NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passages: Exodus 2:23–3:10, 3:11-15, 3:16-22
Discussion Questions: Sinful, evil deeds often remain hidden in the world and in our lives. How does it comfort you to know God sees every sinful deed done against you? How does it challenge you to know that God sees every sinful deed you have done against Him and others? What is the difference between being “terrified” by God and being “awed” by God? How does it encourage you to know that God hears the cries of the oppressed?
Food for Thought:
Exodus 2:23–25 indicates that God heard. God saw. God took notice. God’s attentive nature is revealed throughout the Scriptures (ex. Psalm 34:15). God’s people can cry out to their God and trust that He hears them and cares about their situation. These cries from the Israelites were of particular interest to God because of His covenant with Abraham (Exodus 2:24). God cares about His people.
God’s purpose of redemption and mission given to Abraham in the Book of Genesis continues in the exodus story in Exodus 3. God spoke to Moses and called him to take his sandals off as an act of reverence (v. 5). (See Joshua 5:13-15). God then identified Himself with patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 6), giving Moses a bit of personal history of Himself. The Scripture says Moses “hid his face” in response. Why? Because Moses was in the presence of the Holy One. We should understand Moses’ fear. We should also maintain a sense of reverence before God. However as believers, we don’t have to hide from God in terror because of the work of Christ. We are hidden in Him (Colossians 3:3)! Therefore, we can seek God with confidence because of the work of Christ.
In Exodus 3:7-10, this holy God responds to the cries of the oppressed by revealing His plan to Moses. God’s motive appears in verses 7 and 9. God told Moses that He was aware of the people’s desperate situation, echoing the words of 2:23-25 and showing us that God does indeed hear our cries.
Next, God responded by explaining His purpose to Moses. God was going to save them from something — slavery — for something — worship and witness.
That’s exactly what has happened to us through Christ’s work on our behalf. In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul told the Ephesians that they had been saved by grace through faith, from wrath and for good works. (See also Colossians 1:13-14).
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a Christ-centered curriculum that examines the grand narrative of Scripture and how the Gospel transforms the lives of those it touches. Through a three-year study plan, participants are immersed in the Gospel through stories, theological concepts, and calls to missions from Genesis to Revelation. Separate study plans for kids and students/adults ensure the proper focus and depth. The Gospel Project is designed to unify an entire church under a single Christ-centered curriculum. More information, free samples, and The Gospel Project blog can be found at gospelproject.com.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
