Series Title: The Space Between | Week 3
Bottom Line: Accept the freedom and grace God gives you.
Other Scripture References:
Book References
The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Dr. Sandra L Richter. Pastor Matt will be referencing this book throughout the series. He encourages us to take the time to read this book.
Group Check in:
How is it with your soul?
Prayer Request? Praises?
How has God shown up in your life this week?
Ice Breaker:
Have you ever felt lost? How did it make you feel?
Overview:
The Exodus is the single most important event in the history of Israel (until Jesus’ birth), and the covenant God makes with Moses is the climactic event. God’s action in the Exodus provides a foreshadowing of God’s redemptive work in sending Christ to us. For all of us who feel enslaved or in bondage to sin, Exodus offers the template by which God is working to free us. The covenant at Sinai outlines a way of life that sets us apart and provides the template of the Tabernacle
God called Moses to lead His people out of slavery/death and into freedom/life.
Moses led his people to Mt. Sinai and God calls Moses up the mountain. In Exodus 19:5-6, God makes a covenant with them: if you keep my command, you will be my treasured possession. (10 Commandments)
The Law (10 Commandments) was a gift. The law was meant to set His people apart from everyone else. It created a Theocracy.
God commanded His people to create a Tabernacle. The architecture of this Tabernacle communicates a profound picture of God's relationship with His people: God's desire to be with His people, yet our sin separates us (veil).
It is in Matthew 27, that we once again make a connection with the veil in the Tabernacle. In Matthew 27, the veil is torn in two. Jesus dies on the cross for us and the veil is torn apart. Sin no longer separates us. Jesus paid the price for us. It is no longer one man per year that has access to God, but now each of us.
The Mosaic Covenant is a foretaste of what God was ultimately going to do: John 1:14, Revelation 21:3.
Slides 1-3
Discussion Questions:
How did Moses' life experiences prepare him for God's call?
What life experiences of your own could God use to minister to others?
How could seeing that God was working on the Hebrews behalf, even when they did not realize it, provide comfort, and hope for God's people today?
Even when God's people were wandering through the wilderness, He provided for them. Describe a time when God met your need(s) (physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, ect) in an unexpected way. How has this impacted you?
What was so important about the Tabernacle?
The Tabernacle was an expression of God's presence among His people. How is God present with you? (Exodus 21:1-4)
Is there someone in your life in need of an "exodus" from their circumstances? How can you help and encourage them this week?
Challenge:
Accept the freedom and grace God gives you to leave behind Egypt, and the Egyptians in your life, in order to take possession of the Promised Land.