Saved for God s Glory. Studies in the Old Testament book of Exodus. Term 1, St Alban s Press

Transcription

1 Saved for God s Glory Studies in the Old Testament book of Exodus Term 1, 2019 St Alban s Press

2 2 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory CONTENT Study 1 The Fragile Purposes of God Exodus 1:1-2:10 Study 2 An Awe Inspiring God Exodus 2:11-4:17 Study 3 God of Wonders Exodus Study 4 From Death to Life Exodus Study 5 The Unexpected Road to Rescue Exodus Study 6 The God of All Sufficiency Exodus Study 7 A Holy Nation for a Holy God Exodus Study 8 God in our Midst Exodus 25 & 40 Study 9 All that Glitters Isn t Gold (optional extra) Commentaries consulted for this study: Exodus Exodus Alan Cole IVP Exodus Philip Ryken Preaching the Word Series Exodus Peter Enns The NIV Application Series Exodus John Durham Word Biblical Series Exodus H. L. Ellison Daily Bible Study Series Exodus T. Desmond Alexander Teach the Text Series

3 3 Introduction to Exodus Exodus is a book that lies at the heart of the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) but also at the very heart of the Bible itself. This is because it establishes so much of what unfolds in the rest of the Scriptures. The New Testament writers are quick to draw us back to Exodus, as they point to Jesus as the one who fulfils much of what we see in form and type in this historical drama. For Christians a deep understanding of the events of the book of Exodus and their theological significance within the historical context will only enhance and enrich their understanding of God, his unfolding plan of salvation in history, and the redemption of his people under the New Covenant through Christ. The Book of Exodus brings to the fore most of the major themes of the Bible including salvation, covenant, law, worship, the holiness of God and of course exodus. For the purposes of this study we will assume that Moses is the author, with some minor additions given by Joshua later in the text. Great uncertainty surrounds the exact dating of these events. i. 15th Century 1445 BC Based on 1 Kings 6.1 which says Solomon began building the temple 480 years after the Exodus. On this basis the Pharaohs at the time were Amenhotep II ( BC) & Thutmose III ( BC). ii. 13th Century. This dates the Exodus at approx BC, with the arrival in the Promised Land in about 1220 BC. On this reckoning Seti 1 ( BC) was Pharaoh during the oppression of Israel, Rameses II during the exodus ( BC) and Merneptah ( BC) was Pharaoh during Israel s early forays into Canaan. There is a variety of historical information which gives support to both dates without providing certainty.

4 4 Our Vision: Building Christian Community GATHERING GOING To the GLORY of God GROWING GIVING Disciples making Disciples Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship. 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom God s mercy is our motivation for change Do not conform to the pattern of this world Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Choices & Change As you think so you act! Three Challenges The 4X Challenge (Personal Bible Reading) MP3 s: Praying for non-christian friends Invite to church or read the word 1 to 1 Vital Questions How are you going spiritually? What has God been teaching you from his word lately? How will you be obedient to what you have learned?

5 5 The Structure of Exodus The Book can be divided up in a variety of ways. It is always helpful to see the big picture before diving into the parts. What follows is a simple suggestion! Part 1: Israel in Egypt Ch i. Persecution & the Deliverer ii. The Call & Obedience of the Deliverer iii. The Ten Mighty Acts & the Exodus Part 2: Israel in the Wilderness i. Passover: Death & Deliverance ii. Crossing & Celebration iii. Provision, grumbling & testing Part 3: Israel at Sinai i. Yahweh s presence & Covenant making ii. Yahweh & Worship iii. Disobedience & death iv. Obedience & Renewal

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7 7 Study 1 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory THE FRAGILE PURPOSES OF GOD Exodus Background Before we can dive into Exodus we need to do some homework to see where it fits in within the Biblical frame work. A quick summary of Genesis might be helpful. Genesis 1-2 sees the Creation of the world and man s place within the Created order. Genesis 3 The fall and judgment of Man Genesis 4-11 Life outside the Garden Genesis 12 Salvation History begins with the call of Abraham Genesis The Life of the Patriarch s: Abraham, Isaac & Jacob Read Genesis Note & list the promises of God Where was Abraham and where was he going? Read Genesis Where are God s people now? Do some research how many years have passed since the promises of Genesis 12? What promises have been fulfilled? Any?

8 8 Read Exodus Israel is clearly not in the promised land as the Book of Exodus opens. How did they come to be in Egypt? See Exodus & How would you describe Israel s situation in Egypt at first? How did it change? 3. In what 3 ways did Pharaoh try to reduce the number of Hebrews in Egypt? v11-14 v15-19 v22 4. God s people had enjoyed a privileged status until the new Pharaoh came to power. Is there any reason to believe they had forgotten they belonged elsewhere? Had they lost the pilgrim vision to go to Canaan? 5. What was Pharaoh afraid of? How do oppressors of God s people TODAY justify their actions? Note: Matthew 2.16 Any similarities?

9 9 6. How do you think the Hebrew s may have felt? They had a privileged status because of the memory of Joseph now they were slaves? Do you think there may have been a crisis of faith for some? Do you ever have a crisis of faith when God doesn t do what you expect? Do you question the reality of your trust in Christ? 7. Interesting to note that we are told the names of the midwives but not the name of Pharaoh. The midwives feared God, and disobeyed Pharaoh. When is it appropriate for Christians to take action that may be considered to be civil disobedience? ie.) is it appropriate to disobey the government? 8. Despite oppression Israel became fruitful & multiplied (See Gen.1:28) How do you explain this? How does this chapter help us to see that suffering for God s people may be the very path through which he wants to bless us? (Romans 8.28) Do you think we are slow to understand this in our lives today? How does the cross of Christ help us in this regard? Discuss.

10 10 Read Exodus Three women were instrumental in Moses early life. List the qualities of each and note how God used them to work out his purposes for Moses. i. Jochebed (Moses mother) Ex.6.20 ii. Miriam (Moses sister) Numbers iii. Pharaoh s Daughter 10. There are a number of ironies in these events. Identify them & discuss. Where can you see the hand of God at work despite the overall suffering of God s people? 11. One of the main lessons from Chapter 1 which we will see develop throughout Exodus is that those opposed to the will of God & the Kingdom of God will inevitably persecute God s people. The cross of Christ is a perfect example. Can you think of current examples in our society/world today? Discuss.

11 11 Study 2 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory AN AWE INSPIRING GOD Exodus Note: This is a long study you may need to be selective but do not miss out the last section. 1. Many people aspire to being a leader of one sort or another. What is appealing about being a leader? However, there are also many people who would sooner stop breathing than being put in a position of leadership. What is the downside of leadership? 2. What do you think are the hallmarks of good leadership in the life of God s people the Church? Note: 1 Tim Read Exodus How do you think Moses knew about his own people? 4. In killing the Egyptian was Moses showing courage and leadership or simply being impetuous and foolish? See Acts

12 12 5. Why did Moses think he could get away with it? How can we avoid sins of passion or impulse? 6. If God is the great deliverer why did he allow his people to suffer? What was he waiting for? When did he respond? v23-25 Read Exodus Commenting on this incident, Michael Baughen said, There are some Christians who wouldn t notice two hundred burning bushes all flaming at once! What do you think he meant? Is he right? 8. Note the repetition of the personal pronoun I in verses What do you think God is trying to get Moses to understand? Read Exodus a brilliant encounter! 9. List the excuses Moses makes and God s response. Excuses: i. ii. iii. iv. v. 4.13

13 13 God s Response: i. ii. iii. iv. v. 10. Which do you think is the most creative? Which can you best relate to? Was Moses expressing humility or unbelief? v11f 11. Moses would probably not have been acceptable as a Rector in Sydney Diocese based on his answers. Does his encounter with God on Sinai/Horeb have anything to tell us about leadership and how God works in the life of his people? If so what? 12. God reveals himself in two ways: i. He gives Moses a name I AM WHO I AM 3.14 ii. He demonstrates his power with signs and wonders he gives Moses to perform What is the significance and purpose of each?

14 When we come to the New Testament we see in Jesus a similar revelation. Discuss John What aspects of God s character stand out for you in these chapters? Which of these do you think we overlook or underestimate? 15. The call of Moses was unique. However, we have all been called by God to serve in his purposes. eg. 1 Cor How are you serving to advance of the kingdom of God in your own life? If you are not what is holding you back? Homework: Read Exodus BEFORE next week s study! Note any common themes or phrases.

15 15 Study 3 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory GOD OF SIGNS & WONDERS Exodus 5-10 If you have been wise - you will have read Exodus Ch 5-10 before coming to this study, as time will NOT allow it all to be covered in this session. 1. Many times people have made the claim that God is on their side when faced with some sort of confrontation or battle. Is this a reasonable claim or presumptuous? Who can rightly claim that God is on their side and on what basis? Read Exodus What was Moses request? Was it unreasonable? How does Pharaoh demonstrate his opposition to God s will? Read Exodus How does Moses respond to the peoples criticism of him? How does God react? Note the number of times mighty/mighty hand is used. Do you think we forget the might of God? Why? Has Moses shown any development as the leader of God s people? See 6.12

16 4. List the 10 plagues that God sent on Israel: i. 16 ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. Read Exodus A sample of the plagues! 5. What phrases are repeated in each account? 6. Does Pharaoh harden is own heart or does God? Discuss. Compare Exodus 7.3, 7.13; 8.15, 9.12 & 9.35 What kind of God is on view? Is his treatment of Pharaoh unfair? How do we reconcile this with the God of the New Testament? See Romans

17 17 7. Note: The word plague is not a helpful translation of the word in Hebrew which means blow or strike. How does God describe them? Not as plagues but..? 8. What is the purposes of the plagues? See 7.1-5, How do you respond to people who say they don t believe in miracles or a God of judgement? 10. It has been said, Easy confession and shallow repentance do not soften a man s heart. This was clearly the case with Pharaoh. See Have you seen evidence of this today? Do you think we struggle with this as Christians? Discuss. 11. What was at stake for Pharaoh to admit that the God of Israel was more powerful than the gods of Egypt? Do people today fail to acknowledge the rule of God for similar or different reasons? 12. Note the treatment of Israel during the plagues. See Ex. 8.22,9.4 & Does God always give preferential treatment to his people? Does he do the same today? What theological reality does it highlight?

18 18 Study 4. Exodus: Saved for God s Glory FROM DEATH TO LIFE! Exodus It is estimated that by the time of the last plague about six months will have passed. What state do you think the land of Egypt would be in? How do you think the Egyptians were feeling about their gods? The Hebrews? 2. Can you think of any meal that has particular significance in your family? Why is it significant? What is the occasion or what is being remembered? Read Exodus How is it possible that Pharaoh opposes the Hebrews and yet the people and officials are favourably disposed towards them? What does this highlight about God yet again? 4. God s people cried out to him (2.23) Who will cry out in the end? Compared to the wailing of Egypt what will be heard amongst God s people? (See Ex. 15) Note: Some scholars have suggested that each of the plagues, including the plague of death, is directed against the gods of Egypt to highlight their impotence. Someone in your group may like to do the research to highlight which Egyptian gods were in view.

19 Read Exodus Do you think there is anything significant about the timing of the Passover being on the first month of Israel s year? 6. It is also an interesting exercise to chart the events on a calendar month. Note the various steps & days on which they took place. Eg. 10th day 7. What was the primary purpose of this meal? 8. Why do death & deliverance go hand in hand? Could God not have saved his people without such devastation? See Romans Penal substitutionary atonement looms large over the events of Passover. How do we see this fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus? See 1 John 2.2; Romans 3.25; Mark Read Exodus Pharaoh finally capitulates. What features of this narrative stand out for you? What has finally been demonstrated?

20 20 Read Luke & 1 Cor What are the similarities and differences between what Jesus does and explains in the last supper and the Passover? Similarities: Differences: How is this significant for God s people today? Read Exodus The significance of the First Born Son 11. How had Pharaoh treated the first born of God s people? How did God treat the first born of everything in Egypt? See Exodus Following Passover, what does God demand of the first born of his people? How does this Exodus event prepare us for the significance of the coming of Jesus as God s son? (First born one & only) Is it now appropriate to call Christians Sons/daughters of God? See 2 Cor. 6.18; Romans ; Galatians What impact does knowing you are a consecrated child of God have on the way you think, live and look at life?

21 21 Study 5 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory THE UNEXPECTED ROAD TO RESCUE Exodus Can you think of any famous or spectacular rescue stories? What made them famous or unusual? Read Exodus Where and how did God lead his people? Why do you think he avoided a battle against the Philistines surely he could win it for his people? 3. God not only rescues his people he leads them. Does God guide his people from things or towards something in this account? What is he guiding them to? Why? 4. What is significant about the bones of Joseph? See Gen What were they a reminder of to the people during their time in Egypt and then when they wandered in the desert for 40 years? 5. Faith is necessary for both long range (Joseph) and short range (follow the pillar). What areas of your life require long range or short range trust of God?

22 22 6. Israel appeared lost and confused as it attempted to leave Egypt. What was God s purpose in all this? What was the response of the Israelites, Moses and God to the pursuit of the Egyptians? The People Moses God 8. In ancient times, seas and oceans are seen as places of chaos, evil and disorder. This being the case - are we to make anything of the fact that God saves his people through the waters of the Red Sea? See Gen.1.1 Rev What does it reveal or demonstrate about God? 9. Throughout the Exodus event we are reminded of its twofold purpose: Revelation (that you/they might know) & Glory. How are these themes evident (yet again) in the crossing of the Red Sea? 10. What was the final wash up (ha ha!) of the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea? v29-31 Do you tend to trust things you fear? If not, why is it appropriate here?

23 How is the rescue of God s people out of slavery in Egypt the architype of the way God saves his people today? See Rom Read Exodus List the ways that God is described? Does anything stand out for you? 13. Why are the actions of chapter 15 an appropriate response to all that God had done for Israel? Do we respond to our salvation in this way? How is it evident in our daily lives, in our gatherings on Sunday? See See Romans , Phil Who, or what, is the primary focus of this outpouring of worship? Do you think we are in danger of making our worship times on Sunday too focused on ourselves and not on the character and person of God and what pleases him? Do you think there is anything we could do to strengthen our times of gathering on Sunday? See Paul s encouragement in Colossians

24 24 Study 6 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory THE GOD OF ALL SUFFICIENCY Exodus Bishop Phillip Brooks ( ) a Boston preacher told his congregation, Don t pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal to your tasks. How do most people respond in the face of life s difficulties and challenges? Do they do as Bishop Brooks suggests? Discuss. Read Exodus How did the Israelites respond to their very first challenge? Why is this so remarkable? Do you think they are in any way typical of God s people down through the ages - including us? How? Read Exodus What patterns of behaviour do we see unfolding for.? i. The People ii. Moses iii. God

25 25 4. What was the purpose of God s provision for his people? Ex. 16.5, What lesson was Israel meant to learn by collecting the food on a daily basis? Jesus taught us to pray Give us today our daily bread. Matt Do you think we are slow to acknowledge our daily dependence on God for all our needs? If so, why do you think that is the case? 6. Notice that some of the people went out to work/gather on the Sabbath when they had been clearly told NOT to! How was upholding the Sabbath a demonstration of faith? How is breaking the Sabbath a demonstration of unfaithfulness? 7. Are Christians today reluctant to observe a day of rest? If so, what gets in the way? Is it a faith issue or a matter of priorities? 8. What does it mean to put God to the test? How did the Israelites do this?

26 26 9. When times of uncertainty arose the people questioned Moses, Is the Lord among us or not? 17.7 Can you think of times or examples when you or others have had this sort of doubt? 10. To doubt God s goodness and his sovereignty is at the heart of sin. How is that evident in these events? Can you give examples of how this might be evident in our lives from time to time? What is the remedy? Read John & How does Jesus connect this miracle with the events of Exodus? In what ways are the people similar? What lesson is Jesus seeking to teach the people? See also Matthew 4.4; Deut. 8.3 Read Hebrews What warning does the writer bring to us from the Exodus? How can we hold firm till the end? How can we encourage each other daily? See Hebrews

27 27 Study 7 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory A HOLY NATION FOR A HOLY GOD Exodus God has rescued and secured his people. Delivered from slavery they are now to serve the living God. The rest of Exodus shows how God establishes relationship with the people he has rescued. 1. Have you ever been given an offer too good to refuse? Did you accept it? Was it as good as you anticipated? Read Exodus In these verses God lays out the terms of the covenant. What was expected of Israel? 3. What is striking about what God promises to make of Israel? v5-6 They will be: i. ii. iii.

28 28 4. Note where Israel was brought - and it is not to a mountain or the promised land! What does this highlight why is this significant? Read 1 Peter How do we live out our chosen-ness, our priestly-ness and our holiness? Is it any different from the days of God s people in Exodus? How do we fulfil our role as priests? What do you understand by the idea that you have been setapart for God through your faith in Christ? Read Exodus Why would the people want to go up onto the mountain? Why did they need to be kept away? 7. What was the point of the elaborate preparations to be made v10-12, 14-15?

29 29 Read Exodus Test yourself and see if you can list the 10 commandments without looking at the text. If that is too hard you could cheat and look at the text but that would be breaking a commandment wouldn t it? i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. 9. What aspects of God s character are highlighted in these verses? List them: Why is it important that God is a God who speaks?

30 Why is God s supremacy and the necessity for absolute loyalty the foundation for the ten commandments? 11. Do we think of obedience as a blessing in itself or the means to a blessing? Why is it important to understand that obedience is a response to salvation NOT a means to salvation? See Eph The commandments can be divided into two sections: 1-4 our responsibility to God and 5-10 our responsibility to our neighbour. It is not possible to explore all of the commandments but you might like to consider the following: Whilst it is true that God s people have struggled with all of them, idolatry seems to have been primary amongst Israel s sins. How would you define idolatry today? How does it manifest itself in the world and in the church? Read Hebrews What warnings and encouragements does this bring to us? Why are we in a better position than the people of Exodus?

31 31 Study 8 Exodus: Saved for God s Glory GOD IN OUR MIDST Exodus , 40: 1-38 Context: The covenant at Sinai has been ratified in Chapters Everything is set for God to come and dwell amongst his people. However, before this can happen a suitable residence has to be constructed and appropriate laws for how a holy God can be approached must be established. 1. Throughout history people have sought to worship God in a variety of ways. Consider and list the different ways people worship God or have sought to approach him? (If you are struggling for ideas think about other religions) 2. It is interesting to note that 40% of Exodus is devoted to the building of the tabernacle. This would seem to highlight that it is VERY important we understand this aspect of the book of Exodus. Read Exodus Why is the statement I will dwell so monumental? v8 When was the last time God dwelt amongst his people? Consider Genesis 2 & 3.8; Revelation

32 32 Read Exodus As you read identify each part of the tabernacle in the diagram over the page. 5. Listed below are the main items within the tabernacle. Do some homework and identify what their purpose was and what they symbolise or signify. i. Alter of Burnt Offerings ii. Wash Basin or laver iii. Table of the Bread of the Presence iv. Lampstand v. Altar of Incense vi. Ark of the Covenant vii. The various curtains & partitions 6. Why do you think the tabernacle is described in such meticulous detail?

33 33 7. Are there phrases or concepts that stand out in the description of the tabernacle in Ch. 40? What are they? Discuss. 8. What impact do you think the visible presence of the glory of the Almighty God in the camp would have had on Israel as they dwelt in the desert? Or on other nations who may have seen it? 9. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle was the place where God was present, where he dwelt amongst his people, where people approached God and where sacrifices for the atonement of sin could be made. Where do we experience these things as God s people today? Read Hebrews What new perspective does the writer of Hebrews bring to our understanding of the Tabernacle then and now? 11. Jesus now enables us to have access to God and to approach him without fear. See John 1.14 How can we ensure that this liberating truth doesn t lead to a casualness in our approach to God or a weakening of our grasp of his utter holiness?

34 How has the study of the tabernacle helped you better appreciate the holiness of God, atonement for sins, the majesty of God and the way God is to be worshipped? Why is it only ever possible to approach God through sacrifice? See Romans Time to Reflect * What has God been teaching you through his word? * What action do you need to take to be obedient to his word? * We have been saved for God s glory. Pray that our lives might reflect this awesome truth.

35 35 Study 9 (Optional EXTRA Study) Exodus: Saved for God s Glory ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN T GOLD My Name is Jealous Exodus Why do you think the tendency of humanity throughout the ages has been to have a physical representation of that which they worship? Along with this goes the tendency to worship the created rather than the Creator? Why do we do this? Why do we create gods in our own image? Read Exodus What did the people do that was so unthinkable? What led them to this? 3. What is God s assessment of the people in v7-9? 4. How does Moses demonstrate great leadership, courage and humility in the situation? v11-14, What do we learn about the relationship between sin and forgiveness in this episode? 6. In what ways is God s reaction comforting? In what way is it disturbing? 7. What does Moses action in throwing down the tablets highlight? v19-20

36 36 Read Exodus What more do we learn of God s character here? v19-20 How does God s glory compare to the golden calf? 9. How do the New Testament writers pick up on the idea of God s glory in his people? See Romans ; 2 Corinthians 4.4-6, Read Exodus List the breathtaking ways in which God is described in these verses? 11. Why do we tend to be uncomfortable with the idea that God is a jealous God? Isn t it essential that he be so? 12. In these verses we see the renewal of the covenant. What does God say will be the outworking of this renewed covenant? 13. In what ways does Ch.34 capture the main themes of the book of Exodus? 14. How has your view of God grown through the study of Exodus? How has your understanding of salvation through Christ been enlightened? How will you respond to what you have learned?