil and oppression in history, is God still sovereign? Or does God merely respond to counteract evil people and forces moving on the earth?

(4) How long should a Christian pray about a certain need or concern when it seems God has not answered? When God doesn’t answer your prayers immediately, (or perhaps in the way you might like), does this mean your faith is simply not strong enough? How do you know?

r

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R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D L E S S O N 1

R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

s

A KEY THOUGHTThe opening scene of Exodus features God’s people in agonizing slavery in Egypt, creating intense anticipation. What about God’s promises? What will God do? How will his people respond?

A KEY PASSAGENow there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” (1:8-10)

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

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18 EXODUS Personal Study Guide | Book 1

HOME 22:6SING | A Mighty Fortress is Our God

READ | Jesus Storybook Bible Chapter 10

ASK | Do you think God will let his people stay in slavery? How do you think he will rescue them? How come sometimes in our lives, it feels like God is not delivering us from our trials? How do we know we can trust him?

PRAY |

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 1

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R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D L E S S O N 1

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L E S S O N 2

E X O D U S1 : 1 5 - 2 2

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTNo matter our station in life, believers are to fear God above any earthly power or potential discomfort and follow accordingly in obedience. God uses believers in all stations to advance his mission and reflect his glory.

A KEY PASSAGE16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 1:15-22

15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah

and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on

the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the

midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male

children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you

done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the

Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the

midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied

and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22

Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast

into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”

w

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

35-40 40:34-38

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

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CONTENT(1) A Pagan Ruler’s Demand

15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.”

Why does this strike horror in our hearts as human beings? Why do our hearts cry out in disbelief to hear of baby boys being terminated upon birth? Should this same indignation apply to any modern horrors of our day?

The king of Egypt has issued an edict for infanticide. There is power in multiplication. From a worldly perspective, this King understands that when boys and girls are born into a nation that values human life, that values procreation, these boys and girls will grow strong and reproduce. And multiplication is exponential. Over the past few hundred years, Israel’s population had grown from 70 to 2-3 million. We might think that this is incredible and rapid growth, and it is. But remember that this is exponential. Let’s imagine on the low end that there are 500,000 married people in this group. (125,000 married couples). If they had 4.0 children per household, Israel would add another 500,000 to their population instantly. The king of Egypt evidently cannot accept this possibility.

Interestingly, the decree allows the baby girls to live. The King sees the young boys as a threat. But as we will see in the coming chapters, women of courage and valor will stand for God and God will use them to undermine the King’s initiatives and carry forth God’s plan.

(2) A Godly People’s Response

17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.

What do you suppose was the primary reason for denying this command from the King?

They disobeyed. And like so many other God-fearers in Scripture, they stood for truth and stood for God in a Pagan society. There are two reasons here given for why they disobeyed the king. First, the text shows us their true motivation. Then the text shows us the reason they gave the king.

The bottom line is that we will never display strength in the face of temptation, or courage in the face of opposition, or boldness in the face of disapproval unless we think it a bigger deal to disobey God than to disappoint men. -Kevin DeYoung

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As he has ordered all the males of Israel to be drowned in the waters of the Nile, so the whole of the army of Egypt will be drowned in the waters of the Red Sea, and in the very next passage, the savior of Israel, Moses, rather than being drowned in the waters of the Nile, will be saved by Pharaoh’s daughter. God is sovereign. Fear Him, ye saints, and nothing else have you need to fear. -Ligon Duncan

An Act of Civil Disobedience

Their True Motivation:

They fear God

Their Disguise:Due to the vigorous labors of the

Hebrew women, the midwives cannot arrive in time.

Was it morally acceptable for the women to lie in this situation? Why or why not?

As is the case with so many in the Bible who stood for God in a hostile environment (Joseph, Joshua, Caleb, Rahab, Daniel and his friends, Nehemiah) these women feared God more than they feared earthly ramifications. In a real sense, to go against the King’s decree was to subject themselves to severe danger.

Our government is designed with a balance of power to eliminate or at the very least limit the power of a singular person to make decrees like this. However, in their dictatorial environment the King has ultimate authority. In fact, his words carried more authority than a King. He was like a god. The people believed he spoke on behalf of God.

Are there any laws of our land that cause you to personally violate your commitment to obey God and his Word? What are they? And how do you manage this?

Finally, let’s take note of an important concept found in the midwives’ motivation. They feared God. Theologians have tried to help us understand the true meaning of this biblical theme. When we think of fear, we think afraid. They were afraid of God, so they did not carry out the King’s edict. But this is an overly simple, overly narrow way of understanding the term. The fear of God is a proper understanding of (and the corresponding respect of, awe of) who God is. Some pastors have given the example of the sense of awe we

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feel when driving through the Rocky Mountains or looking out over the Arkansas River from Pinnacle Mountain. It makes us feel small. It reminds us that there is something (someone in our case), bigger, stronger, more powerful than we could ever be. And when we remember God in this way, it certainly causes us to humble ourselves. But it doesn’t merely cause us to tremble in terror. Because we know God is good, kind, and merciful, and that he loves people, this fear becomes less paralyzing and more mobilizing. You see, when we fear God, we’re acknowledging just how great and mighty he is, and we bow a knee to his authority.

Interestingly, these women feared God more than they feared the ramifications. Death is frightening. It was evidently not as frightening as the idea of dishonoring God by participating in the killing of these babies. Torture is frightening. But evidently it was not as frightening as the thought of being found in the history books as one who caved to an earthly ruler over the one true God.

(3) A Pagan Ruler’s Escalation

22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”

The King’s plan had to be moved from private to public. A secretive agreement between he and the midwives did not work. And the true wicked nature of his heart had now become known. He commanded all the people. The pressure on the Hebrews mounted to this point. Now, all the people in Egypt were under this evil decree. Hebrew baby boys were to be killed.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Fearing God, the Hebrew midwives disobeyed the King’s evil order and cunningly averted the massacre of Hebrew baby boys. God used the midwives to advance his plan.

Our Main Point: No matter our station in life, believers are to fear God above any earthly power or potential discomfort and follow accordingly in obedience. God uses believers in all stations to advance his mission and reflect his glory.

“They understood that she is no slave to fear who fears the Lord.” - Jen Wilkin

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) If we were to ask, “how many of you would be willing to die in order to stop the massacre of babies,” it seems most of us would answer with a resounding “yes.” But is there a line when it comes to civil disobedience? Or even disobedience to some authority?

r

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Are you willing to be fired for declining the boss’ demand that you fake an error in the financials?

What if you lived within a government that demanded each citizen volunteer a few hours each week at the local abortion clinic?

How can we determine the situations we can tolerate and the situations when we must say “no matter the cost, I cannot comply?”

(2) What about other situations that demand our boldness for truth? Are we similarly resolute? Are you willing to risk losing a friend by lovingly confronting them about the way in which their sin is affecting others around them? Why do we seem so eager and willing to follow these midwives in their courage, but we seem to be unwilling to stand for God in situations that seem to cost us far less than it cost the midwives?

(3) The king in our text was the most powerful person the world had ever known to that point in history. He was hell-bent on stifling the Hebrews in murderous fashion. He spoke as God. He struck fear in the people. And yet faithful Hebrew midwives thwarted the King’s plan. What does this tell us about God and his ultimate plan? Is there any person or force who can stop God from carrying out his ultimate plan? Have you ever accidentally placed too much trust and hope in an earthly leader? Have you ever accidentally decided that if a certain political leader is elected (a) everything will finally be ok or (b) surely God will lose control of the situation?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTNo matter our station in life, believers are to fear God above any earthly power or potential discomfort and follow accordingly in obedience. God uses believers in all stations to advance his mission and reflect his glory.

A KEY PASSAGE16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | Standing on the Promises of God

READ | Exodus 1:15-22

ASK | What would you do if you lived during the time of the Hebrew midwives? Could you have stood up to Pharaoh? What should you do if an authority figure asks you to do something that you know would dishonor God?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 3

E X O D U S2 : 1 - 2 3

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod knows the plight of his people and is faithful to his promises. We must place our trust in him alone.

A KEY PASSAGE9 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 2:1-23

The Birth of Moses2 Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. 4 And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. 5 Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews' children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child's mother. 9 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

Moses Flees to Midian11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. 12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” 14 He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” 15 When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well.

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 17 The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. 18 When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?” 19 They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.” 20 He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” 21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. 22 She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”

God Hears Israel's Groaning23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and

with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.

w

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) Moses’ Birth

In chapter two, God’s plan comes into closer focus. God would use a Hebrew boy, spared his sure execution at the hand of Pharaoh, to arise and lead his people.

What stands out to you about the remarkable story of Moses being drawn from the water?

Is there anything here in the text that is different from the depictions you’ve seen in pictures or movies?

(a) Notice Moses’ Mother & Sister

Clearly Moses’ mother is unwilling to follow the King’s order to execute her son via the Nile. So she hid the child. She goes to great length here to save her son. Remember the larger narrative. The king wants the boys killed. But he supposes he need not worry about the girls. Ironically, the midwives thwarted the King’s initial plan. And here a mother and a sister will be used of God to place a Hebrew in the royal household.

There is some speculation as to the danger involved in this scheme. On one hand, the relationship of this plan to the Nile River makes it appear as though Moses’ parents had finally given in to the king’s edict and set the child adrift into the Nile, a clear rebellion against God and an act of self-preservation.

(b) Notice Pharaoh’s Daughter

When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews' children.” Look at the absolute stark contrast between Pharaoh and his daughter. He orders the killing of baby boys. She sees a baby and has compassion on him.

(c) Notice the Shadows of the Gospel

When studying the Old Testament, we must remember that this was not first written to the church, but to an actual people in an actual time period. In the simplest sense, the “point” of the basket being pulled from the Nile is that God uses people to carry out his will. God is faithful. His plan marches on. But from this side of redemptive history, we cannot help but see these shadows of the Gospel. We see sin, sacrifice, rescue, power. And when they’re seen in the Old Testament, they only draw our attention to the ultimate convening of these things in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

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“The worldling blesses God while he gives him plenty, but the Christian blesses him when he smites him: he believes him to be too wise to err and too good to be unkind; he trusts him where he cannot trace him, looks up to him in the darkest hour, and believes that all is well.” -Charles Spurgeon

So, here is a 3 month old baby. He is helpless, he is crying. He can do nothing on his own. He can do nothing that would contribute to his rescue. He is powerless. Even more, there is a ransom on his head. He was given a death sentence at birth. And he is placed in the mighty Nile River. Pharoah’s daughter, moved with compassion, rescues Moses from the water, grants him a status which removes his death sentence, and accepts him as her own son.

Do you see the shadows of the Gospel?

Ephesians 2:1-2

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked…

Ephesians 2:3

and were by nature children of wrath

Ephesians 1:4-6

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Moses, a spared Hebrew son, has remarkably landed in the royal household. Although he will experience the benefits of his royal upbringing, he evidently never forsakes his heritage as a member of God’s chosen people.

(2) Moses Flees

(a) Notice Moses’ Motivation

11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.

Moses looked. He surveyed the reality. Notice he has identified the Hebrews as “his” people. And many scholars believe that this word “looked” is more powerful than it looks. He evidently looked with emotion. He observed. He reflected. He evaluated the situation. And when he looked upon their burdens, he was moved. Moses had the right motivation. He was deeply troubled by the injustice.

In the last month, can you remember a time when you cried out, “That is not fair!” What were you thinking of? Why do you suppose our hearts spring to high-alert when we see something that we perceive as unjust?

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(b) Notice Moses’ Impulse

(v12) He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand

Moses knew what he was about to do was wrong. Scholars agree that since he “looked this way and that” he recognized that he had no authority to carry out the execution of this Egyptian. And yet his impulse for immediate justice took over and Moses sinned.

Where did Moses go wrong? What started as good intentions ended in a murder. What did Moses get right? What did he get wrong?

Moses took matters into his own hands. God had not instructed him to carry forth such acts. God had not given him a position of leadership over the Hebrews. Using his position, and assuming his own right, he took the initiative to carry forth judgment on God’s behalf.

But when Pharaoh sought Moses’ life, Moses fled into Midian.

See Hebrews 11

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

(3) God Hears

23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help.

It is not as though, throughout this process the Hebrews have been an ideal, patient and faithful people. We will find out in the chapters to come that they have drifted from God and into idolatry in significant ways. While it is clear that they cry out to God in their suffering, the groaning is not the groaning of a people who trust God, but the groaning of a people who are in bondage. Fortunately for them, God’s deliverance is not based on Israel’s faithfulness. It is based on his own faithfulness to his promises.

Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.

“God taught Moses dependence. God taught Moses discipline. God taught Moses maturity. God needed to form character in him. God needed to shape weakness in Him. Because God resists the proud but he exalts the humble.” -Voddie Baucham

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 3

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(a) Notice that God heard.

1 John 5:14

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

(b) Notice that God remembered.

2 Cor 1:20

20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

God does not forget his promises. At it simplest, this is the theme of the Old Testament. It’s the theme of the Bible. God is God. And when he speaks, he speaks truth. And when he gives his Word, he delivers on it. So, marching on in the background of this story is God’s promise to Abraham to give his people a land, descendants, and blessing. Although the plan seems compromised or temporarily in jeopardy, it is not.

What if Israel’s existence was dependent upon their faithfulness? Would they have survived? They were groaning in Egypt, mingling with the false gods of Egypt. They would grumble in the wilderness, fail to take the promised land, turn to foreign wives and idols. God is patient. And his promises are true.

(c) Notice that God saw them and knew.

How do you know when you are able to trust someone or something?

No person or thing on this earth can be fully trusted. Humans are fallible and the world is broken. Only God is completely, unwaveringly, and unfailingly true. But how do we know? Imagine you were on a hike alone. You suddenly lost your footing and fell into a concealed sink hole. You’re stuck. You’re too far down to climb up. Your cell phone doesn’t work underground. Your earthly hope of getting out is dependent on two things. Does someone care enough about you to come looking? And does someone have the resources, the

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means, the power, the tenacity, to locate you, and retrieve you from the pit? You think of your father. “He won’t rest until I’m found,” you think. You’re right. He loves you fiercely. But he doesn’t know where you are. “The search and rescue teams,” you think. They have many resources, but you know if you are not found in a few days, they will be forced to call off the search. Is there any hope?

The message of Exodus chapter 2 is that God’s people are in trouble. They are being unjustly treated. They are suffering severely. And they must be asking internally, “Does God love us? Does God even have the power to deliver us?” And the answer to these questions is found here at the end of Chapter 2. Does God love his people? Yes. He called them as his own, and he promised them a land of their own, descendants, and that they would be a blessing to the world. Does God love his people? Yes. Now, does God have the ability to deliver?

Is God Able to Deliver Israel?

He hears them.

He remembers his promises.

He sees their plight.

He knows the reality of the situation.

How will he break free his people from the most powerful forces on earth?

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Against all odds, God raised up a deliver from amongst the Hebrews whose life was spared, and who was raised in Pharaoh’s household. And God hears the cries of his suffering people.

Our Main Point: God knows the plight of his people and is faithful to his promises. We must place our trust in him alone.

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 3

When Moses learned the Hebrews were crying out, his heart must have turned over within him. But unlike before, he rested and relied upon God. He didn't try to organize a rescue party. He didn't slip back into Egypt as an assassin or saboteur. Not him! He'd learned that lesson. -Chuck Swindoll

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) God will carry forth his plan. Against all earthly odds, God delivers Moses and prepares

him to deliver the people from Egypt. Have you set your life’s course as one aligned with the will of God? Have you placed your trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sin? God can use believers and God-haters alike to carry forth his plan. But in the end, humans are fallible and God is faithful. Have you recognized your fallibility and placed yourself securely in the hand of God for his purposes?

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(2) When you survey the world, what are the things that make you pause and say, “this is not right. Something must be done.”? What would be an unhealthy way to address these injustices by taking matters into our own hands? In what ways are you participating in righting injustices in our world?

(3) Have you ever wondered if God is aware of your hurt? Your angst? Your plot in life? Let’s put this last section of Exodus to the test. Amidts our trials and our crying out to God:

(a) Does he hear? Using Scripture, how do you know?

(b) Does he remember his promises to you? Name one from Scripture.

(c) Does he know? Using Scripture, how do you know?

(4) Do you struggle with trying to control things? Do you feel safest when things are within your personal management? What does today’s text tell us about control and trust?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod knows the plight of his people and is faithful to his promises. We must place our trust in him alone.

A KEY PASSAGE9 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

READ | Hebrews 11:23-28

ASK | What do you think would have happened if Moses was in charge of the deliverance of Israel alone? Since he had grown up in the household of Pharaoh, perhaps he could use his influence to sway the King. Moses made one relatively insignificant move toward alleviating the pain of his family. He killed one of their overseers. What was the result? Do you think Moses had the power to save this entire people? Who do they need?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 4

E X O D U S3 : 1 - 1 0

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod is transcendent, outside the bounds of human constraints. And as he rescued the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, he rescues believers from the snare of sin by drawing near to us through his incarnation and payment for sin.

A KEY PASSAGE5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 3:1-10

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) God Speaks

God is a God who speaks. He spoke the world into existence. He spoke to Adam and Eve. He spoke to Noah. He spoke to Abraham. Here, in the chaos among the Hebrews, God speaks again. He has heard the cries of his people. God is going to take action.

Does God speak to people audibly like this today? Is there a difference between God leading, guiding, or prompting you toward an action or a thought and him speaking audibly to a person?

Your answer to the question above is a type of quiz from the early lessons of our Hebrews study.

Remember Hebrews 1:1-2

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

God is a God who speaks. He is a God of revelation. He shows himself to his creation. Pay careful attention to the way the author of Hebrews begins. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets…” The author is clearly addressing a Jewish audience as someone of probably Jewish descent himself. “Our fathers,” he says. In the Old Testament God spoke in various ways though his prophets. The author seeks to draw the distinction between “then” and “now”. God spoke through the prophets, but now God is speaking through his Son. Our God is a God who speaks and he still speaks. But in the context, the author is not referring to God’s verbal revelation. He is referring to the revelation of Himself, his character, his nature, through Jesus.

What does it mean that Jesus is the supreme revelation?

As much as we exalt this audible hearing from God which Moses experienced, it pales in comparison to what we now know of God in Christ and through the completed Scriptures. Therefore, we need not cry out for a new, fresh, audible revelation from God. Rather, as we are guided by, filled by, and convicted by the Holy Spirit through the knowledge of God’s Word, we rest in the fact that we have all we need for life and Godliness by beholding his Son in the Scriptures and being indwelled by the Holy Spirit.

God’s revelation is a reminder than he is present. He is engaged with his creation. He is personal. But as we are about to see, he is also transcendent.

This is what we see in the burning bush: not a flame-proof tree but a flame-bound God—one who joins us in the furnace. What arrests Moses’s attention is not a heavenly spectacle but unfathomable love. He’s not the God that we expected. But he’s exactly the God we need. – Glen Scrivener

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(2) God is Holy

God appears in the burning bush. Interestingly, although this story is so easily recognizable, the text tells us that the bush was not actually burning. There was a fire, and yet the bush was not being consumed. There has been a good bit of conjecture around why God chose to use this image as part of his revelation to Moses. Some say, for example, that the bush represents Israel, who is being refined by the fire of God’s discipline, and yet they are not consumed. They will be delivered. Others believe the fire is a representation of God’s nature. He is like fire in that he is so powerful, mighty, and humans cannot draw close enough to touch. His fire needs no fuel to sustain it. His flame burns eternal because he depends on no source for his existence. And at the same time, the fire draws us in with its beauty. God is other. And yet God draws us in.

It is not merely the fire that reveals something about God. When God speaks, he reveals himself.

5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

This taking off of shoes is not a particularly common Scriptural mandate. Many scholars believe that God is using something familiar in Moses’ culture to help Moses understand a spiritual reality. If sandals are to be removed in the presence of royalty, perhaps God wants Moses to know that this is the type of situation that is taking place. Moses is in the presence of one who is far beyond all earthly kings.

Was this a holy mountain? Was God trying to alert Moses that when he comes to this particular mountain, it is holy? Or this side of the mountain?

So God is different from humans. His fire burns with no fuel. It is captivating and dangerous. And his presence demands that humans bow. For he is holy and humans are not.

6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

And so it was confirmed. This is the one eternal God who covenanted with Abraham, sustained Isaac and Jacob and was now present with Moses. And recognizing the holiness, the set-apartness, the distinctness of God, he hid his face. This is the rightful response to God’s power and holiness. And yet, what is perhaps most jarring about this passage is what the holy God says next.

(3) God Delivers

“I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and

“If we fear God—failing Him, disobeying Him, misrepresenting Him—we cannot fear man. If we spend time with Him and saturate ourselves with His Word, we will never fear to stand before the King and speak the truth.” -Hershael York

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broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

The God who is transcendent is also immanent. He is separate and distinct. He is holy and we are not. And yet he draws near. He is close. He is with us.

God is revealing himself to his people. Ultimately this second book of the Bible will be compiled as part of his holy Word to reveal himself to the world. And here is what we find out about this God. He is a God who delivers. He hears the cries of his people. He understands all things. He knows their suffering. He is good. And he delivers from evil. He will draw his people out from captivity in order to draw them into relationship with Him.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: As revealed in Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, God is transcendent and God is immanent. And he reveals that he will use Moses to rescue His people.

Our Main Point: God is transcendent, outside the bounds of human constraints. And as he rescued the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, he rescues believers from the snare of sin by drawing near to us through his incarnation and payment for sin.

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 4

"God doesn't tell Moses, 'Tell them, ‘I am what you want.' He says tell them, 'I AM what I AM." -Timothy Keller

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Think of the moments in life when you’ve made the biggest commitments to God.

Think of the moments when you’ve been so focused on God and his plan for your life that you made a significant shift. What were the circumstances of your life during these moments? Sometimes, we seem to feel closest to God in times of transition, times of uncertainty. Why do you think this is the case? How does God use these moments to teach us? Is God not with us when things are going well, and then draws near when things are tense? Is it possible that our hurts or our anxieties serve as gifts during these times to draw us to God, who has been present the whole time?

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(2) Some people say that the God of the OT was one of justice and wrath, and prefer what they call the New Testament God of mercy and love. They may suggest that to experience the holiness of God is fear-inducing, but to experience his love is comforting. How might you help a younger believer understand how God’s holiness and love co-exist and function together as part of his eternal nature?

(3) Suppose you are serving in a children’s ministry class. One of your students proclaims, “I want to know God more deeply.” How would you respond? What biblical support might you give?

(4) God ultimately decrees that Moses will be used to deliver God’s people from Egypt. Moses, in a sense, receives his marching orders. What are the marching orders of Christians? Must we go to a mountaintop and look for a bush or listen for a voice to receive them? What has God called every believer to do? Is there such a thing, then, as an individualized will of God for every follower of Jesus? Should we operate on God’s clear written will for all believers? Or should we be trying to discern our own individual path? Take a moment to share with the class how you have navigated this balance as a believer to this point in your life.

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod is transcendent, outside the bounds of human constraints. And as he rescued the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, he rescues believers from the snare of sin by drawing near to us through his incarnation.

A KEY PASSAGE5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | Holy, Holy, Holy

READ | But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

ASK | We have seen in Exodus that God is holy. He stands outside of human constraints. He is perfect. He is all powerful. He is different from us. And yet, in 1 Peter 2:9, the Bible calls the church a “holy nation.” What does this mean? Are we perfect like God? Or are we set apart to look different amongst our peers in this world?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 5

E X O D U S3 : 1 1 - 2 2

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod equips those whom he calls to his purposes. He dwells with his people through the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. The same God who sees his people and delivers them from bondage, sent his Son to free us from the bondage of sin and death.

A KEY PASSAGEThen Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 3:11-22

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord,[b] the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 18 And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.[c] 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, 22 but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) Who Am I: Moses’ Objection (v11)

In order to fully understand today’s text, we must remember back one week. We ended last week with God telling Moses that he had heard his people’s cries, that he knew of their affliction and that he would respond. “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” (v10)

Are you shocked by Moses’ response here? Who am I?

On one hand, we sometimes look at these Old Testament characters with a bit of judgment, thinking, “Moses, God is speaking to you through a bush. Don’t you think God has the power to do this? Why would you doubt?” And yet when we remember the circumstances here, it is altogether understandable why Moses would have questions about this. The thing Moses is most concerned about is whether or not he is the one God ought to use for this task. Think about it for a moment. Moses had been a shepherd in Midian for forty years. Before, he had a position. Before, he had influence. Before, he had some leverage as an Israelite in the house of Pharaoh. Moses seems to recognize the monumental task ahead, and recognizes his inadequacies. But Moses says to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (v11).

Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us to a situation where we sense we’ve been divinely lead to speak, to act, to intervene in some way for God.

In those moments, have you ever felt inadequate? Have you ever felt as if you do not have the tools to effectively accomplish the task?

And consider some of the things that are already prescribed in Scripture.

• Follow Christ (Matthew 4:19)

• Let your light shine (Matthew 5:16)

• Do Not Lust (Matthew 5:28-30)

• Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:44-46)

• Invest in the Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-21)

• Deny Yourself (Luke 9:23-25)

• Serve Others (Matthew 20:26-28)

• Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19)

Do you feel inadequate to accomplish these biblical callings?

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Isn’t it interesting that Moses, just 40 years earlier, impulsively tried to take matters into his own hands on behalf of his people? We see this theme throughout the Old Testament as God leads his people. God has a plan. His plan involves the ultimate good of his people, and the display of his great glory. When even the most well meaning of his people try to subvert the plan by enacting justice, employing man-centered wisdom, God does not allow his good plan to be thwarted. In earthly terms, the more favorable opportunity for deliverance may have passed. They once could cling to the hope of Moses’ influence and power. This has all been stripped away. And the despair among the Israelites was as prevalent as ever. On this side of history, it is a bit easier to see God at work. He has allowed them to spiral into a place where only an act of God could save them. And he would use a man who seemed to have no advantage, no specialized skills to accomplish the task.

This is the first of several times in which Moses will express his inadequacy. Notice as the text unfolds how God responds to this.

(2) Who I Am: God’s Response (v12-17)

Moses (in essence) asks, “Why me?” He wonders what makes him suitable for this task of going before Pharaoh. If we have been influenced by the growing and influential prosperity gospel movement or the self-help section on Amazon or at our local bookstores, then we would expect for God to answer, “You are good enough. You are adequate. If you believe in yourself, you will find out that you are the perfect man for the job.”

God comforts Moses not with a self-esteem boost but with a deeper knowledge of himself and his plan.

“These are massive assignments and you can’t do them, but the whole point is it’s not about who you are, it’s about who he is and he is the self existent, eternal, immutable, all-powerful creator and sustainer of the world, and he is with you.” -David Platt

Moses GodWho Am I?(v11)

I will be with you. (v12)

I will give you a sign.(v12)

Interestingly, the sign given is also part of the revealing of God’s plan to Moses. The sign is that, when the deliverance has occurred the people will worship God on the mountain. This should serve to remind us. God is intent on delivering his people so that they might be free to worship him. He doesn’t simply want to deliver them out from under the oppression of a Pagan ruler. He wants to draw them into his presence. He wants to bring them to a place where he dwells with them, where they are lead by Him, where they worship him for who he is.

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“It will not be far from the truth if we suppose that the faith, both of Moses and the Israelites, had grown somewhat faint and rusty, like a church that still has the embers of the truth, but they have forgotten their first love.” -John Calvin

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At this point, do you suspect that Moses knew just how great and how long of a task God had called him to?

Who Is God?

V13-14 I Am Who I Am God is the God who is. He exists. He has always existed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And here God reveals his name, “I Am” as a way of expressing his constant presence with them, especially in view of the uncertain days ahead. He is.. in this moment. And He is… the one who will be with them. He is God. He is “I Am.”

V15 I am the God of your fathers

This marks a continuation of God’s presence with his people. He is the same God of their forefathers. He was with their forefathers and now he is with them in the same way. Also, the covenant made to their forefathers (land, seed, and blessing) would be honored and fulfilled among them.

V16 I have observed you The God who is speaking to Moses is the God who sees and hears his people. Moses is to alert the people that “I Am” sees the affliction.

V17 I promise to deliver you

The God who is speaking to Moses delivers a promise. “I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” The God who is, who always has been, has spoken. He has decreed. He will rescue his people.

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As the rescue plan unfolds, God speaks to Moses who will deliver a clear message to his people.

I am the one true God.

I am the God of your forefathers.

I see you and what Egypt has

done to you.

I promise to deliver you.

(3) God’s Rescue Plan (v18-22)

1. The Israelites will listen to you.

2. You and the elders will go to the King with a message.

3. The King will not let you go unless compelled by my mighty hand.

4. I will strike Egypt with wonders.

5. The King will let you go.

6. And you will be sent away with precious goods from the Egyptians

God will begin by directing Moses and the elders to request a short excursion into the wilderness in order to worship God. Scholars believe this was not a deceitful attempt to escape but God giving the King an opportunity (starting small) to make an admittedly difficult decision. In the end, the demand will be for the complete release of all the Israelites.

God knows the response of Pharaoh before the plan unfolds. He will be unmoved until he is afflicted. After he sees the wonders of God’s power and has felt the sting of judgment upon Egypt, God says, Pharoah will release the people. And not only this, but in a stunning prophecy, God decrees that when they are released they will plunder Egypt. These valuable items from Egypt won’t be taken by force. They will be handed over because of the favor God had given them.

Remember God had promised this back in Genesis 15:14.

“But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions.”

Moses does not possess the details. But here, God gives him the rescue plan. A lot has transpired in chapter three. And it has begun to set the stage for Israel’s deliverance.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Moses will be equipped as the leader of God’s deliverance of his people because “I Am,” the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be with him. According to God’s promise, after he afflicts Egypt, God will cause Pharaoh to release his people from bondage.

Our Main Point: God equips those whom he calls to his purposes. He dwells with his people through the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. The same God who sees and delivers his people from bondage, sent his Son to free us from the bondage of sin and death.

Could Jesus have taken any more exalted words upon his lips? When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” he took up all the majestic truth of the name of God, wrapped it in the humility of servanthood, offered himself to atone for all our rebellion, and made a way for us to see the glory of God without fear. -John Piper

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Name a time God was calling you to do something and you felt inadequate. What

made you question your abilities? Was this a case of lacking trust in God? How did the situation turn out?

(2) Why do you suppose God hasn’t given Moses the entire plan? Moses doesn’t know about the plagues. He doesn’t know about the back-and-forth that will happen in the mind of the King. He most certainly doesn’t know that likely the hardest part of his leadership will be after they escape. Are you a person who struggles to have faith when you don’t know the outcomes? What does God teach us through this about trusting him moment by moment?

(3) Call to mind some of the “I am” statements of Jesus. I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world. I am the resurrection and the life. What comfort do you think it brought Moses to hear that he was to tell the people that “I am” sent him? On this side of history, we have a fuller understanding of who God is. He’s demonstrated his love and justice so clearly in sending Jesus. When we remember who Jesus is (I am _______________________), what does it do to our minds and hearts in the midst of our circumstances? What do you imagine it did to Moses' heart and mind when he heard that he was speaking to “I am”?

r

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod equips those whom he calls to his purposes. He dwells with his people through the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. The same God who sees his people and delivers them from bondage, sent his Son to free us from the bondage of sin and death.

A KEY PASSAGEThen Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | “The Great I Am” (New Life Worship)

READ | The Seven “I Am” Statements of Jesus

1. “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51) 2. “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) 3. “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9) 4. “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) 5. “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) 6. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) 7. “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)

ASK | Moses knew, since he was speaking to “I am” that this was a God who loved the Israelites, and had promised things to them. If God was with them, then surely they could trust that his plan would be accomplished. How does this relate to us today? Romans 8:28 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. When we remember that God loves us and God’s word never fails, what confidence does this give us? Can we have confidence even when things are difficult?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 6

E X O D U S4 : 1 - 3 1

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTFollowers of Christ respond joyously, swiftly, and resolutely to God’s Word. Though it may cost us greatly, rejecting comfort and embracing sacrifice, we partner with like minded believers to love and serve Christ by making disciples, depending on his power to lead and sustain us.

A KEY PASSAGE“Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 4:1-31Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Again, the Lord said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.”[a] And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous[b] like snow. 7 Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. 9 If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”Moses Returns to Egypt18 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”24 At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and touched Moses'[c] feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” 26 So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel. 30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.

w

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENTAt this point in the story, Moses is in transition. He has been given the plan and now he will have his opportunity to obey. As we will see in this week’s passage, he’s still not altogether confident that he can do it. He still has some questions for God. But as we will see throughout Exodus, Moses, exercising tremendous faith, will allow the truth of God to overcome his fear and insecurity.

Since this story focuses on Moses embarking on this God-given mission to free the Israelites, let’s view this section through the lens of our lives as Christians. God has not called us to travel to Egypt to rescue Israelites, but he has called us to love, serve, and obey him through our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the testimony of His written word. He continues to lovingly demand that we be used of him in the lives of others. He demands that we accomplish things for him outside our natural abilities. And he demands we offer ourselves to him wholly for carrying out his will. New Testament believers know this primary mission to be the Great Commission, to make disciples of Jesus. So, as we share the Gospel with others, as we share the love of Jesus with the hurting, as we reach out to younger believers who need a friend or mentor, as we do the will of God, let’s allow this text to inform us.

(1) It’s not about us, it’s about Him.

Like Moses, we have a tendency to think the results of our efforts are dependent upon our talents or abilities. Look at Moses’ two new excuses here. First, he supposes that they will not believe him. They will say that Moses has been mistaken. Once again, instead of God offering Moses some earthly answer to this concern, the answer lies with God himself. The people will not have to believe Moses because of the argument he makes, or because of the zeal in which he delivers the message. They will believe you because they will see God’s power at work.

Three Signs

Moses is shown that his ordinary staff was a supernatural tool in the

hands of a humble servant dependent upon God. Some

suggest that the serpent symbolizes the cobra likely

found in the Egyptian King's headdress, as if God is

demonstrating his authority over Egypt and its leaders.

When Moses reaches into his cloak, he is

stricken with a severe skin condition, and is instantly

returned to health by God. This demonstrates to Moses and should serve as a warning to Egypt that the God who is with Moses has the power to afflict bodily

harm and to restore health.

Scholars believe that the turning of the Nile's water

to blood relates to the actual blood of innocent Hebrews who the King ordered killed. In this

sign, the great Nile River, esteemed by the Egyptians as a source of physical and

supernatural power was actually wholly subservient

to the one true God.

SIGN 1:The Staff

SIGN 2:Leprosy

SIGN 3:Water & Blood

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“If God indeed knows, as we know God does, he will do always what he has said he will do.” -Albert Mohler

Moses: They won’t believe me.

God: I will give them a sign of power to demonstrate my presence with you.

Moses is not out of excuses just yet.

Moses: “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”

God: “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

Moses: “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”

God: “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”

As God continues to answer each of Moses’ objections, Moses finally cries out as if in a final plea. We can see here that the objections were not necessarily logical evidences for God to send someone else. When all uncertainties were made certain, Moses still had fear. In his mercy, God arranged that Aaron was to come alongside Moses as a partner to be the mouthpiece for Moses. So God would speak to Moses and Moses to Aaron, and Aaron to the people and to the Egyptian leaders.

As we awaken each morning and consider all God has called us to as believers, we would do well to remember that this task is not about us. It is not about our abilities. It is not about our glory. It is about God, his power, and his sovereign plan.

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A Me-Centered Way to Approach the Day

A God-Centered Way to Approach the Day

I cannot share the Gospel with that co-worker. I’m not good at that sort of thing.

God, I worry I’ll say the wrong thing. You created the universe, and you love me. Your love for me has been proven time and again. I want to share this love with others. Lead me. Guide me. And give me the words to say. Help me to be faithful.

I’m just too uncomfortable. My kids don’t want to hear me talk about God. It would just come out wrong.

God, I always feel a pit in my stomach when the pastor urges us to lead our families spiritually. I’m afraid my kids’ faith is deeper than mine. I’m embarrassed. I want to live for you and I know your Word calls me to this for my good and for the good of my family. Would you give me the confidence to lead my kids? Help me to be faithful.

I know they are short on leaders in the youth ministry, but after my long work day, if I don’t get my 9-holes of golf in, trust me, no one will want to be around me.

God, thank you for sending that youth leader into my life when I was fifteen. I’ve always wondered if I could be that for someone else. It’s just so much easier to decompress on the golf course. I don’t want to be selfish. If I don’t get my normal time to decompress on Wednesdays, would you help me find my contentment in you as I try to serve these teens? Help me to be faithful.

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 6

If we have been redeemed by Christ, our new affections for him and for his purposes on earth should drive us to want to honor him and serve him. May we honor and serve him with gladness and dependence, not excuses. It’s not about me. It’s about Him.

(2) Where God has been clear, be certain in our response.

As we have read the narrative, it has become clear. There is a time coming when Moses will have to decide. He will have to act. He will either obey or disobey.

a. Be immediate.

Look at v19-20

And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.

The Lord has answered all of Moses’ objections. The Lord has been clear about his plan, and about his command to Moses. Verses 19-20 show a tremendous example of obedience. The Lord says to go, and Moses goes.

There are times when we seek for specific directions from the Lord. We are uncertain whether or not to purchase a house, whether to take the promotion, whether to move closer to home to take care of an ailing family member. We weigh these things against the Scriptures and

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seek wise counsel. It can be difficult in these situations because we are not dealing with God’s explicit commands. In many cases, these outcomes are not matters of sin or obedience, but matters of using our best biblical wisdom and judgment. It can be difficult to act decisively because the Scriptures have not spoken explicitly to the exact situation.

What we know from the life of Moses is that God-fearers (Christ followers) demonstrate their faith by their obedience. When the Bible calls the Christian to act, he acts. When the Bible calls a Christian to submit, he submits. When the Bible calls a Christian to speak, she speaks.

Is this your posture when listening to sermons at church? Do you plan to identify the truth of the Scriptures and then obey it?

b. Be sacrificial.

Moses took his family from their comforts of home. He had dwelled in this land for forty years. He left the wealth and security of his occupation. He left the friendships. And he wasn’t leaving these things for a “better life.” He was headed into the eye of the storm. He sacrificed these things for God. He sacrificed them for the sake of his people.

Are you the type who is willing to suffer for God?

c. Be resolute.

Since God had been clear to Moses, he acted decisively. He moved immediately. And he was willing to sacrifice. Look at what Moses was to do upon arrival in Egypt.

22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”

Acting swiftly and even being willing to give up some things temporarily will likely not be enough. Serving God faithfully for a lifetime will likely involve hardships. It will require perseverance. Like Moses, we will have to be willing to stand for things that are unpopular. More specifically, we will be called to say things that aren’t popular.

Can you imagine if someone from our generation were called of God to approach the president of a foreign country and deliver this message? And what if it were going to be broadcast on social media?

“Many parents need to be reminded that it is God who gives this command for them to teach their children the faith. All of the excuses (“I’m not smart”, “I don’t speak well”, “I am shy”, “others are more qualified”) fade away in light of this reality.” -David Prince

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(3) Link arms with like-minded partners.

We don’t know much from the text about the relationship between Moses and Aaron to this point in the story. What is clear here is that God has sent Aaron to assist Moses. We see that there is a warm partnership between the two. And we see that Aaron and Moses are committed together to executing God’s plan.

V28-29

28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel.

This is precisely how God decreed this was to happen. God speaks to Moses. Moses speaks to Aaron, and they would go to the people. Think for a moment about the disobedience of God’s people throughout the Scriptures. The people will soon cross the Red Sea only to construct a golden calf shortly after. The spies will soon lack faith and disobey God. They will intermarry with Pagans. They will dishonor God with their dealings with other countries. But here is a shining example of obedience. There were excuses. And there was doubt. But the clear mission of God has been burned into the hearts of two like minded men who will become partners in ministry.

Can you imagine what it must have felt like for Moses to be reunited with his brother and not be alone in this journey ahead?

The daily intention to follow Christ in the face of adversity demands a close friend.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

This passage ends with the people’s response. They believed that God was with Moses. And they believed that God had seen their affliction. They bowed their heads and worshiped.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Moses has been clearly directed. He will be accompanied by God’s powerful signs. Moses responds in obedience, sacrifice and resolve. He will, alongside his brother Aaron, carry forth God’s plan by alerting the Israelites of their near deliverance and confronting the Egyptians.

Our Main Point: Followers of Christ respond joyously, swiftly, and resolutely to God’s Word. Though it may cost us greatly, rejecting comfort and embracing sacrifice, we partner with like minded believers to love and serve Christ by making disciples, depending on his power to lead and sustain us.

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) When someone asks you, “how was church today?” have you ever answered with a

response about some area of sin that the Word of God had exposed? 2 Tim 3:16 says that the Bible is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness. Why do you suppose we are hesitant to admit the the Bible has exposed an area of disobedience in our lives? Would you welcome a new type of culture in our church which featured people answering, “The Word says it, so I know I need to obey it.”?

(2) Moses left his life of forty years to return to Egypt. And yet we are known as a comfortable people. We’d be insulted if asked to give up a weekly drink at Starbucks to help someone in need. We have certain things that are “off the table” when it comes to what we’d be willing to do for God. If you’re honest, are there comforts in your life you’d be unwilling to give up in obedience to God? What if the life of someone you loved was at stake? Would you give up those comforts? Why are we often so unwilling to give them up for the sake of the kingdom?

(3) In our day, we are hesitant to speak the truth because we fear the backlash, especially online. The message for Pharaoh was: Let the people go or your first born will die. What would’ve been the politically correct, 21st century way to deliver this message to Pharaoh in order to try it avoid backlash? What reason do we give for being unwilling to speak the truth? Why are we reluctant, for example, to alert our lost friends that the Bible is clear that those who reject Christ will be rejected and sent to hell upon death? The Bible says we are to speak the truth in love. Are you good at this? How do you know if you’re compromising the truth for the sake of comfort?

(4) Who is your Aaron? Aaron arrived on the scene to be a trusted friend and partner in ministry for Moses. Is there someone in your life who is like minded? How do you spur each other on to love and serve Christ? Is there someone who you ought to take time to invest in who could become an encouragement like this to you?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTFollowers of Christ respond joyously, swiftly, and resolutely to God’s Word. Though it may cost us greatly, rejecting comfort and embracing sacrifice, we partner with like minded believers to love and serve Christ by making disciples, depending on his power to lead and sustain us.

A KEY PASSAGE“Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | There is a Fountain Filled With Blood

READ | Exodus 4:10 & read the final two verses of “There is a Fountain Filled With Blood”E’er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die;Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue Lies silent in the grave,Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save: I’ll sing Thy power to save, I’ll sing Thy power to save;Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save.

ASK | Do you have to be perfect to serve God? What do we do when God’s Word directs us to do something that makes us uncomfortable?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 7

E X O D U S5 : 1 - 7 : 7

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod is true to his promises. In times of trials and tribulations, when all hope seems lost, we have an opportunity to glorify God by trusting in Him according to his Word and continuing in faithful obedience.

A KEY PASSAGESay therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 5:1-7:75:15-1815 Then the foremen of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, “Why do you treat your servants like this? 16 No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ And behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.” 17 But he said, “You are idle, you are idle; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ 18 Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks.”

6:1-9But the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’” 9 Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.

7:1-7And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” 6 Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the Lord commanded them. 7 Now Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) In the ‘Not Yet’: Worse Before It’s Better

The anticipation has been building and for those of us who know the events of the book of Exodus, we are ready for the confronting of Pharaoh. We are ready for the Plagues, the Passover, and the Red Sea. In one final step before those major events, God is going to allow the situation to get even worse before delivering his people.

In chapter 5, Pharaoh, angered by Moses and Aaron’s initial demands, intensified their forced labor. Evidently straw was a critical ingredient for the proper construction of bricks. And now, the Israelites were to be held to the same production quotas but were lacking the critical ingredient. This, of course meant a more painful labor and likely more consequences for their failure to maintain the production as before. As one could imagine, the people grew angry with Moses and Aaron and Moses and Aaron grew angry with God.

5:22-23

22 Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”

When reading the Old Testament, one of the most important things we learn is who God is. The Old Testament is theology. Who is God? What is he like? How does he relate to he earth? How does he lead his people?

The Israelites have the promise from God. He will deliver them. But evidently in the waiting, and even in the further suffering, there is something important at work for Israel’s good and God’s glory. Their situation is not unlike that of believers. When followers of Christ face trials, hardships, consequences of the broken world, we rest in the promise of God.

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

While many in our day promote a false prosperity Gospel which supposes that if believers only exercise enough faith, they are free from financial struggle, health problems, or affliction, the Bible makes no promise of ease or comfort for the follower of Jesus. Ironically, proponents of the prosperity gospel pedal something they suggest sounds and feels better, the opposite is true. For example, adherents to the prosperity Gospel are plagued with doubt and confusion when trials come. They work and work to exercise enough faith and the brokenness of the world continues to haunt. And while they may experience momentary relief and they may suggest that they have been finally delivered, they are days or perhaps moments away from another crisis of faith. Conversely, biblical followers of Christ know that we are not promised ease and comfort. We don’t expect that our health will necessarily improve, that our financial status will necessarily improve. Rather, we trust the sovereignty of God. In contrast to the shifty and uncertain faith of prosperity seekers, the faith of a true believer says, “Come what may in this life, I am content in Christ.” So it’s not as though God promises ease. It is clinging to the promise that even when things are not easy, God is with us and he is working things together for our ultimate good and for his ultimate glory.

So, in many ways, we are like the Israelites here.

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“God often humbles his own people before he humbles his enemies so that it is clear that salvation is of the Lord and the Lord alone.” -Albert Mohler

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The Israelites hold a promise: "God sees us. And some day, he will deliver us.”

We hold the promise: "God will work these things together for our good and some day in the future, he will make all things new."

In our Exodus study, he has not yet delivered Israel from captivity.

For Christians, he has not yet ended suffering. He has not yet brought things into clarity to see how these things are working for your good.

Sometimes in the “not yet”, it gets worse before it gets better. In fact, sometimes for believers, it does not get better on this side of eternity. Consider these New Testament examples.

• 1 Thess.2:13,14 – Paul notes their conversion is genuine b/c they recognized the Gospel was the Word of the Lord and their reception of the Word was tested by suffering.

• 1 Peter 4:12,13; 2:20-25 – Peter instructs us not to think of struggles as “strange” b/c our calling is to be made like our Savior in His sufferings.

• James 1:2-4 – James goes further and tells us to count trials as “pure joy” b/c they are part and parcel to maturity.

• 1 Peter 1:6-7 – Peter says that while we indeed suffer grief from all kinds of trials, they all have the purpose that “our faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed.”

• Jesus Himself said we must “deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him.” Why did we think that would be easy? Which part of take up your cross did we misunderstand? A cross is an instrument of execution!

(2) In the ‘Not Yet’: He is Enough

So what do we do in the not yet? What is Israel to do in the “not yet”?

Look at chapter 6. God wants to relay some important truths to his people through Moses and Aaron.

2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’” 9 Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

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Still possessing no change in their miserable circumstances, the Israelites have an opportunity to hope. They have an opportunity to trust. They have an opportunity to exercise faith. But why? Why ought they cling to God? God declares in 6:2-9 who he is, what he has done in the past, what he is doing in the present, and what he will do in the future. He has the power to deliver. And he loves them. They are his people.

Can you think of a time of despair when you remembered to cling to God’s truth even though circumstances had not changed?

Exodus 6:2-9

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“Time after time He punctuated His message to Moses by saying, "Look, Moses, your eyes are in the wrong place (again). Get your eyes back on Me (again). Remember who I am (again)." - Charles Swindoll

PAST

• appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

• established my covenant with them

PRESENT

• heard the groaning of the people

• remembered my covenant

FUTURE

• will bring you out• will deliver you• will redeem you• will take you to be my people• will be your God• will bring you into the land

I am the Lord.

GOD

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God desires for his people to trust in Him, to find their hope in Him. To be satisfied in Him. God receives much glory from a people who (in view of God’s attributes and his actions) earnestly say, “If all I have is God, I have everything I need.” You can almost envision an elder in Israel urging the people to remain resolute. “God may not deliver us while I’m alive, but our God is faithful. He will bring us out. No matter how intense the labor gets, I am at peace.” In the same way, some of the heroes of our faith have exercised exemplary faith when they have said “I’m not sure the cancer will subside. I may never escape the hurtful words and actions of this person on this earth. But I know God is growing me and shaping me, and using me for his glory. Whether tomorrow, or in eternity, he will have the final word. My hope is secure in Christ.”

In the “not yet”, God is enough.

(3) In the ‘Not Yet’: Continue in Faithful Obedience

The people were completely disheartened. After all, their supposed delivers had arrived on the scene, and a short time later their situation had gone from bad to worse. The texts shows that Moses also continued to have moments of doubt. After all, there would be no good earthly reason to suggest that return trips to visit the King would result in any different result. But when God commands Moses and Aaron to return, they comply.

7:6-7

6 Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the Lord commanded them. 7 Now Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Moses and Aaron’s first visit to Pharaoh resulted in harsh, tormenting and agonizing labor for the Israelites. According to his covenant faithfulness to Israel, God again promised their deliverance. Representing a completely demoralized people, Moses and Aaron follow God’s instruction to speak to Pharaoh again.

Our Main Point: God is true to his promises. In times of trials and tribulations, when all hope seems lost, we have an opportunity to glorify God by trusting in Him according to his Word and continuing in faithful obedience.

Who is the Lord? It’s the central question of the exodus and of the book of Exodus. Do you know the answer to that question? Who is really in charge? Not just in an abstract way. In your life, who is really in charge? Who can really be trusted? Whom will you serve? Who has the real power? These are the questions we all must face. -Kevin DeYoung

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“The principles of gain through loss, of joy through sorrow, of getting by giving, of fulfillment by laying down, of life out of death is what the Bible teaches, and the people who have believed it enough to live it out in simple, humble, day-by-day practice are people who have found the gain, the joy, the getting, the fulfillment, the life.” - Elisabeth Elliot

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Have you ever set out on an endeavor to serve the Lord with all the right intentions

only to have it go south relatively quickly? Would you be willing to share? How did you handle the situation?

(2) By all accounts, Moses and Aaron are following God’s instruction. But it is not without some questioning and groaning. Is it ok to voice our concerns and displeasures and doubts with God as we labor for Him? What is the difference between being honest with your struggles and becoming simply begrudgingly obedient?

(3) If all were stripped away, and you found yourself in a situation like the Israelites, would Romans 8:28 be enough to sustain you? Would you be truthful in saying, “If all I had was Christ, I would have all I need?” Why do you suppose it is important for every believer to trust God in this way? If there is some person or some thing that (when you’re honest with yourself), you don’t imagine you would be “ok” without, what does that tell us about the place of priority it has in our lives?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod is true to his promises. In times of trials and tribulations, when all hope seems lost, we have an opportunity to glorify God by trusting in Him according to his Word and continuing in faithful obedience.

A KEY PASSAGESay therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | Standing on the Promises of God

READ | A few verses on trials and suffering.

• 1 Thess.2:13,14

• 1 Peter 4:12,13; 2:20-25

• James 1:2-4

• 1 Peter 1:6-7

ASK | How are we to view trials as followers? Even in their immense pain, what was God giving Israel an opportunity to do? How do you exercise your faith when life’s circumstances aren’t especially favorable?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 8

E X O D U S7 : 8 - 1 0 : 2 9

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTThe severe judgment that falls on Egypt is reserved for every human being who rejects God and his Son. In view of God’s power and authority, we must soften our hearts and bow to his authority. We must be reconciled to this God through Jesus.

A KEY PASSAGE“Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.” (10:3)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 7:8-10:29

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THE PLAGUES ON EGYPT © Mark Barry 2007. Please do not republish without permission, but feel free to copy for personal use.EXODUS 7-12

1BLOOD (7:14-24)The Nile, along with all of the water in Egypt, turns into blood. But Pharaoh does not let the Israelites go.

6BOILS (9:8-12)Festering boils break out on the Egyptians and their animals. But Pharaoh does not let the Israelites go.

2FROGS (7:25 - 8:15)Frogs cover the land of Egypt. Pharaoh promises to let the Israelites go, but changes his mind.

7HAIL (9:13-35)Hail strikes down everything in the fields - humans, animals and trees. Pharaoh asks for forgiveness and promises to let the Israelites go, but changes his mind.

3GNATS (8:16-19)The dust turns to gnats, which cover the people and animals of Egypt. But Pharaoh does not let the Israelites go.

8LOCUSTS (10:1-20)Locusts devour every tree and plant in the land of Egypt. Pharaoh asks for forgiveness, but does not let the Israelites go.

4FLIES (8:20-32)Flies fill the houses and land of Egypt. Pharaoh promises to let the Israelites go, but changes his mind.

9DARKNESS (10:21-29)Darkness covers the land of Egypt for three days. Pharaoh promises to let the Israelites go, but changes his mind.

5LIVESTOCK (9:1-7)All of the livestock of the Egyptians die. But Pharaoh does not let the Israelites go.

10FIRSTBORN (11:1-10; 12:29-32)Every firstborn son and firstborn of the cattle in Egypt dies. Pharaoh finally lets the Israelites leave Egypt, only to change his mind and pursue them to the Red Sea.

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENTExodus 7:17

17 Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord…

We have seen this theme throughout the book. And here, according to God’s plan, he will afflict Egypt with his mighty judgment. And he tells us why he is doing this so that everyone will stop and take notice. God is God. He is the one true God, who created all things, and has dominion over all. The rest of the world be warned: The all-powerful God of Israel is on the move. He controls nature. And he is resolute in his love and commitment to his people. Israel: Will you follow him? Egypt: Will you bow to him?

(1) The Purpose of the Plagues

In lock-step with the pattern of the rest of the OT, God is going to provide some warnings before the ultimate judgment. Pharaoh is guilty of the same sin we are susceptible to. He wants to be in control. The fact of the matter, in every sense, is that God is God. He created all things. He is in control of the universe. And we do not like this supposition. It impedes on our hope that we can be God, that we can control the universe, that we can bring ourselves the pleasure and satisfaction we want out of this world.

Pharaoh will see God’s power rise up around him. And it’s not as though he thinks it is fake. It’s not as though he thinks he is merely hallucinating. He sees it, feels it, smells it. And yet he must make the same decision every human must make. How will you respond to the God of the universe? The text tells us that in view of God’s power and authority, Pharoah’s heart becomes hardened. Plainly, he didn’t like this God. He didn’t like what he was doing. He didn’t think it was fair. Does this sound familiar?

We are surrounded by people and a culture at large who believe they can define God on their own terms. “The God I know would never __________________.” “Any God who does __________________, I could never follow.” “There’s no way a loving God could __________________.” “If God were real, he would intervene and __________________.” In this way, we try to create God in our own image. We want him to be like us. We want him to think like us, lead like us, relate like us.

Fast forward to the New Testament. Here’s what Paul says about humankind.

Romans 1:18-20

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

The truth of God rises up all around us. But in our sinfulness, we suppress the truth. We don’t want to know. We don’t want to believe. If we believe he’s God, that he’s all-powerful, then we are his subjects. And at the core of human beings, we do not wish to be the subjects of anyone or anything. We want to be free to roam and rule as we please. Ironically, those who roam and try to rule as they please will get what they want. They don’t want to acknowledge God in this life. And they will not be saved by God in the next. They got what they wanted. Similarly, for those who will bow a knee to God on this side of eternity, and cling to salvation

Christ has fulfilled what we see in God’s deliverance of the Israelites. The hope of Israel and the hope for us rests on God’s faithfulness to fulfill his promises—promises guaranteed by his Word. -Kristen Hatton

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through his Son, we devote our lives to Him here in this life, and we will be free to worship Him in glory forever.

Matthew 5:3-5

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Luke 6:24-26

24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Pharaoh: You can bow now or bow later. God gives Egypt time to turn to Him.

Friends: You can bow now or bow later. May the plagues remind us of God’s power and judgment. The wickedness of men will not go unpunished. And God’s righteous fury is ferocious. Are you reconciled to this God? Turn to Christ.

(2) The Plagues Explained

PLAGUE 1: The Nile to Blood (God Has Power Over the False Gods of the Nile)

Can you imagine the magnitude of this plague? What type of modern national disaster would you compare this to?

There was no water to be found. The Egyptians scrambled to find alternate sources of water. Water, after all, was critical to their survival. Interestingly, the Nile affected everything. Fishing, cleaning, worshipping, transporting. All of these things happened in and around the Nile. The text says that this plague lasted seven days. As challenging as these seven days must have been, we will see that the plagues will intensify. The clear statement has been made. The God of Israel is the God of the Nile. The god “Hapi” who was largely associated with the Nile in the ancient world, was a dual-gendered creature with a beard, breasts, and a pregnant belly. It was thought that every year, the god “gave birth”, providing an abundance of water supply through the yearly flood waters. And so they paid homage. They worshipped. The Egyptians were to make no mistake. Hapi is no match for the God of Israel.

The Result: Pharaoh did not listen to the request that the Israelites be released (7:22-23)

PLAGUES 2-3: Frogs & Gnats

The text places these first nine plagues in three cycles. The first three plagues, the second three plagues, and the third three plagues follow a similar pattern. Pharaoh is warned at the

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Nile in the morning, Pharaoh is warned again (usually in his palace), and then the final plague comes (of the set of three) with no new warning for Pharaoh. Of course this leaves the final plague (the death of the first born) in its own category, perhaps as the pinnacle of all the plagues, the culmination of God’s judgment on Egypt and their gods.

Most scholars and commentators draw our attention to the particular historical context in which these plagues occur in order to understand the devastation caused by these plagues. They continue to increase in severity. Remember that in these days there were no screens. Their homes were mostly open-air, and due to the intense heat and humidity, to seal up their homes would likely be considered a last resort. The dust turned to gnats.

Scholars speculate about the meaning of each plague. Some say for example that the frogs had no spiritual meaning, but that it was a mere result of the Nile turning to blood and frogs making their way to land. Some say this plague may have been associated with another one of the Egyptian gods. Since it is not possible to know for sure, we recognize that these plagues demonstrated the power of God and brought to clarity the disorder and chaos of the Egyptians. Pharaoh was not in control.

The Result (Frogs): Pharaoh agreed to let the people go if the frogs were taken away (8:8)

The Result (Gnats): Pharaoh refused to listen to his magicians’ suggestion (8:19)

PLAGUES 4-6: Flies, Livestock & Boils

Plagues 1-3 initiated the pattern of (a) a meeting at the Nile, (b) a meeting in the palace, and then (c) a third plague. Plagues 4-6 will follow the same pattern.

8:20-21

20 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh, as he goes out to the water, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. 21 Or else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants and your people, and into your houses.

One indication that the plagues are increasing in severity is Pharaoh’s willingness to negotiate. Look at what Pharaoh says after the fourth plague: “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” (v25). Stubborn and unwilling to grant their request in full, Pharaoh suggests a compromise. They may offer their sacrifices to God, but they must do it within Egypt. Eventually, Pharaoh agrees to let them go, but promptly changes his mind. Interestingly, amidst the plague of flies, he suggests that the Israelites pray for him. Clearly he wants relief from suffering without the humility of bowing to God's authority.

Are you guilty of this? Do you ever fall into the trap of demanding God's intervention in a situation, appealing to God’s compassion and mercy when there are clear areas of your own life which blatantly dishonor him?

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 8

“Salvation through judgment begins in Genesis as Adam and Eve were saved from eternal death through the judgment of exile from the Garden. In Exodus we see that God’s people were saved through the judgment that came down on Egypt in the form of the plagues. We see it most profoundly, however, in the cross of Christ. The salvation of sinners is made possible through the judgment of God that came down on Christ.” -Nancy Guthrie

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9:6-7

6 And the next day the Lord did this thing. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one of the livestock of the people of Israel died. 7 And Pharaoh sent, and behold, not one of the livestock of Israel was dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

9:10-11

10 So they took soot from the kiln and stood before Pharaoh. And Moses threw it in the air, and it became boils breaking out in sores on man and beast. 11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils came upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians.

The Result (Flies): Pharaoh suggested the Israelites sacrifice in Egypt (8:25)

The Result (Livestock): Pharaoh refused Moses’ request (9:7)

The Result (Boils): Pharaoh refused Moses’ request (9:12)

PLAGUES 7-9: Hail, Locusts, Darkness

9:25-28

25 The hail struck down everything that was in the field in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And the hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.

27 Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, “This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Plead with the Lord, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”

Look at what God says to Pharaoh in the beginning of Chapter 10

10:3

3 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.

This is, of course, at the very heart of the judgment of God on Egypt. They had gathered for themselves false gods to worship and they had enslaved God’s people, treating them harshly. The kings of Egypt were so powerful that they themselves were considered to be deity. The powerful regime of Egypt had set themselves up as the immovable force of the world. To this point, we might suspect that Moses and Aaron simply want the people to be released. But, here God gives Pharaoh a glimpse into the bigger picture. If he were humble enough to recognize the power and authority of God, he would only have to honor Moses and Aaron’s request and set the people free.

May we not lose sight of God’s ultimate aim. He wants to free them that they might serve him, that they might worship him. Moses likely thinks his job is to get them out of Egypt. What he doesn’t know is that God will use him to lead them into the wilderness where God will teach his people how to walk with him.

God sent the locusts, the eight plague, as promised.

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Finally, the ninth plague was darkness.

10:22

22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.

The Result (Hail): Promised to let the Israelites go if the rain and hail were stopped (9:28)

The Result (Locusts): Offered to let only the men go (10:11)

The Result (Darkness): Agreed that the people could go but not their animals (10:24)

We will look at the tenth plague next week.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: As an act of judgment on Egypt and their false Gods, and in response to Pharaoh’s unwillingness to release His people, God afflicted Egypt with plagues of escalating severity. In view of God’s power, Pharaoh waivers but ultimately refuses to let the Israelites go.

Our Main Point: The severe judgment that falls on Egypt is reserved for every human being who rejects him and his Son. In view of God’s power and authority, we must soften our hearts and bow to his authority. We must be reconciled to this God through Jesus.

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 8

“There is little point in being free from serving Pharaoh if we aren’t also free to serve Yahweh.” -Andrew Wilson

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Can you think of a way you have come up with a compromised version of what God

demands of you in order to make God’s command more palatable? What is an example of something God calls every believer to do, and then we find a half-way compromise to convince ourselves we have adequately honored the command?

r

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(2) Take a shot at it. What is the application of the plagues for a New testament believer? Be sure to mention some things that are true, that we need to know about God, but move on to the application. What do you suppose God would want New testament believers to do after reading about the plagues?

(3) Has your heart become hardened to God? Is there an area of your heart that has grown cold and stubborn toward God? Is the Word of God being presented to you, and yet you are determined to continue in your path of disobedience? Has there ever been a time when you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or you clearly saw a truth in God’s Word and yet you willfully continued in disobedience?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTThe severe judgment that falls on Egypt is reserved for every human being who rejects God and his Son. In view of God’s power and authority, we must soften our hearts and bow to his authority. We must be reconciled to this God through Jesus.

A KEY PASSAGE“Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.” (10:3)

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | God Moves

Modern Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pTEboDF090

READ | The Lyrics to “God Moves”

VERSE 1God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to performHe plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the stormDeep in His dark and hidden mines With never-failing skillHe fashions all His bright designs And works His sovereign will

CHORUS 1So God we trust in YouO God we trust in You

VERSE 2O fearful saints new courage take The clouds that you now dreadAre big with mercy and will break In blessings on your headJudge not the Lord by feeble sense But trust Him for His graceBehind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face

CHORUS 2So God we trust in YouO God we trust in YouWhen tears are great And comforts fewWe hope in mercies ever newWe trust in You

VERSE 3God’s purposes will ripen fast Unfolding every hourThe bud may have a bitter taste But sweet will be the flowerBlind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vainGod is His own interpreter And He will make it plain

ASK | What’s your response to God, his power, his authority, and his plan? Is it to judge God for not doing as you please? Is it like Pharaoh’s response, and in anger and stubbornness toward God, an unwillingness to humble yourself? Or is it (as our hymn states), to trust him and his plans?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 9

E X O D U S1 1 : 1 - 1 2 : 3 2

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod’s power is unmistakable and his judgment is imminent and indiscriminate toward all who reject Him. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him, to be saved from the punishment they deserve. We must cling to the sufficient sacrifice, the payment for our sins, Jesus Christ.

A KEY PASSAGEThe blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. (12:13)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 11:1-12:32A Final Plague Threatened

11 The Lord said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely. 2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” 3 And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people.

4 So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, 5 and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. 7 But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ 8 And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, you and all the people who follow you.’ And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. 9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”

10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.

The Passover

12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household. 4 And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight.

7 “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. 10 And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. 11 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

w

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14 “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. 15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. 17 And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever. 18 In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19 For seven days no leaven is to be found in your houses. If anyone eats what is leavened, that person will be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a sojourner or a native of the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread.”

21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. 24 You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. 25 And when you come to the land that the Lord will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. 26 And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27 you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

28 Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn

29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. 31 Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. 32 Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) The Final Warning (Ch. 11)

As we have seen to this point, the judgments from God upon Egypt are increasing in severity. The Passover, as it is called, is saturated with rich and challenging theological truths. A couple of things to remember before we walk through some of today’s text is: (a) the Egyptians had positioned themselves as the immovable force of the universe, accountable to no one. (b) the Egyptians had engaged in the (often atrocious) worship of false gods. (c) the Egyptians had cruelly enslaved God’s people. (d) the Egyptian ruthlessly ordered the killing of Hebrew baby boys.

Why didn’t God just wipe out the Egyptians? If he wanted his people free, he could’ve snapped his proverbial fingers and the nation would have fallen dead or disappeared.

In his patience, and as part of his ultimate plan to show himself the one true God, the true immovable ruler of the universe, he has chosen to interact with the Egyptians. He has chosen to give them an opportunity to bow. Since they refuse, God will afflict them with the most severe of the plagues: the killing of Egyptian families’ first born.

11:4-6

“Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, 5 and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. 7 But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

The time table is a bit unclear here. Perhaps God gave them the instructions for the Passover (Ch 12) during the time of darkness. In this case, the final plague could’ve happened quite quickly, perhaps the following day. If not, it’s possible (in accordance with the instructions for the Passover) that a few days elapsed while the Israelites followed the Passover instructions.

(2) The Final Preparations (12:1-28)

The directions for the first Passover were quite detailed. animal to select- a Lamb without defect (v5)when to slay it- 14th day of the month, at twilight (v6)what to do with its blood- put it on the two doorposts and the lintel (v7)how to cook it- roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (v8)what to do with leftovers- anything that remains until the morning you shall burn (v10)how to dress for the meal- your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand (v11)

“Like the Hebrews during Passover, your own tangible expression of remembrance and retelling will focus your heart away from kitschy Easter eggs and pastel bunnies toward the cleansing blood of the Lamb, “for Christ our Passover . . . has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).” - Charles Swindoll

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12:13

13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

Verses 1-13 provide the directions for the night of the final plague. But as we will see in the coming verses, this moment was to be marked. It was to be celebrated as part of Israel’s calendar. In verses 14-20, Israel receives the instructions for how to continue this annual celebration going forward. This will be discussed in greater detail in the coming sessions of Exodus.

In the final instructions to the people, we find this sobering moment. The people bowed and worshipped. In a matter of hours, the Lord would execute his judgment upon Egypt and its false gods with the death of the firstborn. In previous plagues, the text simply says that God spared Israel. In many cases, they were not afflicted by the pain of the plague. Here, the text seems to suggest that judgment is aimed at everyone. But in his mercy, the houses covered by the blood of the Lamb will be spared. They recognized the magnitude of what was to happen here, and they worshipped.

Which is a greater rescue? That God makes a way for his people to be spared from his judgment? Or that God delivers them out of the hand of the Egyptians?

Why were they to mark this moment as part of their yearly rituals going forward?

24 You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. 25 And when you come to the land that the Lord will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. 26 And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27 you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’”

God reminds his people that a critical part of his people bringing him glory was for them to have offspring, and to transmit their faith to each subsequent generation. These moments were to serve as monuments, memorials. As we will see in the coming chapters, the Israelites are a forgetful people. These celebrations and rituals were to force them to slow down and remember. Perhaps if they could remember God’s faithful hand, they might trust him moment by moment.

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(3) The Final Plague (12:29-32)

12:29-32

29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. 31 Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. 32 Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”

It happened as the Lord said. Interestingly, the edict was that no one would be spared. There was no class of people who could escape it. From the highest court to the lowest level of society, the judgment of God had fallen. Only those who were passed over were spared. And only those who possessed the blood were passed over. And only those whose Lamb was offered, possessed the blood. The Lamb was slain so that they could live.

The Result: “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. 32 Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”

Can you remember back to Moses at the burning bush? Moses has been humbled. The Israelites have been chastened to the point of total desperation. The Egyptians gods have been overwhelmed and defeated. Pharaoh has been afflicted beyond his capacity. God has demonstrated his power and authority.

Do you remember why God said he would issues these judgments through the plagues?

He did it so that Egypt might know that he is the Lord. And he did it so that Israel might know that he is the Lord.

6:7-8

7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’”

(4) The Significance

The Passover is certainly one of the clearest Old Testament shadows of the Gospel.

God’s Judgment is Final. The taking of the lives of the first born was the most severe of the plagues. The ending of life is final. While the people recovered from the frogs, gnats, and boils, death was final. Throughout the Scriptures, it is clear that God is patient with sinners.

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He desires all to come to repentance. And yet, may the plagues be a warning to the world even today. God’s punishment of sin will not be delayed forever. And when God brings final judgment to the world, it is final. The time will have run out for sinners to turn to God.

God’s Judgment Does Not Discriminate. The families in the highest places of power within Egypt had likely insulated themselves from the troubles of ordinary life. Their servants shielded them from discomfort. They enjoyed privilege because of their position. But God does not look upon a man’s earthly status. God’s judgment is reserved for all who reject him, all who cling to false hope in other gods. No job, no family name, no earthly accomplishments could spare the Egyptians from the judgment of God. May the plagues be a warning to the world even today. No one will escape the judgment of God. Should humans be found sinful, they can expect the full and final judgment of an all-powerful God. The Gospel reminds believers that, though all humans fall short of God’s glory, all seek their own way, no one can uphold the righteous standard that God deserves, the most sinful and wicked among us have hope because of the shed blood of Christ.

God’s Wrath Will Be Satisfied. From the earliest pages of Genesis, God made it clear that sin could not be tolerated. There would have to be an atoning for sin, a penalty paid. God, in his mercy, spared mankind from their utter demise and did not give them precisely what they deserved: death. Instead, God provided a way for his justice to be upheld and displayed while demonstrating his abounding love and mercy. An animal would be slain in place of the sinner. In the coming chapters of Exodus, we will see God begin to institute a system of sacrifices for Israel. This pattern of sacrifice, the atoning of sin, would be a picture of the ultimate sacrifice which would come in the person of Jesus Christ. It is not as though, as some in our culture suggest, we stand before God and he simply chooses to ignore our sin or look the other way. According to his unfailing Word, each sin will be punished. Are you a sinner? Have you fallen short of God’s righteous standard? Then along with the Egyptians, the wrath and punishment of God are rightfully aimed at you.

God Makes a Way. But God, who is rich in mercy, made a way to spare his people. His wrath would be satisfied through the shedding of innocent blood. God is just and the justifier. He compromises not his holiness, and yet he pours out his love and mercy on an undeserving people by sparing them from the punishment they deserve. This is precisely why the Passover is such an incredible picture of the Gospel. Although all of us deserve the judgment of God for our sin, God made a way for us to be saved. But, we, the church, are not saved from a momentary affliction. We are saved wholly and completely from any of the punishment we deserve.

The Blood of an Innocent Sacrifice. Christ was the ultimate innocent Lamb. As God’s Son, he laid down his own life as the blood sacrifice. And when Christ intercepted the wrath that was due you and I, it satisfied the wrath of God. For every sin on him was laid. He dies for our sins and in our place. And in the same way the Israelites huddled as judgment passed them by, the church celebrates because we have been freed from the punishment we deserve. The innocent Lamb was killed so that we might live.

Delivered to Dwell with Him. God demands Pharaoh let his people go so that they might serve him. In the same way, our sins are passed over not simply so that we might be delivered from our sin, but that we might dwell with him. The Israelites will dwell with him through adherence to the Law, the sacrificial system, and the tabernacle as we will see in the coming chapters of Exodus. But New Testament believers in Christ are indwelled with

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“Now the wrath of God is as much a Divine perfection as is His faithfulness, power, or mercy. It must be so for there is no blemish whatsoever, not the slightest defect in the character of God; yet there would be if “wrath” were absent from Him! Indifference to sin is a moral blemish, and he who hates it not is a moral leper. How could He who is the Sum of all excellency look with equal satisfaction upon virtue and vice, wisdom and folly? -A.W. Pink

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Jesus’s cross and resurrection fulfills everything the Bible proclaims. There Jesus showed himself to be: The true Passover Lamb, slain in our place to deliver us from judgment. – Glen Scrivener

the Holy Spirit. We have been granted direct access to God through Christ. And we are free to follow him, to worship Him, and to walk with Him as we seek to serve him in this life.

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

John 1:36 And he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 26:26-28 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

1 John 2:2He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 3:25Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

Hebrews 2:17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

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CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: In the final and most severe judgment upon Israel, God promises to take the life of all the first born in Egypt. But God provides a substitute for the Israelites. An innocent Lamb is slain in place of Israel’s firstborn. This final plague prompted Pharaoh to free the Israelites, and marked the first Passover which was to be celebrated annually as a remembrance of the day when God spared Israel from judgment.

Our Main Point: God’s power is unmistakable and his judgment is imminent and indiscriminate toward all who reject Him. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him, to be saved from the punishment they deserve. We must cling to the sufficient sacrifice, the payment for our sins, Jesus Christ.

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Evidently one of the most important things about the Passover (and its constitution as

an annual celebration in Israel) was that it provided parents an opportunity to teach their children about the faithfulness of God. What annual celebrations and traditions have you instituted in your home as a way to remind your children of the faithfulness of God? Do you see things like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter as helpful tools toward this end? For example, if it were not our country’s tradition to decorate our homes, put up trees, and give gifts, do you imagine you’d still find a way to teach your children about the birth of Christ?

(2) Imagine a new believer is sitting by you in church. They hear the story of the Passover. They lean over and whisper in your ear, “covered by the blood of the Lamb, that’s like Jesus right?” How might you respond?

r

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(3) There is a challenging theological truth here. God is sovereign over life and death. And God chooses to take life from the Egyptians because of their disobedience, rejection of Him, the enslavement of his people, and the worship of false Gods. What would you say to someone who says, “I would never serve a God who would do something like kill all the firstborn in Israel.” Is this somehow unjust? What would true and full justice look like in this situation? Is God free to execute justice on the earth?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod’s power is unmistakable and his judgment is imminent and indiscriminate toward all who reject Him. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him, to be saved from the punishment they deserve. We must cling to the sufficient sacrifice, the payment for our sins, Jesus Christ.

A KEY PASSAGEThe blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. (12:13)

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | Passover Us (Andrew Peterson)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuMxnUxi6C8

READ | 1 Cor 5:6-8

ASK | After reading Exodus 12, and in view of what we know about Jesus, why do you suppose Paul calls Jesus our Passover Lamb in 1 Corinthians 5?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 1 0

E X O D U S1 2 : 3 3 - 1 3 : 2 2

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTAs God’s people, lead by his indwelling Spirit, we depend upon him for protection and provision. With purpose and regularity, we remember the faithfulness of God in Christ, and invest these truths in the next generation.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year. (12:9-10)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 12:33-13:22

33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” 34 So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls being bound up in their cloaks on their shoulders. 35 The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. 36 And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

37 And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. 38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds. 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.

40 The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. 41 At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It was a night of watching by the Lord, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.

Institution of the Passover

43 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat of it, 44 but every slav that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him. 45 No foreigner or hired worker may eat of it. 46 It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.”

50 All the people of Israel did just as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron. 51 And on that very day the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.

13 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

3 Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. 4 Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. 5 And when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. 6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory. 8 You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 9 And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the

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Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. 10 You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.

11 “When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, 12 you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the Lord's. 13 Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 14 And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 15 For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16 It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”

Pillars of Cloud and Fire

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph[a] had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” 20 And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

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CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENTWe ended our previous lesson with Exodus 12:31-32. Finally, Pharaoh relented and let the people go. Chapters 12-13 should read like something of a de-escalation right? “And the Israelites marched out of Egypt and worshipped God on the mountain.” Well, not exactly.

31 Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. 32 Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”

The text says that 600,000 men (along with even more women and children) marched from Rameses to Succoth that night. There is some debate on whether or not this large number would have been feasible when considering the journey they took and the places they stayed. We know that it is altogether possible that the 70 Israelites who came to dwell in Egypt multiplied over 400 years to a couple million total people.

(1) A Mixed Multitude (12:33-51)

12:28

38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.

Hebrew scholars suggest that this phrase “mixed multitude” features a play on words. The clear idea in the text is that the group exiting Pharaoh’s domain was not only a group of pure-blooded Hebrews but some other as well. Perhaps foreigners linked up with the Israelites here. Or perhaps some Egyptians fled with them. The point is not who the “mixed multitude” consisted of, but rather, that God allowed some outsiders to go on this journey with them. Even in the Old Testament, when God seems at times exclusively concerned with the progress of his own people, he makes room for outsiders. In fact, in several cases through the OT, an outsider will exercise a faith greater than the Israelites. We will not have to wait until Jesus comes in order to begin to see the fulfillment of Genesis 12:3. God’s people will be a blessing to all nations. “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” We might say using English slang that the group leaving Egypt was a rag-tag bunch.

There would be rules for the foreigners. They would have to assimilate in some ways, should they choose to participate (for example) in the Passover meal going forward.

Are there any commonalities between this group and the church?

What do you suppose will happen next? Now that they have exited?

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Take a look at the map to begin to visualize the route the Hebrews will take out of bondage, across the Red Sea and on to Mount Sinai.

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(2) Remember the Past

The Passover meal and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were to serve as a memorial. They were to look back and remember the plague, the blood, the redemption. And each of the specific instructions served that ultimate aim.

There is some speculation as to the ultimate meaning of the feast of the unleavened bread. Clearly, the Israelites were to call to mind the day they had to leave Egypt in a haste. They did not have time to carry with them the leaven they would need to make bread. Instead, they were left with this thick cracker-like bread. The text is not explicit about precisely what the unleavened bread was to signify other than a reminder of the moment when God delivered them from Egypt.

Some commentators draw attention to the cultural context. Unlike today, the yeast or leaven used to help bread rise during this time was not likely stored separately, in neat and recognizable containers. Rather, it is said that they simply used a lump of dough from the previous bread to serve as the leaven in the next batch. So to create specifically unleavened bread would be to start over. It would be to abandon the old. This is precisely

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what they had to do in haste in leave Egypt. They had to leave without the leaven. It could be that this is a specific reminder to Israel that they once had to start over, abandoning all that life in Egypt meant, and that God would provide. “We left with unleavened bread. No extra lumps were available. And God delivered us and sustained us.”

In the case of the Passover feast and the feast of the unleavened bread what is in extreme focus is family discipleship. They were to use the opportunity to teach their children, to transmit their faith to the next generation. Let’s fast forward for a moment:

Exodus- after they are delivered from Pharaoh's hand and sustained via bread from heaven, the people grumbled. They grow impatient. And they convinced themselves to erect a false god, the golden calf. They had forgotten the power of God and his covenant faithfulness to them.

Numbers- when it is time for them to go into the Promised Land, the spies doubt. They suppose they cannot conquer the people in the land that God had promised them. They had forgotten the power of God and his covenant faithfulness to them.

Joshua- after the old, untrusting, forgetful generation died, Joshua led the people into the promised land. And yet, before they take the land, God instructs the people to erect a monument.

Joshua 4:5-7

And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

Judges- “And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10)

Can you see just how forgetful God’s people are?

Remember, God wants his people to flourish. This does not equate to a life of ease and comfort. But he wants them (regardless of life’s circumstances) to know the hope and satisfaction that he is with them and that he will sustain them. He will be enough for them. He is working for their good and for his own glory. And here in Exodus 12-13, before the extreme challenges of the wilderness surround them, he institutes these celebrations as a grace. He is helping them to remember. If they will remember, then they can trust him.

As a follower of Christ, you might be thinking of all the good things God has done for you.

“The point is that life for God’s people would come through death. Protection would come through provision. Salvation would come by substitution.” -Kevin Deyoung

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You remember when God was gracious to give you a clean biopsy report. In a bidding war, the other family suddenly dropped out, allowing you the home for a cheaper price. A friend called about a new and more advantageous job with better hours. God has shown his faithfulness. The thing that is different, however, for us as followers of Christ is that we must keep in view God’s ultimate show of faithfulness: the cross. For example, if God allowed the report to reveal cancer, the other family to purchase the home, your circumstances to keep you locked into a demoralizing job, would God be deemed less faithful?

As Christian parents, we must center our transmitting of faith on the cross. We must focus on the work Christ accomplished to ultimately reconcile us to God, to deliver us from our sins. To focus merely on ways God has improved our circumstances would be a defamation of the cross and lead to a low view of God.

What do the faith conversations at home sound like? Are your children in danger of failing to cling to God’s faithfulness?

In the ultimate display of justice and mercy, God sent Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Children, gather around. God is faithful. He loves us. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. If all we have is Christ, then we have everything we need!

Children, I have seen God's kindness and grace toward me in life's circumstances. He provided for me in ways I did not deserve. These things, these pictures, these moments remind me of God's unmerited blessings on our lives. God is faithful!

Children, the brokenness of this world has caused tremendous pain. These things, these pictures, and these moments remind me. And even in the pit of despair, God sustained me, he grew me, he used me. And even if things never had improved , he gave me the promise of a day in heaven when he would take away all the pain and sorrow of the life. He is faithful!

PRIMARILY SECONDARILY

CHRISTIAN

PARENTS

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A mixed multitude of people gathers systematically to remember the past, call to mind the faithfulness of the one true God, and to invest their faith into the next generation. This sounds an awful lot like the church. Gather consistently (worship). Remember God’s Faithfulness (the Word), Invest in the Next Generation (serving, evangelizing, and discipling).

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(3) Led by God

21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

God provided a pillar, evidently large enough to provide cover from the intense heat of the wilderness, and fire by night to provide heat and light. Perhaps the most important feature of the pillar is that it was constant. It was a steady reminder of God’s presence among them.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: The Israelites, along with a smattering of others depart Egypt. They are given specific instructions for the ongoing celebrations of the Passover and the feast of unleavened bread. They will be lead in the wilderness by the presence of God, represented by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day.

Our Main Point: As God’s people, lead by his indwelling Spirit, we depend upon him for protection and provision. With purpose and regularity, we remember the faithfulness of God in Christ, and invest these truths in the next generation.

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“While Moses had been led by God through pillars of cloud and fire, we on the other side of Christ’s incarnation have something even better: the indwelling Spirit to guide us.” -Aimee Joseph

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Are you a forgetful person? As we saw in today’s lesson, the Israelites mostly failed to

remember God’s power and faithfulness. So they drifted. How could we, the church of Jesus Christ, actually forget about his power and faithfulness? In your estimation, can churches fall into this? How might a church who had forgotten the Gospel look or feel? How do we know that we have not forgotten here at Immanuel?

(2) We are beginning to see that perhaps the Israelites will not go straight to the land that God had promised. Knowing Israel’s story from the rest of the Old Testament, why do you suppose God is going to take them on a slower journey? Have you ever felt as if God was slow in providing a blessing or provision? Have you ever looked back to determine why God took you on a slower journey than you would have chosen?

(3) What principles and practices could be instituted in your home in order to more intentionally remind your family of the Gospel? Imagine your children are asked to stand up at a gathering of extended family members. They are asked to answer the question, “Why is Christ so important to your parents?” What would they say? Have you expressed to them your love and devotion to Christ? Do they have a high view of Christ and what he has done? How is this to be cultivated in the home day after day?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTAs God’s people, lead by his indwelling Spirit, we depend upon him for protection and provision. With purpose and regularity, we remember the faithfulness of God in Christ, and invest these truths in the next generation.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year. (12:9-10)

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | All the Way My Savior Leads Me

READ | Psalm 78

ASK | Why do you suppose God wants his people to pass these truths to the next generation? How does Psalm 78 help us understand our text in Exodus this week?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 1 1

E X O D U S1 4

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod is bound by no external force. Even the wind and waves obey Him. He delivers his people from the hand of his enemies, that his people might fear Him and worship Him, and that all nations would know his greatness.

A KEY PASSAGEThus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. (14:30-31)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: 14Crossing the Red Sea

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ 4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him, 7 and took six hundred chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. 8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly. 9 The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

10 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” 13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

15 The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, 20 coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging[b] their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw[c] the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. 29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

w

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CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) Deliverance: Not Dependent Upon Man

This week, we come to one of the most recognized stories in the book of Exodus, the crossing of the Red Sea. It will not take long to see just how fickle these Israelites are. It seems as if they were just huddled in their homes reveling in the mercy of God who spared them from the final plague, and caused the Egyptians to free them. The people seem to revel in their new found freedom and in following God, until uncertainty comes.

Would this be said of your faith? That your faith is strong when things are going well, but at the first sign of trouble, you grow passive, apathetic, or full of doubt?

According to God’s plan, the judgment on Egypt had not come to an end. The Egyptians were to be drawn out into the wilderness where God would issue a mighty and massive final judgment. In Exodus 14:1-4, God tells Moses precisely where to setup camp. Soon, as expected, Pharaoh, his officers and over 600 chariots surround God’s people.

First, the people of God feared. This seems understandable. A massive and powerful army (which they were quite familiar with) had surrounded them. Note the progression here. This is their first major challenge in their newfound freedom. Uncertainty crept in.

Second, they cried out to God.

Third, they blamed Moses. “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” (v11-12)

Have you ever been guilty of this type of pouting when a trial or challenge has entered your life? Are you immediately filled with fear? Do you imagine the worst outcomes? Do you look for others to blame?

Notice the way God goes about saving his people. He is operating on the basis of his covenant, not the faithfulness of Israel. This is important. In no way does Israel appear deserving of such a rescue. In fact, they doubt God’s faithfulness. They’d rather survive as slaves than trust in the sovereign hand of God. So it is not as though God says to Himself, “I know they seem to have already forgotten my mighty power and faithfulness I displayed in Egypt. I know they are crying out as if they’d rather be in slavery than in my presence. But then again, there are lots of them. And many strong fighting men. And they did,

“For only by acknowledging the limits of our humanity will we rest in the beauty of your sovereignty; only by giving up trying to control our circumstances will we come to rejoice in your providences; only by accepting messes as a part of life will we turn to your mercies in the midst of strife” -Scotty Smith

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“He puts his children in precarious positions on purpose. He doesn’t do this to destroy our faith; he does it to strengthen it. And once he’s helped us step across the threshold of our straining circumstances, we will see him as the wise and trustworthy Redeemer he is.” -Garrett Kell

after all, follow me out here. Ok, I’ll go ahead and finish this deliverance.” Israel will be delivered solely because God decreed that they would be delivered. They will be delivered because God is good and God is true to his Word. They will be delivered because God loves them and God is merciful. God will carry forth his righteous plan, regardless of the groaning of the people.

13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

What part will Israel play in this part of the deliverance?

(2) Deliverance: Not Hindered by Nature

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

The astounding demonstration of power seen in these previous few chapters alone is remarkable. God is bound by no man. God is bound by no force of nature. God is bound by no other earthly powers or authorities. God is God. And with his people surrounded and facing certain doom, he opens the sea for safe crossing.

These miraculous signs will not only be spoken of in Israel. We will find out later in the Old Testament that the Israelites will become known for moments like this. And the one true God, the God of the Israelites will be feared among the earth by the mere hearing of these powerful deeds.

The wind and the waves obey. It almost seems as if someone might try to explain away a mighty wind that blew through causing Israel to be able to cross through. Perhaps it was a coincidence that safe passage was made possible just in the nick of time, some might say. But here, God lures the Egyptians into water behind the Israelites, and sends them to their deaths. God had delivered his people, and destroyed their enemies. Evidently, Pharaoh had to learn the hard way. His pride was wounded in the plagues, but not forfeited. He conceded control, but could only do so temporarily. And his hardness of heart resulted in his demise at the hands of the righteous Judge.

Do you know someone like this who perhaps experiences these momentary half-hearted ‘surrenders’ to God that eventually prove inauthentic?

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Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.- Ps. 20:7

Imagine now what the disciples must have felt when they saw Jesus exercise his power over nature.

Matthew 8:24-27

24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

The power of God should draw us to rightly fear him. Do you remember what Rahab told the spies she had heard concerning this miraculous Crossing?

Joshua 2:9-11

“I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

Rahab was not present at the crossing event. She had merely heard the story. And she believed. She exhibited a humble posture toward God.

And so it was with the Israelites here.

14:30-31

30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

God’s power transcends nature. With the raising of a staff of an ordinary God-fearer, the wind and waves obey. Millions of people are spared. And the most powerful army in the known world was devastated.

(3) Deliverance: For His Glory

You may have heard the phrase that God operates for the good of his people and for his glory. He is working for our good and for his glory. What is coming into clearer focus here is how these things work together. To this point, we have mostly seen God declare that these things are going to be done so that all might know his power and his existence at the one true God, the God of Israel. This sounds like he intends to bring about his glory. He intends for the world to see him for who he is, and ultimately bow to the good and holy Creator God. And, of course, it is being accomplished.

• They feared the Lord (v31)• They believed in the Lord (v31)• They believed in Moses (v31)• They worshipped his name (Ch. 15)• The nations trembled (Ch. 15)

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But in their acknowledging of God as God, look at what happens. The people flourish. In the New Testament, some have misinterpreted Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” They suggest that when trials occur, God is going to cause every situation to turn out rightly in favor of each follower of his. They seek a divorce from their spouse because they have lost interest and attraction. They suggest that God wants this because he wants their “good.” Some do the same with the idea of Jesus coming to offer his followers the “abundant life.” They suppose that they are entitled to a promotion at work. They suppose that they are immune from the hardships that come from relationships with sinful people. But the secret in these New Testament promises are hinted at here in Exodus. When God gets the glory, it is for your ultimate good. This is the precise location for maximum flourishing for Israel. They currently have no home, no identifiable tangible future. But they are with God. And if all they have is God, they have everything they need. And God working all things together for the good of those who love him means that he is leading and drawing us closer to Him. He is our good. He is working all things together for his glory, and we are being used for his glory, we are in the place of maximum flourishing. We are at peace in the hands of our deliverer, Christ. If all we had was Christ, we’d have all that we need. Israel is safe in the hands of her Deliverer.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God orchestrates a plan to miraculously deliver his people from the threat of the Egyptian army, by supernaturally dividing the Red Sea, directing his people to safety on dry ground and destroying the Egyptian army.

Our Main Point: God is bound by no external force. Even the wind and waves obey Him. He delivers his people from the hand of his enemies, that his people might fear Him and worship Him, and that all nations would know his greatness.

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Suddenly the Israelites feel quite powerless. When uncertainty creeps in, they groan,

they tremble, and they blame. They even wish they could be back in Egypt, where in their mind, they could at least control the very basics of life. When things are outside your control, do you panic? Why does fear bring out a person’s true level of faith? Would the people who are closest to you say that when things become uncertain that you lash out or that you trust in God?

(2) Notice how Pharaoh refuses to ultimately relent. Think of all the times he changes his mind. Each time he appears to humble himself, we find out that he was only responding to God for some momentary help or relief. Even in the end, God knew he would change his mind and come after the Israelites. Do you know someone who is fighting with God? Do you know someone who returns to church when things are difficult to find some relief? They make many commitments to give their life to Christ, only to return to living for himself days later? How does the end of Pharaoh’s story here inform a person in this situation? Is this person who is playing games with God safe? Talk in class about ways you might reach out to them with a loving warning.

(3) “If you had only listened to me.” Humorously, the Israelites remind Moses that their advice was for Moses to leave them alone and let them serve the Egyptians. Do you ever have such a difficulty with the way in which God’s plan is playing out that it causes you to have this type of thought? What do you suppose it would be like if you ruled the world? Do you suppose you could bring about your maximum flourishing in life better than God could? Why do you suppose we are creatures who demand such control?

r

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTGod is bound by no external force. Even the wind and waves obey Him. He delivers his people from the hand of his enemies, that his people might fear Him and worship Him, and that all nations would know his greatness.

A KEY PASSAGEThus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. (14:30-31)

s

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

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HOME 22:6SING | “Our God” (Chris Tomlin)

READ | Psalm 106:7-12

ASK | Which power is greater? That God freed the Israelites through the Red Sea? Or that God sent Jesus to save us from our sins? What would you have done after you crossed if you were one of the Israelites there that day? Do we have this same response to what God has done for us through Jesus?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 1 2

E X O D U S1 5

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTIn response to God’s goodness (and ultimate faithfulness in offering Christ), we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Through biblical songs of praise and willing acts of obedience, we honor the worthy One, for all that he is and all that he has done.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (15:21)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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w R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: 15The Song of Moses15 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.2 The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation;this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.3 The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.4 “Pharaoh's chariots and his host he cast into the sea, and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea.5 The floods covered them; they went down into the depths like a stone.6 Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.7 In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries; you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble.8 At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up; the floods stood up in a heap; the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.9 The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them. I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them.’10 You blew with your wind; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.11 “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?12 You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them.13 “You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.14 The peoples have heard; they tremble; pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia.15 Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed; trembling seizes the leaders of Moab; all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.16 Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,till your people, O Lord, pass by, till the people pass by whom you have purchased.

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17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain, the place, O Lord, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established.18 The Lord will reign forever and ever.”

19 For when the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them, but the people of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. 20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. 21 And Miriam sang to them:

“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”

Bitter Water Made Sweet

22 Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) Worship: The Proper Response

Have you ever been a part of a worship service that seemed more powerful, more moving than others? What gives a worship service its sense of power and meaning?

One reason we sense power and meaning in a worship service is because the people (created beings), have (a) decidedly gathered together with the purpose of ascribing glory to God and (b) are directing their praise and adoration Godward, to the place it was intended to be given. We might think that every worship service held by followers of Jesus would have this sort of power. After all, no one on earth has more to sing about, to be grateful for, to hope in than the church of Jesus Christ.

Imagine a parent receives word that their child was in a terrible school bus accident. Several of the children on the bus had already been pronounced dead. The parent drives to the hospital in anticipation of the worst news only to find their child, in stable condition. The momentary jubilee pales in comparison to having been spared by the blood of Christ from eternal doom.

Some of the most joyous celebrations in our day have been captured at the end of sporting events. A team from an unknown conference accomplishes the unthinkable. They beat the #1 team in the nation, defeating all odds. The celebration is on. The coach will promptly have the gymnasium or field named after them. The fans hurdle the bleachers and storm the field. Euphoria. A large number of people came together to accomplish the feat. When someone peers in through the back window of our churches, is this what they see? Of course the passion and zeal of our worship doesn’t have to be external. Our gratitude and worship fill our hearts and race through our bodies. We see a clear order prescribed for worship services in Scripture. So we don’t anticipate mob-style celebration huddles or impulsive screams of jubilation. But nevertheless, the truth that our salvation is secure through the work of Jesus is no less true today than it was the day we first believed. In fact, our worship only deepens as we grow increasingly aware of our sinfulness and the magnitude of the debt that was paid on our behalf. And so we sing when we gather. And so we long to hear the Word when we gather. And we seek to admonish and strengthen one another as brothers and sisters within the redeemed community.

If your kids were asked, “When does dad get most excited?” or “When is dad most moved?” What would they say?

“Corporate worship is a regular gracious reminder that it's not about you. You've been born into a life that is a celebration of another. - Paul David Tripp

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Looking in on this moment of worship following the Red Sea miracle is like looking in on a Super Bowl celebration. Joy, gratitude, and praise spill from this people. They are no longer slaves, but free. Not only so, but they have been set free by a God who rules the world and is covenantally committed to them. What a moment!Exodus 15:1-215 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.2 The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation;this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

(2) Worship: The Rightful Target

John 4:23-24

23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Not only is this magnificent worship song what you would expect after God so powerfully and so graciously rescued his people. But it is a worship song that features the correct focus.

Can you think of a way that a people’s worship of God would not be done in truth?

Imagine a church gathers for worship.

“We are here because we are broken and we are hurting and we are here to feel you this morning, God.” What is the focus of the worship?

The first song begins.

“Come meet us here. We need you. We need more of you. Come and fill us.”“You breathe on your people. You heal every disease.”“By your hand we are made wealthy. By your touch you give us success.”“You do not judge. All are your children. And you shall bring all to heaven with you.”

You do not have to look very far in our culture to find someone who claims to be worshipping Jesus, but it worshipping on his own terms. They worship Jesus for who they have created Jesus to be, not as he truly is, as revealed in Scripture. This is quite dangerous because it is being done in the name of Christ. In many ways, it would be less for a church to sing only secular music, or even music with atheistic messages. Why? Because believers could so easily identify these things as ungodly, unbiblical, and incorrect. But when we see

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messages like the ones listed above, at the very least, they sound possible. Most believe them to be at least partially true. And some, of course believe an entire set of incorrect doctrines based on statements like these. One way to know you are worshipping in Spirit and in truth is when the object of the worship is clearly Christ. The focus is not ourselves. It is Christ. True worship is Christ-exalting. Similarly, the worship must describe Jesus, and ascribe glory to Jesus in a way that is truthful, Scriptural. Although the cymbals may crash in dramatic fashion as everyone cries out in unison, “Today you will defeat my enemies, Today you will heal my body,” it is unacceptable and a dishonoring form of worship, because this is precisely counter to the message Jesus gave the church. We must direct our worship to Jesus, and our message to Him must be truthful and according to this Word.

Look at Exodus 15. This worship song is steeped in truth, and it is aimed properly at the glory of God.

“Sing about the Red Sea. Sing about the glassy sea. Sing about God’s justice. Sing about his power, might, and salvation. Sing about the cross and the empty tomb. Sing now. Sing on Sunday. Sing later. Never stop singing. Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty. That is something to sing about.” -Kevin DeYoung

For Who He Is For What He Has Done

The Lord is my strength and my song (v2) He has triumphed gloriously (v1)

and he has become my salvation; (v2) the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. (v1)

This is my God (v2) Pharaoh's chariots and his host he cast into the sea (v4-5)

My Father’s God (v2) you overthrow your adversaries; (v7)

A man of war (v3) you send out your fury (v7)

The Lord is his name (v3) At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up; (v8)

Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power (v6)

You blew with your wind (v10)

your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy (v6)

doing wonders (v11)

In the greatness of your majesty (v7) You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them. (v12)

majestic in holiness (v11) “You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; (v13)

awesome in glorious deeds (v11) you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode. (v13)

because of the greatness of your arm (v16) till the people pass by whom you have purchased. (v16)

You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain (v17)

the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. (v18)

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What does it look like in the New Testament to point people to God’s faithfulness?

(3) Worship Through Obedience

Did you notice how long it takes between this passionate moment of worship and the next grumbling?

The people went three days in the desert and found no water. So they grumbled. On one hand, we understand this because water is a biological need. It would be difficult (even after the Lord showed his mighty power at the Red Sea) not to wonder what was going on when one of the most basic essentials for life was not present. On the other hand, we must remember that God has proven in a vast number of ways his (a) power over nature and (b) his intention to take care of his people.

To this point, we have seen that God has demonstrated his power. But there are still a great number of questions for the Israelites (and us as readers at this point in the story) regarding what life would be like outside captivity. Remember God didn’t simply want to free them. He wanted to free them so they might serve him.

15:25-26

There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

God expects something of his people. He demands that they (a) listen to his voice (b) do what is right (c) give ear to his commands (d) keep all of his statutes.

God miraculously provided them water by turning bitter water sweet. As the chapter progresses, something else will come into clarity. In working his plan for his glory and the good of his people, they would learn to trust him with the basics of life, even food and water. It might be easy for them to think, “Of course we are in charge of hunting, raising crops, fetching drinking water. And God will do the mighty work of defeating military enemies, etc.” Rather, God’s plan will include them depending on him for everything.

For followers of Christ, it should come as no surprise that God is not content with mere musical praise. Rather, worship from his people comes not just in songs of praise, but in the form of obedience.

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John 14:15

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God’s people respond to the Red Sea miracle with songs of praise and adoration to God. They publicly attribute their salvation to the mighty hand of God who has saved them from their enemies and caused the nations to tremble. And yet, spiritual infancy is on full display in their doubtfulness just days later.

Our Main Point: In response to God’s goodness (and ultimate faithfulness in offering Christ), we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Through biblical songs of praise and willing acts of obedience, we honor the worthy One, for all that he is and all that he has done.

“No man gives anything acceptable to God until has has first given himself in love and sacrifice.” - A.W. Tozer

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Have you ever been in a worship setting where things felt manipulative? What part

does emotion play in musical worship? Can a sense of power be manufactured in a worship service? Have you known any friends who have been involved in a deceptive, inauthentic type of worship service like this? Why is it important (like Moses and Miriam here in the text) to worship God in truth? What would you do if, at Immanuel, all of a sudden our worship music didn’t exalt Christ? And what would you tell a friend who asked about Immanuel’s worship style? How do we know it’s Christ exalting and rooted in the truth of the Scriptures?

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(2) Let’s talk for a moment about our culture. Interestingly, the vast majority in our community still associate with the label “Christian.” And yet, they have distanced themselves from some of the theological pillars of the faith. Sin, hell, atonement by blood, faith alone, and newness in Christ are just a few examples of doctrines that are essential to our faith and upheld by fewer and fewer people. Perhaps the best example of this can be found in modern ‘Christian’ radio. What happens when ‘Christian’ music doesn’t mention Christ? What happens when it avoids things like hell or judgment? What happens when things like blood and the cross are erased for more palatable concepts like hope and healing? Must our worship include these things? What standard do Moses and Miriam set here for praise?

(3) Should we point people to God’s faithfulness in our individual lives or God’s faithfulness in sending Jesus? Moses and Miriam praise God because he intervened in their lives. As believers, we have unique stories of God’s faithfulness. He provided a part-time job to make ends meet after I was laid off. He brought us a buyer on our house when we desperately needed to downsize. He allowed us to get pregnant after years of hoping. What if our songs of praise focused primary on these? “God, you have been faithful to me in these ways…” Would this be sufficient? Why or why not? And can those who have not experienced those types of blessings not have as rich an experience of worship as you?

(4) How do you suppose God receives the praise of disobedient people? Suppose you come to church weekly and enjoy the musical worship songs. You sing loudly and with spiritual fervor. You mean it. These songs are powerful. Throughout the week, however, you struggle to trust God, explaining away your sin versus confessing and repenting. You essentially live for yourself and your own glory, and yet you have come to enjoy the tradition of coming to church, singing, and listening to the message. What do you suppose God thinks of this? Are we guilty of this? Is it possible we could fall into this? How?

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

s

A KEY THOUGHTIn response to God’s goodness (and ultimate faithfulness in offering Christ), we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Through biblical songs of praise and willing acts of obedience, we honor the worthy One, for all that he is and all that he has done.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (15:21)

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

HOME 22:6SING | Trust and Obey

READ | Colossians 3:14-17

ASK | Why do we sing songs at church and at home? What’s the point? Are we as excited about Jesus, the cross and our ability to trust him as Moses and the people were after they were rescued? Why it is important to think about the words we’re singing to God?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 1 3

E X O D U S1 6 - 1 7

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTSome trust in horses. And some trust in chariots. Some trust in money. And some trust in power. But we trust in Christ alone, who provides for our daily needs, and has given us the ultimate provision of eternal life. His mercies are new every morning.

A KEY PASSAGEMorning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. (16:21)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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w R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 16:13-21 & Exodus 17:1-7

Exodus 16:13-2113 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. 14 And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. 16 This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer,[b] according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” 17 And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. 18 But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. 19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” 20 But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.

Exodus 17:1-7All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place Massahand Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENTThe clear question for the Israelites is how they will manage to survive in the wilderness where resources are sparse. But this, of course, is not God’s primary concern. From God’s perspective, Israel need not have the slightest worry about their provision. God has their development in mind. He drew them out from Egypt to draw them into a relationship with Him. So, the question from Israel is, “How will we eat?” and the question for Israel is, “Who will you trust?”

Throughout our study, we have returned to this idea that we trust things or people who (a) love us and honestly care about our future and (b) have the power or expertise to deliver us from hardship and into a place of security. Someone who loves us, but has no power provides us little comfort and hope. Similarly, someone with lots of power who is apathetic toward us provides us little comfort and hope. Of course in this life, we place our trust in all sorts of things that we perceive as able to provide that comfort and security. The most loving and dependable human beings in our lives can’t protect us and fulfill us perfectly. Nor can the perfect job, the perfect neighborhood, or all the money in the world. God is instructing his people in the same way he will instruct the world. The hope, security, and satisfaction you are looking for in life is found in Him!

(1) A Provision (Food & Water)

In the wilderness, God will provide quail and what will later be named “manna.”

16:13-15

13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. 14 And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat."

The quail were evidently quite rare for this area of the world. Scholars of all kinds have sought to provide some natural explanation for these Exodus events. They imagine tornadoes opened up the Red Sea, that a certain type of flammable bush appeared to Moses. And here, they suppose that a massive flock of quail arrived amongst the people at this moment. As Bible students, it is important to affirm what the text affirms. The text doesn’t seem to try to explain these miraculous things away or provide an earthly explanation. In fact, these stories are told quite plainly. The prevailing message of the text is that God caused these events. So we mustn’t lose track of that premise. God provided for his people by sending quail in the evening and bread the following day.

The appearance of bread was equally remarkable. During the night, the dew would fall to the desert ground. In the morning, when the dew would evaporate, it would leave a bread-like substance sufficient for the people. While some have, again, tried to attribute this to some naturalistic reaction between the dew and desert plant life, it is clear in the text that this was a supernatural provision.

Turn over to chapter 17. An unbecoming pattern is developing for Israel. Like a forgetful, ungrateful child, Israel doubts God’s faithfulness and turns against Moses and Aaron. They suppose that God has misled them into a land that cannot sustain them. They groan. This time, Moses tells God that he expects that if God doesn’t provide water soon, he will surely be stoned.

If you’ve trusted Christ, you have a Sovereign Father who sits on a big throne in heaven, exercising detailed oversight over both your Monday and your Tuesday so that you can devote your full attention to what he has called you to do today. -Justin Buzzard

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17:5-6

“Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.”

In just the last few chapters, look at what God has accomplished before their eyes, and amidst their grumbling.

ISRAEL GOD

CH.15This is my God and I will praise

Him.

CH.13 We are free!Mark the moment.

Remember my faithfulness and teach your children

CH.13 How will we survive?

Pillar of fire by night and cloud by day

CH.16 What will we eat?

Quail & Manna

CH.17 There is no water.

Water from the rock

CH.14We will surely

die at the hands of the pursuing

Egyptians

Israel safely crosses. Enemies destroyed.

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In the narrative of Exodus, of course we observe that God has miraculously provided food and water to his people. But we must look a bit closer to the way in which God delivers these provisions in order to fully understand how God is leading his people. Look at how they will be provided for, and how they are to receive these provisions.

(2) A Pattern (Sabbath & Daily Dependence)

(a) The Sabbath

The concept of the Sabbath will be developed more fully with the giving of the Law in the coming chapter, but God restores Israel to his original creation pattern of six days of work and one day of rest. God’s provision works together with their adherence to the rules.

This day was to be a pattern of remembrance for them. Each week, they would rest from all of their work (including the gathering of food) and it would serve as a reminder to them that God continues to provide. These rhythms of rest were designed for all humans, even dating back to Creation. Lest we imagine that the world depends on our production, our work ethic, our contributions and not on his sovereign hands, he calls us to rest. Israel is in many ways in her infancy here as a nation. And God institutes this command for their good and for his glory. After six days of manna appearing on the ground, they might suppose, “This is happening naturally. We can move on to other things now that we know the desert is producing this food via the evaporated dew.” The Sabbath rest would remind them that God was the one providing the bread. And it would remind them to obey his commands, should they seek to please Provider.

What remains into the New Covenant is not the Mosaic command to abstain from all work, earning endeavors and effort for one 24-hour period each week. What remains is the principle that God designed humans for rest. It is not that believers once entered Jesus’ rest in order to place saving faith in Christ only to return to the rat race of a stress and anxiety filled life. No. The person who has experienced the salvific rest of the soul upon salvation experiences the sanctifying rest of casting worldly cares soundly with Jesus every day. We don’t devote one day to resting in Him. We rest in him with our lives. Consequently, this restful and dependent attitude often demands an actual day in the week reserved for reflection, worship, and calm.

How might you describe someone who never rests in God? What is true of their hearts?

(b) Daily Provisions

Think of all the ways God could have provided for his people. He could’ve planted trees. He could made herds of animals appear. He could’ve transformed the desert into an oasis. But God is going to provide exactly the provisions they need for each day (and two days worth to account for the Sabbath) and no more. God knows that the bread is good but his presence is better. By helping them depend on him every day, they will learn to trust not in the bread and the water but to trust in the Provider.

The Puritans had a pattern of daily Bible reading and meditation that included taking one

“Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning… He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all… Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor

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verse or passage and reflecting on it throughout the day. By training their minds to ponder the daily text throughout the day, it would serve as a reminder that God was with them. And if they could remember that God was with them, then they would trust him moment by moment. In their minds, there would never be a time that they were not reflecting on God’s Word. And if they were steadily feasting on God’s Word, they would not be prone to forget God’s faithfulness, provision, or control.

The Israelites would have quite the test ahead. On the one hand, God is making himself known to his people using some extraordinary signs. Followers of Christ might say, “My how easy it must have been to trust God when you could see Him, hear Him, feel Him in such tangible ways.” But think of all the markers of comfort and security they are “missing.”

• They have no home or personal dwelling place.• They own no property.• They have some wealth from the Egyptians.• They have no exterior protection from neighboring enemies.• They have no allegiances with world powers.• They have little to no advantage in warfare.• They produce no meaningful business by which to trade.

If dependence upon God is the goal, is Israel in a favorable position or unfavorable?

Aren’t these some of the same things that make life in America so great?

• Most will have at least the opportunity to purchase a home and/or land.

• We have opportunities to acquire and grow wealth

• We have physical and military protection.

• We have alliances with other powerful countries.

• We have high powered weaponry for defense.

• We have diverse economic opportunities.

As Americans, we count these opportunities as blessings. But being surrounded by such comforts it can be challenging not to place our security in our surroundings rather than in the faithful hand of God. Even deeper than this, for believers we are to trust in Christ alone who has given us the ultimate provision of right standing before God.

“But God doesn’t allow us to stock up on his grace. He gives it to us one day at a time, just as he gave his people manna. And just as they waited for daily bread for 40 years, we wait on daily grace for a lifetime.” -Betsy Childs Howard

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John 6:29-35

29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

(3) A Victory

At the end of chapter 17, God gives a military victory to his people. Like many of the battles ahead (and even into the Conquest) the battle plan was a bit bizarre. So long as Moses’ staff was raised, Israel would prevail. And when his hands dropped, they would fail. God demonstrated, yet again, that provision and protection was accomplished by his sovereign hand, not by the efforts of the people. Imagine Moses had held the staff up during the entire battle. The Israelites might finish the battle with a bit more pride, a bit more swagger. “Moses had the staff up and all, but we were outstanding on the field. We are mightier than I thought we were!” But it is clear to all that God’s power, as exhibited through the staff deserved the glory in victory. Nevertheless, God is with his people and he gives them great victory over Amalek.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: In spite of their faithlessness and grumbling, God supernaturally provides quail and manna for food and water from a rock. The instructions to gather only what they need for daily food, and to set aside the Sabbath for rest were to demonstrate their dependence upon God. In their first military struggle, God grants Israel victory of Amalek.

Our Main Point: Some trust in horses. And some trust in chariots. Some trust in money. And some trust in power. But we trust in Christ alone, who provides for our daily needs, and has given us the ultimate provision of eternal life. His mercies are new every morning.

R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 1 3

God continues to hold out to all His children a peaceful, worry-free lifestyle that we can enter into on a moment-by-moment basis. -Chuck Swindoll

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Can you pinpoint the types of moments in life when you tend to doubt? When you tend

to have trouble trusting God? When you tend toward anxiety and worry? What is it that’s so powerful that it seems to knock your faith off its steady track? If Jesus himself were physically and bodily present beside you, would you still worry? Although we do not see God physically, we (like the Israelites) have his promises. He has promised that he will be with us (Matt 28:20). How can we be diligent in reminding ourselves that he is with us?

(2) Is it more difficult to depend on God when you possess more things, more comforts, more distractions? Suppose a Middle Eastern believer prays for physical protection each day. He prays that he would not fear, knowing that his eternity is secure. He wonders when the electricity to his town will be restored so that his family could keep warm at night. You notice his resilient and unwavering faith in the face of severe persecution and hardship. Now imagine he says, “If only I could live in America where I could flourish apart from these hardships.” Are there any dangers to living in prosperity? What can we learn from an empty-handed faithful brother like this? Are we sure we (as Americans) are the ones who should be traveling to him as missionaries?

(3) Sometimes there seems to be little strength remaining in order to march onward in faithfulness to God. When (like Moses) you have grown tired and weary with the struggles of this world, who (metaphorically) holds up your arms? Who encourages you to press on? Who points you to the truths of the Word? Who comes around you to say the difficult but needed truths? As there is time, name these people in class, and discuss the ways in which their supportive faith is critical to yours.

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

s

A KEY THOUGHTSome trust in horses. And some trust in chariots. Some trust in money. And some trust in power. But we trust in Christ alone, who provides for our daily needs, and has given us the ultimate provision of eternal life. His mercies are new every morning.

A KEY PASSAGEMorning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. (16:21)

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

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HOME 22:6SING | Bread of Life (Cities Apart)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhH9msTxYNUor On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand

READ | John 6:29-35

ASK | If all we had was Christ, would we have what we need? Would it be enough? Imagine we had no home, no job, no future. Would our faith remain vibrant? How long did the manna sustain the Israelites? How long does Jesus sustain those who trust in Him?

PRAY |

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L E S S O N 1 4

E X O D U S1 8

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

A KEY THOUGHTHumble leaders recognize that wisdom and beauty can be found in a variety of places through God’s common grace. Like the Israelites, the church of Jesus Christ depends upon qualified, honorable, faithful leaders to teach and shepherd the flock.

A KEY PASSAGEWhat you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. (18:17-18)

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What are some ideas, biblical and historical facts, or theological truths prevalent in this text?

How does this text affirm my love for God? How does it draw my heart into worship? How does it remind me of the Gospel?

What does this text beckon me to do? What area of my life need to be brought into correction by the message of the text?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

S E R M O N N OT E S

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w R E A D T H E T E X TToday’s Text: Exodus 18

18 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her home, 3 along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”), 4 and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”). 5 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6 And when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,” 7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. 8 Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.10 Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” 12 And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. 27 Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.

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k R E V I E W T H E T E X T

CONTEXT

1:1-14

3:1-10

19

7:8 -10:29

30:11-31:18

27:20-30:10

24:12-27:19

20:22-24:11

14

34

15

32

33

16-17

18

11:1-12:32

12:33 -13

1:15-22

3:11-22

20

5:1-7:7

2

4:1-31

35-40 40:34-38

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CONTENT(1) An Unlikely Source

In Chapter 18, Jethro (Moses’ father in law) meets him along with Moses’ wife and her two sons. Remember that Jethro and his family were from Midian, where Moses spent forty years of his life between his first stint in Egypt and his return to deliver the people. Jethro is not a Hebrew, but immediately during his interaction with Moses, we can tell a bit about his faith.

18:8-9

8 Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.

First, we derive that Moses and Jethro have a mutual respect. Moses honors Jethro upon his arrival. And Jethro is pleased to hear of the stories of God’s intervention and the deliverance of his people from Egypt. While it is impossible to fully diagnose Jethro’s faith, look at what we see in the narrative from Jethro.

a. Thanks to God. Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. (v10)

b. A statement of belief. "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” (v11)

c. Offering a sacrifice. "And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God;" (v12)

So it is not as though a Gentile stranger has come to the camp to offer Moses advice. But nevertheless, this is quite an usual part of the story. To this point, God has specifically instructed his people on a variety of practices.

• How to gather and eat• How to drink• How to manage their weekly time• How to ceremonially remember God’s faithfulness

But evidently, there were things that God had not been explicit about. For example, here in chapter 18, Moses is serving as a judge for the affairs of the entire people. Since Moses is the only one who hears from God, and speaks from God, it is assumed that he will be the lead administrator of the people. During Jethro’s visit, he is quick to point out the foolishness of Moses’ approach. How could one man be the arbiter for every dispute, every questions amongst a couple million people? So Jethro recommends a different, more efficient strategy that involves Moses appointing leaders over smaller groups to help provide order and discernment, while only the biggest or more challenging disputes would come to Moses. The biggest underlying question in this section is: Since God speaks directly to Moses, why would God (a) be silent on these governmental matters and (b) allow a non-Hebrew to serve as an advisor to Moses? While we don’t know for sure, consider at a few possibilities.

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God may use the means of “common grace” to instruct and enrich his people. -D.A. Carson

Possibility 1: In God’s sovereignty, he simply chose not to explicitly reveal the details of every matter of Hebrew life. If this is the case, we would do well to remember that what God has explicitly instructed is of utmost importance, and those areas in which he is silent both allow for personal freedom and demand an exercise of spiritual discernment. Think of this briefly from the new covenant perspective. 2 Peter 1 says, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. In other words, what followers of Christ have been given in the coming of Christ, the indwelling of the Spirit, and the Word of God, is all that they need for life and a pursuit of Godliness. There may be other questions in life: Which college degree should I pursue? Is this person someone I should consider marrying? What neighborhood is the ideal location for a home? Which company should I work for? While there seem to be times when God leads and guides us by his Holy Spirit in affirmation or redirection on matters like this, these are largely areas of personal freedom and areas where we exercise discernment based on the knowledge of the Word of God. So perhaps in this case with Moses, God allows them to determine a thoughtful and wise way forward on these matters.

Possibility 2: Possibility 2 is not opposed to possibility 1. But both estimate the purpose behind God allowing an outsider’s voice to influence his people here. It’s possible that this is merely a demonstration of what is called common grace. Common grace is the knowledge, kindness, and beauty that can be seen, felt, and received by believers and non-believers alike in this world. For example, when two unbelievers get married and they sense a deep commitment and satisfaction, they are experiencing common grace. Although they have not honored God, nor bowed to his authority, God still allows this grace to be experienced. Or we might suppose that all things of maximum beauty and influence in this life would be produced by believers. Rather, God allows the world to experience common grace even through non believers. We are moved by a rich, multi-part harmony in a song sung by non-believers. The doctor who diagnosed and treated the cancer successfully was a non-believer. In this way we remember that God’s grace is on display in common ways, not merely in supernatural ways or not merely through his people. If this is in view here, then we make special note of Moses’ humility. He listens and learns even from outsiders that he might implement the most effective leadership of his people.

(2) A Helpful Idea

So what is Jethro’s idea?

18:17-22

“What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people

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before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.

Jethro suggests a new alignment of Moses’ time and authority in order to position him for more sustainable leadership.

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MOSES SHALL

Represent the people before God

Bring their cases to God

Warn them about the statutes and laws

Warn them of what they must do

Allow every great matter to come to him for judgment

Look for trustworthy men who fear God

Place them in charge as chiefs over:

1,000 - 100 - 50 - 10

Let them judge the people in every small matter

Let them bear the burden with him

Here, too, it is worth while to remark, that no single mortal can be sufficient to do everything, however many and various may be the endowments wherein he excels. -John Calvin

(3) Qualifications for Leaders

As we conclude this week’s lesson, look at the qualities Moses is to look for in his overseers.

1. Qualified men from within the people.

2. Men who fear God

3. Men who are trustworthy

4. Men who hate a bribe

The list not only helps us see the types of leaders Moses will choose for this important role of discernment and leadership among the people. But this is also a subtle glimpse into the type of leadership that would spoil Israel from within. What happens if one of the overseers is incompetent? What happens when a leader has more respect and honor for himself than God? What if there was no way of knowing whether or not a leader would carry out his task in accordance with the rules and guidelines? What if he was corrupt? Each of these things would wreak havok amongst the people.

Compare Jethro’s list to the standards for a New Testament overseer (or elder):

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3 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Do the church leaders you know exhibit these characteristics? Why does it bring you comfort to know this describes your church leaders?

Does a pastor or church leader need to be perfect? What is the line here? Can a pastor or leader make a mistake and continue as an overseer?

Do you use this type of grid when considering a political candidate? Why or why not? When choosing a boss to work for? Should these standards apply outside the church? Why or why not?

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, an outsider and unlikely source of advice, comes to Moses to celebrate with him the faithfulness of God, and to provide important advice on the delegation of spiritual leadership throughout the camp.

Our Main Point: Humble leaders recognize that wisdom and beauty can be found in a variety of places through God’s common grace. Like the Israelites, the church of Jesus Christ depends upon qualified, honorable, faithful leaders to teach and shepherd the flock.

“Humility isn’t about pretending to be lower than we are. It’s about realizing we are not as mighty as we think. When we understand who we are—gifted, loved, and made in the image of God, but also flawed, weak, and wholly dependent upon God—we will naturally show respect, listen to others, and be eager to see those around us flourish. God is the ultimate sovereign, so we don’t have to be.” -Kevin DeYoung

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R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) What are some other examples of common grace? Where have you experienced

something true, something noble, something fulfilling or beautiful from a source you did not expect? Can you think of ways non believers experience God’s goodness in life?

(2) Think of all the reasons you have for choosing a church. Where does “Godly trustworthy leadership” fall on your list? Does this (or did this) play into your being at Immanuel? How would you advise someone looking for a church? How can you determine whether a team of church leaders is free from incompetence, greed, and unfaithfulness? Imagine your boss wrote a description of you as an employee or a leader. Would the things Moses was looking for be on your list?

(3) Moses was at the top. He was hearing from God. He was performing miracles. And yet he was humble enough to listen to someone he respected. In your conversations and relationships, do you position yourself as someone who has all the answers? Or as someone who always seeks to add to their knowledge? Would you be open to unsolicited advice from your own father in law? Why or why not? Is there a person in your life to whom you’d listen every time? Why are they such a trusted voice for you?

r

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R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T

B E I N G T RA N S F O R M E D BY T H E WO R DAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

s

A KEY THOUGHTHumble leaders recognize that wisdom and beauty can be found in a variety of places through God’s common grace. Like the Israelites, the church of Jesus Christ depends upon qualified, honorable, faithful leaders to teach and shepherd the flock.

A KEY PASSAGEWhat you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. (18:17-18)

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

What should I do in view of God's truth?

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

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HOME 22:6SING | The Old Rugged Cross

READ | 1 Timothy 3:1-7

ASK | Am I the type of person God would want to use as a leader? God will not lead all to take the position of overseer, elder, or pastor, but are you influential in your spheres of influence in the church? Would your friends describe you as honorable, trustworthy, and selfless? Are they right about you?

Parents, is there something for which you could ask advice from the children? Display humility.

Children, is there something for which you could ask for advice from your siblings? Are you humble enough to hear their idea?

PRAY |