exodus - ibclr.org · we are grateful that god delivers us. egypt saved them. but after 400 years...

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 2 � L E S S O N S 1 5 - 2 5

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

Dr. Daniel Hinton, author

S U N D A Y S C H O O L | B O O K 2 | L E S S O N S 1 5 - 2 5

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

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 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

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 15 Ch 19

22 LESSON 16 Ch 20

34 LESSON 17 Ch 20:22-24:11

44 LESSON 18 Ch 24:12-27:19

56 LESSON 19 Ch 27:20-30:10

68 LESSON 20 Ch 30:11-31:18

80 LESSON 21 Ch 32

94 LESSON 22 Ch 33

106 LESSON 23 Ch 34

118 LESSON 24 Ch 35-40

130 LESSON 25 Ch 40:34-38

4 EXODUS Personal Study Guide | Book 2

E X O D U S 3 4 : 6

T H E L O R D P A S S E D

B E F O R E H I M A N D P R O C L A I M E D ,

“ T H E L O R D , T H E L O R D ,

A G O D M E R C I F U L A N D G R A C I O U S ,

S L O W T O A N G E R , A N D

A B O U N D I N G I N

S T E A D F A S T L O V E A N D

F A I T H F U L N E S S . . . "

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


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


III. THE MESSAGE OF EXODUS5

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


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


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


L E S S O N 1 5

E X O D U S1 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 THOUGHTJust as God called Israel out of bondage to make them into a new people who would honor and serve him, God has called us, the church, out from the bondage of sin, and transformed us into a new people. Just as the Israelites were to represent God, be holy, and be used for his purposes, so we, the church are called out to represent Christ, be holy, and to be used in his purposes of glorifying God and making disciples of all nations.

A KEY PASSAGENow therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ (19:5-6)


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 5

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


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 5

R E A D T H E T E X TToday’s Text: Exodus 19

19 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.”

When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, 10 the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot;[a] whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

16 On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. 20 The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.” 23 And Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.’” 24 And the Lord said to him, “Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest he break out against them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

w



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



CONTENTAt this point in our study, you may be thinking, “When are we going to get the Law?” Of course, Exodus chapter 20 (along with the crossing of the Red Sea) is probably one of the most recognizable stories in Exodus, the giving of the Law. But many scholars suggest that Exodus 19 provides a more holistic view of God’s dealing with his people throughout the Old Testament. Subsequently, many have called Exodus 19 the heart of the Pentateuch, even the heart of the Old Testament.

In Exodus 19, God answers questions of identity. Throughout our study God has revealed himself to his people, and he speaks through Moses to instruct the people regarding his nature and character. The powerful switch here in Exodus 19 is that we begin to see God instruct his people as to who they are. What is interesting about this relationship between God and his people is that it is just that: a relationship. Who they are as a people has a lot to do with who God is. God gives them their true identity.

(1) “You have seen who I am.”

4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

Look at v4.

Remember who God is. God is a God who hears the cries of his people. He sees their affliction. And here in Exodus, he came to deliver his people. He afflicted their enemies and carried his people out of bondage. Notice that last phrase in v4. “To myself” This is a critical part of the Exodus story. God did not rescue his people from bondage simply so that they would not have to endure the hard conditions any longer. He rescued them to set them apart. And he rescued them so that they might focus their hearts on him. We might say that He drew them out to draw them in.

Take a moment and journey back through the opening chapters of Exodus to remember who God is.

“God doesn’t want you to go out and look for a burning bush. God will not give you a burning bush. Because we have something greater than a burning bush. The Holy Spirit of God is here teaching us what Jesus would say, would he have been here (Romans-Revelation). He leads us through his Word.” -Dr. Steven W. Smith



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. 2:24-25

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

By this you shall know that I am the Lord:

behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the

Nile, and it shall turn into blood. 7:17

"I am the God of your father, the God of

Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of

Jacob." 3:6

Thus 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 13:30-31

I will stretch out my hand & strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the

sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall

not go empty... 3:20-21

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 ...

3:8

"If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes ... I will put none of the diseases on you that I

put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your

healer. 15:26

This is my name forever, and thus I am

to be remembered throughout all generations.

3:15“Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists in two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” -John Calvin

(2) “Now you will see who you are.”

4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

(a) My treasured possession (among all peoples)

(b) A Kingdom of priests

(c) A holy nation



“We are the royal priesthood, but he is the king. We are a holy nation, but he is the holy one. We are a treasured possession, but he is the one who owns us.” -Kevin Deyoung

What might you have felt during this time, if you had experienced the Exodus from Egypt, and were told of your new identity? What emotions might you have experienced?

First, if they would obey God’s voice and keep his covenant, they would belong specially to God.

Second, if they would obey God’s voice and keep his covenant, they would be his representatives on the earth.

Thirdly, if they would obey God’s voice and keep his covenant, they would be set apart to God, in order to be used of God as vessels for his purposes on earth.

Does this sound like a people group to which you’d like to belong?

At first glance, we may think, “How could they pass up this offer?” After all, the same God who had miraculously afflicted their oppressors, and allowed them to walk out of Egypt with a bountiful plunder has now announced that they will be his special, set apart people. Let’s stop to think for a minute. Will humans agree to this sort of covenant? It sure sounds like they will be specially cared for, specially identified, and in special relationship with God. But this will also require something from the Israelites. And it so happens that what it will require of the Israelites is the same thing that comes so difficult to all of us as humans: obedience.

In order for this agreement to work, God says they must first:

(1) Obey God’s Voice

(2) Keep His Covenant

And then if they do this, they will:

(1) Belong specially to God.

(2) Be his representatives on earth.

(3) Be singly devoted to the purposes of God on earth.

Friends, this is a call to surrender. This is a call to die. God is calling them into their new and exhilarating identity, but it demands a complete abandonment of their former identity.

“You belong to him. Like you are not an orphan spiritually, looking for a home. You belong to God the father. God is your father. He loves you as a dad loves his child. He’s given you an inheritance in His home forever and ever and ever. You are his possession.” -David Platt



If I belong specially to

God...

(1) I belong to no other.

(2) My allegiance to God trumps all other allegiances.

(3) God has control of my life.

If I am his representative

on earth...

(1) My actions are not just a reflection on me.

(2) I must act as God would act.

(3) I must live as an ambassador for God.

If I am set apart to

accomplish his purposes...

(1) I forfeit my own personal will and ambition.

(2) I forfeit temporary sinful pleasures to pursue holiness.

(3) I must be singly focused on God's mission.

God is bringing forth a people who will worship him. He will walk with them. He will teach them. He will show them the ways which honor him and bring about human flourishing. But it demands that the people love him, obey him, and serve him. This is perhaps the first glimpse we have of the tumultuous history ahead for Israel. As it turns out, they are mostly unwilling to accept this offer. Although they desire the protection and provision of God, they refuse to bow their knee to him. They refuse to give up their temporary pleasures and false gods. They refuse to sacrifice their personal autonomy for the sake of the people of God. “Will you walk with me on my terms?” God asks. The question remains the same for us today, through Christ.

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)

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God gives his people a sense of their new identity. If they will obey and follow Him, they will become a holy nation, set apart for his purposes on earth.

Our Main Point: Just as God called Israel out of bondage to make them into a new people who would honor and serve him, God has called us, the church, out from the bondage of sin, and transformed us into a new people. Just as the Israelites were to represent God, be holy, and be used for his purposes, so we, the church are called out to represent Christ, be holy, and to be used in his purposes of glorifying God and making disciples of all nations.

“It’s only after God has done his act of rescuing the people of Israel that then he says, ‘Now you are my people. I’ve rescued you out of Egypt, out of slavery. Now, as my people, who I’ve rescued, this is how I want you to live.’ It’s the same for us as Christian believers.” — Vaughan Roberts


R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) How does Exodus 19 foreshadow the calling out of the church? While we will not offer animal sacrifices, or commune with God using the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant, what is the heart of God’s desire for his people? Is it the same for us?

(2) It is easy for us to look down upon Israel for the way in which they reject God. They seem to have every opportunity to love and serve God, and yet they turn to their own ways. Knowing the upcoming troubles Israel will face due to their sin, take a guess at why you suppose Israel wouldn’t simply abide in this new identity God had given them? How does your best guess relate to us as humans today? Do we have the same propensities? How so? Be specific.

(3) As we will see, Israel wants God, but on her own terms. They want God and other things. But God wants all of them, their complete devotion. What are some examples in our culture of what people want along with God? We want God and _____________. We want God’s favor, protection, and salvation, but we don’t want to give God _____________. Would you be willing to be candid and share a personal example? What is it that you like to simply keep disconnected from God? “I’ll go to church and go to Sunday School but I this other thing in my life… that’s different. That’s separate.”

r




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)

What is true about God?

Why is God worthy of my worship and obedience?

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

A KEY THOUGHTJust as God called Israel out of bondage to make them into a new people who would honor and serve him, God has called us, the church, out from the bondage of sin, and transformed us into a new people. Just as the Israelites were to represent God, be holy, and be used for his purposes, so we, the church are called out to represent Christ, be holy, and to be used in his purposes of glorifying God and making disciples of all nations.

A KEY PASSAGENow therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ (19:5-6)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s



HOME 22:6SING | Is He Worthy? (Andrew Peterson)

Pay special attention to the lyrics in the bridge:From every people and tribe Every nation and tongueHe has made us a kingdom and priests to GodTo reign with the Son

READ | 1 Peter 2:9

ASK | How does 1 Peter 2:9 relate to Exodus 19:4-6? How is the church like Israel?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 1 6

E X O D U S2 0 : 1 - 2 1


A KEY THOUGHTGod gave the Israelites the Law. Biblical history testifies and experience attests to the fact that humans could not fully obey these commands. Humans’ inability to please God by the upholding of his statues forced them to eventually rely on the atoning blood of animal sacrifices. And now, having the wrath of God ultimately satisfied in the blood of Christ, inadequate sinful humans receive final atonement not through adherence to the Law but by the grace of God in Christ through faith.

A KEY PASSAGE“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. (20:2-3)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS




R E A D T H E T E X T

Today’s Text: Exodus 20:1-21

20 And God spoke all these words, saying,

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands[b] of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”

18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid[d] and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” 21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

w




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



CONTENTToday we will look at the 10 commandments. We will describe each of the commandments briefly and spend some significant time discussing the purpose of the Law.

This year, our 1st and 2nd Graders at Immanuel learned 64 questions and answers as part of their “Faith Foundations” challenge. The purpose of a catechism like this is to help kids store up important truths in their hearts using these questions and answers.

The first section (32 questions) covers Creation, God, Man, and Sin. #33-49 cover the Law. And #50-64 cover Gospel, Growth and Mission. It is important that our children know the 10 commandments not as an exhaustive way of knowing God, but as a means of understanding the heart of God and his expectations of his people. Look at questions #33-35 of our 1st and 2nd grade catechism.

33.Q. How many commandments did God give on Mt. Sinai?

34.Q. What do the first four commandments teach?

35.Q. What do the last six commandments teach?

Could you answer these? If you know a family with a 1st or 2nd grader, ask them in the halls of church if they can answer these.

33.Q. How many commandments did God give on Mt. Sinai?

A. Ten commandments (Ex 20:1-17; Deut 5:1-22).

34.Q. What do the first four commandments teach?

A. How to love and obey God (Deut 6:5, 6; 10:12, 13).

35.Q. What do the last six commandments teach?

A. How to love our neighbors. (Deut 10:19; Mic 6:8; cf. Gal. 6:10).

“If we want to know how (or whether) Christians should use the Old Testament, we might ask what the earliest Christians did. . . . [T]hey insisted that Christ was their main subject. The Old Testament was valuable because Christ was there.” -Michael J. Kruger



(1) The First Four: Love & Obedience Toward God

#1 You shall have no other gods before me.

God expects Israel to devote their worship to him and him alone.

#2 You shall not make for yourself a carved image…

Man-made caricatures of God were forbidden, but this command was aimed mostly at the construction of false gods and idols concocted in the minds of and constructed by the hands of humans.

#3 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain…

In modern times, we have overly simplified this command to mean using God’s name when surprised at something, or perhaps using God’s name in frustration. These of course reflect an irreverence for God. But this command was aimed at any and all uses of God’s name which were not truthful. If Israelites were to swear by God’s name and not deliver on their vow, they would disgrace God. If they evoked God’s name in order to make a point or get something accomplished deceitfully, they would disgrace God. They were to use God’s name truthfully and with reverence.

#4 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…

The Israelites were to set aside one day each week for rest, and a ceasing of work. There is some healthy debate in the church today regarding its continuation (either directly or indirectly) in the life of new covenant believers.

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 in 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.

(2) The Last Six: Loving Neighbors

#5 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Consider how important it would be in this new nation for children to honor their parents. They could not accept juvenile rebellion or an aversion to authority. Because this has become such a foreign idea in our day, we often forget how important of a tenant this is in society. We laugh when children disobey. We excuse them when they disrespect their parents. They will “be long in the land” if their children honor their parents.

Do you remember the list of sinfulness and wretchedness which marked the Godless society described in Romans 1? Look at the description of children.

29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish,

“Here are three ways we can honor the name of God: Honor God’s name by confessing Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of your life. Honor God’s name by living your life in a manner that is consistent with your profession of faith. Honor God’s name by speaking well of it whenever you get a chance.” -H.B Charles, Jr.



faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:29-32)

#6 You shall not murder.

There is some debate about the Hebrew wording of this command. It is likely that there would’ve been a more severe punishment for having intentionally killed another person. But it is also thought that unintentional killing fell into this category as well. The severity in which God dealt with killing demonstrated his view of the sanctity of life. Life is to be treasured and valued. We are to be cautious and careful not to rob others of this precious gift.

#7 You shall not commit adultery.

This command applied to both men and women. Remember that the institution of marriage introduced in Genesis was esteemed. It was profitable especially for child bearing. And God’s design included faithfulness to one spouse for life. In fact, we will find out in Leviticus that the penalty for adultery was death. (Lev 20:10)

#8 You shall not steal.

This command is relatively straight forward. Not only would this be a violation of a neighbor, theft would severely cripple a society’s ability to flourish.

#9 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Part of keeping order and civility in any culture involves some amount of self-policing. People must testify to what they saw. People must testify to what has occurred among them. If there is no penalty for bearing false witness, people could use their false testimony to severely harm others for personal gain. Unreliable testimony compromises justice.

#10 You shall not covet your neighbor's house…

The interesting thing about this final command is that this seems more internal than external. We might think that coveting is acceptable, so long as we don’t steal. But evidently the discontent of desiring our neighbor’s lot is sin in and of itself. Perhaps the presence command suggests that the others aren’t to be taken as merely external, but also as matters of the heart. Jesus, of course, addresses this in the Sermon on the Mount.

(3) The Heart Behind the Law

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins to make clear the purpose of the Law. Of course, with Jesus on the scene preaching the message of the present and future kingdom, this was a major question. Are the Jews to delete the Mosaic Law from their vernacular and traditions? Was it now null and void? First let’s look at the heart behind the Law, and then we’ll consider the purpose of the Law. Read Matthew 5:21-48.

“We need to put obedience into the context of a response of gratitude to God who sent his son for sinners like us. Our covenant God gives us these commandments so that we might live in joy and peace with him and with one another.” -Kevin Deyoung



The Heart Behind the Law (The Gospel of Matthew)

5:21-26 Murder Anger

5:27-30 Adultery Lust

5:31-32 Divorce w/ Certificate Divorce outside sexual immorality

5:33-37 Honesty in Oaths Honesty in Everything

5:38-42 Principal: Eye for Eye Lay Down Your Right

5:43-48 Love Your Neighbor Love Your Enemies

The Law said not to murder, but Jesus explains that the Law was to show that humans have a propensity for severe anger toward one another. And this unrighteous anger displeases God. The act of murder displeases God, but the rage and selfishness in the heart is where the murder began. The Law said not to commit adultery, but in fact the person who lusts after another’s spouse has already committed an offense. In each of these cases, it appears as though Jesus is raising the standard. It is likely that the religious leaders of the day took great pride in their adherence to the ten commandments, or at least the outward execution of the commandments. So, Jesus shows them the sin behind the action. He shows them the sin in their hearts. Jesus explains that the letter of the Law states that if you make an oath, you must uphold it. Jesus speaks to the heart and states that a person should truthfully uphold anything they say, regardless if it is a legally binding oath.

Reading this backwards, we can clearly see that God demanded the Israelites live by these statutes. They were to abide by them as an act of worship to God and as a service to one another as a new nation. And yet there was something deeper going on. These laws would ultimately reveal the wickedness of their hearts.

(4) The Purpose of the Law

Jesus: 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20)

Jesus upholds the law. He wants to be sure the Law is held up at its highest accurate moral level. Why? Verse 20 tells us. Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. In other words, you must be holier than the holiest person in the world in order to gain access to the kingdom? When we see Jesus provide the heart behind the law, and then hold up the standard of the Law, we can see that not a single person can attain this standard. And we come to find out that this was precisely the purpose of the Law: to reveal to sinners their inability to attain God’s standard. We need help. We are powerless alone.

Paul: 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)

Paul echoes Jesus’ notion that by the Law we become aware of sin.



Look at the catechism questions we ask our 1st and 2nd graders after they memorize each of the ten commandments.

46.Q. What is the sum of the ten commandments?

47.Q. Can any man keep these ten commandments?

48.Q. Of what use are the ten commandments to us?

Could you answer these right now?

46.Q. What is the sum of the ten commandments?

A. To love God with all my heart, and my neighbor as myself (Deut 6:1-15; 11:1; Mt 22:35-40; Js 2:8).

47.Q. Can any man keep these ten commandments?

A. No mere man can keep the ten commandments perfectly (Pr 20:9; Ec 7:20; Rm 3:19, 20; James 2:10; 1 Jn 1:8, 10).

48.Q. Of what use are the ten commandments to us?

A. To show us God’s rules, to show us we fall short, and show us our need of a Saviour (1 Tim 1:8-11; Rm 3:20; Gal 3:24).

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God gave the Israelites a written set of Laws which reflect his heart and holiness. The first four instructed them regarding how to relate to Him and the final six on how to relate to one another. These commands were of critical importance to the rightful worship of God and the flourishing of the nation.

Our Main Point: God gave the Israelites the Law. Biblical history testifies and experience attests to the fact that humans could not fully obey these commands. Humans’ inability to please God by the upholding of his statues forced them to eventually rely on the atoning blood of animal sacrifices. And now, having the wrath of God ultimately satisfied in the blood of Christ, inadequate sinful humans receive final atonement not through adherence to the Law but by the grace of God in Christ through faith.



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) How would you fare if someone judged your life against the 10 commandments? For the sake of vulnerability, give yourself a grade out of 10. How well do you do with upholding the 10 commandments? When you consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 about the heart behind the law (anger, lust, honest in everything, loving enemies), now what is your grade? How does Jesus’ commentary on the Law help us see our inadequacy?

(2) Is there a typical commandment that reveals an area of particular struggle for you? What is the heart behind your struggle?

(3) Is the Word of God sufficient? Often times when we’re seeking direction in life, we ask God to move us, to lead us, to guide us, to give us a sense of where he would have us go or what we should do in a situation. Selfishly, and in line with our autonomous self-absorbed tendencies, we want it tailored to us. We want something written in the sky or a personal audible whisper. God wrote down his edicts for his people. And he has added to it considerably in the person and work of Christ. Is it wrong to ask God for personal direction if we are not paying attention to what he has already said? If we simply try to live according to his Word, finding and obeying as many of his commands as we are able, is this enough?

r






A KEY THOUGHTGod gave the Israelites the Law. Biblical history testifies and experience attests to the fact that humans could not fully obey these commands. Humans’ inability to please God by the upholding of his statues forced them to eventually rely on the atoning blood of animal sacrifices. And now, having the wrath of God ultimately satisfied in the blood of Christ, inadequate sinful humans receive final atonement not through adherence to the Law but by the grace of God in Christ through faith.

A KEY PASSAGE“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. (20:2-3)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | All I Have Is Christ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0vfz5lr37g)

READ | James 2:10

ASK | Can any of us uphold the 10 commandments? If sin displeases God, and none of us can please God by following his rules perfectly, how can we be made right with God?

PRAY |

I once was lost in darkest nightYet thought I knew the wayThe sin that promised joy and lifeHad led me to the graveI had no hope that You would ownA rebel to Your willAnd if You had not loved me firstI would refuse You still

[Verse 2]But as I ran my hell-bound raceIndifferent to the costYou looked upon my helpless stateAnd led me to the crossAnd I beheld God’s love displayedYou suffered in my placeYou bore the wrath reserved for meNow all I know is grace

[Chorus]Hallelujah! All I have is ChristHallelujah! Jesus is my life

[Verse 3]Now, Lord, I would be Yours aloneAnd live so all might seeThe strength to follow Your commandsCould never come from meO Father, use my ransomed lifeIn any way You chooseAnd let my song forever beMy only boast is You


L E S S O N 1 7

E X O D U S2 0 : 2 2 - 2 4 : 1 1


A KEY THOUGHTGod’s people are to be distinct and set apart as holy. The manner in which they interact with God, each other, and outsiders is to reflect the character and nature of God.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.” (24:7-8)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS





Today’s Text: 21:12-20

12 “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death. 13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee. 14 But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.

15 “Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death.

16 “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.

17 “Whoever curses[c] his father or his mother shall be put to death.

18 “When men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist and the man does not die but takes to his bed, 19 then if the man rises again and walks outdoors with his staff, he who struck him shall be clear; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall have him thoroughly healed.

20 “When a man strikes his slave, male or female, with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he shall be avenged. 21 But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be avenged, for the slave is his money.

EXODUS 23:23-31

23 “When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, 24 you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. 25 You shall serve the Lord your God, and he[a] will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. 26 None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 And I will send hornets[b] before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land. 31 And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates,[c] for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.

EXODUS 24:3-8

3 Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the rules.[a] And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.” 4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. 6 And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

w




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



CONTENTIn this large section of Exodus, the Israelites receive various, more specific instructions for life as a nation. In many ways, these serve as applications for the 10 commandments. Today we will take these one section at a time, make a few comments on each (for understanding), and then attempt to bring each of these issues to the heart.

(1) Slaves

There is much discussion today about slavery in the Bible. Some opponents of Christianity even suggest that the God of the Bible endorses slavery. They might point to texts like this and suggest that since God is instructing slave owners and slaves how to behave, that he endorses the practice. What makes this issue particularly complex is that the Bible does not contain a singular and definitive text which comprehensively condemns slavery in all of its forms. We may say, “Why did God not simply and clearly condemn all forms of this?” We are not sure. What we do know, is that what we typically think of today when we think of slavery is categorically condemned in Scripture. (see Exodus 21:16)

Now, let’s look at this a bit more closely. In this section God is going to show his heart for the oppressed. He begins with “slaves” because those people who were legally bound to serve them (servants) might be the ones who they’d feel tempted to abuse. In the historical context, often times parents could sell or trade their children in order to survive severe famine or financial insecurity. In this agrarian time, physical labor was of extremely high value, as was child bearing. Children represented strength and represented a secure future for the elderly. Most scholars agree, although not ideal, and not promoted by God here, this form of servitude happened frequently. God’s concern, distinct from surrounding nations was for the treating of servants as human beings and not as property.

Think briefly about Daniel and Joseph in the Old Testament. As slaves, both were granted educational opportunities and opportunities for advancement and even leadership. It is thought that in these days, masters even took pride in the development of their servants. The Bible is clear that many masters ignored these laws and mistreated their servants. But the point here is that if this type of arrangement is going to be present, there is a distinct way in which God-honoring people will participate in it.

Finally, consider here in the text that God sets time parameters on these arrangements. This prevented people from becoming permanently relegated to the lowest class. Of particular importance here is God’s demand that there be punishment for any abuse of the defenseless.

Getting to the Heart: It is estimated that there are more humans being trafficked now than in the four centuries of the transatlantic slave trade from Africa. This evil practice must be condemned, and the church must rise up to speak for the defenseless. Although our employees are not legally bound to serve us or serve within our companies, a closer parallel for us might be the way we treat those in our care. Our employees depend on us to be just, fair and honest. Our children cannot defend themselves. Their flourishing depends largely on the way we treat them. God is not pleased with a boss or a father who cares more for his personal prosperity than that of his employees or children. The picture of loving, sacrificial leadership is seen throughout the New Testament, and is in fullest view in Christ who set aside his authority to come to earth to rescue us. With authority comes great responsibility.

God’s act of incrementally ‘humanizing’ ancient Near Eastern structures for Israel meant diminished harshness and an elevated status of debt-servants, even if certain negative customs weren’t fully eliminated” -Paul Copan



(2) Restitution

The laws put in place regarding restitution involved the institution of a fair system of governance. Animals were to be the responsibility of their owners. There is a short list here of occurrences which needed detailed instructions. These events may seem bizarre to us, but these were more common events in their day. These protections were likely put in place to ensure justice, and to prevent the oppression of a victim. Another potential snare to this new nation would be a person’s tendency to take revenge. These laws of restitution were in place to direct the people to judges who would execute the fair settlements.

Getting to the Heart: We are a nation who prides herself on fairness and justice. It is true that the structure of our justice system promotes these ideals. While these might not always be executed properly, among other countries in the world we remain extremely blessed in the way the rule of law is enforced. However, let’s get to the heart by considering some ways we might not be as Godly as we think. We are now living in a society where people love to indict others, put them to public shame, and prohibit them from living even the simplest of fruitful lives. For all of our talk about justice rolling down, as Christians we sometimes forget that if we received justice, we’d be doomed for hell. But we received grace. While upholding rule and order, are we extending grace to those who have made mistakes? And what about laying down our rights as Jesus suggested in the sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7)? Jesus doesn’t suggest that we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. Rather, he instructs his followers not to seek vengeance. When someone harms us, are we quick to pull out our rights and demand repayment? When we get into a fender bender, are we quickly out of the car demanding that we bear no responsibility? Or are we mindful of ways in which we may have borne responsibility?

(3) Social Justice

Do not engage in seduction and sex outside the covenant of marriage.

Do not let a sorceress live.

Do not practice bestiality.

Do not sacrifice to false gods.

Do not oppress sojourners.

Do not lend money with high interest rates.

Do not borrow from your neighbor and not return.

Do not curse God or the rulers of Israel.

Do not withhold your first fruits, your firstborn.

Do not eat unclean meat.

Do not spread a false report but give truthful testimony.

Do not be harsh with your enemies.

The Lord’s anger burns against those who practice these things. And the punishments here are quite harsh. Some, similar to the previous sections, demand some legal reconciliation and repayment. Others of these transgressions will earn a person certain death on God’s orders. It is quite clear in the final statement of this section that these things are in place so that the Israelites might be holy, set apart, a distinct people for God.

“We are truly Christians if we hold our beginning faith steadfastly to the end, which is precisely what so many Israelites did not do.” -D.A. Carson



(4) Sabbaths & Festivals

The pattern God institutes here for Israel has a weekly, yearly, and multi-year outlook.

Weekly: They are to rest one day per week.

Yearly: They are to host three feasts. The Feast of Unleavened Break, the Feast of the Harvest, and the Feast of the Ingathering

Every Seven Years: They were to cease farming in order to let the poor eat and to let the ground rest.

(5) The Promised Land

Chapter 23 also offers a bit of a preview of the promised land.

I will You will

blot them out (v23) not bow down to their gods nor serve them. (v24)

bless your bread and water (v25) utterly overthrow them (v24)

take sickness away from you (v25) break their pillars. (v24)

send my terror to your enemies (v27) serve the Lord your God (v24)

drive out the people of the land (v28) not miscarry or be barren (v26)

set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates (v31)

make no covenant with them and their gods (v32)

give the inhabitants of the land into your hand (v31)

What do you imagine they were thinking at this point?

Not only had they been rescued, but now God had promised to do even more miraculous things among them and in their favor.

(6) The Blood of the Covenant

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God followed his ten commandments with further, more specific laws in order to show Israel how to please him and dwell peacefully as a people. He finalized his covenant with them by promising their new land and executing the covenant in blood.

Our Main Point: God’s people are to be distinct and set apart as holy. The manner in which they interact with God, each other, and outsiders is to reflect the character and nature of God.

There is a double power about the blood; — towards God an atonement, that is the blood sprinkled on the altar, — and towards ourselves a sense of reconciliation, thus must the blood be sprinkled upon us that we may prove its cleansing power. -Charles Spurgeon



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) We covered several chapters today. Let’s begin by identifying (a) something that stood out to you in this lesson and (b) something that you felt might need some more explanation. What is God trying to communicate to this new nation, his people?

(2) Many people point to these chapters to highlight the wrath and severity of God. The death penalty is mentioned often. And yet there is much here to protect the oppressed or those who are defenseless. How would you describe God as the leader of this people who he has drawn out from slavery? He rescued them. And he cares for them. He wants to walk with them, but he also expects their complete surrender.

(3) Would you want to live as part of this nation? Why or why not? How is living during this time different from living now under the new covenant? How would you explain to a child how life with God is different now in Christ?

r






A KEY THOUGHTGod’s people are to be distinct and set apart as holy. The manner in which they interact with God, each other, and outsiders is to reflect the character and nature of God.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.” (24:7-8)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

READ | Ephesians 6

ASK | Are you just and fair with those around you? Mom and dad, are you just and fair with your friends, employees, and colleagues? Kids, are you just and fair with your friends? With your siblings? How can our justice and fairness be a witness for God in these times?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 1 8

E X O D U S2 4 : 1 2 - 2 7 : 1 9


A KEY THOUGHTGod designed the tabernacle, its contents and its function to foreshadow the coming of Christ, his ultimate atonement for sin, and his permanent dwelling among his new people, the church.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. (25:8-9)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS





Today’s Text: 24:12-27:19

EXODUS 24:12-1812 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” 13 So Moses rose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. 14 And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever has a dispute, let him go to them.”

15 Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

EXODUS 25:17-2217 “You shall make a mercy seat[c] of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. 18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. 20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. 21 And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. 22 There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.

EXODUS 26:31-3531 “And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32 And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver. 33 And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. 34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And you shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table, and you shall put the table on the north side.

w




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



CONTENTHave you ever seen the grocery store lines before a coming storm? Everyone races to be prepared for the challenges the storm may bring. Have you ever experienced that comforting feeling of making it inside, pulling a car into the garage, and knowing you’re inside, safe from the storm? Authors of children’s books have said that children are drawn to this sort of thing. It’s cozy. It’s safe. Everything we have is inside and we can settle here and be ok. Think of the hobbit hole, or the Berenstain Bears’ tree house. God designed humans this way to have a bent toward a place of dwelling. This may be the same reason we experience homesickness. Of course some of this relates to the people we miss. But some of it relates to our dwelling. The place that is safe.

In our passage today, God instructs the people how to build a dwelling place for God. But it is going to be a place where God will dwell with them. It will be a place where, even while they wander, God will remind them that he is with them.

Interestingly, these instructions are not arbitrary. They aren’t to build a church and make it look as they choose. It is clear from the text that this must be a copy. It is a copy of a heavenly reality. So there is precision and accuracy to everything described here.

(1) THE ELEMENTS

(a) The Ark of the Covenant: The Word in the Presence of God

In the holy of holies, they are to place the ark of the covenant, which contains the Law of God. In the previous chapters, God has been revealing his laws and statutes. Here, we see that this revelation from God is quite important. The Word of God is how they know God. It’s how he reveals his character. It’s how he reveals his holiness and the holiness he expects of his people. The things he is telling them are not temporary. They will not change. Placing them here in the ark of the covenant is a reminder that the Word of God endures forever.

If the Law reminds the people of God of the character of God, what do you imagine they would think of when they thought of the holy of holies?

They would remember the holiness of God and they would be humbled by their own inadequacy. God is distinct. He is holy. He is different from me.

(b) The Mercy Seat: Forgiveness For Sinners in the Presence of God

On the mercy seat, sacrifices will be poured out. Since God is holy, their dwelling with him would require atonement, forgiveness. So right here in the holy of holies, there is a mercy seat, where sacrificial provisions will be made.

As the Israelites constructed this tabernacle, and they placed the pieces of furniture in place, it must have been odd to be in constant view of the mercy seat. It is a steady reminder of their sin. “This is where you will find forgiveness when you sin against me.” And yet, they will be able to approach God, even as sinners, by the blood of the sacrifice.

Thus, what God is saying to the Israelites is that he cannot be manipulated by magic. If they want the good life, they must conform their lifestyle to his revealed standards of right and wrong. -Peter Gentry



Are you beginning to see the foreshadowing of the Gospel? What do you see here?

(c) Golden Cherubim: Supernatural in the Presence of God

We typically think of cherubim as cute baby angels. But this is not the idea we get for the cherubim in the tabernacle.

Do you remember where we saw the cheribum in Genesis?

Genesis 3:22-24

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

These were fierce creatures given the job of protection. In Genesis, they were placed there to keep sinful man out of the garden, the place where God walked with his creation in the cool of the day.

Here in the tabernacle, the wings of the cheribum were to overshadow the mercy seat, facing one another. Scholars believe this symbolism is in place to demonstrate the course the Israelites must take in order to meet with God. In order to get to God, they must pass through these heavenly beings. The Israelites were to be reminded of the distinct supernatural nature of God. He is not of this world. He dwells in heaven. They must pass through these heavenly creatures to approach a God who had condescended to dwell among them.

Interestingly, who is present when the women first visit the empty tomb of Jesus?

He gave them the design for the tabernacle that He might come and dwell among them. He didn't want to remain aloof high up on a mountain. He wanted to make Himself accessible and available, but, in keeping with His own design, He would dwell in a sacred place within the tabernacle. -Chuck Swindoll



(d) Bread of the Presence: Provision in the Presence of God

Bread in the tabernacle was to serve as a reminder to the people that God is a God who provides. They have learned this experientially through the cloud, the pillar, the manna, the quail. The people open their mouths, and God feeds and sustains them.

Jesus says in Matthew 6 that we are to pray, saying, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

(e) A Lampstand: Light in the Presence of God

In the tabernacle, there will be a lampstand that looks like a tree. There will be light in the tabernacle. When the Israelites come into the presence of God, there is light. When we come into the presence of God, it is a place of light. God was the one who spoke the world into existence. And he began with, “Let there be light.” The association between God and light is present throughout Scripture.

How was Jesus described in the New Testament? The _____________ of the world.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Interestingly, the lampstand looks like a tree. Some scholars suggest that this is representative of the tree of life in the garden of Eden. Sinful man was removed from the garden, but God will bring them back. Through the cherubim, and through sacrifice, they will return to a place of dwelling with God once more.

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. (Revelation 22:14)

Finally, do you remember the threat that Jesus gives the seven churches of Revelation? What will he do if they continue in unfaithfulness?

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. (Revelation 2:5)

It is thought that Jesus was indicating that even though a church calls itself a church, if it does not honor Christ, pursue holiness, repent of sins, and submit to the Word, it proves itself not a church at all. The presence of Christ does not dwell among them. They are inauthentic. They are counterfeit. And their lampstand is removed.

Our aim as pastors is not only that our churches will be well assembled, thoughtfully and carefully and biblically obedient in their doctrine and structures. That is important. But it is not ultimate. We desire the dwelling of the risen Christ among us. We desire his felt presence. We desire him. – Ray Ortlund



(f) Incense Burning: Distinction in the Presence of God

Consider that the Israelites were a nomadic people. They were accustomed to smells; smells of livestock, animals close to them all the time. In the place where God is, there is an aroma that is different. It is fragrant. It is beautiful. They would be coming into a place that is different from normal life. The burning of incense would signal this.

(g) Bowls for Washing: Holiness in the Presence of God

Since God is holy and pure, there would be washing. In the Old Covenant, this washing symbolized a cleansing before you approached God.

(2) THE ORDER

The order and layout of the tabernacle was important as well.

There was to be a holy place and the most holy place. In the most holy place, the holy of holies, God would meet them. This would eventually become quite the terrifying place. Even the priests feared entry because of the proximity to the presence of God. Inside the holy of holies was the mercy seat and the law of God. But there was a veil separating the holy place form the holy of holies. The planning of this tabernacle most certainly foreshadows the coming of Christ. Sinful people may not approach God. A priest would have to represent them before God. And the priest would have to pass through the cheribum, and into the presence of God, where God would receive an atoning sacrifice as a temporary appeasement of his wrath and grant forgiveness to his people.

On this side of history, can you see how the tabernacle points to Christ? How so?

(3) THE GOSPEL

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The word “dwell” above, in the Greek language is the verb “to tabernacle”. The OT tabernacle was the place where God dwelled. And in the New Testament, God sent Jesus to tabernacle among us. He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Hebrews 9:11-14

11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.



Russell Moore once shared a story about a Christian church who partnered with a local synagogue for a joint worship service every year. “It’s easy,” the pastor said. “We just cover all of our crosses, choose songs that don’t mention Jesus, and pray generic prayers, finishing with ‘in His name we pray.’”

Dr. Moore remembers the most troubling thing about it was the name of the synagogue they were partnered with: Temple Beth Emmanuel (The House of “God With Us”).

As Christians, of course, we believe that there is no longer a need for the temple or the tabernacle, the priests, or the sacrificial system. We believe that God came in Christ to tabernacle among us. He offered himself as the ultimate and exhaustive sacrifice for sin. He indwells those who believe with his Holy Spirit. The very presence of Christ dwells within his people.

How could we then, when Temple Beth Emmanuel arrives for worship simply erase him?

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God instructed the Israelites to erect, with precision of detail, a tabernacle which would serve as a constant and portable reminder of the presence of God. Its contents and its function would remind them of God’s holiness, their sinfulness, and reconciliation to God which could be achieved through blood sacrifice.

Our Main Point: God designed the tabernacle, its contents and its function to foreshadow the coming of Christ, his ultimate atonement for sin, and his permanent dwelling among his new people, the church.



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) How does the tabernacle foreshadow Jesus?

(2) Think of all the time that has passed between the Garden of Eden to Exodus 25. The people of earth were largely confused, drifting. God had promised Abraham land, offspring, and blessing on the earth. But at this moment in redemptive history, God seems to intervene with more clarity. Think back to all we have learned about God, about people, and about the Israelites in the book of Exodus. At this point, what is significant about this book?

(3) Do you ever accidentally operate with a tabernacle mentality? Do you feel as though you have to have a priest go to God on your behalf? Do you feel like there is a veil separating you and God? When we accidentally believe this way, what does it reveal about what we believe about Christ? How is having an old covenant mindset dangerous?

r






A KEY THOUGHTGod designed the tabernacle, its contents and its function to foreshadow the coming of Christ, his ultimate atonement for sin, and his permanent dwelling among his new people, the church.

A KEY PASSAGEAnd let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. (25:8-9)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | I Surrender All

READ | Hebrews 9

ASK | What does it mean that God dwells inside believers? If God dwells in us and with us (the church), how should this affect our everyday life? Do you think it’s better to be a Christian who deals with God personally through Jesus? Or would it have been better to live in the OT? Why?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 1 9

E X O D U S2 7 : 2 0 - 3 0 : 1 0


A KEY THOUGHTIn the same way the priests mediated between the people and God, Jesus, our Great High Priest made the ultimate mediation between man and God by offering himself as the final and exhaustive payment for sin. Those who are in Christ are members of the priesthood of all believers, dwelling with God without need of mediation, and joyously participating in the work of ministry.

A KEY PASSAGE45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God. (29:45-46)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS






EXODUS 28:40-43

40 “For Aaron's sons you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty. 41 And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. 42 You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; 43 and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.

EXODUS 29:38-46

38 “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day regularly. 39 One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. 40 And with the first lamb a tenth measure of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering. 41 The other lamb you shall offer at twilight, and shall offer with it a grain offering and its drink offering, as in the morning, for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. 42 It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. 43 There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. 44 I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

EXODUS 30:1-10

“You shall make an altar on which to burn incense; you shall make it of acacia wood. 2 A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth. It shall be square, and two cubits shall be its height. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. 3 You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top and around its sides and its horns. And you shall make a molding of gold around it. 4 And you shall make two golden rings for it. Under its molding on two opposite sides of it you shall make them, and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it. 5 You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 6 And you shall put it in front of the veil that is above the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is above the testimony, where I will meet with you. 7 And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, 8 and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the Lord throughout your generations. 9 You shall not offer unauthorized incense on it, or a burnt offering, or a grain offering, and you shall not pour a drink offering on it. 10 Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year. With the blood of the sin offering of atonement he shall make atonement for it once in the year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord.”

w




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



CONTENT(1) Moses’ Priests

Today’s section of scripture focuses on the priests who would serve in and around the tabernacle. Similar to the specific directions Moses received for the construction and layout of the tabernacle, the function of those working in the tabernacle would be specific. Aaron, of course, would be given supreme leadership at this time, and it is thought that his descendants, along with the designated tribe of Levi, would serve as the priests for God’s people.

Let’s take a moment and draw a few important things from the text.

(a) The adornment of the priests was an important sign of their distinction.

The priests had a very special role, and that was to be demonstrated in their attire. Aaron wore twelve stones on his breastplate, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This signified that he was a representative for the entire nation of Israel. He was the mediator between the people and God. Scholars believe that much of the intricacy of the dress for the priesthood had to do with demonstrating a clear laity-priest distinction. It is thought that if these positions were not esteemed and recognized, it would be possible for the workers in the tabernacle to become complacent or see their work as mundane and unimportant. Rather, with all of this fanfare in place, the priests were clear that their role was special, distinct, and important.

The bells on the garment were to remind those outside that the priest was still working. Since he went in alone, if he had been injured or even died while in the holy of holiness, there would be no way of knowing if he needed help. Therefore, the bells were a sign to those outside that the priest was busy with the work of ministering before the Lord.

(b) The function of the priests was slowly being revealed.

There was a seven-day ceremony performed by Moses for all new priests. This involved washing, sacrifices, anointing, among other activities. The head gear of a priest signified their holiness, the distinction of their important role. It carried the connotation of holiness and reverence. Scholars say that a daubing of blood on the ear symbolized the rightful hearing from God, the hand to symbolize the work they would do for God and the toe to symbolize walking with God.

Look at 29:42.

Interestingly, this signaled a new type of prophetic message for Israel. They had been told that the God of their ancestors was the God who was alive and active in their deliverance from Egypt, their provision in the wilderness, and now in the instituting of the Law. They could sense the eternal nature of God. But here, God gives them a glimpse of their future. Would God dwell with them forever? Would he leave them? How long would these sacrifices and worship occur? They find out that this will occur through the generations. God has a long future planned for his people.

The theme verses for this section are most certainly found in 29:45-46.

45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

“They [the stones] were a reminder that Aaron served God as high priest, not for his own benefit, but on behalf of the Israelites” -T.D. Alexander



Here God has brought the entire Exodus story together. He announced early in the book that he was their God and that they were his people. He saw them. He heard their cries. And he resolved to rescue them. Now the people know that he is their God who has brought them out of Egypt. And he will dwell with them. He wants to walk with them. He wants to guide them, direct them, protect them, and provide for them. He wants to bring forth a people who will bring him glory.

Consequently, adding the description of the altar of incense, at this point in the book of Exodus, we have a near complete description of the tabernacle. See the graphic below to familiarize yourself with what it likely looked like.

(2) The Priesthood of Believers

So as to not get completely infatuated with the historical context and fascinating historical detail surrounding the OT priests, let’s take a moment to remember our role as New Testament members of the priesthood of believers.

(a) There is now no need for a class of priests.

Due to the finished work of Christ on the cross, forgiveness through the atoning sacrifice is granted to us from Christ directly. We do not need a mediator to go to God on our behalf. This is an important recognition because this is part of what makes us uniquely Protestant. Although the New Testament outlines various roles of authority within local churches for teaching, leading, administering discipline, etc., there is no role given to any single officer that involves atonement or mediation between God and man. No one mediates the presence of God for us. No one mediates the knowledge of God to us. We approach God on his terms through His Word, and by His Spirit. All Christians stand on the same level ground before the cross of Christ. One way to remember the important but not mediary work of our pastoral leaders is to remember that our pastoral leaders need the rest of the body as much as we need them. They simply fulfill that role of teaching and leadership within the body of Christ. We joyously submit to our spiritual leaders, and yet we also monitor what they teach and how they lead against the Scriptures.

“…these garments point to Christ and apply to believers who have been clothed with Christ and his righteousness. In this way, Exodus 28 helpfully shows us our shameful nakedness before God and the way that God has intended to clothe us once and for all.” -David Schrock



(b) There is an expected work of the priesthood within the body.

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11–12).

The work, therefore, of ministry cannot be relegated to a certain class of people. But each person’s spiritual gifts are to be active and edifying in the local body.

Does the way you serve within the church indicate that you are a part of the priesthood of all believers? How so?

Pastors across the country become agitated by the seemingly age-old struggle within churches. “20% of the people do 80% of the work,” they say. They struggle to motivate church goers to “get in the game” and put their gifts to use for the building up of the body. Frankly, a true follower of Christ who is growing in their knowledge of him and their pursuit of holiness will most certainly come to a point of decision regarding their involvement with the body of Christ. The notion of a believer who merely attends church but does not participate in the ministry to one another is plainly incompatible with the Bible.

A few months ago, at the beginning of the coronavirus situation in our country, pastors debated whether or not it was biblically permissible to cancel church services for public safety reasons or move them online. Sadly, many believers were not affected at all by this change because they already view church as something to watch, not something to participate in. For those of us who recognize the body of Christ as a priesthood of believers, we acknowledge that merely watching a service online (although necessary in times like these) is a far cry from church.

(c) The priesthood is equally responsible for carrying forth the mission of the church.

Our initial response to the priesthood of all believers is a positive one. We are independent people. Our country was founded largely by protestants, independents who longed for freedom. “We don’t need a priest to tell us how to read the Bible or someone to grant us forgiveness. We go to God on our own, because of Jesus, the ultimate mediator,” we say. But don’t forget that with the priesthood, comes responsibility. Not only to fellow believers in the body, but a commitment to the mission of Christ.

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

“Christ . . . once for all offered a sacrifice of eternal expiation and reconciliation; now, having also entered the sanctuary of heaven, he intercedes for us. In him we are all priests (Rev. 1:6; cf. 1 Peter 2:9), but to offer praises and thanksgiving, in short, to offer ourselves and ours to God. It was his office alone to appease God and atone for sins by his offering." -John Calvin



Do not forget that this commission from Christ is not merely for pastors, leaders, and missionaries. It is a command for every follower of Christ. We have been granted access. And we have been given a responsibility. We must be involved in the priestly work of Christ. We cannot grant salvation or make atonement for sin. But we follow Christ’s mandate to share the good news even to the ends of the earth.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor 5:20)

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God anointed Aaron as the first priest of Israel. His descendants along with the tribe of Levi would serve in the esteemed and distinct role of priests for generations to come. Their attire and their function served as a reminder of their important position among the people: to represent the people to God through sacrifice and worship.

Our Main Point: In the same way the priests mediated between the people and God, Jesus, our Great High Priests made the ultimate mediation between man and God by offering himself as the final and exhaustive payment for sin. Those who are in Christ are members of the priesthood of all believers, dwelling with God without need of mediation, and joyously participating in the work of ministry.

"We shall recover that joyful liberty in which we shall understand that we are all equal in every right, and shall shake off the yoke of tyranny, and know that he who is a Christian has Christ, and he who has Christ has all things that are Christ’s and can do all things." -Martin Luther



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) It has been said that some protestants believe like protestants and act like Catholics. They believe that they have direct access to God through His Word, but they still rely on their pastor to feed them everything. They still act as if they need to approach a pastor about their sins before praying about them. Are you guilty of this? How so?

(2) Having just finished our Hebrews study last year, how does studying the priestly system here in Exodus shed light on Jesus as our High Priest (as we read in Hebrews)?

(3) If you were alive during the time of the Exodus, would you have wanted to be born into the priestly line? Would you have wanted to take on the role if you could choose? Why or why not?

r






A KEY THOUGHTIn the same way the priests mediated between the people and God, Jesus, our Great High Priests made the ultimate mediation between man and God by offering himself as the final and exhaustive payment for sin. Those who are in Christ are members of the priesthood of all believers, dwelling with God without need of mediation, and joyously participating in the work of ministry.

A KEY PASSAGE45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God. (29:45-46)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






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

READ | 1 Peter 2:9

ASK | Do we need a priest to go to God for us? How do we go to God? How comes we don’t need a tabernacle or priests or sacrifices anymore? Does our pastor get special access to God that we don’t? Can we learn our Bibles in the same way he can? Who’s job is it to participate in Jesus’ Great Commission?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 2 0

E X O D U S3 0 : 1 1 - 3 1 : 1 8


A KEY THOUGHTGod has given all men talents and gifts. Followers of Christ must reject the temptation to use these talents for personal gain or attention, but to utilize them for the glory of God.

A KEY PASSAGE2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. (31:2-6)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS




R E A D T H E T E X T (2-5 Minutes)

See Teacher Guide (p.4) for ways to creatively read the text.


EXODUS 3131 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, 10 and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.”

The Sabbath

12 And the Lord said to Moses, 13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. 14 You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. 16 Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. 17 It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”

18 And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.

w




(The DIRECT Route 15-20 Minutes or The SCENIC Route 25-30 Minutes)

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



CONTENTIn our text today, God gives some final directions for the construction and function of the tabernacle. Interestingly, God calls and equips two characters to oversee the construction of the tabernacle. Do you remember how intricate these instructions have been? It is no surprise that God will use especially skilled craftsmen/artists to complete the project.

It is important to recognize that God endowed these men with these talents. This is one of the earliest examples of the uniqueness of God’s design. He has been purposeful with us in creation, giving us various talents and gifts to be used for the betterment of the world, and for his glory. It would be easy for the Israelites to think, “You like to do this particular thing, so that’s how you make money. You’re good at this, so you ought to make that your occupation.” But when we turn our talents and gifts Godward (toward the giver of all gifts), then we use them rightly for his glory.

Let’s spend a few minutes this morning talking about how this relates to us as followers of Christ, especially since we live in a talent-obsessed culture.

Think of all the ways we see talents being used around us.

Shows like “America’s Got Talent” “American Idol” and “The Voice” feature people hoping to showcase their talents to win over the audience and teams of judges. There are certainly those who participate who have as their goal to bless the audience with their God-given talents, but these shows are marked by one important thing. If you win, you get noticed. You become famous. We also see this online as people showcase their talents on social media or YouTube seeking likes or subscribers. Again, some are simply hoping to serve others with their talents or to point others toward Christ. But the majority of these cases involve people seeking fame, fortune, attention. We would do well to take caution here. Using your talents to seek fame and attention will leave you empty.

Let’s not forget the ways that people use their talents to inflict harm on others or to prop themselves up at the expense of others. Ted Kaczynski, infamously known as the Unabomber, was educated at Harvard. He used his intellect to terrorize the nation. And people manipulate and terrorize people online and in person every day. A child who is good at making friends chooses his “in-crowd” and leaves the others out. A young leader with a knack for business deceptively arranges the company’s finances to benefit himself and put his employees at risk.

But our talents weren’t intended to be used for our own glory. They certainly weren’t intended to be used to inflict harm on others. They were intended to be used for God’s glory towards God’s purposes. Today, let’s look at what happens when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives and are indwelled with the Holy Spirit.

Bezalel and his sons live out that calling as God’s Spirit gave them the aesthetic skill to make Temple décor. Israel’s God was not worshiped in a drab, hollow cube. -Thaddeus Williams



(1) God changes your desires.

Romans 12:11

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

When we talk about sanctification (growing in Christ, becoming more like Christ), we first think of behaviors, actions. We suspect that a person who has found Christ will change their behaviors. While we believe that this is generally true, we must not forget that God is not primarily interested in our external righteousness, but our hearts. So we must not forget this important step.

We used to cheat when no one was watching. Now, we don’t want to cheat. We used to enjoy watching inappropriate content online. Now, we don’t want to watch.We used to dream of fame and fortune. Now we dream of bringing God glory. We used to long for the approval of others. Now we long for the approval of God.

Our desires begin to align with God’s. And he created us to love him, enjoy him, and represent him in this world. So we long to love God more deeply. We long to obey his commands. We long for others to know the greatness of our God.

Can you think of something you used to long for (before Christ), that you had to be freed from when you decided to follow Him?

If we look ahead to Exodus 36, we see Oholiab and Bezalel busy with the work of construction of the tabernacle. The text makes no indication of whether they considered rejecting this job, or whether they immediately and joyously accepted it. But the important thing we know is, they took the job. They desired to use their talents to obey God.

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” (36:1)

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

(2) God redirects your talents and gifts.

1 Peter 4:10

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace…

Sometimes, after we decide to follow Christ, we recognize new talents that we didn’t know we had. However, most of the time, the same talents and giftings that we developed for our own sake early in life simply need a realignment, a redirection.



What is an example of a gift or talent that can be shifted from being used for personal glory to being used for God’s glory?

Sometimes the way we utilize the talent changes. And other times, simply the heart motivation behind it changes.

Think for a moment about an athlete. Many young people strive to earn an athletic scholarship and continue toward a chance to play professional sports. For years they work at their craft. Every day they work diligently to make it to the next level. If they could earn a scholarship to a great school, they could be noticed by the pros. And if they make it to the pros, they could earn millions of dollars in salary and endorsements. They could have the house and car they’ve always wanted. They could get reservations to any restaurant in town. They wouldn’t have to wait in line at the airport. They’d just fly private. “Life would be easy,” they might say.

Now imagine a great athlete who redirected their talents Godward. “God has given me some success here using my talents in athletics. In our world, people pay lots of money to people with these talents and they carry a lot of influence. I wonder if I could become a professional athlete and make a lot of money that I could use to advance God’s kingdom? I wonder if, when they interview me about games, I could use my platform to share about Christ?” This would be a good example of someone doing the same thing (working hard, earning a scholarship, making it to the pros), but with a different purpose and mentality. For those of us in Christ, we’ve yielded our goals, ambitions, reputation to him. We will go to the places where he will receive highest glory. We will participate in things that will being him highest glory.

Let’s talk for a moment about faith and work. We must remember in all of this that God is honored when Christians bring the excellent use of their talents to all kinds of fields of work. God is glorified when a Christian accountant earns a living by serving others with excellent tax services. God is glorified when a pastor works diligently to prepare an accurate and inspiring sermon. God is glorified when a school teacher stays for an unpaid hour after class to help a student. God is glorified when the trash truck driver serves the city by removing the garbage in a timely and efficient fashion. When we say that God redirects our talents for his uses, this doesn’t mean that the accountant becomes the church accountant, that the teacher moves to a Christian school, that the truck driver leaves a gospel tract on every trash can. It means they are now using their talents for God’s glory and the service of others, not for selfish gain, attention, fame, or fortune.

And may we not forget. Some of the most important talents used for God’s glory are in roles that are unpaid, rarely acknowledged, and carry no formal position.

What you are doing in your vocation matters. Leverage it for worship and witness. That is how we will advance the mission. -J.R. Vassar



(3) You decrease and God increases.

Colossians 3:23-25

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

When we are using our talents for God, we are more comfortable taking the humble position. Those who are using their talents for their own benefit tend to be out front, trying to attract the attention. They want the world to recognize their talents. Oftentimes, it gives them a sense of worth. For followers of Christ, our worth and value come from our knowledge that we are Christ’s and he is ours. Our primary identity is not found in what we do, but in who we are. In our culture, we almost always assign identity to a person based on their talents.

He is a lawyer. She is a doctor. He is a counselor. She is a physical therapist. And we sometimes ask, “Are they a Christian?” In actuality, our primary identity is that of a disciple. We are disciples who happen to be lawyers, therapists, stay-at-home moms, and business owners.

Why does this happen? Why do followers of Christ allow themselves to decrease and Christ to increase?

When followers of Christ are filled with the Holy Spirit, their hearts and minds are set on what the Spirit desires, not on the flesh. And when we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, he’ll always lead a disciple to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Christ. He’ll always lead a disciple to decrease so Christ can increase.

God did not give Bezalel the Spirit so man might be awed by what he built, but that they might be awed by who God is! That they might be awed by the beauty and majesty of the dwelling place of God and be moved to worship Him.

And it’s not always spectacular or sensational. Sometimes the Spirit manifests Himself in miraculous ways. But it doesn’t have to be extraordinary. In Acts 4:31, they were filled with the Spirit to be able to speak the Gospel in the face of persecution with boldness. This was not especially sensational, nor spectacular. But it was faithful. In Acts 6 the church was growing and they needed some spirit-filled men for a task. What was their task? They were to distribute food to widows. These Godly, inspired, enabled men were chosen for a very ordinary task that brought great glory to God and good to His people.

If doing the mundane is beneath you, then you are not concerned with God getting glory but you getting glory, and that’s not a result of the Spirit’s filling, but of your flesh.

The Spirit filled Christian is humble, available, and willing to serve where needed, even in the seemingly insignificant areas that might go completely unnoticed.

“The problem of money has troubled Christians since the earliest times. The church has never quite found a consensus on how to reconcile the biblical injunctions to give thanks to God for wealth and also to renounce any desire for it” -John C. Knapp



The church will fail business if it fails to teach businesspeople the transforming truth of the Spirit-filled life. -Tom Nelson

(4) You labor with patterns of rest.

1 Cor 12:4-6

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

In our text today, Moses is reminded of the Sabbath. God was so serious about this that if someone broke the Sabbath they were to be put to death. In the Old Covenant, God instituted this law so that the people would be reminded each week that God is in control, that God is the one making provisions for them, and that they need not trust in their own abilities.

In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews declares that Jesus is our Sabbath rest. Although practicing a day of rest during the week is a good and fruitful idea, we are no longer commanded to uphold this 24-hour period. Instead, Jesus represents the heart behind the Law. The temptation remains for followers of Christ to trust in ourselves, to be anxious over money, to believe that we are in control. But we rest in Christ. We must depend on him.

We live in a country of around the clock work. We burn the midnight oil to make more money, to great ahead, to receive a promotion. “We can sleep once we achieve the next goal,” we say to ourselves. And yet we rarely do. The follower of Christ works harder than his colleagues because he is using his talents for the giver of all talents. And yet a follower of Christ also refuses to be enamored by an obsession with work as a means of self-fulfillment. She works with patterns of rest, reminding herself of God’s provision and control and her reliance on him at every turn.

1 Cor 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God called and equipped Oholiab and Bezelal to be the chief architects of the tabernacle. He endowed them with special skills and talents in order that the tabernacle would be built to the exact standards God set forth.

Our Main Point: God has given all men talents and gifts. Followers of Christ must reject the temptation to use these talents for personal gain or attention, but to utilize them for the glory of God.



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) If everyone is simply using their talents, how can others know that we are working for the Lord? Doesn’t it feel inauthentic to broadcast this to the world?

(2) What talents do you or your spouse have that are currently being used to earn a living? Do these talents feel “unspiritual”, like it would be difficult to describe how using these talents honors God? In what ways do these talents love and serve others? In what ways does this work better the lives of people around you? In what ways can your work, compelled by the Spirit, be distinct from colleagues?

(3) What talents do you or your spouse use to honor the Lord in unpaid capacities? How is the church stronger because of the talents God has given you? How is the community stronger?

r






A KEY THOUGHTGod has given all men talents and gifts. Followers of Christ must reject the temptation to use these talents for personal gain or attention, but to utilize them for the glory of God.

A KEY PASSAGE2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. (31:2-6)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | All I Have Is Christ

** pay special attention to the last verse.

READ | Romans 12:11

ASK | Are you a hard worker? What is the thing you work the hardest at in life? Why do you work so hard on it?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 2 1

E X O D U S3 2


A KEY THOUGHTThe Israelites fell to the temptations we still face today. We seek leaders without conviction, salvation without dedication, worship without humility, and a god without retribution.

A KEY PASSAGE4 And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (32:4)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS





Today’s Text: 32

When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2 So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden[a] calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.” 6 And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.

7 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.”

11 But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14 And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.

15 Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, tablets that were written on both sides; on the front and on the back they were written. 16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. 17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is a noise of war in the camp.” 18 But he said, “It is not the sound of shouting for victory, or the sound of the cry of defeat, but the sound of singing that I hear.” 19 And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses' anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. 20 He took the calf that they had made and burned it with fire and ground it to powder and scattered it on the water and made the people of Israel drink it.

21 And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?” 22 And Aaron said, “Let not the anger of my lord burn hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. 23 For they said to me, ‘Make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of

w



him.’ 24 So I said to them, ‘Let any who have gold take it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.”

25 And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord's side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. 27 And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’” 28 And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell. 29 And Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord, each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.”

30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” 31 So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” 33 But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. 34 But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them.”

35 Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made.




(The DIRECT Route 15-20 Minutes or The SCENIC Route 25-30 Minutes)

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



CONTENTIn 2008, David Platt delivered a powerfully convicting sermon about Exodus 32. It was especially helpful because it not only observed the sins of the people in Israel, but linked them to various struggles we face in the modern church. Because the points he made that day are so profound, and quite relevant points of consideration for us today, let’s use these as an outline for today’s talk.

(1) The Israelites sought leaders without conviction.

If the Israelites were going to get what they wanted (fulfilling their fleshly desire for a visible, immediate god), they would need a leader who would be willing to bend the Word of God. They would need a leader who was wiling to be convinced, swayed.

The Israelites got their wish in the form of Aaron. Aaron diverted from God’s Word and not only allowed the false worship, but participated in and enabled it. The leader of Israel gave a sinful people precisely what they wanted.

Exodus 32:1-4

When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2 So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden[a] calf.

As sinful people, do we expect our church leaders to bend the Word of God in order to accommodate our sinful desires of personal preferences?

Is our American church culture guilty of this? How so?

We would not have to look very far to see this principle at play today. No church is immune to this drifting, but the megachurch movement (of which we are not excused from) perhaps has the most difficult time warring against this. In a church of 1,000 plus attendees, there are bound to be requests, ideas, demands that are simply not aligned with the Word of God.

“We can’t join in the celebration of that which is sin. It’s not just about our conscience, but their conscience. We dare not do anything that would mislead their conscience.” -Albert Mohler



“We ought to terminate that staff member. He changed the schedule to a time I couldn’t participate.”

“I know people are hurting, but we need to save that money in case we need it a few years from now.”

“People don’t really like the Bible anymore. We need to preach more sermons about topics people care about.”

“We ought to spend the church tithes and offerings on things that make life easier for our own people before we spend more money on missions.”

Have you ever stopped to consider the blessing of a pastor or church leadership who are willing to say no? It’s not until we read stories like this from the OT that we realize the danger that comes from a pastor or leader who operates primarily under the job description “Does what the people want.”

This is often why people say American megachurches are merely country clubs. In a country club, a member pays their dues, and if enough members ask for a change, they’re likely going to get it. The director, in a sense, works to execute the will of the members. As a shepherd of sinful people, the pastors of our churches do not answer to us. They answer to God. Do they function to support and care for the body? Of course. Do they execute a plan that has been mutually decided upon by church leaders and pastors alike? Yes. They do not lead in isolation. And yet, Hebrews 13:17 says,

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

(2) They devised a form of salvation without dedication.

Exodus 32:4

And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”

This may be the most jarring part of Exodus 32. The Israelites not only erect a false god to worship, but they also attribute the work of God to the work of an idol. They give the idol praise for their deliverance from Egypt. This of course is the highest form of blasphemy.

In the last section we said that Aaron gave the sinful people what they wanted. Well, what was it that they wanted? They wanted to be rescued from Egypt with no string attached. They wanted to have the provision of God without the holiness of God. They wanted salvation without dedication. In fact, they were using their salvation (they had been delivered into freedom) in order to justify their indulgences. “Because these gods brought us out of Egypt, now we can indulge ourselves in sin out here!”

In theology, we call this license, or licentiousness. This is the person who thinks the grace of God and the forgiveness they received through Christ gives them license to sin as much as they want. “After all,” they say, there is nothing that can separate me from the love of Christ.” And they willfully go on sinning.

“True repentance demands that we own our sins. Despite the world’s pressure, we must accept that we were lured and enticed by our own desire, and that desire conceived and gave birth to the sin that looms large over us.” -Conrad Mbewe

“Many people want to be forgiven and go to heaven, but they want to hold on to the idols of the world. But God is not mocked.” -Tony Merida



Are we guilty of this in the American church? Our local church? Is it possible that people who attend Immanuel services regularly live as they wish Monday – Saturday?

As has been noted by numerous pastors and theologians, there is no such thing as a fruit-less Christian. The Scriptural depiction of a true follower of Christ is one whose affections and behaviors steadily come in line with God’s. This process of sanctification is part of the joyous surrender of a born-again believer. To be sure, it is by faith alone that people are saved. However, just as the epistle of James instructs in chapter 2, there is a certain type of ‘faith’ that does not save. What is this inauthentic faith which does not save? It is the ‘faith’ depicted here in Exodus. It is a ‘faith’ which acknowledges some religious facts, does not include authentic repentance and dedication to Christ, and thus, does not yield the type of transformation that accompanies the Gospel.

True faith action Fake faith apathy

An authentic believer grows

A real heart change a steady life change

A follower of Jesus endures to the end

A devoted disciple pursues holiness

A grateful son becomes like the Father

An inauthentic believer remains stagnant

A false conversion continuance in same life direction

A Christian by name alone returns to unrepentant sin

A mere moral performer outward holiness, inward corruption

A double-minded man exposed as a fraud

When we’re honest, as humans, this is precisely what we want. We desire to do as we will, please ourselves above all else, and face zero consequences for our actions. By the resurrecting power of Christ, these desires are injured in us and new desires being to grow. We no longer want to gratify the sin nature, but to please Christ.

(3) They manufactured a form of worship without humility.

The Israelites used the instructions that God gave them for how to worship him in order to worship without God. You see, they want to participate in the ritual, but they don’t want to participate in the heart of the ritual.

Does this sound like a trap we can fall into as a church?

Why would the worship of God require (and produce) humility?



Consider the instructions given so far in Exodus. The Israelites were to uphold God’s Law. This would’ve been a daily reminder to them of God’s holy standard and their sinfulness. Humility. They were to conduct feasts which caused them to remember the mighty work God had done among them. They would be reminded of their helplessness and God’s mighty power. Humility. They would eventually offer sacrifices through the priests to atone for their sins. They would be ever aware of their sinfulness. Humility.

Let’s look briefly at a few tenants of the Gospel. And let’s see if those are prevalent in modern Christian worship music.

Sin. All people are inherently sinful with a bent toward rejecting God’s design and authority. (Romans 3:10-11, 23) “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.” “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”

Retribution. God is just to give sinful humans the punishment they deserve. He will not force a rebellious people into his presence against their will. (Matthew 10:28) “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Atonement. God, in his mercy, offered Jesus as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. (Romans 3:24-25) “…and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

Faith Alone. All people can be saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) “ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Newness. True faith is authenticated by life transformation and the fruit of the Spirit. (2 Cor 5:17, James 2:17 , Matt. 7:19-20) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” “...So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

If we sing songs based only on God’s majesty, his power, his comforting nature, and our certain eternal life with Him, we may fall into the trap of worship without humility. How often do we hear songs which feature our own sinfulness? It would bring us to our knees in humility. How often do we hear songs about the wrath of God, and the punishment that awaits those who do not trust Christ? It would usher in humility. Sadly, how often do we hear songs about the cross? Surely with the cross in full view, we would come to the Lord in humility.

(4) They created a god without retribution.

The golden calf they erected was precisely what they wanted; a God who would not respond. There would be no consequences. They wanted something to give their hearts to, their devotion to, that would demand nothing of them. In fact, this golden calf would make no fuss if they were to worship a different god the following night. They believed they had a god who would leave them alone and leave them to their own devices. Ironically, they got it. And yet they gave their hearts to a god who had no power to do anything, let alone save them, protect them, or provide for them.

“Once upon a time, I sat through a little ditty in a church service in which the congregation was led to sing, “I can change the world with these two hands,” and the question struck me like a lightning bolt: “Who exactly am I worshiping right now?” -Jared C. Wilson

“So Luther says that even after you are converted by the gospel your heart will go back to operating on other principles unless you deliberately, repeatedly set it to gospel-mode.” -Tim Keller


“The cow gave no law and demanded no obedience. It had no wrath, or justice, or holiness to be feared. It was deaf, dumb, and impotent; but at least it could not intrude on their fun and call them to judgment. This was a religion designed by men, practiced by men, and ultimately useless for men.” -R.C. Sproul

Do we give our hearts to idols in this way? What is an example of an idol in our day which demands nothing of us, and yet we give so much to it?

One of the common false gospels of our day is the belief that a loving God would never sentence anyone to hell. Some even suggest that the idea of hell and punishment is a man-made idea and that Jesus came to preach a message of peace and hope to all. “All roads lead to heaven,” they argue. This belief is quite dangerous in that those who ascribe to it believe in Jesus. They might even consider themselves Christians. And yet they have misunderstood or ignored Christ’s message. After all, consider what Jesus says in Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” But Jesus did not come to earth to institute a different system all together. Consider Matthew 6:17. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Retribution is what occurs when God carries out his justice. Most of us who take just a moment to consider this are not swayed by the false gospel of an all-permissive God. In fact, if there is no hell, no punishment, there is no justice. There is no reckoning for evil. This, of course is not the God we worship.

In the Old Testament, God declared that without the shedding of blood, there would be no forgiveness of sin. This is an abiding theme of the OT. Animal skins were made for Adam and Eve. The ram was killed instead of Isaac. The unblemished lamb was offered for atonement. The angel of death passed over the blood-covered door posts. Sin has always needed an atonement. What the author is asserting here is that the justice of God still rolls down. God’s holiness demands a penalty for sin. The sacrificial system instituted by God in the OT was a mere shadow. God’s justice and mercy were on display. But even still, it could not ultimately restore humankind to peace with God. And now, God’s justice is on display. Only this time, it wasn’t a lamb or a ram who took the place of the sinner. It was God himself. God sent Jesus to endure the punishment the world deserved.

God’s justice was on display in the OT sacrifices. God’s justice was on ultimate display on the cross.

Look at 32:10. Their gamble was not a smart one. God said to Moses,

10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.”

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: The Israelites, discontent and impatient, created for themselves a false god in the form of a golden calf. Their leaders fell, their devotion crumbled, they implemented false worship, and they ignored the holiness of God.

Our Main Point: The Israelites fell to the temptations we still face today. We seek leaders without conviction, salvation without dedication, worship without humility, and a god without retribution.



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Are we guilty of functioning like a country club, asking our pastors to simply give us what we want? How so?

(2) Which of these statements is most convicting for your personally? Which would we be in most danger of as a church? Explain your reasoning.

(3) We see in this chapter that Israel creates an idol, but also doesn’t want to abandon Yahweh completely. They want God and idols. How have we mixed our pure worship of God with the worship of things of the world?

r







A KEY THOUGHTThe Israelites fell to the temptations we still face today. We seek leaders without conviction, salvation without dedication, worship without humility, and a god without retribution.

A KEY PASSAGE4 And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (32:4)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | Give Us Clean Hands

READ | 1 John 5:21

ASK | What is an idol? Does an idol have to be a statue? Do we have any idols in our family? How do we know when something is important to us (in a good way), and when something becomes an idol?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 2 2

E X O D U S3 3


A KEY THOUGHTGod does not withdraw his presence from followers of Christ. Through trial, periods of uncertainty, and even sin, his Spirit indwells those who have trusted in His son. And even so, we seek for a fuller sense of God’s presence through an adherence to His Word, a brokenness over sin, and a commitment to his mission.

A KEY PASSAGE15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS





Today’s Text: 33

33 The Lord said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’ 2 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

4 When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. 5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’” 6 Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.

The Tent of Meeting

7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. 8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. 9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord[a] would speak with Moses. 10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. 11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

Moses' Intercession

12 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

17 And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” 21 And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

w




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



CONTENT(1) Mourning Without the Presence God

For those who have been following along carefully through the Exodus study, there is little surprise here in Exodus 33. The people sinned egregiously in chapter 32. They did the opposite of what God had instructed them to do.

How did God pour out his wrath against Egypt and their false gods?

Israel should be keenly aware of not only the holiness of God as seen through what he has commanded, but also as seen through his judgment upon Egypt. Why would anyone want to be an enemy of God, the Creator? They will find out first hand what it feels like to reject God through their disobedience.

Exodus 33:1-3

The Lord said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’ 2 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

This angel that the Lord promised to send with them was likely not the same angelic being present to this point. Scholars believe that this angel did not represent the presence of God, but rather an assistant. Evidently, based on the reaction of Israel, they recognized this to be at least a temporary removal of his presence.

Getting to the Heart: As new covenant believers, we have a tendency to fall into old covenant living. We do this in all sorts of ways. We often times undermine the cross by diverting to a works-based system of salvation. Even though we know salvation is by grace through faith, we still subtly suppose that God is keeping a record of our sins and that if our good deeds outweigh our sinful acts, we will inherit the kingdom. Another way we operate in an old covenant mentality is that we believe God removes his presence from us when we sin. We say, “I could never show my face before God again after what I did.” And we hide from church and our brothers and sisters in Christ. All of a sudden we experience a tragedy in our family or a challenge at work. “God’s with me no longer. I can see it all around me,” we say. Let’s be clear. There are things in life that will go better for believers when they follow Jesus by obeying God’s commands. But a biblical new covenant theology will not produce this type of back and forth with God, supposing he is revealing and concealing himself based on our performance.

Finally, this is not to suggest that God will always feel near, or that God is ever-pleased with us. Most theologians believe that even for the follower of Christ, God allows for times of darkness,



times of confusion, times when God doesn’t seem near. And certainly we know that although there is unlimited forgiveness available to us through the cross, God is disappointed when we sin. So, let’s simply draw a few biblical conclusions on the New Testament believer and the presence of God.

1. The Holy Spirit indwells believers permanently. Therefore, God does not depart from a born again believer. (In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:13-14)

2. God loves believers enduringly. Therefore, any sense of God’s disappointment or any sense of God’s distance from us cannot be attributed to a lack of love or care. (For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39)

3. The evidence of true conversion (and the Spirit’s immediate indwelling) is the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, a person living in unrepentant sin and exhibiting no growth in holiness is likely unregenerate and under God’s judgment. (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. -Galatians 5:22-24)

4. Believers are commanded to be filled with the Spirit. Therefore, it is right to seek for a fuller sense of God’s presence, his direction, his holiness through constant repentance of sin, prayer, and the reading of God’s Word. (And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. -Ephesians 5:18)

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken;

Hebrews 13:5

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(2) Worshipping With the Presence of God

Exodus 33:4-6

4 When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. 5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’” 6 Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.

Indwelling does exist in the old covenant, but it is not each individual that is indwelt. In the old covenant God indwelt the temple. In the new covenant the people of God are the temple, and God dwells in them.” -Jim Hamilton



It can be almost comical when we read about the way Israel tried to walk with God.

Israel is foolish enough to grow impatient and to mix idol worship with the statutes of Yahweh, but they are not foolish enough to forget that their only hope of provision and protection is Yahweh. So they rightfully mourn at the idea that they would be moving, but that the presence of God would not go with them.

So what was customary for them to do when they saw God meeting with Moses in the tent outside the camp?

They worshipped.

Exodus 33:9-10

9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. 10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.

The presence of God produced in them worship. They knew that God was with them. They knew that God was speaking to them, guiding them, making provision for them.

Getting to the Heart. This is precisely why new testament worship is richer and fuller. Some say, “I wish we lived in the time when God showed up as a burning bush, as a pillar.” It seems miraculous. It seems powerful. But when people say this they are only demonstrating their lack of understanding of the cross. Christ came as a human. He came as one of us to rescue us. He intercepted the wrath of God in order to redeem mankind to himself. This is far more miraculous than the pillar, than the cloud, than the bush.

Rescued from

slavery

Give of law and

covenant

Miraculous manna and

quail

Withdrawing of God's presence

How will we eat?

No, thanks. We'll make

an idol.

How will we live?

How will we go on without

you?

God 's presence appeared in Christ who dwelled among us. His Spirit dwells within us. We worship Him. God has done a miraculous work of salvation among us. We worship Him. God rescued us from the power of sin and death. We worship Him. God made a final and all-encompassing payment for my

sin to reconcile me to himself forever. We worship Him.

When God's presence appears, we worship Him. When God does a

miraculous work among us, we worship Him. When God rescues us from our

enemies, we worship Him. When God temporarily makes atonement for our

sins by accepting the death of an animal sacrifice in our place, we worship Him.

Worship in the ChurchWorship in Israel



(3) Distinction in the Presence of God

Moses intercedes for his people. He doesn’t want to depart from Mt. Sinai without the presence of God, or with an angel, a poor substitute for God Himself.

Exodus 33:15-16

15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

Moses recognizes something very important. The presence of God is what makes Israel unique, distinct, different. Moses seems to say here, “If we don’t have you, we’re just like everyone else.” As it turns out, this is precisely the thing God wanted to hear Moses say, because he eventually restores his presence to them. Some might say that Israel is unique because of their history. They are the people who escaped Egypt. That could be their identity right? They multiplied in number through child bearing. That could be their identity right? “The people who grew large in number, and fast!” They also do peculiar things, like rest one day per week and host yearly rituals and feasts. Could that be their identity?

Getting to the Heart. What makes the church unique is that we are people who live in the presence of God. God is with us, and we are with him. Too often, we are identified by what we do. “Those are the people who vote this way. Those are the people who attend these things. Those are the people who say these things online. Those are the people who refuse to do this or that.” On many of those things, the people are correct. The way we love and obey God affects the way we vote, the way we act, the things we say. But if we are not careful, we actually identify ourselves in this way. It’s easy to fall into the trap of simply belonging to a Christian club that does certain things. We are more focused on our scheduled activities than we are the central reason for our existence. The sobering reality is this: If we remove God and his presence from the church, we could still go on. We could play music, host classes, speaking about God, and even help others. But what Moses is saying here, and it relates to us as God’s new covenant people, is that without God’s presence, we’re just like the rest of the world. If we are not truly converted and indwelled by the Spirit, we are mere humanitarians, moralists. If we do not sing of his cross, his blood, and our redemption, we are a classical choir, mere musical performers. If we are not being transformed by the truth of the Word of God, we are mere philosophers. Brothers and sisters, we are people of His presence! And this is what makes us unique.

(4) Worship on God’s Terms

Moses has grown quite bold with God through their interactions. Here, it seems he swings for the fences with an enormous request of God. He has seen his power. He has heard God’s voice. He has come to know the name of God, that is his nature, his character, his holiness. But Moses wants to see God in full. He wants to know God in all of his glory.

Exodus 33:19-23

19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” 21 And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand

God is not merely present in the world; he is covenantally present. He is with his creatures to bless and to judge them in accordance with the terms of his covenant. -John Frame



until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

God deals with his people on his own terms. He will reveal himself in the ways he chooses to reveal himself. This is an extremely important concept, because as we can see already in the book of Exodus, mankind was made to worship. God created in us a desire to give our hearts to something, to give our full devotion to something, to love something with all of our capacity. And the sinful nature inherited from Adam corrupted this by aiming our worship at ourselves, at created things rather than the Creator. So mankind always has a tendency to create God in his own image. Some are satisfied to give their hearts to sports, or to pleasure, or to relationships. People place their hope in these things to bring them joy and satisfaction in life. We, of course know that these things will be found wanting. They cannot save. They cannot bring about the wholeness people seek. But furthermore, even religious types who are willing to acknowledge the existence of God have a tendency to try to manipulate God, to fashion God into something we want him to be.

“It feels like too many rules to me. I serve a God who loves me no matter what I do.”“It feels too intellectual to study a book. I serve a God who speaks to me directly.”“It feels too harsh to surrender to God. I serve a God who makes me healthy and wealthy.”“It feels too twisted to deny anyone love. I serve a God who wants you to marry whoever you want.”“It’s not enough that God sent Jesus. I serve a God who proves himself through new miracles.”

Ultimately, they are saying:

“The God of the Bible is unacceptable to me. I serve a God that does what I think he should do.”

God tells Moses that he will not see the full glory of God. But he will receive the goodness and favor he needs to proceed in life trusting Him and leading his people. In the same way, followers of Christ yield to God in the way he has revealed himself, through the Word of God.

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: After the Israelites disobeyed God, he commanded them to leave Sinai. They were to proceed without God’s presence. But Moses interceded for his people, who mourned the departure of God’s presence. God, then reinstalled his presence among them.

Our Main Point: God does not withdraw his presence from followers of Christ. Through trial, periods of uncertainty, and even sin, his Spirit indwells those who have trusted in His son. And even so, we seek for a fuller sense of God’s presence through an adherence to His Word, a brokenness over sin, and a commitment to his mission.

Christians are called to good works. This is how people know we are Christians. But they also know we are Christians—and not charitable Buddhists—because we don’t make good works our boast. -Jared C. Wilson

“In the old covenant God faithfully remained with His people, accompanying them in a pillar of fire and cloud, then dwelling among them in the tabernacle and the temple. Under the new covenant, the only temple is the believing community itself, and God dwells not only among the community corporately but also in each member individually.” -Jim Hamilton



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Have you ever felt like God had become distant with you? Describe this experience. Based on our study today, do you believe God withdrew his presence from your life? If not, why do you suppose God allows seasons of vibrancy and seasons of struggle in our walk with Him?

(2) What is the difference between a church who authentically dwells with God on his terms and a church who has created God in their own image? How can you know whether or not a congregation is authentic and vibrant? If two churches are doing mostly the same activities, what is different in the outcomes between the two churches?

(3) How important is it that our worship songs include Jesus, the blood, the cross, and our redemption? The Psalms, for example hint of Christ but most don’t explicitly mention our redemption through the cross. Could we worship using only the Psalms? Is worshipping God for his attributes (his power, his character, his holiness) as was revealed in the Old Testament sufficient for us as a church? Why or why not? How is our relationship with God different from the Israelites’?

r






A KEY THOUGHTGod does not withdraw his presence from followers of Christ. Through trial, periods of uncertainty, and even sin, his Spirit indwells those who have trusted in His son. And even so, we seek for a fuller sense of God’s presence through an adherence to His Word, a brokenness over sin, and a commitment to his mission.

A KEY PASSAGE15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | Christ Liveth In Me (https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/507)

READ | Galatians 5

ASK | How do we know that God is with us? For those who have trusted Jesus, what is evident in our lives to prove that God is living within us? If God dwells within us through his Holy Spirit, what happens when we sin? Does God leave us?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 2 3

E X O D U S3 3


A KEY THOUGHTGod has demonstrated his mercy, grace, patience, steadfast love, and forgiveness comprehensively in Christ our Savior. We live ever-mindful of the new covenant, established by his blood and secured through his resurrection.

A KEY PASSAGEThe Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin (34:6-7)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS





Today’s Text: 34

Moses Makes New Tablets

34 The Lord said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain. 3 No one shall come up with you, and let no one be seen throughout all the mountain. Let no flocks or herds graze opposite that mountain.” 4 So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the first. And he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand two tablets of stone. 5 The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands,[a] forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. 9 And he said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us, for it is a stiff-necked people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”

The Covenant Renewed

10 And he said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.

11 “Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 12 Take care, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you go, lest it become a snare in your midst. 13 You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim 14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), 15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice, 16 and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods.

17 “You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal.

18 “You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib, for in the month Abib you came out from Egypt. 19 All that open the womb are mine, all your male[b] livestock, the firstborn of cow and sheep. 20 The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before me empty-handed.

w



21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. 22 You shall observe the Feast of Weeks, the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end. 23 Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. 24 For I will cast out nations before you and enlarge your borders; no one shall covet your land, when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in the year.

25 “You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with anything leavened, or let the sacrifice of the Feast of the Passover remain until the morning. 26 The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk.”

27 And the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.

The Shining Face of Moses

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30 Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. 32 Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai. 33 And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.

34 Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, 35 the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.




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



CONTENTMoses met God once again on Mt. Sinai to receive a second copy of the Law on a new set of tablets. Once again, he stayed 40-days and 40-nights communing with God. Not surprisingly, God reminds Moses of some of the same things he has been instructing the people from their time in Egypt. Israel needs to be reminded.

(1) Remember the character of God.

Exodus 34:6-7

“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…

Remember the severe nature of the punishments that God instituted in the first giving of the Law? People were to be put to death for breaking several of these Laws. Following Israel’s falling to idolatry, it would be fair to assume that Moses and the people expected a harsh punishment from God. And do not forget that this generation had witnessed with their own eyes God’s judgment on Egypt in the killing of their firstborn.

The description God gives of Himself here is a bit different than the ones we have seen so far. » Merciful » Gracious » Slow to Anger » Abounding in Steadfast Love » Abounding in Faithfulness » Forgiver of Iniquities, Transgressions and Sins

Look at the way these characteristics are traced throughout the entire Bible. As redemptive history unfolds, we see a fuller and fuller picture of God’s justice and mercy.

There are two constants that you will encounter in reading the Bible: the first is the human tendency to fail; the second is God’s steadfast love and patience. - Michael McAfee



Characteristic OT NT

Merciful

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an

end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

(Lamentations 3:22-23)

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and

you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

(Luke 6:36-37)

Gracious Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. (Psalm 116:5)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your

own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one

may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Slow to Anger

They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you

performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a

leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive,

gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not

forsake them. (Nehemiah 9:17)

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God 's kindness is meant to lead you to

repentance? (Romans 2:4)

Abounding in Steadfast

Love

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

(Psalm 136:26)

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-

(Ephesians 2:4-5)

Abounding in Faithfulness

The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is

he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

The saying is trustworthy, for : If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he

also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful - for he cannot

deny himself. (2 Tim 2:11-13)

Forgiver of Iniquities,

Transgressions and Sins

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the

Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed

like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1 John 1 :9)



(2) Remember the epidemic nature of sin.

Verse 7 has been troubling for scholars and pastors.

Exodus 34:7

…but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.

It sounds as if God is saying here that although he is merciful and slow to anger, he will not overlook or forget these sins, but somehow the coming generations will pay for the sins of their forefathers. This has become a common misunderstanding of God through the years. Most parents carry a certain fear about this when it comes to their own sins. Sometimes, when a son follows in the footsteps of a father, outsiders cite this verse. But look carefully at what God has said about generational sin.

Deuteronomy 24:16

16 “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.

Ezekiel 18:19-20

19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

In light of this, most scholars have concluded that God is commenting on the nature in which sin permeates through generations. Of course, though God will grant forgiveness, the consequences of the sins are not erased. There seems to be a generational nature to sin in view here. How difficult would it be for a son or daughter to grow up in a corrupt, sinful environment and not repeat the things he or she has seen? Therefore, the consequences for sin have a permeating impact through multiple generations.

(3) Remember the covenant of God.

All of the original statutes are still in place. They are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They are to keep the Sabbath. They will give their firstfruits to the Lord. But coming into closer view now is their instructions for the land they will inhabit. When they enter the land, they are warned not to:

1. Make covenants with the inhabitants of the land

2. Worship false gods

3. Intermarry

Israel was to be ever mindful of the agreement they had with God. They needed to be reminded of this consistently. If they will serve God by abiding by God’s statutes, he will dwell with them, lead them, provide for them. They will be his special people.

For those of us on this side of history who know the rest of the story isn’t it interesting that God is trying to help Israel remember the covenant? The short retelling of God’s story with Israel goes something like this. God kept his promise. He never forgot the covenant. And his people

“In the fuller context of Exodus 20:5, God explains that he only visits the iniquity of the third and fourth generation” of those who hate me.” This qualification is key. God does not visit the iniquity of the third and fourth generation of those who love him.” -Wyatt Graham



consistently neglected it. Fast forward. After they eventually took the land and fell into sin and God allowed them to be enslaved to foreign nations, the only thing they had to appeal to what the covenant. Do you remember our Nehemiah study?

Nehemiah 1:7-9

7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’

What a God. Though we forget, we serve a God who does not.

God, we confess we have not acted lovingly to our neighbors. Remember your promise, O God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

God I confess I am anxious about the future. I struggle to trust your plan. Remember your promise, O God. “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, which is to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.” Romans 8:28-29

God, I confess I am plagued by guilt, falling to some of the same perpetual sin struggles in my life. Remember your promise, O God. “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 “He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God renews the tablets containing his law and reaffirms his covenant with his people. Moses’ face shines with the glory of God when he returns from speaking with God.

Our Main Point: God has demonstrated his mercy, grace, patience, steadfast love, and forgiveness comprehensively in Christ our Savior. We live ever-mindful of the new covenant, established by his blood and secured through his resurrection.

“Israel will display to the rest of the world within its covenant community the kind of relationships – first to God, and then to one another and to the physical world – that God intended originally for all of humanity.” -Peter Gentry



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) What happens when a people forgets the nature of God? Let’s take the Coronavirus pandemic for example. If someone has an incorrect view of God (theology), what will they say about the pandemic, about the future, about God’s role in it? How important is it for our generation to pass on a right view of God to our children? How intentional are you in this?

(2) What happens when we forget the epidemic nature of sin? Think of your parents for a moment. How do their decisions made during your childhood impact you now? Were they flippant about sin? What was their justification for it at the time? And what about in our families now? If you were vulnerable with the class, what would you say you fear you’re passing on to your children? Have you ever been the first in your family to stop a sin cycle? How difficult is it to stop a generational sin pattern?

(3) What happens when we forget God’s new covenant with us? God describes his covenant with Israel here (again). What is God’s covenant with the church now? What is the “agreement” in place through Christ? And why do we call it a covenant? What would have happened if Israel had begun to live outside the view of the covenant? What happens when we live outside the view of the new covenant?

r






A KEY THOUGHTGod has demonstrated his mercy, grace, patience, steadfast love, and forgiveness comprehensively in Christ our Savior. We live ever-mindful of the new covenant, established by his blood and secured through his resurrection.

A KEY PASSAGEThe Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin (34:6-7)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | His Mercy is More

READ | 2 Peter 3:9

ASK | Do you think God should’ve forgiven Israel for making the golden calf? Why do you think he didn’t just punish them right there? God says he is abounding in steadfast love. Does God deal with you patiently like he is dealing with Israel? What would life be like for us if God were not a God rich in mercy?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 2 4

E X O D U S4 0 : 1 6 - 3 3


A KEY THOUGHTThe erecting of the tabernacle, a temporary location for God to dwell among his people, foreshadows the coming New Covenant where God will dwell in the hearts of his people through Christ.

A KEY PASSAGE16 This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. (Exodus 40:16)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS




R E A D T H E T E X TToday’s Text: 40:16-33

16 This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. 17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. 18 Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars. 19 And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 20 He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 22 He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil, 23 and arranged the bread on it before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 24 He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle, 25 and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 26 He put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the veil, 27 and burned fragrant incense on it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 28 He put in place the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 29 And he set the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 30 He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, 31 with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. 32 When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, as the Lord commanded Moses. 33 And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

w




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



CONTENTIn today’s section of Scripture, the Israelites carry out the instructions previously given for erecting the tabernacle. Since we worked through many of these elements in previous weeks, let’s focus today’s lesson on the New Covenant fulfillment of these tabernacle elements. First we'll briefly remember some of these tabernacle elements, and then we'll discuss how their corresponding New Covenant reality is far greater.

(1) The Ark of the Covenant: The Word in the Presence of God

In the holy of holies, they are to place the ark of the covenant, which contains the Law of God. In the previous chapters, God has been revealing his laws and statutes. Here, we see that this revelation from God is quite important. The Word of God is how they know God. It’s how he reveals his character. It’s how he reveals his holiness and the holiness he expects of his people. The things he is telling them are not temporary. They will not change. Placing them here in the ark of the covenant is a reminder that the Word of God endures forever.

They would remember the holiness of God and they would be humbled by their own inadequacy. God is distinct. He is holy. He is different from me.

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How is the Word of God fuller and better in the New Covenant?

(2) The Mercy Seat: Forgiveness For Sinners in the Presence of God

On the mercy seat, sacrifices will be poured out. Since God is holy, their dwelling with him would require atonement, forgiveness. So right here in the holy of holies, there is a mercy seat, where sacrificial provisions will be made.

As the Israelites constructed this tabernacle, and they placed the pieces of furniture in place, it must have been odd to be in constant view of the mercy seat. It is a steady reminder of their sin. “This is where you will find forgiveness when you sin against me.” And yet, they will be able to approach God, even as sinners, by the blood of the sacrifice.

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How are mercy and forgiveness fuller and better in the New Covenant?

(3) Golden Cherubim: Supernatural in the Presence of God

We typically think of cherubim as cute baby angels. But this is not the idea we get for the cherubim in the tabernacle.

The exodus establishes the pattern for redemption — it is entirely the work of God. -Duane Garrett

Christ now occupies the very place the atonement cover inhabited in the Most Holy Place for the removal of sins on the Day of Atonement. -Bill Mounce



Genesis 3:22-24

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

These were fierce creatures given the job of protection. In Genesis, they were placed there to keep sinful man out of the garden, the place where God walked with his creation in the cool of the day.

Here in the tabernacle, the wings of the cheribum were to overshadow the mercy seat, facing one another. Scholars believe this symbolism is in place to demonstrate the course the Israelites must take in order to meet with God. In order to get to God, they must pass through these heavenly beings. The Israelites were to be reminded of the distinct supernatural nature of God. He is not of this world. He dwells in heaven. They must pass through these heavenly creatures to approach a God who had condescended to dwell among them.

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How is our reuniting in peace with God fuller and better in the New Covenant?

(4) Bread of the Presence: Provision in the Presence of God

Bread in the tabernacle was to serve as a reminder to the people that God is a God who provides. They have learned this experientially through the cloud, the pillar, the manna, the quail. The people open their mouths, and God feeds and sustains them.

Jesus says in Matthew 6 that we are to pray, saying “give us this day our daily bread.”

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How has God provided more fully in the New Covenant?

(5) A Lampstand: Light in the Presence of God

In the tabernacle, there is a lampstand that looks like a tree. There is light in the tabernacle. When the Israelites come into the presence of God, it is a place of light. God was the one who spoke the world into existence. And he began with, “Let there be light.” The association between God and light is present throughout Scripture.

The Tabernacle is the grandest of all the Old Testament types of Christ…. In its wonderful

furniture, priesthood, and worship, we see, with a vividness that

we find nowhere else, the glory and grace of Jesus, and the privileges of His redeemed people.

-A.B. Simpson



Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Interestingly, the lampstand looks like a tree. Some scholars suggest that this is representative of the tree of life in the garden of Eden. Sinful man was removed from the garden, but God will bring them back. Through the cherubim, and through sacrifice, they will return to a place of dwelling with God once more.

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. (Revelation 22:14)

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How is the light fuller and better in the New Covenant? How is the church’s role as light in the world fuller and deeper in the New Covenant?

(6) Incense Burning: Distinction in the Presence of God

Consider that the Israelites were a nomadic people. They were accustomed to smells; smells of livestock, animals close to them all the time. In the place where God is, there is an aroma that is different. It is fragrant. It is beautiful. They would be coming into a place that is different from normal life. The burning of incense would signal this.

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How does Christ make us distinct (like Him) in the New Covenant in a richer and fuller way?

(7) Bowls for Washing: Holiness in the Presence of God

Since God is holy and pure, there would be washing. In the Old Covenant, this washing symbolized a cleansing before you approached God.

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: How is New Covenant cleansing fuller and better?

“There is no portion of Scripture richer

in meaning, or more perfect in its

teaching of the plan of redemption, than

this divinely designed building.”

-M.R. DeHaan



(8) Final Observations

If we were to summarize chapters 35-40, we might say they obeyed. This fact should not be overlooked. God has precise instructions for his people. Although they will find (and we will come to find out in the New Testament) that they cannot uphold God’s righteous standard due to their wicked hearts, the moments of great glory in the Old Testament are found when his people obey.

The intricate design and instructions for Noah’s ark.The methodical design of Israel’s exit from Egypt under Moses.The written copy of the Law.The detailed architecture of the tabernacle and the temple.The odd and specific battle plans of Israel’s conquest under Joshua. The precise coordination of rebuilding under Nehemiah.

The glory of the Lord is on full display when his people hear his voice and obey his commands. They do not sway to the left or right. They do not delay. They do not waiver under persecution. They resolutely serve their God.

This principle is certainly carried into the new covenant. This remains the mark of God’s people.

John 14:15

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

James 1:22

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Romans 6:16

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: God’s people obeyed his instruction in the constructing of the tabernacle, the layout of the surrounding areas, and the preparation of the priestly garments.

Our Main Point: The erecting of the tabernacle, a temporary location for God to dwell among his people, foreshadows the coming New Covenant where God will dwell in the hearts of his people through Christ.

You may not even want to come into God’s holy presence, but as I said at the beginning of this message, someday you will be there! It’s far better to come now through the only way He has provided: by trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus on your behalf. He is God’s tabernacle who dwelled among us. He invites you to enter God’s holy presence through His blood. -Steven J. Cole



R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) This is one of the unique times in Israel’s history when they obey. At the end of our section of Scripture today we see this glorious moment of God’s presence descending on the tabernacle. Does a Christian need to have a passion for obedience? Why or why not?

(2) Does obedience happen naturally as the Holy Spirit indwells a believer? Or is obedience something that a Christian strives after? If the fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a believer’s conversion, should we expect to obey automatically? What part do we play then in reading, understanding, and obeying the commands of Scripture?

(3) God rescued his people from slavery and as his people, he expects their complete devotion. In view of what Christ has done for us, is it fair that God expects our complete devotion? Are you more deeply and wholly devoted to Christ now than on the day you trusted Christ as Savior? How so? What areas of life have you surrendered to Jesus this year? What was the result?

r






A KEY THOUGHTThe erecting of the tabernacle, a temporary location for God to dwell among his people, foreshadows the coming New Covenant where God will dwell in the hearts of his people through Christ.

A KEY PASSAGE16 This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. (Exodus 40:16)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | Trust and Obey

READ | James 2

ASK | Are we completely devoted to Christ and his plan for our lives?

PRAY |


L E S S O N 2 5

E X O D U S4 0 : 3 4 - 3 8


A KEY THOUGHTGod drew his people out of slavery so that he might dwell with them and that they might serve him. Christ came to rescue us from the stain of sin and the sting of death so that he might dwell with us through the atonement of Christ’s blood so that we might serve him.

A KEY PASSAGEFor the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (40:38)






HEAD

HEART

HANDS





Today’s Text: 40:34-38

The Glory of the Lord

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

w




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



CONTENT(1) Looking Back (Genesis)

(a) God spoke everything into existence.

Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

God made everything. That sounds like a simple enough statement doesn’t it? But let’s consider this one word at a time. God. A supreme and all-powerful being, who has been ever-present hovered over the waters. Made. The Genesis account tells us that this God gave form to the earth and its contents. Everything. Night and day, birds and fish, light and dark, sea and land, male and female. God spoke and it came into being.

(b) God is perfectly just and punishes the wicked.

Genesis 6:13

And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

God is not quick to judge, but slow to anger. He patiently bears with humanity, though our sinful nature has made us heard-hearted toward God and downright wicked. We must remember that the murder, deceit, and selfishness of these early pages of Genesis angered God. He will not tolerate his children participating in such evil.

Often times, people falsely depict the God of the Old Testament as angry and vengeful and the God of the New Testament as gracious and merciful. Those who ascribe to this clearly have not read the God Story in full. God’s justice and mercy are on display from Genesis to Revelation.

(c) God has a plan to rescue the world and terminate evil.

Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring;he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Immediately following the fall of mankind, God inaugurates his plan to redeem the world from sin. Though there were consequences for sin which would infiltrate every aspect of life, God declares in Genesis 3:15 that ultimately, he would conduct a rescue mission designed to bring his children back into perfect fellowship with Him and end evil for good.

Genesis 3:15 is often referred to as the proto evangelium or the “first Gospel,” which sees the promise of a singular male coming from the seed of Eve that will one day crush the head of the serpent.

“The judgment and destruction of all of humankind through the flood also demonstrates that the children of the serpent will not ultimately win. God’s Kingdom is realized not only through salvation but also through judgment.” – Tom Schreiner



(d) God enlists a special people.

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 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.”

It is impossible to overview the Old Testament without seeing God as the covenant-maker. Here, he makes a covenant with Abram that involves three elements:

1. Land. God promises to give his people a land that is their own.

2. Seed. God promises to bring offspring to Abram who will become a great nation.

3. Blessing. God promises to use his people to be a blessing to the entire world.

(2) Looking Around (Exodus)

Take a moment and read through these summary statements on Exodus. In the left hand column, recount the major events and themes of the book. In the right hand column, remember the Old Testament truths that we cling to as new covenant disciples of Christ.

“In many ways it is a hinge book that not only introduces us to the nation of Israel, but it does so by placing them within the stream of God’s glorious work of creation, the disastrous effects of the Fall, and God’s gracious purposes of redemption for this world centered in the promises given to Abraham of a great name, seed, and land (Gen 12:1-3).” -Stephen Wellum



Under the severe oppression of a new Egyptian leader, God’s people continued to multiply in number. 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.

Against all odds, God raised up a deliverer from amongst the Hebrews whose life was spared, and who was raised in Pharaoh’s household. And God heard the cries of his suffering people.

As revealed in Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, God is transcendent and God is immanent. And he revealed that he would use Moses to rescue His people. Moses was equipped as the leader for God’s deliverance of his people because “I Am,” the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was with him. According to God’s promise, God rescued his people from bondage. Moses was accompanied by God’s powerful signs. He carried forth God’s plan by alerting the Israelites of their near deliverance and confronting the Egyptians.

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 followed God’s instruction to speak to Pharaoh again.

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 wavered but ultimately refused to let the Israelites go. In the final and most severe judgment upon Israel, God promised to take the life of all the first born in Egypt. But God provided a substitute for the Israelites. An innocent Lamb was 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. The Israelites, along with a smattering of others departed Egypt. They were given specific instructions for the ongoing celebrations of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They were led in the wilderness by the presence of God, represented by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day.

God leads his people in times of trial, comforting the faithful, and carrying forth his redemptive plan according to his justice and faithfulness. 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. God knows the plight of his people and is faithful to his promises. We must place our trust in him alone.

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. 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 his people and delivers them from bondage, sent his Son to free us from the bondage of sin and death. 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.

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.

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. 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. 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.

EXODUS REVIEW OBSERVATIONS FOR THE CHURCH



God orchestrated 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. God’s people responded to the Red Sea miracle with songs of praise and adoration to God. They publicly attributed their salvation to the mighty hand of God who had saved them from their enemies and caused the nations to tremble. And yet, just days later their spiritual infancy was on full display. In spite of their faithlessness and grumbling, God supernaturally provided quail and manna for food and water from a rock. The instructions to gather only what they needed for daily food, and to set aside the Sabbath for rest were to demonstrate their dependence upon God. In their first military struggle, God granted Israel victory over Amalek. Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, an outsider and unlikely source of advice, came to Moses to celebrate with him the faithfulness of God, and provided important advice on the delegation of spiritual leadership throughout the camp.

God gave his people a sense of their new identity. If they will obey and follow Him, they will become a holy nation, set apart for his purposes on earth. God gave the Israelites a written set of Laws which reflected his heart and holiness. The first four commandments instructed them how to relate to Him and the final six on how to relate to one another. These commands were of critical importance to the rightful worship of God and the flourishing of the nation. God followed his ten commandments with further, more specific laws in order to show Israel how to please him and dwell peacefully as a people. He finalized his covenant with them by promising their new land and executing the covenant in blood.

God instructed the Israelites to erect, with precision of detail, a tabernacle which would serve as a constant and portable reminder of the presence of God. Its contents and its function would remind them of God’s holiness, their sinfulness, and reconciliation to God which could be achieved through blood sacrifice. God anointed Aaron as the first priest of Israel. His descendants, along

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. 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. 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. 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.

Just as God called Israel out of bondage to make them into a new people who would honor and serve him, God has called us, the church, out from the bondage of sin, and transformed us into a new people. Just as the Israelites were to represent God, be holy, and be used for his purposes, so we, the church are called out to represent Christ, be holy, and to be used in his purposes of glorifying God and making disciples of all nations. God gave the Israelites the Law. Biblical history testifies and experience attests to the fact that humans could not fully obey these commands. Humans’ inability to please God by the upholding of his statutes forced them to eventually rely on the atoning blood of animal sacrifices. And now, having the wrath of God ultimately satisfied in the blood of Christ, inadequate sinful humans receive final atonement not through adherence to the Law but by the grace of God in Christ through faith.

God designed the tabernacle, its contents and its function to foreshadow the coming of Christ, his ultimate atonement for sin, and his permanent dwelling among his new people, the church. In the same way the priests mediated between the people and God, Jesus, our Great High Priest made the ultimate mediation between man and God by offering himself as the final and exhaustive




with the tribe of Levi, would serve in the esteemed and distinct role of priests for generations to come. Their attire and their function served as a reminder of their important position among the people: to represent the people to God through sacrifice and worship. God called and equipped Oholiab and Bezelal to be the chief architects of the tabernacle. He endowed them with special skills and talents in order that the tabernacle would be built to the exact standards God set forth.

The Israelites, discontent and impatient, created for themselves a false god in the form of a golden calf. Their leaders fell, their devotion crumbled, they implemented false worship, and they ignored the holiness of God. After the Israelites disobeyed God, he commanded them to leave Sinai. They were to proceed without God’s presence. But Moses interceded for his people, who mourned the departure of God’s presence. God, then reinstalled his presence among them. God renewed the tablets containing his law and reaffirmed his covenant with his people. Moses’ face shined with the glory of God when he returned from speaking with God. God’s people obeyed his instruction in the constructing of the tabernacle, the layout of the surrounding areas, and the preparation of the priestly garments.

payment for sin. Those who are in Christ are members of the priesthood of all believers, dwelling with God without need of mediation, and joyously participating in the work of ministry. God has given all men talents and gifts. Followers of Christ must reject the temptation to use these talents for personal gain or attention, but to utilize them for the glory of God.

The Israelites fell to the temptations we still face today. We seek leaders without conviction, salvation without dedication, worship without humility, and a god without retribution. God does not withdraw his presence from followers of Christ. Through trial, periods of uncertainty, and even sin, his Spirit indwells those who have trusted in His son. And even so, we seek for a fuller sense of God’s presence through an adherence to His Word, a brokenness over sin, and a commitment to his mission. God has demonstrated his mercy, grace, patience, steadfast love, and forgiveness comprehensively in Christ our Savior. We live ever-mindful of the new covenant, established by his blood and secured through his resurrection. The erecting of the tabernacle, a temporary location for God to dwell among his people, foreshadows the coming New Covenant where God dwells in the hearts of his people through Christ.




(3) Looking Ahead (Leviticus-Revelation)

(a) Wandering- they disobeyed God and Moses would not enter the Promised Land

(b) Conquest- Joshua lead the people into the land

(c) Judges- They disobeyed God by intermarrying with the people of the land and worshipping false Gods, so God allowed foreign nations to oppress them.

(d) Kings- God ruled his people through Saul, David, and Solomon

(e) Prophets- God sent prophets to warn the people to repent.

(f) Exile- Since they refused to turn back to God, foreign nations took them into Exile

(g) Return- Faithful to his promise, God brought them back to the land through Ezra and Nehemiah.

(h) Christ- after 400 years of “silence” (no new biblical literature), Christ came as the pinnacle of the entire biblical story.

Do you see where Exodus fits?

CONCLUSION

Author’s Main Point: Yahweh, the covenant God of the Israelites heard his people’s cries and rescued them from Egypt so that they might serve him and he might dwell with them. Through his mighty works, the giving of the Law, and the construction of the tabernacle, Israel had clear direction as to how to worship and obey God.

Our Main Point: God drew his people out of slavery so that he might dwell with them and that they might serve him. Christ came to rescue us from the stain of sin and the sting of death so that he might dwell with us through the atonement of Christ’s blood so that we might serve him. If we are to live as

Christians in a fallen world, we must be shaped by the grand narrative of the Scriptures, the worldview we find in the Bible. -Trevin Wax

“The Israelites seemed to be safe. Pharaoh was no longer chasing them. His troops were drowned. And yet, the Pharaoh in their own hearts, their own imaginations, was indeed still chasing them...That’s the danger for you and for me. There’s always that pull to the flesh, to the appetites. We can always make ourselves think our golden calf is noble, even divine.” -Russell Moore


R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T(1) Take a shot at it. What’s the main take-away for us, the church after reading Exodus?

(2) How are you different as a result of studying Exodus?

(3) Each week we have asked you to look for new pieces of knowledge (head), new affections in your soul (heart), and new applications for the Christian life (hands). Look back through your sermon notes and Sunday School notes. What do you know? What do you love? And what can you now do as a result of the Spirit’s work in your life through Exodus?

r







A KEY THOUGHTGod drew his people out of slavery so that he might dwell with them and that they might serve him. Christ came to rescue us from the stain of sin and the sting of death so that he might dwell with us through the atonement of Christ’s blood so that we might serve him.

A KEY PASSAGEFor the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (40:38)

HEAD

HEART

HANDS

s






HOME 22:6SING | He Leadeth Me

READ | Look back at the icons in the teacher book that outline the major events of the book of Exodus.

ASK | What did we learn about Moses’ birth? Tell me about the burning bush. What were the plagues? Why did Pharaoh let the people go? Why did God want to rescue his people? How did they survive in the desert? What did God want them to do? Did they obey? What was the tabernacle?

PRAY |

exodus - ibclr.org · we are grateful that god delivers us. egypt saved them. but after 400 years...

Documents