The Lawgiver s. Summary and Goal. Main Passages Exodus 25:1-9 Exodus 39:32-43 Exodus 40:34-38

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1 SESSION 9 The Lawgiver s Tabernacle Summary and Goal The tabernacle that the Israelites constructed at Mount Sinai was an example of following a pattern. God used His people to build the divine design of God s plan for the tabernacle, but the tabernacle itself was also a pattern that pointed to something in the future. According to the New Testament writers, God sent His Son to earth, God in the flesh, to tabernacle with us. Further, as the people in whom God s presence dwells, believers today serve as mini-tabernacles, manifesting His presence in the world in which we live. Main Passages Exodus 25:1-9 Exodus 39:32-43 Exodus 40:34-38 Session Outline 1. God planned the tabernacle for His people (Ex. 25:1-9). 2. God built the tabernacle through His people (Ex. 39:32-43). 3. God filled the tabernacle with His presence (Ex. 40:34-38). Theological Theme The tabernacle was built so it would be possible for a holy God to dwell among a sinful people. Christ Connection God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle so that He could dwell with them. God wants to be with His people. For this reason, God later sent His Son to tabernacle, or dwell, with us. Missional Application As the people in whom God dwells, we are called to manifest His glorious presence in the world in which we live. Date of My Bible Study: LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.

2 Session Plan The Lawgiver s Tabernacle Introduction Option Consider ways to display various patterns for your group, illustrating their importance. You might find patterns for clothing, knitting, cooking, woodworking, or toy construction pieces. You could display these on a table or even pass them around as you proceed with the Introduction. OR If someone in your group has a trade, skill, or hobby that requires a pattern and can easily be demonstrated in the group setting, consider contacting that person prior to the session and asking if he or she would be willing to show their use of a pattern firsthand. For Further Discussion What would a stingy spirit or withholding materials have communicated about the people s response to God s desire to be with His people? Introduction Begin with the writer s reflection on clothing patterns from childhood, or share a pattern example of your own (leader p. 106; PSG p. 83). Did you grow up in a home in which an adult was skilled at a craft that included following a pattern? What was the skill? Did you learn this craft from him or her? What templates do you currently follow in any area of your life for work or for leisure? How important is it for the pattern to be followed carefully? Summarize the session (leader p. 106; PSG p. 84). 1. God planned the tabernacle for His people (Ex. 25:1-9). Recap the biblical storyline using a population, laws, and a land. On Sinai, God asked for a sacred tent to be built. Read Exodus 25:1-7. Note God s desire for voluntary offerings (leader pp ; PSG pp ). Why do you think God wanted the offerings to be voluntary? Point out that the people obeyed, giving what likely had been plunder from the exodus from Egypt. Read Exodus 25:8-9. A pattern would be followed in the tabernacle s construction, but the purpose for the tabernacle was the special manifestation of the Lord s presence (leader p. 108; PSG p. 85). 2. God built the tabernacle through His people (Ex. 39:32-43). Point out how God had given wisdom and skills to people to carry out His instructions exactly. Then read Exodus 39:32-33a and highlight some important points from the text (leader p. 109; PSG p. 86). What are some tasks we are called to fulfill as divine instruments of God s will? 104 Leader Guide Winter

3 Read Exodus 39:33b-43, commenting on the text as needed. Conclude this section by referencing the joy to be associated with encountering God s presence in the tabernacle and also the constant reminders of the people s sin through the atonement sacrifices offered there (leader p. 110; PSG pp ). Use Pack Item 7: The Tabernacle to help your group visualize the end result of the construction of the tabernacle. In what ways do you approach God as one needing to repent often of your sins? In what ways do you approach God as one whom He has redeemed and thus has set apart as holy? 3. God filled the tabernacle with His presence (Ex. 40:34-38). Point out that after everything was ready, Moses consecrated each article of the tabernacle and set it up in the center of the camp (leader p. 111). Previously, God s cloud rested over the tent of meeting outside the camp; now God manifested His presence in the heart of the camp. Ask a volunteer to read Exodus 40: Emphasize the weight of God s glory on this occasion (leader pp ; PSG p. 88). How would God s presence filling the tabernacle have affected your understanding of God s character? Of His greatness? Then ask another volunteer to read Exodus 40: Call attention to God s desire to be with His people, a truth most clearly seen in the incarnation of Jesus Christ (leader p. 112; PSG p. 89). For Further Discussion What would your response be to seeing God s glory on display in the middle of your community? Point 3 Option If your group has already studied the special Christmas session available this quarter, ask group members to take a moment and reflect upon the following points in light of this session: God tabernacled among His people no longer in a tent but in flesh (John 1:14). God s glory was overwhelming in the tabernacle, now visible in the Son, Jesus, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Ask group members to share their thoughts and reflections about Jesus superseding the tabernacle. This connection is noted on Pack Item 3: Seeing Jesus in the Exodus. What does God s presence among the Israelites teach you about His desire to dwell among you and your fellow Christians? Use the portable tabernacle to point forward in the biblical storyline to the permanent temple of Israel and then later the sanctuary of God s people in Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (leader p. 113; PSG pp ). Consider yourself as a mini-tabernacle. In what ways do you see God s glory in your life? Is there any visible or sensory evidence of God s presence in and through you? Why or why not? Conclusion In conclusion, point out the ways the concept of tabernacle helps us grasp God s presence among His people (leader p. 113; PSG p. 90). Apply the truths of this session with His Mission, Your Mission (PSG p. 91). Christ Connection: God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle so that He could dwell with them. God wants to be with His people. For this reason, God later sent His Son to tabernacle, or dwell, with us.... Missional Application: As the people in whom God dwells, we are called to manifest His glorious presence in the world in which we live. 105

4 Expanded Session Content The Lawgiver s Tabernacle Voices from the Church God s promise of giving his powerful presence to Israel that is, coming down to actually live among them is one of the most significant promises in the Scriptures, and it will echo throughout all the rest of the Story. 1 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays Introduction My mother was the quintessential homemaker. As an excellent seamstress, she made most of the clothes we kids wore. Whenever Mom wanted to sew something beyond the basics, she d go down to the fabric department at Sears and thumb through the Simplicity pattern books until she found what she was looking for. She d purchase the fabric and pin the pattern pieces on the fabric; then she d meticulously follow the pattern. The clothes always came out beautifully. Times have changed for me. Neither my wife nor I sew, so we wear store-bought clothes. Yet I learned a valuable lesson from Mom if you want something to come out right, follow the pattern. Did you grow up in a home in which an adult was skilled at a craft that included following a pattern? What was the skill? Did you learn this craft from him or her? What templates do you currently follow in any area of your life for work or for leisure? How important is it for the pattern to be followed carefully? Session Summary In this session, the concept of following a pattern comes into focus as we consider the tabernacle that the Israelites constructed at Mount Sinai. We will see the divine design of God s plan for the tabernacle and how He used His people to build it. Then we will see how the tabernacle itself was a pattern that pointed to something in the future. According to the New Testament writers, God sent His Son to earth, God in the flesh, to tabernacle with us. Further, as the people in whom God s presence dwells, believers today serve as mini-tabernacles, manifesting His presence in the world in which we live. 1. God planned the tabernacle for His people (Ex. 25:1-9). After centuries of seeming silence from God, the Israelites were on their way to becoming the holy nation the Lord had promised to make from Abraham s descendants. 106 Leader Guide Winter

5 First, a population was required. (Check. The Israelites had multiplied furiously in Egypt.) God had redeemed these people from slavery through Moses (Frogs! Flies! Darkness! Passover!). They had crossed the Red Sea and arrived at Mount Sinai (Ex. 1 19). The second requirement for any successful long-term national entity is laws to govern the people. (Check. God the Lawgiver gave the Ten Commandments to a people who had already received His salvation.) These laws taught Israelites how He expected them to live (Ex ). The previous two studies in Exodus 20 have focused on the two tables of the law: In the first table, God declared how He wanted Israel to express love for Him by putting Him first and reflecting His character; in the second table, He told how He wanted them to love their neighbors and seek their good. The third element required for a nation, a land in which to live and flourish as a people, would not occur until Israel moved into Canaan under Joshua s leadership a generation later. While Moses was alone with God on Mount Sinai, God showed him what was next on the divine agenda. God asked for a tabernacle a sacred tent to be constructed as the place where His presence would be manifested. This would make it possible for a holy God to dwell among His people. In this place their sinfulness would be addressed (through animal sacrifices) and their status as God s holy, set-apart people would be established. Up to this point, the Lord had not mentioned a place for worship. Thus, His words must have puzzled Moses at first. Here is the opening of Exodus 25: 1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats hair, 5 tanned rams skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. These instructions were about gathering the raw materials that would be used for the construction project. The Lord began by emphasizing that these gifts were to be voluntary. They were an contribution by every man whose heart moves him. Thus, at the beginning of the tabernacle section of Exodus, we find a reminder that although God deserves our worship, He wants people to come to Him willingly, not grudgingly. Further Commentary Exodus provide detailed instructions for the tabernacle; Exodus tell about its actual construction. All the furniture and elements of the tabernacle were designed to be portable, befitting Israel on the move. The tabernacle itself was a covered tent, 45 feet long and 15 feet wide, and would have been dark inside. With an east entrance, the outer room ( Holy Place, Ex. 26:33) held a branched lampstand, a bread table, and a small altar for burning incense, all of these covered in gold. The inner room ( Most Holy Place ) was behind a thick curtain and was a cube (15 feet wide, long, and tall). Here was placed the ark of the covenant with its mercy-seat cover, which would be accessed once a year only, on the Day of Atonement. Protecting the tent was a courtyard, 150 feet long by 75 feet wide, with the perimeter delineated by an elaborate curtain system. The bronze altar for sacrificing animals and a large bronze wash basin stood in the courtyard. Some of Jesus I am teachings suggest connections between Himself and the tabernacle: I am the bread of life and I am the light of the world readily come to mind (John 6:35; 8:12). 2 Why do you think God wanted the offerings to be voluntary? 107

6 Voices from the Church The tabernacle, like the later temple, is a sign of God s presence with Israel. It announces His intention for His glory to dwell among His people. It foreshadows the incarnation of the Logos (John 1:14) and God s majestic presence that will come to earth in the new Jerusalem (Rev ). 5 Michael Bird The precious metals mentioned would be designated for specific parts of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Gold then, as now, the most valuable metal of the three would be used for furniture inside the tent. Silver would be used in the bases for the frames that held up the tent and in certain other places. The bronze would be used for the outside furniture (the altar and the basin) as well as in certain other places. The dyed yarn, linen, and goat hair would be used for various curtains; the skins were for the roof of the tabernacle; the acacia wood, native to the Sinai Peninsula, would be used for the floor and for the frames supporting the tent curtains. 3 Oil would be necessary for the lamps, and spices would be compounded into the incense burned at the gold altar. The gems would make their way into the priest s garb. How did ex-slaves come to have such wonderful materials? No doubt these were part of the plunder that the Israelites took with them during their flight from Egypt (Ex. 12:35-36). Exodus 35 describes how the people rose to the challenge of offering these materials, culminating with verse 29: All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. On the mountain, God began explaining to Moses what all these fabulous materials would be used for. Here s how Exodus 25 continues: 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. The term translated sanctuary (Hebrew, miqdash) means holy place and is based on the Hebrew term meaning set apart or holy (qadash). Like the holy ground at the burning bush, the tabernacle and its furnishings were sacred not because of any inherent value but because God s presence would be there (see Ex. 3:5). 4 Note the phrase that I may dwell in their midst. The Israelites understood as we do that God s presence is everywhere; He is omnipresent, in the classic language of theology. Yet God chooses to manifest His presence, open to the senses, among human beings in specific times and places. The tabernacle in the wilderness would become just such a place. In a way, the tabernacle was merely a spectacularly odd tent with some very expensive furniture placed inside and out. What made it a sanctuary was that the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34). The term pattern (Hebrew, tabnith) meant model or plan, much like a sewing pattern or architectural model. The author of Hebrews implied that heaven itself God s throne room was the great real sanctuary that the Israelites were copying (Heb. 8:5). The tabernacle became a little bit of heaven on earth where Israel would perceive His presence. 108 Leader Guide Winter

7 2. God built the tabernacle through His people (Ex. 39:32-43). Sometimes plans go awry. But for the tabernacle, everything worked out perfectly. After the raw materials were gathered, two master craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as those working under them set about constructing the tent and crafting all the furnishings. The inspired biblical writer noted that their skills were God-given (Ex. 36:1). The Scriptures provide exact details about each aspect of the construction: The tent (36:8-38) The ark (37:1-9) The bread table, the lampstand, the incense altar, and the oil for the altar (37:10-29) The basin and altar for sacrifice (38:1-8) The courtyard curtains (38:9-20) The garments for the high priest Aaron and his sons (39:1-31) The Scriptures also provide an exact materials inventory for the tabernacle (38:21-31). The weight of the precious metals is staggering: more than a ton of gold; more than three tons of silver, and more than two tons of bronze were required (see Ex. 38:24,25,29, HCSB, for modern equivalents). After the materials inventory, we find these words in Exodus 39: 32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished, and the people of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did. 33a Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, The following points are important to notice in these verses: God expected His work to be accomplished through His people: The people of Israel did according to all It is indeed possible for a God-ordained task to be completed, and completed well: The tabernacle was finished. Human beings, at least on some occasions, are able, with God s help, to obey Him willingly and completely: The people of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded. God used human leaders as divine instruments. Bezalel and the others completed the work, which had to pass human inspection: They brought the tabernacle to Moses. Further Commentary The tabernacle as a mini-eden and as a royal palace. Many Bible students have noted that the tabernacle in some ways re-created the garden of Eden, where God s presence was first enjoyed by human beings. Both faced east and had cherubim guardians. The tabernacle was an intermediate step toward the restoration of heaven on earth. Ultimately, the new Jerusalem described in Revelation is the final restoration, because there God s redeemed people have direct access to Him forever. Just as the tabernacle s most holy place was a perfect cube, so also is the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:16). The tabernacle can also be viewed as a portable palace for Israel s true King. Royal colors (blue and purple) were used. The items closest to His throne room were gold; items farther away were of less-precious metals, silver and bronze. 6 What are some tasks we are called to fulfill as divine instruments of God s will? 109

8 99 Essential Christian Doctrines 51. Christ as Priest As our Great High Priest, Jesus accomplishes the work of reconciling us to God. He is the One whose perfect righteousness is presented to the Father for our justification. He is the One who intercedes for us before the Father (Heb. 7:25; 9:24) and prays for us to remain faithful (Luke 22:31-32; John 17). Further Commentary Five facts point to the tabernacle s importance. First, the description of its construction dominates more space than any other issue in the Book of Exodus (chapters and 35 40), and in all the Pentateuch the space devoted to the tabernacle is about 50 chapters. Second, the tabernacle was the holy location of Israelite worship for almost 500 years. Third, the tabernacle was the main representation of the Lord s presence among His people. Fourth, the tabernacle s design and furniture illustrate some major themes of biblical theology and worship, like God s holiness and the necessity of atonement for sin. Fifth, the tabernacle was the center of the worship and life of God s people. The twelve tribes of Israel encamped with the tabernacle in the center of the camp (Num. 2 3). This was a physical representation of the spiritual reality that relating properly to the Lord was the focal point of God s people. 7 Allan Moseley, Biblical Illustrator As Exodus 39 continues, we read about the completion of the various parts of the project. The list begins with the tent itself and then the furnishings for the most holy place and for the holy place, that is, the items inside the tent, which ordinary Israelites would never see: 33b the tent and all its utensils, its hooks, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 34 the covering of tanned rams skins and goatskins, and the veil of the screen; 35 the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat; 36 the table with all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 37 the lampstand of pure gold and its lamps with the lamps set and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; 38 the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; Next we read about the furnishings for the courtyard, that is, the items outside the tent. Special attention was also given to the vestments for the high priest and his sons. Again, nothing was accidental. 39 the bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin and its stand; 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; 41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons for their service as priests. Then, as a way to re-emphasize verses 32-33, we find this conclusion to the entire construction process: 42 According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work. 43 And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them. Note the last phrase: Moses blessed them. Certainly in this instance Moses was acting as Yahweh s agent. There is always blessing to be found in faithful obedience to His commands. This text provides a biblical example of this principle. Thus, on one hand, the tabernacle was the place where God s redeemed and therefore holy people could encounter His presence with great confidence and joy. On the other hand, the tabernacle was a place to remind the people that they were sinful. The atonement sacrifices offered there constantly reminded the people of their need for God s provision for their sins (the next two sessions focus on these sacrifices). 110 Leader Guide Winter

9 In what ways do you approach God as one needing to repent often of your sins? In what ways do you approach God as one whom He has redeemed and thus has set apart as holy? 3. God filled the tabernacle with His presence (Ex. 40:34-38). The Israelites had left Egypt on the 15 th day of their first month. They had arrived at Sinai within a few weeks and received the Ten Commandments shortly after that (Ex. 19:1; Num. 33:3). They had then received further laws and set about the task of constructing the tabernacle; almost a year had passed since the exodus. When everything was ready, Moses caused the tabernacle to be set up in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month (Ex. 40:17). The tent was erected in the very center of the Israelite encampment, and they followed this same pattern throughout their wilderness travels (Num. 2:2). Moses took the lead in consecrating setting aside for its sacred purpose each article of the tabernacle, anointing it with oil (Ex. 40:9-11). Aaron and his sons were similarly set apart as priests (Ex. 40:12-15). Exodus 40 provides multiple reminders that Moses did everything concerning the tabernacle s dedication that the Lord commanded (Ex. 40:16,19,21,23,25,27,29,32). God had manifested His presence earlier to the Israelites through a pillar of cloud. A cloud was visible over the temporary tent of meeting outside the Israelite camp, where Moses and the Lord talked (Ex. 13:21; 33:7-11). But now something new and fantastic happened. God visibly showed up in the heart of the camp above the tabernacle, the newly constructed tent of meeting, as Exodus 40 indicates: Further Commentary Jesus Christ as God s tabernacle. Our Lord Jesus is God-with-us, Immanuel. John s Gospel describes Him this way: The Word became flesh and took up residence among us (John 1:14). Translators of the HCSB included this footnote explaining took up residence : Or dwelt in a tent; literally and tabernacled; this word occurs only here in John. Further, just as the tabernacle in the wilderness became a vessel for God s glory to be displayed, so did the incarnate Christ. John went on immediately to write, We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Thus, the Israelite tabernacle was merely a foretaste of God s permanent tabernacling of Himself with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. 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. 111

10 Voices from Church History God wants worshipers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship. 8 A. W. Tozer ( ) Twice in these verses the glory of the Lord is emphasized. The term translated glory (Hebrew, kabod) carried ideas of both weightiness and brightness. With reference to the God of Israel, glory referred to the overwhelming manifestation of His presence. Thus, Moses had a continuing desire to see God s glory (Ex. 33:18), even after conversing with God face to face in the tent outside the camp, as a man speaks to his friend (33:11). In response to this request, God gave Moses a partial display of His glory you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen (33:23; see 33:19 34:8). Yet in Exodus 40, with God s glory filling the tabernacle, even Moses was unable to enter. How would God s presence filling the tabernacle have affected your understanding of God s character? Of His greatness? Ultimately, the brilliance subsided so that the priests could fulfill their responsibilities inside the tent of meeting. The cloud, however, remained above the tabernacle as permanent evidence of God s presence in the Israelite camp. The entire Book of Exodus concludes with this summary: 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. These verses anticipate the travels of Israel as they made their way toward Canaan, toward the promised land. The material in Leviticus and Numbers 1 9 provides further laws and episodes about activities at Mount Sinai. Numbers 10:11 at last tells about the beginning of Israel s journey away from Sinai, with the cloud finally lifting from above the tabernacle in the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month. The entire tabernacle section of Exodus, but particularly these concluding verses, proves conclusively that God wanted to be with His people, and He wanted them to know that He was with them. The same is true today. The greatest evidence of this truth is the incarnation God Himself took on human form. What does God s presence among the Israelites teach you about His desire to dwell among you and your fellow Christians? 112 Leader Guide Winter

11 In Israel s history, the portable tabernacle was eventually followed by the permanent temple. Both structures were understood as the earthly dwelling place of the Lord. In fact, throughout the ancient world, a temple was a god s house. Israel s temple never had a physical image of God as pagan temples did but nevertheless functioned as the place, the sanctuary, where the Lord s holy presence was manifested. The apostle Paul took up this language to remind early Christians, and us, that we are indwelt by God s Spirit. Therefore, we are God s temple and so we manifest His presence to others in the world. In Paul, the term sanctuary refers to the edifice of a temple proper, rather than to the entire temple precincts: Do you not know that you are God s temple and that God s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Cor. 3:16). Here, the you is plural, referring to believers collectively (see also 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 2:21-22). Voices from the Church The vision of glory is where the journey of worship starts. 9 Matt Papa Consider yourself as a mini-tabernacle. In what ways do you see God s glory in your life? Is there any visible or sensory evidence of God s presence in and through you? Why or why not? Conclusion In conclusion, consider the following ways in which Scripture helps us think about the concept of tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people: The garden of Eden was a tabernacle where God manifested Himself to Adam and Eve. The tent in the wilderness was a tabernacle where God demonstrated Himself to Israel. Jesus was (and is) the preeminent tabernacle, where God displayed Himself in fullness to humanity. Believers today are a tabernacle that manifests God s presence in the present age. The New Jerusalem will be the tabernacle where God is forever present to His people. CHRIST CONNECTION: God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle so that He could dwell with them. God wants to be with His people. For this reason, God later sent His Son to tabernacle, or dwell, with us. 113

12 Additional Resources The Lawgiver s Tabernacle References 1. J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Living God s Word (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), Information taken from The Tabernacle Tent and The Tabernacle and Court [illustrations], in ESV Study Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008), 186, What is the significance of acacia wood in the Bible? GotQuestions?org [online; cited 4 May 2015]. Available from the Internet: 4. Kenneth Laing Harris, in ESV Study Bible, 183, n. 25:8. 5. Michael F. Bird, Evangelical Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013), Kenneth Laing Harris, in ESV Study Bible, 183, n. 25:1 31:17; and Dennis E. Johnson, in ESV Study Bible, 2495, n. 21: Allan Moseley, The Tabernacle: Its History and Use, Biblical Illustrator (Summer 2009): A. W. Tozer, in Tozer on Worship and Entertainment, comp. James L. Snyder (Camp Hill, PA: Wingspread Publishers, 1997) [ebook]. 9. Matt Papa, Look and Live (Bloomington, MN: Bethany House, 2014), Rick and Shera Melick, Teaching That Transforms (Nashville: B&H, 2010), 274. Study Material Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject. Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry. -- God Comes to Dwell with His People Pages from The Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen -- When Glory Came Down Chapter 102 from Exodus by Philip Graham Ryken -- What to Do with the Dull Parts of Scripture Article by Andrew Wilson; find a link to this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources --Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including The Tabernacle: Its History and Use, can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project. Sermon Podcast Tony Merida: Forward Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources Tip of the Week The High Calling of Teaching Teaching the Bible challenges us. We are handling the words of life. We have been called to be agents of reconciliation between God and man, and have been charged with facilitating growth to Christlikeness. The calling deserves our best effort. We must take advantage of every opportunity to sharpen both our understanding and our skills. It is not enough to wing it. God expects thorough preparation Our best, blessed with the Holy Spirit s power, can meet people in the intersections of life and lead them down a better path Leader Guide Winter

13 About the Writers The Gospel Project Adult Leader Guide ESV Volume 4, Number 2 Winter Eric Geiger Vice President, LifeWay Resources Ed Stetzer General Editor Trevin Wax Managing Editor Daniel Davis Content Editor Josh Hayes Content and Production Editor Ken Braddy Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies Michael Kelley Director, Groups Ministry Send questions/comments to: Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN ; or make comments on the Web at Printed in the United States of America The Gospel Project : Adult Leader Guide ESV (ISSN ; Item ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries, visit or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For subscriptions or subscription address changes, subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) , or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) , or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay s doctrinal guideline, please visit Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. All Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today s English Version Second Edition Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Unit 1: Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He also serves as associate professor of preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His books include Ordinary and the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary on the Book of Exodus, among others. He is happily married to Kimberly, and they have five adopted children. Unit 2: Rick Morton (sessions 7-8) is Vice President of Engagement for Lifeline Children s Services in Birmingham, Alabama, where he leads the ministry s partnership efforts to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children around the world. He is married to Denise, and they have two middle school sons and a daughter in college. Kendell Easley (sessions 9-12) is a professor of biblical studies at Union University and is the director of the Master of Christian Studies and Doctor of Ministry programs for Union in the Memphis area. He also serves as pastor of McLean Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Kendell is married to Nancy, and they have one married young adult son. Unit 3: D. A. Horton is currently serving in the Church Planting Residency at Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. He and his wife, Elicia, and their three children are preparing to plant a church in Los Angles, California. He is working on his PhD in Applied Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. WRITERS