A sermon on God revealing himself to Moses in Exodus 33 by Rev. David Camera.

Application questions:

• Have you ever been in the position of mediator between two people?
• If so, what were the circumstances and what was the outcome?
• What is surprising about the Israelite response in vs 4, considering what they just did in chapter 32?
• What is the reason the Lord says he cannot go with His people? What does the metaphor “stiff-necked” mean? How are we tempted to be “stiff necked” at times? What is the opposite of stiff-necked?
• Why did the people respond with mourning?
• If the Lord offered protection and material blessing in this life, but without a personal relationship with Him, do you think most people would take it? Why?
• What is Moses attempting to do in this chapter?
• On what basis does Moses intercede for the Israelites? (v. 15-16)
• How had Moses tried to intercede in chapter 32? (What had he offered? Why was his offer refused?)
• What does it mean to “find favor” with the Lord? How is favor found with God?
• In the Tent of Meeting, Moses spoke with the Lord “face to face.” Which means person to person. Moses was inside the tent, the Lord was outside the tent. So a curtain separated them. What is Moses asking for exactly in v. 18?
• How does God respond to Moses’ request?
• What is rather surprising about God’s response considering who Moses is?
• Look up John 1:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:6. Where do we see the glory of God revealed?
• How do the actions of Moses point forward to Jesus Christ? (cr. Heb. 8:6-12)
• Considering this passage, do we have any hope of a relationship with God apart from a mediator? Why or why not?

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A sermon on the golden calf incident by Dr. Levi Berntson.

Application questions:

• How does Israel’s distrust here mirror the earlier complaints about hunger and thirst (Ex. 16–17)?
• In what ways does this scene echo Genesis 3, where distrust in God’s word leads to rebellion?
• The NT often warns about unbelief in the wilderness (e.g., Hebrews 3:7–19; 1 Corinthians 10:6–11). How do these NT writers use Israel’s story to instruct Christians today?
• Stephen in Acts 7:39–41 reflects on this event. How does he describe Israel’s heart posture, and what warning does he draw for his audience?
• How does the sin of God’s people damage their witness before the nations (v. 25)? Reflect on Ezekiel 36:22–23. How does God ultimately restore His reputation?
• When have you found it most difficult to trust God’s timing or plan?
• Why do seasons of waiting often reveal what we really believe about God’s character?
• How does Exodus 32 challenge our tendency to want immediate answers or visible control?

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A sermon on God's equipping of his people to serve him by Rev. David Camera.

Application questions:

• When you think of ministry in the church, what comes to your mind?
• How would you describe the work of the ministry? Who does it and what do they do?
• Who is the focus of chapter 30? Where do they work and what do they do?
• Who is the focus of chapter 31? Where do they work and what do they do?
• Who called and qualified the priests to do their work?
• Who called and qualified the craftsmen to do their work?
• What implications can we draw from seeing the relationship between the priests who work inside the Tent, and the craftsmen who work on the Tent?
• Look at 31:1-6. List out the ways God has equipped people to do the work He called them to do. What impression does this list make on you?
• What skills, experiences, abilities, and knowledge do you have that can be employed in the work God has called you to do?
• If all that we are is given to us by God what aspects of life are excluded from serving and glorifying Him?
• How can you use your industry, creativity, and imagination to serve the Lord?
• Why is the sabbath commandment restated after God commanded all this work to be done? What is the principle? How might we apply this today?

Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com