Exodus: Recent Episodes
Four Corners Church
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.*References:*
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. **References:****
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 Questions1. 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.*****
References:
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.*
References:
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.*
**References:****
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.****
**References:****
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.****
References:
John 12:27-33
[27] “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. [28] Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” [29] The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” [30] Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. [31] Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. [32] And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” [33] He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
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.****
References:
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.****
**References:****
Sermon 46 in Series
Exodus 20:3
[3] “You shall have no other gods before me.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions***1.*****
**References:****
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.****
**References:****
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.****
References:
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.****
**References:****
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.****
References:
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.****
**References:****
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.****
References:
Sermon 39 in Series
Exodus 16:16-36
[16] This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” [17] And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. [18] But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. [19] And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” [20] But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. [21] Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.
[22] On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, [23] he said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’” [24] So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. [25] Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. [26] Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.”
[27] On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. [28] And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? [29] See! The LORD has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” [30] So the people rested on the seventh day.
[31] Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. [32] Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” [33] And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations.” [34] As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the testimony to be kept. [35] The people of Israel ate the manna forty years, till they came to a habitable land. They ate the manna till they came to the border of the land of Canaan. [36] (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions**1.
*References:*
Sermon 38 in Series
Exodus 16:1-15
[1] They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. [2] And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, [3] and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
[4] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. [5] On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” [6] So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “At evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, [7] and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?” [8] And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.”
[9] Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, ‘Come near before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.’” [10] And as soon as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. [11] And the LORD said to Moses, [12] “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’”
[13] In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. [14] And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. [15] When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.
*DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions*1.References:
Sermon 37 in Series
Exodus 15:22-27
[22] Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. [23] When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. [24] And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” [25] And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, [26] saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.”
[27] Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
*DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions*1.References:
Matthew 2:1-12
[1] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” [3] When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; [4] and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. [5] They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
[6] “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
[7] Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” [9] After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. [11] And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. [12] And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
*DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions*1.References:
Sermon 36 in Series
Exodus 15:4-21
[4] “Pharaoh’s chariots and his host he cast into the sea,
and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea.
[5] The floods covered them;
they went down into the depths like a stone.
[6] Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power,
your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
[7] In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries;
you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble.
[8] At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up;
the floods stood up in a heap;
the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.
[9] The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them.
I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them.’
[10] You blew with your wind; the sea covered them;
they sank like lead in the mighty waters.
[11] “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
[12] You stretched out your right hand;
the earth swallowed them.
[13] “You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;
you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
[14] The peoples have heard; they tremble;
pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia.
[15] Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed;
trembling seizes the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
[16] Terror and dread fall upon them;
because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,
till your people, O LORD, pass by,
till the people pass by whom you have purchased.
[17] You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain,
the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode,
the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established.
[18] The LORD will reign forever and ever.”
[19] For when the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them, but the people of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. [20] Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. [21] And Miriam sang to them:
“Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”
*DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions*1. References:
Sermon 35 in Series
Exodus 15:1-3
Exodus 15:1–3
[1] Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying,
“I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
[2] The LORD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
[3] The LORD is a man of war;
the LORD is his name.
*DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions*1. References:
Sermon 34 in Series
Exodus 14:24-31
[24] And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, [25] clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”
[26] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” [27] So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. [28] The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. [29] But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
[30] Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. [31] Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions1.References:
Sermon 33 in Series
Exodus 14:15-31
[15] The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. [16] Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. [17] And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. [18] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”
[19] Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, [20] coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.
[21] Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. [22] And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. [23] The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. [24] And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, [25] clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”
[26] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” [27] So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. [28] The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. [29] But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
[30] Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. [31] Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions1. Where do we find Christ’s name and person in this passage? How does that increase your awe of him as you approach Christmas?
2. How does God protect the Israelites before parting the sea? What does it look like to live with God’s protection in view?
3. In what ways does this passage point back to the opening chapters of Genesis? What do those allusions communicate about God?
4. What do the references to dry ground and walls of water tell us about the nature and scope of this miracle? How have you heard this story minimized?
5. Why is the path more significant than the parting? What does it say about God’s relationship with his people?
6. How is this path through the sea one of salvation and of destruction? What does it mean for us to be on the way that leads to life (Matt. 7:14)?
References: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 1:21; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Jude 5; Genesis 1:9; 7:11; Psalm 78:13; Isaiah 63:13; Psalm 77:19-20; John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14.
Sermon 32 in Series
Exodus 14:1-14
[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, [2] “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. [3] For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ [4] And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” And they did so.[5] When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” [6] So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him, [7] and took six hundred chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. [8] And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly. [9] The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.[10] When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. [11] They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” [13] And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. [14] The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions1. How does the lead up to the Red Sea crossing focus our attention on God’s glory? What impact should this have on our reading of this famous story?
2. How does this passage encourage us to trust God when life doesn’t seem to make sense? How has God brought you through the unexpected?
3. Why does Pharaoh pursue the Israelites? How does his change of heart demonstrate the tenacity and folly of sin?
4. Why does God place his people in a seemingly impossible and entirely vulnerable situation? What are the three responses of the Israelites when they see the Egyptians pursuing them?
5. How are the three responses reversed by Moses’ three-fold call? How do we avoid a knee-jerk reaction of fear in the face of difficulty and distress?
6. How can we fall into merely living for our own wellbeing (cf. 14:12b)? What does the content of your prayers reveal about your pursuits?
References: 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 2:1-10; Matthew 6:32-33; Genesis 15:1.
Exodus Egypt Moses Red Sea God's Glory Human Weakness Salvation
Judgment God's Sovereignty Fear Faith Courage Confidence Complaining
Folly Idolatry Pursuits
Sermon 31 in Series
Exodus 13:17-22
[17] When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” [18] But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. [19] Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” [20] And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. [21] And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. [22] The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. *DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions*1. Why did God choose to use an untrained army of former slaves? What does this tell us about his glory and our weaknesses?
2. Where in this passage do we see God’s consideration, compassion, and protection of his people in view of their weaknesses? How does this encourage us as we face temptation?
3. In what ways do Joseph’s bones function as a symbol? How do they clarify the meaning of biblical faith?
4. What effect would the pillar of cloud and fire have had on the Israelites as they traveled? How does this illustrate God’s presence with us today?
5. How are you tempted to lose sight of God’s guiding presence? How can we practically remind one another that God never leaves us?
References: Exodus 12:41; Genesis 15:16; Numbers 13:31; 14:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 6:13; Genesis 50:25; Hebrews 11:1; Exodus 14:24; Psalm 105:39; Matthew 28:20.
Sermon 30 in Series
Exodus 12:42-13:16
[42] It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.[43] And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat of it, [44] but every slave that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him. [45] No foreigner or hired worker may eat of it. [46] It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones. [47] All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. [48] If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. [49] There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.”[50] All the people of Israel did just as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. [51] And on that very day the LORD brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.[1] The LORD said to Moses, [2] “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”[3] Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. [4] Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. [5] And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. [6] Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. [7] Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory. [8] You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ [9] And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. [10] You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.[11] “When the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, [12] you shall set apart to the LORD all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the LORD’s. [13] Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. [14] And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. [15] For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ [16] It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. References:**
Sermon 29 in Series
Exodus 12:42-13:16
[42] It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.[43] And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat of it, [44] but every slave that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him. [45] No foreigner or hired worker may eat of it. [46] It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones. [47] All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. [48] If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. [49] There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.”[50] All the people of Israel did just as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. [51] And on that very day the LORD brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.[1] The LORD said to Moses, [2] “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”[3] Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. [4] Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. [5] And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. [6] Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. [7] Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory. [8] You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ [9] And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. [10] You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.[11] “When the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, [12] you shall set apart to the LORD all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the LORD’s. [13] Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. [14] And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. [15] For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ [16] It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How have you seen the propensity to forget in your own life? How does regularly gathering for corporate worship help us to remember?
2. How does this passage depict God as the Shepherd? What does it look like for God’s people to live out this reality?
3. How was the Passover observance a response to grace? What does it mean for us to constantly ask the “Why” question as we carry out our religious practices?
4. How was the Passover both restrictive and mandatory? How does this passage provide insight on the relationship between conversion, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper?
5. Why was such care taken in the preparation and consumption of the Passover lamb? How is this passage prophetic in nature?
*References:* Genesis 15:13-14; Hebrews 10:24-25; Psalm 23; John 10:11, 14-15; Exodus 12:38; Genesis 17; Romans 2:29; John 19:36.1.
Sermon 28 in Series
Exodus 12:33-42
[33] The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” [34] So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls being bound up in their cloaks on their shoulders. [35] The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. [36] And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
[37] And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. [38] A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds. [39] And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.
[40] The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. [41] At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. [42] It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** In what ways do the events surrounding the Exodus bring glory to God? How does the Exodus itself prefigure salvation through Christ?
2. What was the attitude of the Egyptians towards Israel as they were leaving? How did this affect their food and preparations?
3. As we reflect on God’s gifts to his people through the Egyptians, how do we avoid using our gifts to build the calf rather than glorify the Creator?
4. What support is there for translating and interpreting the text to reflect the larger number of over two million people leaving Egypt?
5. How can the “mixed multitude” be traced back to Genesis 12:3? How does this contribute to the storyline of the Bible?
6. In what ways is the Exodus event a fulfillment of God’s promises? How do the timing and extent of it teach us to trust and wait on God?
References: Exodus 9:16; 7:5; Psalm 83:18; 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:13; Exodus 3:21-22; 11:1-3; 9:20; Genesis 12:3; Exodus 38:25-26; Numbers 1:46; Genesis 15:13-14, 1-6; Galatians 3:17.
Sermon 27 in Series
Exodus 12:21-32
[21] Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. [22] Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. [23] For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. [24] You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. [25] And when you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. [26] And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ [27] you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.
[28] Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.
[29] At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. [30] And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. [31] Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. [32] Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How does this section of Exodus on the Ten Plagues show us God’s top priority? How do we need to reprioritize our lives accordingly?
2. What are Moses’ four main instructions that he gives the Israelites? How should we understand the significance of the blood?
3. Regardless of how we identify “the destroyer,” how does the text make clear that Yahweh is the one doing the passing over and the striking?
4. Why was it so important for Israel to keep observing the Passover as a memorial? How does constant remembering of the gospel protect us from idolatry?
5. How does this passage emphasize the role of parents? In what ways does it convict and challenge you to instruct your children/grandchildren?
6. How has Israel’s response changed since chapter 6? What does this passage and others in Exodus teach us about the importance of obedience?
7. How does Pharaoh’s response to the tenth plague demonstrate that God’s various purposes have been accomplished?
References: Exodus 7:5; 9:16; Romans 1:5; Ephesians 1:7; Psalm 78:49; Hebrews 11:12; Genesis 18:19; Deut 11:19; Ephesians 6:4; Exodus 6:9; 4:31; 22-23; 13:12-13; Luke 13:28.
Sermon 26 in Series
Exodus 12:14-20
[14] “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. [15] Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. [16] On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. [17] And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever. [18] In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. [19] For seven days no leaven is to be found in your houses. If anyone eats what is leavened, that person will be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a sojourner or a native of the land. [20] You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How are the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread connected?
2. How does this passage highlight the importance of remembering God’s works from generation to generation? As a church, how do we practically operate with a view to the next two or three generations?
3. What are the specific instructions given for this festival? Why do you think they were told to begin and end with a holy assembly and without work?
4. What does it mean to say that worship is more about obedience than creative expression?
5. What is the significance of leaven in this passage? How do we celebrate this feast today according to 1 Corinthians 5?
6. When considering how God motivates his people, what does it look like for us to live in light of the warning and the why?
References: John 1:29, 36; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ezekiel 45:21; 1 Cor 5:6-8; Matt 5:29-30.
Sermon 25 in Series
Exodus 12:1-13
[1] The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, [2] “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. [3] Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. [4] And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. [5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, [6] and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight.
[7] “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. [8] They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. [9] Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. [10] And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. [11] In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover. [12] For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. [13] The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How does the story of Exodus highlight God’s faithfulness? How does it bring us back to Genesis?
2. What criteria does God give for selecting Passover lambs? How do New Testament authors describe Jesus as the Lamb?
3. How much thought have you given to the sinlessness of Christ? How does meditating on this truth raise our affections for him?
4. Why was such care to be taken in preparing the Passover meal? Why were the Israelites to eat it fully dressed with staff in hand?
5. How does God execute judgment on the gods of Egypt through the tenth plague? Why is it a climactic blow?
6. How does the Passover event with the blood on the doorposts and lintel portray the heart of the gospel? How does it motivate worship and faith?
References: Genesis 12:2; John 1:29; Revelation 5:12; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 11:1; John 6:35; Ephesians 1:7; Isaiah 53:6-7.
Sermon 24 in Series
Exodus 11:1-10
[1] The LORD said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely. [2] Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” [3] And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
[4] So Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, [5] and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. [6] There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. [7] But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ [8] And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, you and all the people who follow you.’ And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. [9] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
[10] Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** What have you learned about God from the Ten Plagues? What does it mean to see Bible reading as a time of showing and calling from God?
2. When we view the purpose of our salvation as worship, how does it practically impact the way we live as Christians?
3. Why is it an understatement to say that the Israelites were “released” from Egypt?
4. How did the Egyptians view the Israelites? What does this say about God’s ability to work in the hearts of others for our good?
5. Why does God strike the firstborn? How do previous passages in Exodus help us to make sense of this plague?
6. What is the irony of Pharoah’s resistance? What does God reveal about himself in vv. 9-10?
References: Exodus 3:21-22; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Exodus 4:22-23; 3:7; 1:22; Job 1:21.
Sermon 23 in Series
Exodus 10:21-29
[21] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” [22] So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. [23] They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived. [24] Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.” [25] But Moses said, “You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. [26] Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the LORD our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there.” [27] But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. [28] Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.” [29] Moses said, “As you say! I will not see your face again.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How do the plagues reinforce the reality of God’s judgment? How does this truth get softened or marginalized in our culture?
2. How would you describe the ninth plague? What would this period have been like for the Egyptians?
3. How does the contrast between the Egyptians in the darkness and God’s people in the light provide a picture of final judgment?
4. What message was God sending through the ninth plague? How did it glorify Yahweh and tear down Egyptian religion?
5. How does Pharaoh serve as an illustration of the destructive power of pride? How can you turn from pride in your own life?
6. What does Moses’ response to Pharaoh teach us about the nature of worship?
References: John 4:24; Exodus 10:1-3; Matthew 13:43; 8:12; Genesis 1:2-3; Proverbs 16:18.
Sermon 22 in Series
Exodus 10:1-20
[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, [2] and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD.”
[3] So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. [4] For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, [5] and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field, [6] and they shall fill your houses and the houses of all your servants and of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day they came on earth to this day.’” Then he turned and went out from Pharaoh.
[7] Then Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?” [8] So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. And he said to them, “Go, serve the LORD your God. But which ones are to go?” [9] Moses said, “We will go with our young and our old. We will go with our sons and daughters and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the LORD.” [10] But he said to them, “The LORD be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. [11] No! Go, the men among you, and serve the LORD, for that is what you are asking.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
[12] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, so that they may come upon the land of Egypt and eat every plant in the land, all that the hail has left.” [13] So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night. When it was morning, the east wind had brought the locusts. [14] The locusts came up over all the land of Egypt and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor ever will be again. [15] They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt. [16] Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. [17] Now therefore, forgive my sin, please, only this once, and plead with the LORD your God only to remove this death from me.” [18] So he went out from Pharaoh and pleaded with the LORD. [19] And the LORD turned the wind into a very strong west wind, which lifted the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust was left in all the country of Egypt. [20] But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How has God been glorified in your heart as we’ve gone through the Ten Plagues?
2. How do vv. 1-3 pull together divine sovereignty and human responsibility? How does this clarify and deepen your theology?
3. What are God’s purposes for the plagues based on this passage? How does it encourage you to instruct your children in God’s Word?
4. What is the eighth plague, and why do Pharaoh’s servants seem so alarmed? Why does Pharaoh describe it as “death”?
5. How does Pharaoh serve as an illustration of the unbeliever? What does he show us about the outcome of human pride?
6. How do vv. 16-20 caution us against superficial confessions and unkept promises?
References: Romans 9:1 – 10:4; Exodus 7:5; 6:7; Psalm 147:6; Exodus 6:1.
Sermon 21 in Series
Exodus 9:13-35
The Seventh Plague: Hail
[13] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. [14] For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. [15] For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. [16] But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. [17] You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go. [18] Behold, about this time tomorrow I will cause very heavy hail to fall, such as never has been in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. [19] Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them.”’” [20] Then whoever feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses, [21] but whoever did not pay attention to the word of the LORD left his slaves and his livestock in the field.
[22] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man and beast and every plant of the field, in the land of Egypt.” [23] Then Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. [24] There was hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. [25] The hail struck down everything that was in the field in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And the hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field. [26] Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.
[27] Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, “This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. [28] Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.” [29] Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will stretch out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. [30] But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God.” [31] (The flax and the barley were struck down, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud. [32] But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up.) [33] So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and stretched out his hands to the LORD, and the thunder and the hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured upon the earth. [34] But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. [35] So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** What comfort does it bring the Christian to know that God calls us, “my people”?
2. Where do we see an emphasis on God’s glory and grace in this passage? How do we practically glorify God?
3. How would you summarize the devastation of the seventh plague? What does it say about Yahweh in contrast to the gods of Egypt?
4. How does God’s protection of his people in Goshen serve as an illustration of final judgment?
5. What is Pharaoh’s initial response to the plague? How does God glorify himself through bringing the plague to an end?
6. How does Pharaoh function as a picture of false repentance in this passage?
References: 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 9:17; Exodus 9:5; Psalm 78:47-48; 105:32-33; 1:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Matthew 13:3-9.
Sermon 20 in Series
Exodus 9: 1-12
The Fifth Plague: Egyptian Livestock Die
[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. [2] For if you refuse to let them go and still hold them, [3] behold, the hand of the LORD will fall with a very severe plague upon your livestock that are in the field, the horses, the donkeys, the camels, the herds, and the flocks. [4] But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing of all that belongs to the people of Israel shall die.”’” [5] And the LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land.” [6] And the next day the LORD did this thing. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one of the livestock of the people of Israel died. [7] And Pharaoh sent, and behold, not one of the livestock of Israel was dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.
The Sixth Plague: Boils
[8] And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the kiln, and let Moses throw them in the air in the sight of Pharaoh. [9] It shall become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and become boils breaking out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt.” [10] So they took soot from the kiln and stood before Pharaoh. And Moses threw it in the air, and it became boils breaking out in sores on man and beast. [11] And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils came upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians. [12] But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had spoken to Moses. (ESV)
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** What was the fifth plague, and how does God distinguish between Egypt and his people? How is Pharaoh’s investigation meant to highlight the extent of the hardness of his heart?
2. How does the timing of the fifth plague show God’s grace? Why does his control of time, space, and matter function as an argument against worry?
3. How would the death of livestock in the fields have affected Egypt economically? What was the religious impact, and what message is conveyed about Yahweh?
4. What was the sixth plague? Why are the magicians brought back into the picture?
5. How do we see God sweeping away all competitors? How is he using the plagues to do that in your life?
6. How does v. 12 keep our focus on the themes of sovereignty and glory as we read the plague narratives?
References: John 10:29; Psalm 139:9-10; Exodus 8:22; Job 2:7.
Sermon 19 in Series
Exodus 8:20-32
[20] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh, as he goes out to the water, and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. [21] Or else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants and your people, and into your houses. And the houses of the Egyptians shall be filled with swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. [22] But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. [23] Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen.”’” [24] And the LORD did so. There came great swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh and into his servants’ houses. Throughout all the land of Egypt the land was ruined by the swarms of flies.
[25] Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” [26] But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the LORD our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us? [27] We must go three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as he tells us.” [28] So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.” [29] Then Moses said, “Behold, I am going out from you and I will plead with the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow. Only let not Pharaoh cheat again by not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.” [30] So Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD. [31] And the LORD did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; not one remained. [32] But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How do we see God’s judgment serving an evangelistic purpose in Exodus? What are the implications for how we share our faith with others?
2. What does God do to Egypt in the fourth plague? How is it an escalation?
3. How and why does God protect his people during this plague?
4. If it is the case that the Israelites had to endure the previous plagues, how does this help us to manage our expectations in this life? What promises / assurances do we have that God will shield/protect us?
5. How does God’s control of time and space encourage you not to worry?
6. What does this passage say about Pharoah’s character? How is God drawing a contrast in order to glorify himself?
7. What does Moses’ reply to Pharaoh in v. 27 teach us about worship?
References: Exodus 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 21:8; Psalm 78:45; Genesis 46:34.
Sermon 18 in Series
Exodus 8:16-19
[16] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats in all the land of Egypt.’” [17] And they did so. Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats in all the land of Egypt. [18] The magicians tried by their secret arts to produce gnats, but they could not. So there were gnats on man and beast. [19] Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. (ESV)
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** So far, how have the plagues led you to greater trust, prayer, and awe? How have they addressed idolatry in your life?
2. How does this passage highlight God’s initiative and our obedience? How do words like “And they did so” push the story forward both then and now?
3. What was the third plague, and how did it affect the Egyptians? How does the reference to “man and beast” anticipate future destruction?
4. What did the magicians realize in the third plague? What is Pharaoh’s response?
5. How does Pharaoh here serve as an illustration of fallen humanity? What does this say about the unbeliever’s need for more “evidence”?
References:Genesis 2:7; Exodus 9:9, 19; 12:12; 31:18; Psalm 8:3; Luke 11:20.
Exodus, Egypt, Pharaoh, Moses, Aaron, Plagues, Judgment, Idolatry, God's Word
God's Power
Obedience
Evidence
Human Sinfulness
Self
Rebellion
Sermon 17 in Series
Exodus 8:1-15
[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. [2] But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your country with frogs. [3] The Nile shall swarm with frogs that shall come up into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed and into the houses of your servants and your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. [4] The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants.”’” [5] And the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the canals and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt!’” [6] So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. [7] But the magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
[8] Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.” [9] Moses said to Pharaoh, “Be pleased to command me when I am to plead for you and for your servants and for your people, that the frogs be cut off from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile.” [10] And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. [11] The frogs shall go away from you and your houses and your servants and your people. They shall be left only in the Nile.” [12] So Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to the LORD about the frogs, as he had agreed with Pharaoh. [13] And the LORD did according to the word of Moses. The frogs died out in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. [14] And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. [15] But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. (ESV)
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** Where have you seen idolatry in your life? Why does focusing on God’s nature and attributes smash idols?
-
What impact did the second plague have on Egypt? What did it communicate about Yahweh, especially in relation to Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods?
-
Where else do we see the magnitude of God’s power demonstrated in Scripture? How does his power over creation comfort us during trials
-
Why is Pharaoh’s request for prayer so shocking in light of what we’ve read so far in Exodus? How does this show that God’s purposes are being accomplished?
-
How does Moses’ intercessory prayer in this passage encourage us to pray more intimately, boldly, and expectantly?
References: Exodus 12:12; Genesis 1:20; Exodus 1:7; 5:2; Deuteronomy 4:39; Matthew 5:44.
Sermon 16 in Series
Exodus 7:14-25
[14] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go. [15] Go to Pharaoh in the morning, as he is going out to the water. Stand on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that turned into a serpent. [16] And you shall say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness.” But so far, you have not obeyed. [17] Thus says the LORD, “By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood. [18] The fish in the Nile shall die, and the Nile will stink, and the Egyptians will grow weary of drinking water from the Nile.”’” [19] And the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, their canals, and their ponds, and all their pools of water, so that they may become blood, and there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, even in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’”
[20] Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned into blood. [21] And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. [22] But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. [23] Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. [24] And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the Nile. [25] Seven full days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** As we draw out implications from God’s interactions with Moses, what does it mean to say that we are a commissioned people?
2. What pattern(s) can be detected in the plagues, and how should they be grouped? How does the first plague anticipate the tenth?
3. What does this passage tell us about Pharaoh’s sin, and how does it illustrate human sinfulness in general? How should this inform our evangelism?
4. How do the stories of Joseph’s brothers, Pharaoh and Moses, and the hardening of Israel help us hold together divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
5. What is God declaring about himself through the first plague? What does it say about Pharaoh and the god of the Nile?
6. What effect does the first plague have on Egypt? How do Pharaoh and his magicians respond?
References: Colossians 1:13-14; Exodus 4:21; 7:3-4; Romans 1:18-32; Joel 2:31.
Sermon 15 in Series
Exodus 7:1–13
[1] And the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. [2] You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. [3] But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, [4] Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. [5] The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” [6] Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the LORD commanded them. [7] Now Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.
[8] Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, [9] “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Prove yourselves by working a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.’” [10] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. [11] Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. [12] For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. [13] Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** Why is this a particularly low point for Moses? How does God’s Word reassure and reorient his people when we are discouraged in our vocations?
2. Why does God respond with a summary? What does this tell us about our need to be reminded?
3. Why does God harden Pharaoh? How would this have helped Moses to reinterpret supposed failure moving forward?
4. What does it mean to say that God rescued through judgment? How does this point us to the Crucifixion and the Second Coming?
5. How does this passage highlight the importance of obedience in the Christian life? How has God impacted you with this theme over the last few weeks?
6. What does the devouring serpent communicate about Yahweh? How does it anticipate the plagues?
References: Exodus 6:12, 30; 4:10; 5:21; 6:9; 4:14-16, 21; Romans 12:19; Exodus 12:38; Matthew 24:24.
Sermon 14 in Series
Exodus 6:14–30
[14] These are the heads of their fathers’ houses: the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the clans of Reuben. [15] The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the clans of Simeon. [16] These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, the years of the life of Levi being 137 years. [17] The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, by their clans. [18] The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, the years of the life of Kohath being 133 years. [19] The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites according to their generations. [20] Amram took as his wife Jochebed his father’s sister, and she bore him Aaron and Moses, the years of the life of Amram being 137 years. [21] The sons of Izhar: Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. [22] The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. [23] Aaron took as his wife Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. [24] The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the clans of the Korahites. [25] Eleazar, Aaron’s son, took as his wife one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites by their clans.
[26] These are the Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said: “Bring out the people of Israel from the land of Egypt by their hosts.” [27] It was they who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing out the people of Israel from Egypt, this Moses and this Aaron.
[28] On the day when the LORD spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, [29] the LORD said to Moses, “I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say to you.” [30] But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** Why do genealogies play such an important role in the Bible? How has the Lord used them to deepen your knowledge and grow your faith?
2. What does this genealogy in particular reveal about God’s character?
3. What is the function of this passage at this point in the narrative? How does it better prepare the reader for the contest and rescue that will follow?
4. How does this genealogy anticipate the priesthood? How does it point to Christ’s high priestly work and office?
5. Where do we see imperfection in Moses and Aaron as well as the rest of this Levitical line? How does that encourage us towards gratitude, perseverance, and looking away from ourselves to Christ?
References: Exodus 12:40; 1 Chronicles 7:20-29; Numbers 25:7-8; Hebrews 7:26-28, 3; Exodus 4:10; 6:12; Genesis 34:25; Exodus 32:1-6; Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 16.
Exodus Egypt Moses Levi Aaron Genealogy Providence Preservation Faithfulness
High Priest Sin V0cation God's Plan
Sermon 13 in Series
Exodus 6:2–13
[2] God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the LORD. [3] I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. [4] I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. [5] Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. [6] Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. [7] I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. [8] I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.’” [9] Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.
[10] So the LORD said to Moses, [11] “Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the people of Israel go out of his land.” [12] But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” [13] But the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge about the people of Israel and about Pharaoh king of Egypt: to bring the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How have you seen God graciously and patiently relate to you in the midst of your own grumbling? How does God’s response in this passage provide instruction for fathers?
2. How does this passage illustrate our need to hear God’s Word in times of suffering? How have you seen God use Scripture to comfort and encourage during trials?
3. Why does God repeat his name throughout this passage? What does it mean to say that we should read the Bible to know God’s name?
4. What past and future actions does God draw attention to in his message? How does his activity in the Exodus serve as a picture of our salvation through Christ?
5. What does v. 7 tell us about the purpose of salvation? How does this root out false converts?
6. How do the people and Moses respond to God’s glorious message? How does God’s response to them reorient our lives towards obedience regardless of our circumstances?
References: Genesis 15:7; 28:13; 50:24; 15:13-14; 17:7; Exodus 4:22; John 17:3; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 8:15; 1 Peter 1:4; Matthew 5:5; Exodus 3:12.
Sermon 12 in Series
Exodus 5:15-6:1
[15] Then the foremen of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, “Why do you treat your servants like this? [16] No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ And behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.” [17] But he said, “You are idle, you are idle; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ [18] Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks.” [19] The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble when they said, “You shall by no means reduce your number of bricks, your daily task each day.” [20] They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh; [21] and they said to them, “The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
[22] Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? [23] For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
[1] But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How does this passage illustrate God’s testing of his people? What does he accomplish in us through these tests?
2. What is the reaction of the foremen to Pharaoh’s cruel rejection of their complaint? What is their attitude towards Moses and Aaron?
3. How can trials overshadow the content of our faith? How can we practically immerse ourselves in Scripture during times of suffering and unmet expectations?
4. How does Moses respond to the people’s curse? What does this say to Christian leaders?5. What is your impression of Moses’ complaint to God? What is worthy of emulation and what is not?
6. What does God’s response to Moses’ complaint teach us about his character? Where have we already seen this in Exodus?
References: Exodus 4:30-31; 1 Peter 1:5-8; Jeremiah 20:18; 2 Corinthians 12:7-8.
Sermon 11 in Series
Exodus 5:1-14
[1] Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” [2] But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” [3] Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.” [4] But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens.” [5] And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!” [6] The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen, [7] “You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves. [8] But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’ [9] Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words.”
[10] So the taskmasters and the foremen of the people went out and said to the people, “Thus says Pharaoh, ‘I will not give you straw. [11] Go and get your straw yourselves wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced in the least.’” [12] So the people were scattered throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. [13] The taskmasters were urgent, saying, “Complete your work, your daily task each day, as when there was straw.” [14] And the foremen of the people of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, “Why have you not done all your task of making bricks today and yesterday, as in the past?”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** What message do Moses and Aaron deliver to Pharaoh? What does it communicate about Yahweh’s authority?
2. How would you characterize Pharaoh’s response? What was his perception of the people of Israel and their God?
3. What does it mean to say that Pharaoh had a small view of God and a big view of self? How does this play out in our lives?
4. How does the person of Pharaoh, a supposed “son of god,” present such a stark contrast to the true Son of God, Jesus Christ?
5. How does Yahweh’s authority and sovereignty over Pharaoh encourage Christians to rest during times of political or social mistreatment and upheaval?
6. What effect did this initial encounter with Pharaoh have on the condition of the Israelites? What does this tell us about God’s plan and our desire for comfort?
7. How is this passage presented as a contest between Yahweh and Pharaoh/Egypt’s gods? How does it anticipate the plagues?
References: 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 15:4; Exodus 14:4; 3:18-20; Isaiah 40:22-23.
Sermon 10 in Series
Exodus 4:18-31
[18] Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” [19] And the LORD said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” [20] So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.
[21] And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. [22] Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, Israel is my firstborn son, [23] and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
[24] At a lodging place on the way the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. [25] Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” [26] So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.
[27] The LORD said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. [28] And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. [29] Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel. [30] Aaron spoke all the words that the LORD had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. [31] And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the transition away from Moses’ objections at the beginning of v. 18 highlight the importance of obedience? How are we tempted to redefine disobedience as “struggling”?2.** What does it mean to say that Moses had not really lived as an Israelite? In what ways does this passage show God reconstituting his Israelite identity as he returns to Egypt?
3. What does God’s act of hardening Pharaoh’s heart tell us about his sovereign power, and what are some implications for us? Why did he do it?
4. What was the problem with Moses not circumcising one of his sons? What does this teach us about the seriousness of sin and the need to walk worthy of our calling in the New Covenant?
5. At the end of the passage, how does Yahweh fulfill his Word and confirm Moses’ leadership? How does this encourage us in our vocations?
References: 2 Peter 1:3; Acts 7:25; Exodus 14:4; Genesis 17:11-12; Ephesians 4:1.
Sermon 9 in Series
Exodus 4:1-17
[1] Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you.’” [2] The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” [3] And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. [4] But the LORD said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand—[5] “that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” [6] Again, the LORD said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. [7] Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. [8] “If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. [9] If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”
[10] But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” [11] Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? [12] Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” [13] But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” [14] Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. [15] You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. [16] He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. [17] And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** What does this exchange between God and Moses teach us about God’s character and way of relating to his people?
2. What is Moses’ first objection? How does each sign communicate God’s power and supremacy?
3. How does God’s response to the second objection move the spotlight from Moses to God? How do Bible reading and church attendance accomplish this in our lives?
4. What role do our deficiencies/disabilities play in God’s purpose to glorify himself? In what ways does this alter your perspective and give you peace?
5. Why does Moses’ final objection in v. 13 bring God’s anger? What does this passage teach us about that topic?
References: Exodus 3:11, 13; 2:14; Acts 7:25; Exodus 4:29-31; Acts 7:22; Matthew 10:19-20; John 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Exodus 34:6-7.
Sermon 8 in Series
Exodus 3:16–22
[16] Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, [17] and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ [18] And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ [19] But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. [20] So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. [21] And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, [22] but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How does God’s revelation to Moses of what will happen in Egypt demonstrate his love and sovereignty? How does the fact that there are Israelite “elders” show his preservation?
2. What is the message God tells Moses to give to the elders? What does it say about God’s character?
3. What does it mean to say that every Christian has experienced a personal exodus? Read Colossians 1:13-14 alongside of Ephesians 2:1-10.
4. What is the significance of Moses referring to God’s “hand” when dealing with Pharaoh? What would this have communicated to God’s people?
5. Based on this passage, what makes the Exodus so remarkable and glorious? How has it shaped your view of God over the years?
6. How does the plundering of Egypt described in vv. 21-22 serve as a reminder that God knows and will meet our needs?
References: Exodus 12:37; Genesis 50:24; Colossians 1:13-14; Exodus 5:1-2; 4:21; 2:12; Genesis 39:21; 15:14; Matthew 6:8, 32-33.
Sermon 7 in Series
Exodus 3:13–15
[13] Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” [14] God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” [15] God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** What are some of the greatest challenges facing a mom in her vocation? How does God’s response to Moses in Exodus 3:11-12 provide encouragement?
2. In what ways has God used other people as a means of bringing his deliverance to you? How does this motivate you to be a more useful instrument in his hands?
3. What does this passage teach us about God’s existence? What does it mean to say that he is self-existent, and how should that affect the way we relate to him?
4. What is the relationship between “Yahweh” and “I am”? Why would this name have been so unique and profound in Moses’ time and culture?
5. How does God’s name assure us of his presence? What is the significance of Jesus using this name for himself in John 8:58?
6. How does God’s name remind us that we can count on him? How does it help us to remain steadfast in the midst of our increasingly hostile culture?
References: Exodus 4:10, 13; Genesis 4:26; 9:26; 15:7; John 8:58; Hebrews 13:5; Revelation 1:8; James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8.
Sermon 6 in Series
Exodus 3:1-12
[1] Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. [3] And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” [4] When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” [5] Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” [6] And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
[7] Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, [8] and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. [9] And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. [10] Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” [11] But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” [12] He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** Discuss the many ways God carries out his work through human agency. How does this motivate you and increase your zeal for serving him?
2. How has God thoroughly Hebraized Moses by the time he appears to him in the burning bush? Why is this significant for his calling?
3. What do we learn about God from this theophany passage? How does it grow our faith and direct our worship?
4. What does the burning bush scene teach us about God’s holiness? What does it look like to live out the truth that God is both “Abba” and “Holy”?
5. What is Moses’ response to God’s call? How does God reorient and reassure him?
6. In what ways does Moses’ call encourage you in your vocation and areas of service? How does God’s approach of calling the “incapable” to the “impossible” glorify him and protect us from pride?
References: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:24-26; Acts 7:30; Genesis 46:34; 2-4; Genesis 16:7-16; 22:11-19; 1 Peter 1:14-19; Genesis 15:13-14; Joshua 1:5; Jeremiah 1:8; Matthew 28:20; 19:26.
Sermon 5 in Series
Exodus 2:23-25
[23] During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. [24] And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. [25] God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. (ESV)
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions1. Why is this passage a crucial turning point in the book?
2. How would you summarize Israel’s level of suffering? How does their disappointment encourage us when we face unmet expectations?
3. Why is crying out to God for help one of the marks of a true believer? Discuss how this theme shows up throughout the Bible.
4. What is God’s response to Israel’s prayer? What does this say about his character?
5. How do we continually remind ourselves and one another that God is engaged with our suffering and hears our prayers? What happens when we lose sight of these truths?
6. Why doesn’t God immediately inform the Israelites that he has heard their prayer? How does this instruct us in living, believing, waiting, persevering, and praying?
References: Genesis 15:13-16; Exodus 1:11, 13-14; Psalm 142:1; 18:6; 120:1; Mark 10:47; 9:24; Luke 18:13; Numbers 20:16; Deuteronomy 26:7; Daniel 9:23; Colossians 3:4; Titus 2:13.
Sermon 4 in Series
Exodus 2:11-22
[11] One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. [12] He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. [13] When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” [14] He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” [15] When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well.
[16] Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. [17] The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. [18] When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?” [19] They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.” [20] He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” [21] And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. [22] She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** Discuss the different ways that the book of Exodus points forward to Christ. How is Moses a type of Christ?
2. How do the two scenes in vv. 11-14 show that Moses has chosen to identify with God’s people rather than the Egyptians?
3. How should we interpret Moses’ killing of the Egyptian? What do Acts 7 and Hebrews 11 contribute to our understanding?
4. How does the description of Moses’ faith in Hebrews 11 shed light on the nature of authentic Christianity?
5. Where do we see God’s preparatory work in Moses’ life and character? What does that say about God’s provision for us in our callings?
6. Why do you think God removed Moses from Egypt for 40 years?
References: Acts 7:22-29; Hebrews 11:24-26; Genesis 25:1-2.
Sermon 3 in Series
Exodus 2:1-10
Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. 4 And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. 5 Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews' children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child's mother. 9 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** How do passages focused on God’s providence cultivate faith and awe? Why do we constantly need to be exposed to this theme in our culture?
2. Where do we see evidence of faith in this narrative? How does this challenge us not to lose heart when we face our own (often much lighter) trials?
3. What is the significance of the word “ark” in v. 3? What does this word choice tell us about the role of this event in the overall storyline of the Bible?
4. In what ways does this story illustrate God’s active involvement in the lives of his people? In light of Romans 15:4, how does it provide “instruction” and “encouragement”?
5. What is the outcome of the story? How does it prepare us for the rest of the book?
References: Exodus 6:20; Genesis 5:28-29; Hebrews 11:23; Acts 7:20; Romans 15:4; Matthew 2:16.
Sermon 2 in Series
Exodus 1:8-22
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.
15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
**DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.** Why did the attitude towards the Israelites change? How does Psalm 105:24-25 help us to make sense of this transition?
2. How do vv. 8-14 describe the plight of the Israelites? Where do we see God’s presence with his people during this ordeal?
3. How does this passage help Christians to rightly interpret and endure life’s trials?
4. Why does Moses avoid naming any of the kings of Egypt? How does this contrast with the naming of the Hebrew midwives?
5. What does it mean to fear God, as we see with the midwives? In what ways are we tempted to fear man more than God?
6. How is Pharaoh carrying out Satan’s work? Why would Satan want to destroy the male Hebrew children?
References: 1 Kings 6:1; Exodus 12:40-41; Acts 14:22; Psalm 105:24-25; Genesis 22:12; Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Genesis 3:15.
Sermon 1 in Series
Exodus 1:1-7
1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What comes to your mind when you think of Exodus? Why is this book so important for our understanding of the whole Bible?
2. How does Exodus function as a sequel to Genesis? Why has it been considered the heart of the Pentateuch?
3. Why did God bring his people into Egypt? How does this highlight the many unseen layers of his divine plan?
4. How does Joseph’s death serve as a reality check? In what way does it move the spotlight off of man and onto God?
5. What previous portions of Scripture are echoed in v. 7? What does this multiplication of the Israelites tell us about the nature and character of God?
References: Romans 16:20, 26; Genesis 46:8; 45:4-8; 46:1-4; 47:11; 15:13-16; 50:26; 1:28; 22:17; 26:4; 35:11.