Exodus

Sermon 90 in Series Exodus 40:34-38 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What are your biggest takeaways from Exodus? In what specific ways has God used it in your life over the last two years? 2.   What did the filling of the tabernacle communicate to Israel? Why was Moses unable to enter the tent? 3.   How would you trace the theme of God's presence from the beginning of the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament? What does it mean to say that this climax in Exodus is just one moment early in the story? 4.   How does God's name in Exodus 3 relate to his presence? Is this one of the ways you have thought about his name in the past? 5.   How do the final verses anticipate the promised land? How does this connect salvation with inheritance? 6.   Why does this final passage function as a summary of the Christian life? References: Psalm 19:7-11; Exodus 13:21; 19:9, 16; 24:15-18; 34:5; 33:9; John 1:14; 2:19-21; Matthew 1:23; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Revelation 21:3; 22:4-5; Exodus 3:14; Numbers 9:15-23; Exodus 3:8.

Sermon 89 in Series Exodus 40:1-33 [1] The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [2] “On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. [3] And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. [4] And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. [5] And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. [6] You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, [7] and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. [8] And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court. [9] “Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. [10] You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. [11] You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. [12] Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water [13] and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. [14] You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, [15] and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.” [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How did God use the golden calf incident to prepare the people to appreciate the tabernacle, especially regarding God's presence, holiness, and atonement? 2.   What time indicators do we get in this passage? Why is the timing significant? 3.   What does it mean to say that we are atonement people? How have you seen Christ's atoning work marginalized or twisted by some? 4.   Now that we have spent so much time looking at the details of the tabernacle, what features have stuck in your mind the most? How has it grown your Christology? 5.   How does Hebrews 4:14-16 apply Christ's high priestly office to the Christian? How can you lean more into this reality in your daily life? 6.   In what ways does this passage further emphasize obedience? How has the repetition of this theme affected you?References: Exodus 25:10 – 30:38; 12:1-7; Hebrews 10:12, 14; 9:12; 4:14-16; Exodus 24:7; 1 John 1:9; Leviticus 8:1-13; Romans 12:1-2.

Sermon 88 in Series Exodus 36:8 - 39:43 Exodus 36:8–38 [8] And all the craftsmen among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains. They were made of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked. [9] The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains were the same size. [10] He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another. [11] He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain of the first set. Likewise he made them on the edge of the outermost curtain of the second set. [12] He made fifty loops on the one curtain, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was in the second set. The loops were opposite one another. [13] And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to the other with clasps. So the tabernacle was a single whole. [14] He also made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle. He made eleven curtains. [15] The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. The eleven curtains were the same size. [16] He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves. [17] And he made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain of the one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the other connecting curtain. [18] And he made fifty clasps of bronze to couple the tent together that it might be a single whole. [19] And he made for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins and goatskins. [20] Then he made the upright frames for the tabernacle of acacia wood. [21] Ten cubits was the length of a frame, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each frame. [22] Each frame had two tenons for fitting together. He did this for all the frames of the tabernacle. [23] The frames for the tabernacle he made thus: twenty frames for the south side. [24] And he made forty bases of silver under the twenty frames, two bases under one frame for its two tenons, and two bases under the next frame for its two tenons. [25] For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty frames [26] and their forty bases of silver, two bases under one frame and two bases under the next frame. [27] For the rear of the tabernacle westward he made six frames. [28] He made two frames for corners of the tabernacle in the rear. [29] And they were separate beneath but joined at the top, at the first ring. He made two of them this way for the two corners. [30] There were eight frames with their bases of silver: sixteen bases, under every frame two bases. [31] He made bars of acacia wood, five for the frames of the one side of the tabernacle, [32] and five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the tabernacle at the rear westward. [33] And he made the middle bar to run from end to end halfway up the frames. [34] And he overlaid the frames with gold, and made their rings of gold for holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold. [35] He made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; with cherubim skillfully worked into it he made it. [36] And for it he made four pillars of acacia and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold, and he cast for them four bases of silver. [37] He also made a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework, [38] and its five pillars with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals, and their fillets were of gold, but their five bases were of bronze. Exodus 37 [1] Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half was its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. [2] And he overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold around it. [3] And he cast for it four rings of gold for its four feet, two rings on its one side and two rings on its other side. [4] And he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold [5] and put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark. [6] And he made a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half was its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. [7] And he made two cherubim of gold. He made them of hammered work on the two ends of the mercy seat, [8] one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat he made the cherubim on its two ends. [9] The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat were the faces of the cherubim. [10] He also made the table of acacia wood. Two cubits was its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. [11] And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold around it. [12] And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and made a molding of gold around the rim. [13] He cast for it four rings of gold and fastened the rings to the four corners at its four legs. [14] Close to the frame were the rings, as holders for the poles to carry the table. [15] He made the poles of acacia wood to carry the table, and overlaid them with gold. [16] And he made the vessels of pure gold that were to be on the table, its plates and dishes for incense, and its bowls and flagons with which to pour drink offerings. [17] He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it. [18] And there were six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; [19] three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. [20] And on the lampstand itself were four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers, [21] and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out of it. [22] Their calyxes and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole of it was a single piece of hammered work of pure gold. [23] And he made its seven lamps and its tongs and its trays of pure gold. [24] He made it and all its utensils out of a talent of pure gold. [25] He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. Its length was a cubit, and its breadth was a cubit. It was square, and two cubits was its height. Its horns were of one piece with it. [26] He overlaid it with pure gold, its top and around its sides and its horns. And he made a molding of gold around it, [27] and made two rings of gold on it under its molding, on two opposite sides of it, as holders for the poles with which to carry it. [28] And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. [29] He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer. Exodus 38 [1] He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. Five cubits was its length, and five cubits its breadth. It was square, and three cubits was its height. [2] He made horns for it on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze. [3] And he made all the utensils of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its utensils of bronze. [4] And he made for the altar a grating, a network of bronze, under its ledge, extending halfway down. [5] He cast four rings on the four corners of the bronze grating as holders for the poles. [6] He made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. [7] And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it with them. He made it hollow, with boards. [8] He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting. [9] And he made the court. For the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits; [10] their twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. [11] And for the north side there were hangings of a hundred cubits; their twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. [12] And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their ten pillars, and their ten bases; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. [13] And for the front to the east, fifty cubits. [14] The hangings for one side of the gate were fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases. [15] And so for the other side. On both sides of the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three bases. [16] All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen. [17] And the bases for the pillars were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. The overlaying of their capitals was also of silver, and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver. [18] And the screen for the gate of the court was embroidered with needlework in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It was twenty cubits long and five cubits high in its breadth, corresponding to the hangings of the court. [19] And their pillars were four in number. Their four bases were of bronze, their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals and their fillets of silver. [20] And all the pegs for the tabernacle and for the court all around were of bronze. [21] These are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were recorded at the commandment of Moses, the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. [22] Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses; [23] and with him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer and embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. [24] All the gold that was used for the work, in all the construction of the sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. [25] The silver from those of the congregation who were recorded was a hundred talents and 1,775 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary: [26] a beka a head (that is, half a shekel, by the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone who was listed in the records, from twenty years old and upward, for 603,550 men. [27] The hundred talents of silver were for casting the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil; a hundred bases for the hundred talents, a talent a base. [28] And of the 1,775 shekels he made hooks for the pillars and overlaid their capitals and made fillets for them. [29] The bronze that was offered was seventy talents and 2,400 shekels; [30] with it he made the bases for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar, [31] the bases around the court, and the bases of the gate of the court, all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs around the court. Exodus 39 [1] From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [2] He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. [3] And they hammered out gold leaf, and he cut it into threads to work into the blue and purple and the scarlet yarns, and into the fine twined linen, in skilled design. [4] They made for the ephod attaching shoulder pieces, joined to it at its two edges. [5] And the skillfully woven band on it was of one piece with it and made like it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [6] They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel. [7] And he set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [8] He made the breastpiece, in skilled work, in the style of the ephod, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. [9] It was square. They made the breastpiece doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth when doubled. [10] And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; [11] and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; [12] and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; [13] and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree. [14] There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. [15] And they made on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold. [16] And they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece. [17] And they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. [18] They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree. Thus they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. [19] Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. [20] And they made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. [21] And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [22] He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue, [23] and the opening of the robe in it was like the opening in a garment, with a binding around the opening, so that it might not tear. [24] On the hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. [25] They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around the hem of the robe, between the pomegranates—[26] a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate around the hem of the robe for ministering, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [27] They also made the coats, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, [28] and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen, [29] and the sash of fine twined linen and of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, embroidered with needlework, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [30] They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the LORD.” [31] And they tied to it a cord of blue to fasten it on the turban above, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [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. [33] Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, 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; [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. [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What are some benefits of looking at the tabernacle construction all at once? What connections stand out to you? 2.   In what ways does the tabernacle emphasize holiness? How does this enhance your theology and challenge your practice?3.   How does the tabernacle foreshadow Christ both generally and specifically? How do those observations deepen your appreciation for the tabernacle as well as its fulfillment in Christ?4.   How does this section emphasize the obedience of Israel and its leaders? Why must we trace this back to God's grace in renewing the covenant? 5.   Read John 14:15 and Luke 6:46? How do these words of Jesus impact you? 6.   What would Moses' blessing in 39:43 have meant to Israel? How does it push us back to Eden and forward to the New Covenant and New Creation? References: Exodus 25:10 – 30:8; 24:7; Joshua 8:34-35; 2 Kings 23:2; Nehemiah 8:1-8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Colossians 4:16; John 1:14; 14:6; Hebrews 10:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; John 14:15; Luke 6:46; Genesis 2:1; 1:28; Ephesians 1:3.

Sermon 87 in Series Exodus 35:1 - 36:7 Exodus 35:1–35 [1] Moses assembled all the congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do. [2] Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. [3] You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.” [4] Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. [5] Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD's contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; [6] blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats' hair, [7] tanned rams' skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, [8] oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, [9] and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. [10] “Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the LORD has commanded: [11] the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; [12] the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the screen; [13] the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; [14] the lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; [15] and the altar of incense, with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; [16] the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; [17] the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court; [18] the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords; [19] 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.” [20] Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. [21] And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD's contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. [22] So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD. [23] And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats' hair or tanned rams' skins or goatskins brought them. [24] Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the LORD's contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. [25] And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. [26] All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats' hair. [27] And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, [28] and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. [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. [30] Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; [31] and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, [32] to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, [33] in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. [34] And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. [35] He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer. Exodus 36:1–7 [1] “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.” [2] And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. [3] And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, [4] so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, [5] and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.” [6] So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, [7] for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How has Exodus increased your appreciation for the theme of God's presence in the Bible? How has it encouraged you to walk more closely with him? 2.   How did the golden calf incident prepare the way for the tabernacle? How did the announcement to begin construction show God's mercy and forgiveness? 3.   What does this passage teach us about giving? How does it impact the way you think about your possessions, time, skills, and energy? 4.   Where do we see an emphasis on obedience? What role does this idea play in your understanding of the Christian life? 5.   How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility come together in this section? How have we seen this play out in other parts of Exodus? References: Genesis 3:8; Revelation 21:3-4; Exodus 31:12-17; 25:2-7; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Exodus 12:36; Philippians 2:12-13; Exodus 31:1-11.

Sermon 86 in Series Exodus 34:29-35 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   In what specific ways have we seen God's grace emphasized and expressed throughout chapters 32-34? How has this increased your appreciation for the gospel? 2.   Why was Moses' face shining when he came down the mountain? What was this meant to communicate to the Israelites, and how did it foreshadow Christ? 3.   How does Moses' glowing face illustrate a Christian's life in the world? In what ways does this challenge you? 4.   What does 2 Corinthians 3 contribute to our understanding of the veil? How does Paul use the Exodus narrative to contrast the Old and New Covenants? 5.   Why should 2 Corinthians 3:18 encourage us in our sanctification? How does it spur you on in faithful beholding and reflecting?References: Exodus 34:6-7; 32:14; 33:14, 17; 34:10; 33:4; Matthew 17:2; Exodus 33:5; 20:18; 2 Corinthians 3:7-18; 4:6

Sermon 85 in Series Exodus 34:10-28 [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 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. [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How has God shown you his glory in this section of Exodus? In what ways have you come to a deeper understanding of his name? 2.   How does God magnify his grace in renewing the covenant with Israel? Why should this encourage us in prayer? 3.   What does God call Israel to look forward to? As Christians, how do we practically look forward while not forgetting the past? 4.   What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:15-16)? How does this passage put us on guard against the false worship that we see all around us? 5.   How do idleness and neglect of the good act as a gateway for the bad? Stated positively, how does being preoccupied with serving God protect us from sin? 6.   As we think about Israel's need to constantly remember, how has God used corporate worship and the Lord's Supper for remembrance in your life? References: Matthew 4:2; 9:33; Exodus 23:10-33; John 17:15-16; James 1:27; 1 John 2:15; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 7:1; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25.

Sermon 84 in Series Exodus 34:6b-9 [6b] “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, 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.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does the desire to see God's glory function as a test for authenticity? Why does it drive us to Scripture and our future hope? 2.   As God describes his name, what characteristics stand out to you? How does it inform or correct your view of him? 3.   How does God's name hold together mercy and justice? In what ways does this render other “gods” deficient? 4.   How does this passage protect us from presuming on God's grace? How can mercy or justice be emphasized at the expense of the other? 5.   What does it look like for us to practice God's name? How does this passage challenge you in the areas of grace, forgiveness, patience, and anger? 6.   How did Moses respond to this revelation? How are you encouraged to bow down and/or lean in? References: 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2; Exodus 3:14-15; Matthew 12:31; Exodus 20:5; John 1:14; Romans 3:24-25; 2:4; 6:1-2; Luke 6:36; Matthew 6:12; Proverbs 19:11; Psalm 116:1-5.

Sermon 83 in Series Exodus 33:18 - 34:6a [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.” [1] 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, DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   Why are “grace” and “mediator” such important themes in chapters 33-34? How does Moses' relationship with God picture the gospel? 2.   What makes Moses' request a little odd? How does the context help us make sense of what Moses is seeking and what God provides? 3.   How are goodness, glory, and name related? What attributes of God stand out most to you? 4.   How does God emphasize hearing? What does this imply about our relationship to Scripture? 5.   How does Moses' obedience illustrate a major biblical theme, foreshadow Christ, and give us an example? What is the significance of the tablets in this section? 6.   How does this passage both challenge and invite sinners? How has it motivated you to seek, serve, and trust God? References: Matthew 3:17; Exodus 16:10; 24:9-10, 16, 18; 33:9; 1 John 3:2; John 1:18; 14:8-9; Mark 6:48; Romans 9:14-16; 10:17; John 20:29; Genesis 6:22; 17:23; 1 John 3:5.

Sermon 82 in Series Exodus 33:1-17 [1] 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. [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 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. [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.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How do we take God's presence for granted? Why is this truth so important for our encouragement and growth as Christians? 2.   How does God's message to Israel begin with good news but end with very bad news? How do the people respond? 3.   Why does God tell the people to take off their ornaments? How is this a painful and yet hopeful moment for Israel? 4.   How might God be calling you to “strip away”? How are we tempted to ignore or forego this key aspect of relating to God? 5.   How is Moses motivated by and focused on God's glory? How should this inform our praying, thinking, and doing? 6.   What does this passage teach us about God's grace? In what ways do we run from God rather than to him when convicted of sin? 7.   Why is there so much emphasis on Moses' relationship to God? How does this deepen our appreciation for Christ's person and work? References: Exodus 32:4, 34; 3:8; 23:20-21; Isaiah 63:9; Genesis 35:4; Psalm 27:8-9; Matthew 3:17; Ephesians 5:2.

Sermon 81 in Series Exodus 32:25-35 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What does it practically look like for you and your family to treasure Christ this Christmas? 2.   How would you describe the state of the Israelites even after Moses initially confronts them? What does it mean to say that there is a crisis on top of a crisis 3.   What does God command the Levites to do? How does the context guard us against misinterpreting this incident? 4.   How does the devotion of the Levites highlight the principle that God must be first? In what ways have you been tempted to put family before or on par with God? 5.   How do Moses' intercessory words to God point to Christ as our atonement, substitute, and Mediator? 6.   Where do we see God's grace at work in this passage? How do we see wrath and grace (judgment and salvation) coming together in this story and throughout the Bible? References: Deuteronomy 9:20; Luke 12:51-53; 14:26; Romans 9:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:14; John 10:11; Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:15; 21:27.

Sermon 80 in Series Exodus 32:15-24 [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 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.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is the golden calf story rich in doctrine? What are some theological points that stand out to you? 2.   How does Moses' intercession show the relationship between prayer and knowledge? How is “knowledge” sometimes denigrated by Christians? 3.   Why is the breaking of the tablets meant to shock the reader? What does it symbolize, and how can it be misinterpreted? 4.   Why does Moses make the people drink the pulverized idol? What does this teach us about sin in general and idolatry in particular? 5.   How do Moses and Aaron see Aaron's sin differently? How does this point back to the Fall? 6.   In what ways have you been tempted to dodge/deflect/defend rather than own and confront your sin? How can we help one another fight this battle within the church? References: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:21; Numbers 5:11-31; Genesis 20:9; 3:12; Deuteronomy 9:20; Romans 8:3.

Sermon 79 in Series Exodus 32:7-14 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What does it mean to say that the sinfulness of sin can only be understood against the backdrop of God's goodness? In what ways has God shown his goodness to Israel up to this point in the narrative? 2.   How does God characterize Israel's sin? What does it mean to be “stiff-necked” and how have you seen this play out in your life or the lives of others? 3.   How do we tend to underestimate our sin and fall short of God's assessment? What is the remedy for this misaligned perspective? 4.   How does God's language to Moses show that he intends to extend grace to Israel? How does this conversation function as a test for Moses and a pointer to Christ? 5.   To what does Moses appeal as he intercedes to God on behalf of Israel? How should this guide our intercessory prayers? References: Exodus 24:7, 12; Genesis 6:12; Romans 1:23; Genesis 12:2; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1; Exodus 3:10; 7:5; Genesis 49:10.

Sermon 78 in Series Exodus 32:1-6 [1] 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 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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is the golden calf incident connected back to prior frustrations? What set of vices do we see at work in v. 1? 2.   How does God use waiting in the life of a Christian? In what ways have you struggled with waiting and trusting? 3.   What does this passage suggest about the soil from which idolatry grows? How does it refine our understanding of human depravity? 4.   What are we to make of Aaron's sin? How are Christians today tempted to conform to the majority? 5.   How has God convicted you of using gifts to replace the Giver? How can those gifts be redirected for his holy purposes? 6.   How does v. 6 highlight the extent of Israel's sin? What does it say about the conscience? 7.   Why does the golden calf serve as a fitting backdrop for the building of the tabernacle? How does it point to the fulfillment of the tabernacle in Christ?  References: Ephesians 5:20; Exodus 24:18; 15:24; 16:3; 17:3; 20:1-6; 24:7; 12:36; 1 Kings 12:28-29; Psalm 106:19-22; Exodus 24:4-5.

Sermon 77 in Series Exodus 30:22-31:18 Exodus 30:22–38 [22] The LORD said to Moses, [23] “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, [24] and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. [25] And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. [26] With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony, [27] and the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense, [28] and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand. [29] You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy. [30] You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. [31] And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations. [32] It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. [33] Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.'” [34] The LORD said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), [35] and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. [36] You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you. [37] And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the LORD. [38] Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people.” Exodus 31:1-18 [1] 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.” [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   As we have moved through the tabernacle section, how has the theme of holiness impacted you? How has it deepened your understanding of God? 2.   How does the holiness of the oil and incense help us see the relationship between being and doing? How does it remind us that living for the Lord is often found in the small things? 3.   What role does the Holy Spirit play in this passage? How does this contribute to the theme of going back to Eden? 4.   How does the section on Bezalel and Oholiab picture our reception and use of spiritual gifts? How have you viewed the relationship between natural abilities and spiritual gifts in your own life? 5.   Why does the tabernacle section end with the Sabbath, and what does this tell us about obedience? In what ways are we tempted to go our own way even when serving God?References: Exodus 24:18; Matthew 2:11; Genesis 1:2; Proverbs 3:19-20; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Peter 4:10; Hebrews 4:9.

Sermon 76 in Series Exodus 30:11-21 [11] The LORD said to Moses, [12] “When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the LORD when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them. [13] Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the LORD. [14] Everyone who is numbered in the census, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the LORD's offering. [15] The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when you give the LORD's offering to make atonement for your lives. [16] You shall take the atonement money from the people of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may bring the people of Israel to remembrance before the LORD, so as to make atonement for your lives.” [17] The LORD said to Moses, [18] “You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its stand of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it, [19] with which Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet. [20] When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die. [21] They shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they may not die. It shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his offspring throughout their generations.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is the tabernacle both a dwelling place and a meeting place? What does God communicate to his people through the tabernacle structure and system as a whole? 2.   What are the stated purposes of the census tax? How does it serve as another reminder of the holiness of God and the sinfulness of his people? 3.   What does it mean to provide a ransom, and how did this show God's grace to Israel? How did it point forward to Christ's work on the cross? 4.   What were some of the potential pitfalls of Israel taking a census? How can we go wrong in our “calculations”? 5.   Why is the theme of washing/cleansing so important in Scripture? In what ways do our physical activities matter when it comes to expressing spiritual realities? 6.   What were the two gospel implications of the basin noted at the end of the sermon? How do these truths increase your affection for Christ? References: Exodus 38:25-26; 13:13; Matthew 20:28; 2 Samuel 24; Exodus 19:10; 29:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; Titus 3:5.

Sermon 75 in Series Exodus 30:1-10 [1] “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.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   In what ways does the tabernacle function as a theme that runs through the whole Bible? How does understanding this theme strengthen the Christian life? 2.   What features of this altar stand out to you? How does it differ from the other altar? 3.   Where do we see graded holiness in this passage? Why is this such a repeated characteristic of the tabernacle? 4.   What would the poles have communicated to the Israelites? How do they remind us of God's guidance and our future hope? 5.   How does this passage clarify the daily activity at the tabernacle? What is the connection between the incense and the sacrifices? 6.   Where do we see an emphasis on right worship? Why was it important that no foreign or common incense be offered on the altar? 7.   How does the altar of incense point to our acceptance before God through Christ? How does it encourage us in prayer? References:Exodus 40:34-38; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Revelation 21:1-3; Hebrews 9:3-4; Exodus 29:38-39; 30:34-38; Leviticus 10:1-2; Ephesians 5:2; Leviticus 16:12-13; Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8.

Sermon 74 in Series Exodus 29:29-46 [29] “The holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him; they shall be anointed in them and ordained in them. [30] The son who succeeds him as priest, who comes into the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place, shall wear them seven days. [31] “You shall take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place. [32] And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram and the bread that is in the basket in the entrance of the tent of meeting. [33] They shall eat those things with which atonement was made at their ordination and consecration, but an outsider shall not eat of them, because they are holy. [34] And if any of the flesh for the ordination or of the bread remain until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy. [35] “Thus you shall do to Aaron and to his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. Through seven days shall you ordain them, [36] and every day you shall offer a bull as a sin offering for atonement. Also you shall purify the altar, when you make atonement for it, and shall anoint it to consecrate it. [37] Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it, and the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar shall become holy. [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What major themes have stood out to you as we have discussed the priests? How has this material impacted your relationship with the Lord? 2.   What did the ordination meal communicate to the priests and to Israel in general? How does it deepen our understanding of the Lord's Supper? 3.   How does the weeklong ordination accentuate human sinfulness and divine holiness? How does it contribute to the “back to Eden” theme? 4.   What effect would the two daily offerings have had on Israelite thinking? What did it say about atonement? 5.   In what ways can you practice greater regularity in your private, family, and/or corporate worship? 6.   What contrasts are drawn in Hebrews 10:11-14? How has this Exodus material on priests increased your gratitude for Christ? References: Exodus 28:41; 24:11; Romans 9:4; John 6:53-55; Leviticus 8:33-36; Hebrews 10:11-14.

Sermon 73 in Series Exodus 29:1-28 [1] “Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, [2] and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. [3] You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. [4] You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. [5] Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. [6] And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. [7] You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. [8] Then you shall bring his sons and put coats on them, [9] and you shall gird Aaron and his sons with sashes and bind caps on them. And the priesthood shall be theirs by a statute forever. Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons. [10] “Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull. [11] Then you shall kill the bull before the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting, [12] and shall take part of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar. [13] And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. [14] But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering. [15] “Then you shall take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, [16] and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar. [17] Then you shall cut the ram into pieces, and wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and its head, [18] and burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. [19] “You shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, [20] and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. [21] Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons' garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons' garments with him. [22] “You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination), [23] and one loaf of bread and one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD. [24] You shall put all these on the palms of Aaron and on the palms of his sons, and wave them for a wave offering before the LORD. [25] Then you shall take them from their hands and burn them on the altar on top of the burnt offering, as a pleasing aroma before the LORD. It is a food offering to the LORD. [26] “You shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron's ordination and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD, and it shall be your portion. [27] And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests' portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron's and his sons'. [28] It shall be for Aaron and his sons as a perpetual due from the people of Israel, for it is a contribution. It shall be a contribution from the people of Israel from their peace offerings, their contribution to the LORD. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does our time discussing priests enrich our understanding of the Christian life and our relationship to Christ? 2.   What is the significance of the animals being without blemish and the bread being unleavened? What is the connection to Passover? 3.   What steps were taken to prepare the priests for ordination? How did the washing with water connect the internal to the external? 4.   What did it mean for the priests to be anointed (especially the high priest), and how did this relate to other offices later in Israel's history? How did this prepare the people for Christ? 5.   How does this passage emphasize substitutionary sacrifice? Why is this such an important theme in Christian theology? 6.   How was the blood of the second ram applied to the priests? What would this have communicated to them, and how does it relate to the priesthood of believers today (1 Peter 2:5)? 7.   As we read about the burnt offering, what assurance and joy does it bring you to know that Christ died as “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." References: 1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; Exodus 19:10-11; Leviticus 21:10; Exodus 28:41; 30:30; 40:15; 1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13; 1 Kings 19:16; Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22; 13:15; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 12:1-2.

Sermon 72 in Series Exodus 28:31-43 [31] “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. [32] It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear. [33] On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, [34] a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. [35] And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the LORD, and when he comes out, so that he does not die. [36] “You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the LORD.' [37] And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. [38] It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD. [39] “You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework. [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How do the stones on the ephod and breastpiece convey the preciousness of God's people? What impact should this have on our interactions with one another? 2.   How does the emphasis on death highlight the seriousness of worshiping God rightly? What implications does this have for us who are now in the New Covenant? 3.   What spiritual realities were symbolized by the pomegranates and bells on the high priest's robe? 4.   Why was nakedness/exposure such a big deal for the priests? How did this distinguish Israel from other nations? 5.   What was the significance of the engraved plate on the high priest's turban? How does it heighten our appreciation of Christ? 6.   How was the high priest's clothing different from the other priests? How did this distinction anticipate Christ as the one and only Mediator? References: Acts 20:28; John 19:23; Deuteronomy 8:7-8; Song of Solomon 6:7; Genesis 2:17; Exodus 19:12; 20:26; 1 Corinthians 11:28-30; Exodus 19:6; Romans 8:33-34; 1 Timothy 2:5-6.

Sermon 71 in Series Exodus 27:20-28:30 Exodus 27:20–21 [20] “You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn. [21] In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel. Exodus 28:1–30 [1] “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. [2] And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. [3] You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. [4] These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. [5] They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. [6] “And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked. [7] It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together. [8] And the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. [9] You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, [10] six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. [11] As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree. [12] And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance. [13] You shall make settings of gold filigree, [14] and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; and you shall attach the corded chains to the settings. [15] “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it. [16] It shall be square and doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth. [17] You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; [18] and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; [19] and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; [20] and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree. [21] There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. [22] You shall make for the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold. [23] And you shall make for the breastpiece two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece. [24] And you shall put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. [25] The two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings of filigree, and so attach it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. [26] You shall make two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. [27] And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. [28] And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod. [29] So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD. [30] And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the LORD regularly. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How can Christians avoid taking in information without transformation? How have the four knowledge-practice connections noted in the sermon introduction played out for you as we have discussed the tabernacle? 2.   As we think about the lamps in the Holy Place, why would Israel need to be reminded that God “will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4)? What does this imply for our daily living? 3.   Who are the priests and what is their role? Why do they have special garments (especially the high priest)? 4.   What was the purpose of engraving the names of the 12 sons/tribes of Israel on the ephod and breastpiece? 5.   What do the stones communicate about God's view of his people? What does their placement say about the responsibility of the high priest? 6.   In what ways do the high priestly garments look forward to Christ? How do they inform the way you relate to him? References: Ps 121:4; Leviticus 21:10; 1 Peter 2:5; Genesis 2:10-12; Numbers 27:21; Genesis 9:13-16; Hebrews 4:14-16.

Sermon 70 in Series Exodus 27:1-19 [1] “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits broad. The altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits. [2] And you shall make horns for it on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it, and you shall overlay it with bronze. [3] You shall make pots for it to receive its ashes, and shovels and basins and forks and fire pans. You shall make all its utensils of bronze. [4] You shall also make for it a grating, a network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners. [5] And you shall set it under the ledge of the altar so that the net extends halfway down the altar. [6] And you shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. [7] And the poles shall be put through the rings, so that the poles are on the two sides of the altar when it is carried. [8] You shall make it hollow, with boards. As it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall it be made. [9] “You shall make the court of the tabernacle. On the south side the court shall have hangings of fine twined linen a hundred cubits long for one side. [10] Its twenty pillars and their twenty bases shall be of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. [11] And likewise for its length on the north side there shall be hangings a hundred cubits long, its pillars twenty and their bases twenty, of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. [12] And for the breadth of the court on the west side there shall be hangings for fifty cubits, with ten pillars and ten bases. [13] The breadth of the court on the front to the east shall be fifty cubits. [14] The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases. [15] On the other side the hangings shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases. [16] For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework. It shall have four pillars and with them four bases. [17] All the pillars around the court shall be filleted with silver. Their hooks shall be of silver, and their bases of bronze. [18] The length of the court shall be a hundred cubits, the breadth fifty, and the height five cubits, with hangings of fine twined linen and bases of bronze. [19] All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, and all its pegs and all the pegs of the court, shall be of bronze. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How has God used our time in Exodus to grow your theology? What themes have stood out the most? 2.   How has the tabernacle deepened your understanding of the Bible as a whole? In general, how has it enriched your view of Christ's person and work? 3.   What are some of the pronounced features of the altar? What do the altar and its placement communicate about sin, reconciliation, and worship? 4.   How did the linen hangings of the court both show and shield what was behind them? What does this say about the function of the tabernacle? 5.   How would the entrance into the court have prepared the Israelite worshipper? How does this singular entrance point to Christ? References: Hebrews 9:6-7; Matthew 27:50-51; Psalm 118:27; 89:17; 1 Kings 1:51; Exodus 29:11-12; 30:28; Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:22; 10:11-14; John 1:29; Exodus 19:12-13; John 14:6. 

Sermon 69 in Series Exodus 26:1-37 [1] “Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them. [2] The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains shall be the same size. [3] Five curtains shall be coupled to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. [4] And you shall make loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set. Likewise you shall make loops on the edge of the outermost curtain in the second set. [5] Fifty loops you shall make on the one curtain, and fifty loops you shall make on the edge of the curtain that is in the second set; the loops shall be opposite one another. [6] And you shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to the other with the clasps, so that the tabernacle may be a single whole. [7] “You shall also make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains shall you make. [8] The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. The eleven curtains shall be the same size. [9] You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and the sixth curtain you shall double over at the front of the tent. [10] You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second set. [11] “You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together that it may be a single whole. [12] And the part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. [13] And the extra that remains in the length of the curtains, the cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side and that side, to cover it. [14] And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins and a covering of goatskins on top. [15] “You shall make upright frames for the tabernacle of acacia wood. [16] Ten cubits shall be the length of a frame, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each frame. [17] There shall be two tenons in each frame, for fitting together. So shall you do for all the frames of the tabernacle. [18] You shall make the frames for the tabernacle: twenty frames for the south side; [19] and forty bases of silver you shall make under the twenty frames, two bases under one frame for its two tenons, and two bases under the next frame for its two tenons; [20] and for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side twenty frames, [21] and their forty bases of silver, two bases under one frame, and two bases under the next frame. [22] And for the rear of the tabernacle westward you shall make six frames. [23] And you shall make two frames for corners of the tabernacle in the rear; [24] they shall be separate beneath, but joined at the top, at the first ring. Thus shall it be with both of them; they shall form the two corners. [25] And there shall be eight frames, with their bases of silver, sixteen bases; two bases under one frame, and two bases under another frame. [26] “You shall make bars of acacia wood, five for the frames of the one side of the tabernacle, [27] and five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the side of the tabernacle at the rear westward. [28] The middle bar, halfway up the frames, shall run from end to end. [29] You shall overlay the frames with gold and shall make their rings of gold for holders for the bars, and you shall overlay the bars with gold. [30] Then you shall erect the tabernacle according to the plan for it that you were shown on the mountain. [31] “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. [36] “You shall make a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework. [37] And you shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold, and you shall cast five bases of bronze for them. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does the tabernacle prepare us for Christmas? How does it encapsulate so many of the great themes of Scripture? 2.   What does the tabernacle say about God as shepherd? In what ways would it have encouraged the Israelites in the wilderness? 3.   What stands out to you about the various coverings and the structure? What are some pointers back to Eden? 4.   What is “graded holiness”? Where do we see it in this description? 5.   In what ways does the tabernacle emphasize separation? Why is this an important backdrop for understanding the significance of Christ's work? 6.   What implications does Hebrews 10:19-25 draw out of Christ's fulfillment of the tabernacle? How do these words assure, embolden, and challenge us? References: John 1:14; Genesis 48:15; 3:21, 24; Hebrews 9:6-7; 10:19-25; Matthew 27:51.

Sermon 68 in Series Exodus 25:23-40 [23] “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. [24] You shall overlay it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it. [25] And you shall make a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and a molding of gold around the rim. [26] And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and fasten the rings to the four corners at its four legs. [27] Close to the frame the rings shall lie, as holders for the poles to carry the table. [28] You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these. [29] And you shall make its plates and dishes for incense, and its flagons and bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold. [30] And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me regularly. [31] “You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. [32] And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; [33] three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. [34] And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers, [35] and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out from the lampstand. [36] Their calyxes and their branches shall be of one piece with it, the whole of it a single piece of hammered work of pure gold. [37] You shall make seven lamps for it. And the lamps shall be set up so as to give light on the space in front of it. [38] Its tongs and their trays shall be of pure gold. [39] It shall be made, with all these utensils, out of a talent of pure gold. [40] And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does the ark function as a container of remembrance? How does the Bible help us to continually remember God's work on our behalf? 2.   How is the table similar to the ark? In what ways do the table and lampstand further emphasize holiness? 3.   What is the purpose of the bread? How does it point backwards and forwards? 4.   How is the lampstand both functional and symbolic? What does it say about the Lord and his people? 5.   How does the lampstand with its lamps anticipate the coming of Christ? What does it practically look like for Christians to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)? 6.   Now that we have looked at the furniture within the two sections of the tent, what justification do we have for saying that the tabernacle is deeply christological? References: Hebrews 9:4; Leviticus 24:5-9; Philippians 4:19; John 6:32-35; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Exodus 27:20-21; John 8:12; 12:46; Matthew 5:14.

Sermon 67 in Series Exodus 25:10-22 [10] “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. [11] You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it. [12] You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. [13] You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. [14] And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them. [15] The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it. [16] And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you. [17] “You shall make a mercy seat 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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does the narrative structure of Exodus teach us that we are saved for worship? How does this conflict with our me-centered culture? 2.   How is the ark both glorious and humble? How does it emphasize holiness? 3.   Why did the ark contain the Ten Commandments? What does this say about the relationship between God's Word and our worship? 4.   What was the function of the mercy seat in Israel's worship? What do the cherubim communicate? 5.   In what ways does the ark point to the person and work of Christ? How does it invite us to joyful and reverent worship? References: Romans 11:36; Genesis 50:26; 2 Samuel 6:6-7; Exodus 24:12; Leviticus 16:15-16; Genesis 3:24; Psalm 80:1; 1 Peter 1:12; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Corinthians 6:19.

Sermon 66 in Series Exodus 25:1-9 [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. [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does the tabernacle build on the law in emphasizing relationship? How are you challenged to pursue a closer relationship with the Lord? 2.   How does studying the tabernacle elevate our worship? How have you been tempted to dismiss or overlook it in your Bible reading? 3.   How does this passage show the importance of joyful and worshipful giving? What are some pitfalls to avoid as we give? 4.   How are we encouraged to purposefully use what God has given us? What would it look like practically for you to see everything in your life stamped with the words, “From God”? 5.   How does God describe the function of the tabernacle in v. 8? What does v. 9 teach us about the nature of worship? 6.   How does the tabernacle serve as one big pointer to Christ? How is this seen even in its majestic lowliness? References: Genesis 17:7-8; Exodus 40:33-34; 35:21-22; 36:5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Exodus 3:22; 12:35-36; Hebrews 8:5; John 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-12, 24; Philippians 2:6-8.

Sermon 65 in Series Exodus 24:1-18 [1] Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. [2] Moses alone shall come near to the LORD, but the others shall not come near, and the people shall not come up with him.” [3] Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. 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.” [9] Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, [10] and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. [11] And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank. [12] 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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How has God's attribute of faithfulness provided consolation and help in your life? How is it tied together with the idea of covenant? 2.   How do the people respond to the terms/stipulations of the covenant? What does this suggest about the nature of conversion? 3.   What actions does Moses take as the covenant is being confirmed? Why is the blood so significant, and how does this anticipate Christ? 4.   What do the different levels of access communicate about God's holiness? How is this different from the New Covenant? 5.   Why is there a certain level of mystery involved in understanding God's appearances in the Bible? How are John 1:18 and the Angel of LORD helpful in putting the pieces together? 6.   How is Moses a type of Christ? In what ways does Matthew make this point in his gospel? 7.   How does this passage deepen our understanding of the Lord's Supper? How does it encourage reverence in worship? References: Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Exodus 2:23-25; 19:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Exodus 12:13; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:2; Matthew 26:28; Exodus 33:20; John 1:18; 1 Timothy 6:16; Genesis 32:30; 1 Timothy 2:5; Deuteronomy 18:15.

Sermon 64 in Series Exodus 23:20-33 [20] “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. [21] Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him. [22] “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. [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 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 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, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. [32] You shall make no covenant with them and their gods. [33] They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does God's Law demonstrate that he never leaves his people in the dark? In what ways can you rely more on his Word as you navigate the practicalities of life? 2.   What are the two big obligations that God puts on Israel in this passage? How do these function for us as a summary of godliness? 3.   How are these obligations situated in the context of grace? What does this say about God and how he motivates his people? 4.   In what ways does this passage point us to Christ? How does it increase our appreciation for the New Covenant? 5.   What blessings does God promise Israel if they remain faithful to the covenant? How do they highlight his sovereignty and love? 6.   How does this passage present two ways to live? What is the relationship between obedience and blessing, and how does this apply to us as Christians? References: Genesis 12:7; Exodus 3:7-8, 2; 14:19; John 1:1; Judges 2:1, 11-13; Exodus 20:2; Jeremiah 31:33; 32:40; Deuteronomy 28; Ephesians 1:3. 

Sermon 63 in Series Exodus 23:10-19 [10] “For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, [11] but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard. [12] “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed. [13] “Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips. [14] “Three times in the year you shall keep a feast to me. [15] You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As I commanded you, you shall eat unleavened bread for seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. None shall appear before me empty-handed. [16] You shall keep the Feast of Harvest, of the firstfruits of your labor, of what you sow in the field. You shall keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in from the field the fruit of your labor. [17] Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord GOD. [18] “You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with anything leavened, or let the fat of my feast remain until the morning. [19] “The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.  “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What does it mean to be holy, and how is it dependent upon Scripture? 2.   What reasons are given here for the Sabbath observances? What does this teach us about holiness? 3.   Describe the three feasts mentioned in this passage. What function did they have (both generally and specifically) in the life of Israel? 4.   In what ways are we prone to forget? What means does God use to continually remind us of his saving provisions? 5.   How is forgetfulness connected to idolatry? How are we tempted today to go after the gods of this world? 6.   What precautions were the Israelites to take in order to avoid assimilation with the Canaanites? How does this warn us against worldliness? References: Exodus 19:5-6; 20:8-11; 31:13; Mark 2:27; Exodus 22:27; 13:7; 12:10; 34:25.

Sermon 62 in Series Exodus 22:18-23:9 [18] “You shall not permit a sorceress to live. [19] “Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. [20] “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the LORD alone, shall be devoted to destruction. [21] “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. [22] You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. [23] If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, [24] and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. [25] “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. [26] If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, [27] for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. [28] “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. [29] “You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me. [30] You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me. [31] “You shall be consecrated to me. Therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs. [1] “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. [2] You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, [3] nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit. [4] “If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. [5] If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him. [6] “You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit. [7] Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked. [8] And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. [9] “You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How do we live out (rather than merely affirm) the truth that God is holy? In what ways do these various laws hang on this theme? 2.   How does perjury pervert justice? Where does this sin show up in our interpersonal relationships as well? 3.   How does this passage relate justice to truth? How have you seen injustice prevail through lies? 4.   What are the different forms of partiality described in this passage? How have you seen these show up in your life, and what is the alternative? 5.   How is treatment of enemies the best test case for justice? How are we tempted to treat others based on feelings rather than truth? 6.   How does Jesus teach and model love for enemies? Why is this a key part of having a cross-centered / Christ-centered life? References: 1 Pet 1:14-16; 1 John 1:5-6; Ex 20:16; Lev 19:16; Deut 19:15-21; 1 Tim 6:10; Matt 5:43-48; Luke 23:34.

Sermon 61 in Series Exodus 22:18-23:9 [18] “You shall not permit a sorceress to live. [19] “Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. [20] “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the LORD alone, shall be devoted to destruction. [21] “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. [22] You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. [23] If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, [24] and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. [25] “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. [26] If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, [27] for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. [28] “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. [29] “You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me. [30] You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me. [31] “You shall be consecrated to me. Therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs. [1] “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. [2] You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, [3] nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit. [4] “If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. [5] If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him. [6] “You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit. [7] Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked. [8] And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. [9] “You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is our time in the Mosaic Law evangelistic? In what ways have you used the Law to share the gospel? 2.   How does James 1:27 encapsulate what we find in Exodus 22:18-27? How are we tempted away from holiness and compassion in our culture? 3.   How are bestiality and idolatry related? What do these activities say about the human heart? 4.   How does God view the vulnerable and those who oppress them? How can you better reflect his compassionate character? 5.   Why is our treatment of God so intertwined with how we relate to earthly authorities? How have you grown in your attitude towards authority since becoming a Christian? 6.   What does this passage imply about our giving? How can we fall into giving God the leftover scraps rather than the first and the best? References: Exodus 20:21; 21:1; Romans 3:19-20; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Psalm 146:9; James 1:27; Ephesians 5:1-2; Romans 12:1; Exodus 13:13; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

Sermon 60 in Series Exodus 21:33-22:17 [33] “When a man opens a pit, or when a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, [34] the owner of the pit shall make restoration. He shall give money to its owner, and the dead beast shall be his. [35] “When one man's ox butts another's, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and share its price, and the dead beast also they shall share. [36] Or if it is known that the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall repay ox for ox, and the dead beast shall be his. [1] “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. [2] If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, [3] but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. [4] If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double. [5] “If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard. [6] “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution. [7] “If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. [8] If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property. [9] For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,' the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor. [10] “If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep safe, and it dies or is injured or is driven away, without anyone seeing it, [11] an oath by the LORD shall be between them both to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property. The owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution. [12] But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. [13] If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn. [14] “If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution. [15] If the owner was with it, he shall not make restitution; if it was hired, it came for its hiring fee. [16] “If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife. [17] If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the bride-price for virgins. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   Where do we see negligence in this passage? Why is it sometimes hard to distinguish it from an accident? 2.   What are some practical steps that we can take to avoid negligence? How can we train our kids not to be destructive to other people's property? 3.   How do the different levels of stealing penalties show God's justice and grace? How does Leviticus 6:4-5 illustrate God's gracious call to turn back from sin? 4.   What does this passage teach about self-defense and the priority of human life over property? How does this affect your thinking on these (and related) topics? 5.   How do these laws remind us of the “uncertainty of riches” (1 Tim. 6:17)? How do they draw us towards storing up heavenly treasure (Matt. 6:19-20)? 6.   Why do vv. 16-17 fit well in this section? What do they say about God's design for sex? References: Galatians 6:10; Philippians 2:4; Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 6:4-5; 1 Kings 8:31-32; Ephesians 4:17-28; Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Sermon 59 in Series Exodus 21:18-32 [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. [22] “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. [23] But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, [24] eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. [26] “When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye. [27] If he knocks out the tooth of his slave, male or female, he shall let the slave go free because of his tooth. [28] “When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. [29] But if the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death. [30] If a ransom is imposed on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed on him. [31] If it gores a man's son or daughter, he shall be dealt with according to this same rule. [32] If the ox gores a slave, male or female, the owner shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   Up to this point, what has this legal material in Exodus taught you about the Lord? How has it given you practical wisdom? 2.   How do the quarreling/fighting scenarios highlight self-control and the sanctity of human life? In what ways do they show God's justice? 3.   What protections were in place for slaves harmed by their masters? How was this unique in the ancient world? 4.   How does the “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” principle (lex talionis) maximize justice? What does Jesus say about this principle in our personal interactions? 5.   How does the last scenario challenge you to exercise greater care and to have a higher view of human life? 6.   In what general and particular ways does this passage point us to Christ? References: Exodus 24:7; James 4:1-2; Genesis 4:23-24; Matthew 5:38-40; Proverbs 29:19; Job 31:15; Ephesians 6:9; Genesis 9:5; Numbers 35:31; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Matthew 26:15.

Sermon 58 in Series Exodus 21:12-17 [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 his father or his mother shall be put to death. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does Scripture call fathers to gratitude, joy, and responsibility? In what ways do you lose sight of these? 2.   Why is intentional homicide so grievous in God's sight? Why is the death penalty for murder increasingly unpopular today? 3.   What provision does God make for accidental killing? How do the words in v. 13, “God let him fall into his hand,” help us navigate the frustrations and accidents of life? 4.   How does this passage direct your treatment of your parents? What does it suggest about raising children? 5.   Discuss the story of Joseph and his brothers. What does it mean to say that kidnapping is the sister of murder? 6.   How do these death penalty laws humble us and point us to the gospel? References: Exodus 20:13; Genesis 1:27; 9:6; 3:11; 4:8; 6:11; Numbers 35:15, 22-23; Exodus 20:12, 15; Proverbs 20:20; Genesis 37:28; 40:15; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7.

Sermon 57 in Series Exodus 21:1-11 [1] “Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. [2] When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. [3] If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. [4] If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out alone. [5] But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' [6] then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever. [7] “When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. [8] If she does not please her master, who has designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has broken faith with her. [9] If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. [10] If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. [11] And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   Why is slavery such a difficult topic for us? How have you heard people disparage or mischaracterize the Bible over this issue? 2.   In general, what do these two passages show about God's justice and character? How could they be twisted to defame God and his Law? 3.   How did slavery function in ancient society? What protections were in place for these Hebrew servants among their fellow Israelites? 4.   How do Jesus' words in Matthew 19:7-8 help us make sense of these kinds of laws? How do these laws accentuate our collective need for a Savior? 5.   What instruction is given here regarding female servants acquired for marriage? In what ways did this protect her from being exploited or marginalized? 6.   What role does slavery play in our understanding of the gospel? How do these realities fuel our gratitude and obedience? References: Proverbs 8:13; Exodus 20:10, 17; 21:16; Leviticus 25:39-40, 42-43; Deuteronomy 15:12-15; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:7-8; Genesis 29:31-30:24; Romans 6:22.

Sermon 56 in Series Exodus 20:18-26 [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 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. [22] And the LORD said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the people of Israel: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have talked with you from heaven. [23] You shall not make gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you make for yourselves gods of gold. [24] An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. [25] If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it. [26] And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on it.' DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How can you freshly commit yourself to taking in God's revelation through his written Word? What effect should this have on us, and in what ways can Bible reading go wrong? 2.   How would you describe the scene when God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel? How did the people respond? 3.   How does this passage highlight God's holiness and human sinfulness? How does it point to Christ as the Mediator? 4.   What does it mean to fear God? How does this play out in the life of a Christian? 5.   What instruction does God give here regarding worship? Why does he command the use of uncut stones for altars? 6.   What does it mean to worship God according to his Word? How have you seen God's people stray from this? References: Exodus 19; Deuteronomy 4:10; 5:28; 18:15-17; Genesis 22:12; Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 10:28; 1 Peter 1:17-18; 1Timothy 2:5; Genesis 8:20.

Sermon 55 in Series Exodus 20:17 [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.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How has our time in the Ten Commandments most impacted you? How has it grown your appreciation for Christ? 2.   What does it mean to covet? Why is it idolatry? 3.   How does discontent fuel coveting? What does it practically look like to be satisfied in God? 4.   In what ways does this commandment penetrate deep into our hearts? How can we truly ask the Lord to search our hearts? 5.   How does this commandment humble and evangelize us? How does it leave us longing for heaven? 6.   What effect does coveting have on our view of people? Why is it so antithetical to love? 7.   How does rejoicing with those who rejoice offer an antidote to coveting? How can you apply this to your interactions with others? References: Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:5; Acts 4:12; Genesis 2:9; 3:6; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5; Philippians 4:11-13; Psalm 42:1-2; Matthew 15:19; 5:22, 28; 1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 3:10; 12:15.

Sermon 54 in Series Exodus 20:16 [16] “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How does studying the Ten Commandments promote our sanctification? How does it deepen our view of worship? 2.   Discuss the importance of justice in Scripture. In what ways do false witnesses pervert justice? 3.   How does this commandment address slander? How have you seen slander bring destruction to reputations, relationships, and churches? 4.   What descriptors does James use for the tongue? How does this challenge your speech? 5.   How does God's character and Christ's example inform our view of lying? What are some of the moral complexities surrounding this commandment? 6.   Where do we see lying in our culture and among those with whom we interact? In what ways have you been tempted to join in this behavior? References: Psalm 51:3-4; Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; Exodus 23:1-3; Psalm 15:2-3; Proverbs 16:28; 20:19; James 3:5-9; Leviticus 19:11; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18; Psalm 111:7; John 14:6; 1 Peter 2:22; John 8:44; Joshua 2:1-7; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9-10.

Sermon 53 in Series Exodus 20:15 [15] “You shall not steal. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How do we often lose sight of God's ownership of everything? Why is the concept of stewardship so important as we think about what we have? 2.   How does the Bible affirm ownership of property? What does it mean to say that God distributes to all in his wisdom and providence? 3.   What are some different ways that people steal? How does a lack of contentment dishonor God and lead to stealing? 4.   How does work function as God's means for meeting our needs? In what ways are we tempted to replace work with something else? 5.   How does this commandment ultimately call us to generosity and giving? How can we more faithfully put this into practice? 6.   In what ways is the nature of the Christian life diametrically opposed to stealing? How does Ephesians 4:28 offer practical guidance in confessing Jesus as Lord and storing up treasure in heaven? References: Psalm 119:97; Psalm 24:1; James 1:17; John 3:27; Matthew 6:11; Acts 4:36-37; 5:4; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17; Genesis 3:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 6:6-11; Exodus 22:6; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 John 3:17; James 2:15-17; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:23; Galatians 2:20; Matthew 6:20; Colossians 3:1; Ephesians 4:28.

Sermon 52 in Series Exodus 20:14 [14] “You shall not commit adultery. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How are the sixth and seventh commandments similar? How do they both come with strong theological backing in Scripture? 2.   Why is marriage so important to society? How have you seen it cheapened in our culture? 3.   Why is Genesis 2:24 so foundational? How does the end of Ephesians 5 give us a grand view of marriage? 4.   How has Satan weakened your perception of marriage? Why would bathing your mind in the gospel naturally strengthen it? 5.   When it comes to adultery, what is the relationship between the heart, the eyes, and the physical act? 6.   Discuss the destructive effects of adultery. How does the gospel bring comfort to married couples who have walked through this and to those who have been divorced and remarried? 7.   How are Jesus' words in Matthew 5:27-30 sobering, motivating, and convicting? What does it look like to do “whatever it takes” to flee from every form of adultery? References: Genesis 20:9; 2:20-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:32; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22; Proverbs 5:15-21; 6:32-33; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 5:32; 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15; Matthew 5:27-30; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Sermon 51 in Series Exodus 20:13 [13] “You shall not murder. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What is the theological basis for this commandment? In other words, how does it relate to God's glory? 2.   Why should the verb in v. 13 be translated as “murder” rather than “kill”? What biblical distinctions are made between lawful and unlawful killing? 3.   How is this commandment applicable to slander and verbal abuse? 4.   How do Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount bring murder deep into the heart? How do they challenge us regarding envy, hatred, unresolved anger, lack of reconciliation, and bitterness? 5.   How do accidents factor into this commandment? In what ways can we be negligent with human life? 6.   How is obeying this commandment fulfilled in Christlike love? How does it relate to selfishness? 7.   As we think about spiritual warfare, how does it help us to know that Satan is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44)? References: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 22; Genesis 9:5-6; Romans 13:4; Exodus 22:2-3; Numbers 35:9-34; Matthew 5:21-24; Genesis 4:5; 37:4, 8, 18; James 3:16; Ephesians 4:26; 1 John 3:14-18; Deuteronomy 19:5; Exodus 21:28-29; Philippians 2:3-4; John 8:44.

Sermon 50 in Series Exodus 20:12 [12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is honoring parents understood in terms of “weightiness”? What is the opposite of treating our parents as weighty? 2.   How does the promise refer specifically to Israel? How should we think about the results of honoring or dishonoring our parents in this life? 3.   How does this commandment apply to children who are still at home? What imperatives does it place on parents? 4.   How do parents function as representatives or ambassadors of God in the lives of their kids? Have you viewed your role in this way? 5.   As an adult, have you given much thought to what it means to honor your parents? What are some changes that you could make as you seek to obey the Lord? 6.   How does this commandment prepare our children for life in the world, family, and church? How does it ultimately impact all our relationships? References: Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:5-8; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21; Acts 5:29; Leviticus 19:3; Proverbs 1:7-8; 13:24; 30:17; 19:26; 20:20; 28:24; 23:22-25; Deuteronomy 6:7; Exodus 21:15, 17; Matthew 15:3-6; 1 Timothy 5:4-8; Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13; Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 5:22; Leviticus 19:32; 1 Timothy 5:1; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 2:17.

Sermon 49 in Series Exodus 20:8-11 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   Where else have we seen the theme of holiness in Exodus? How does the Fourth Commandment fit into that context? 2.   Why do you think God introduced the commandment before Sinai (in chapter 16 with the manna)? 3.   What did God command Israel to do in the Fourth Commandment? What reason is given? 4.   How have you thought about this commandment up to this point? How have you applied it to your own life or family? 5.   How have some understood the Fourth Commandment to be binding on believers today? What New Testament evidence suggests that it is not? 6.   What were the five applications given at the end of the sermon? In what ways do they challenge you towards greater wisdom and faithfulness? References: Exodus 3:5; 15:13; 19:6; 16:22-26; 23:12; 31:12-15; Genesis 2:2-3; Matthew 11:28-29; Hebrews 4:9-11; Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:5-7; Galatians 4:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25; Mark 2:27.

Sermon 48 in Series Exodus 20:7 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How would you summarize what we have encountered so far in the first two commandments? How do words like “love” and “joy” help us to encapsulate these truths?2.   Where do we see Christ in each of the first three commandments? What does it mean to say that he is the name of God par excellence? 3.   How does Scripture relate God to his name? How does dishonoring God's name result in the growth and multiplication of idols? 4.   What does it mean to “take God's name in vain”? What acts are prohibited, and what pursuits are encouraged? 5.   How can our actions betray our profession? Why should this also be considered under the third commandment? 6.   How does this reference to guilt push us immediately to the gospel? How does it cause us to think soberly about God's discipline? References: Matthew 22:37; John 12:13; Exodus 9:16; 34:5-7; Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 20:1; 30:4; John 1:12; Psalm 16:4; Exodus 23:1; Jeremiah 46:11; Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 5:33-37; Philippians 1:8; Leviticus 24:15-16; Romans 3:10; Hebrews 12:5-6.

Sermon 47 in Series Exodus 20:4-6 [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 of those who love me and keep my commandments. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is false worship a deception? In what ways has God helped you see this deception in your own life over the years? 2.   What was Christ's response to Satan's temptation to bow down to him? How does this encourage us regarding our justification and sanctification? 3.   What is prohibited in the Second Commandment? How does the wording of the text show us that worship is in view, rather than mere image making? 4.   How does Isaiah 44:16-17 depict the stupidity of idolatry? How does this help you see it for what it is and take it more seriously in your own life? 5.   What reason/motivation does God give for this command? What does it mean to say that God is jealous? 6.   How does this passage challenge parents? How does it push you to carefully examine the patterns and habits that you are storing up for your children? References: Isaiah 42:8; Romans 1:25; Jeremiah 10:10; Deuteronomy 11:16; Matthew 4:8-10; Exodus 25:18; Isaiah 44:16-17; Deuteronomy 4:15-16; Jeremiah 10:14-15; Colossians 1:15; John 14:9; Deuteronomy 4:23-24; Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4.

Sermon 46 in Series Exodus 20:3 [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How can the Ten Commandments be divided into two sections? In what ways does this distinction collapse? 2.   How does the idea of “covenant loyalty” give us a better understanding of the meaning of love? 3.   When it comes to worship, how are substituting and supplementing different? How do we know that supplementing ultimately means substituting? 4.   What sorts of “gods” are we tempted to have? To use a well-known phrase, how do good things become “God things”? 5.   What does it look like to forget God? What is the connection between forgetting God and pursuing false gods, and how does this motivate earnest Bible reading? 6.   How are we sometimes deceived into thinking that we are victims of idolatry rather than pursuers/ perpetrators? 7.   In what ways are we surrounded by idolatry/false religion? How have you found yourself conforming to the world around you? References: Matthew 22:37-40; Colossians 3:5; Deuteronomy 4:39; Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Matthew 6:24; John 5:23; Jeremiah 18:15; 1 Kings 9:9; Jeremiah 7:6; Deuteronomy 6:14; Romans 1:21, 25; 12:1-2; 1 Kings 11:4; Daniel 3:17-18; James 1:14.

Sermon 45 in Series Exodus 20:1-2 [1] 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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   Why does God begin by stating his relationship to his people? How does obedience to commands flow out of a personal relationship of trust? 2.   What does it mean to say that relating must come through reading? How have you seen people try to relate to God apart from his revelation? 3.   What does God remind the people of in v. 2? How is this meant to motivate what comes in vv. 3-17? 4.   How does this prologue to the Ten Commandments teach us not to rob the motivation from works or the purpose from grace? 5.   How should the Christian, living in the New Covenant, relate to the Ten Commandments? How do these four key words help us: Christ, Spirit, Love, and Heart? References: Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Romans 7:12; Psalm 19:7-11; Exodus 3:6; Deuteronomy 4:12-13; 5:22; Exodus 34:28; Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 3:20; 1 Peter 2:22; Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 8:4; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40.

Sermon 44 in Series Exodus 19:16-25 [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. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How has the word “awesome” lost its meaning in our culture? What makes this scene truly awesome? 2.   What phenomena does God use as he meets with his people? What is he communicating about himself? 3.   How do the people respond to what is happening at the mountain? What impact would Moses' dialogue with God and ascent of the mountain have had on them? 4.   How do Christians sometimes treat God casually? How does this passage inform/correct the way you relate to God? 5.   How does this text emphasize God's holiness? How does his warning show his grace? 6.   In what ways do New Covenant realities and promises bring proximity to God rather than distance? How does Hebrews 12:28-29 protect us from abusing or presuming on New Covenant grace? References: Genesis 15:17; Exodus 3:2; Hebrews 12:21; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12; 2 Samuel 6:7-8; Leviticus 10:1-3; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Hebrews 12:28.

Sermon 43 in Series Exodus 19:1-15 [1] 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; 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.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How is Moses depicted as a mediator? In what ways does this point forward to the person and work of Christ? 2.   What is the first part of God's covenantal message to Israel (v. 4)? How would you summarize all that God has done for them so far? 3.   What does it mean for us to keep the indicative before the imperative? In practice, what happens when we don't? 4.   How are Christians “a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9)? What does it look like for us to “proclaim his excellencies” in our various spheres of influence? 5.   What does the washing of clothes symbolize? What changes could you make to better prepare your heart for worship (private, family, and corporate)? 6.   How does this passage emphasize God's holiness? How can this easily get lost in contemporary spirituality? 7.   How do we practically hold together boldness and reverence in relating to God? How has Christ removed the distance between God and his people? References: Exodus 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Deuteronomy 32:11; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 51:2; Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 5:2.

Sermon 42 in Series Exodus 18:1-27 [1] Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. [2] Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her home, [3] along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”), [4] and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”). [5] Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God. [6] And when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,” [7] Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. [8] Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. [9] And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. [10] Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. [11] Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” [12] And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God. [13] The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. [14] When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” [15] And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; [16] when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” [17] Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. [18] You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. [19] Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, [20] and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. [21] Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. [22] And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. [23] If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.” [24] So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. [25] Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. [26] And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. [27] Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country. DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What is the background for the relationship between Moses and Jethro? What has happened since they last saw each other? 2.   Why does Jethro visit Moses? What does he learn when he arrives? 3.   How does Jethro respond to Moses' report? What does it mean to say that we are like Jethro every time we read the Bible? 4.   What advice does Moses receive from his father-in-law? How do we know that it is given and received with God in view? 5.   How do the qualities listed in v. 21 help God's people in cultivating and selecting leaders? 6.   What practical lessons can we glean from the giving and receiving of advice in this chapter? How does it call us away from folly and pride? References: Deut 25:18; Exodus 2:16-22; 4:18, 24-26; Psalm 145:3-6; Exodus 12:12; Proverbs 12:15.

Sermon 41 in Series Exodus 17:8-16 [8] Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. [9] So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” [10] So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. [11] Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. [12] But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. [13] And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. [14] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” [15] And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, [16] saying, “A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   How would you summarize the sin of the Israelites in chapters 15-17? What is the alternative way of dealing with trials? 2.   What role does the staff play in this narrative? Why does it need to be held up, and what is God communicating to his people? 3.   What does it mean to say that only Yahweh can win our battles, but we still have to put on the armor and go out to fight? 4.   How does the scene on the hill with Moses, Aaron, and Hur illustrate our need for others? How are you tempted to go at it alone in the Christian life? 5.   Who were the Amalekites? How did God view their sin? 6.   What were the consequences for the Amalekites? What does this teach us about the seriousness of sin and the certainty of judgment? References: 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; Philippians 4:6; James 1:2-4; Exodus 13:17; Genesis 36:15-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19; 1 Samuel 15:2; Exodus 24:13; 9:23; 14:16; Ephesians 6:10; Exodus 15:14-15; Esther 3:1.

Sermon 40 in Series Exodus 17:1-7 [1] All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. [2] Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” [3] But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” [4] So Moses cried to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” [5] And the LORD said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. [6] Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. [7] And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the LORD by saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1.   What does testing accomplish in our lives? How does God use necessities not just luxuries? 2.   How has God solved Israel's problems up this point? How should they have responded to this present crisis? 3.   How does our response often mirror that of Israel? What would it look like for you to take God's past faithfulness/provision more seriously when tempted to grumble? 4.   How does this account illustrate the heightening of sin? Why should this caution us against letting sins continue in our lives? 5.   What does it mean to test God? How is Jesus' temptation a hopeful reversal of Israel's actions? 6.   How does this passage further emphasize God's grace? How does he provide abundantly, and what does this imply for us? 7.   Why did Moses change the name of the place? How do such reminders lead God's people away from sin? References: Exodus 16:4; Psalm 95:8-9; Matthew 4:5-7; Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalm 78:15-16.