[1]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 Passage: Exodus 3:1-22
Discussion Questions:
- What does your name mean, and what was its inspiration?
- Why is it important that we learn about God’s holiness from His special revelation?
- How have you seen God’s sovereign power on display?
Food for Thought:
Through Joseph’s influence, God’s people initially lived in Egypt as honored guests. But a new Pharaoh came to power who did not remember Joseph. As a result, God’s people suffered under brutal oppression in Egypt for generations. But the covenant-keeping God heard their cries and prepared to demonstrate His power on their behalf. He would do so through an unlikely messenger – a Hebrew named Moses, Egypt’s fallen prince, who was grinding out his existence in obscurity, shepherding on the backside of nowhere.
In ancient times, names often took their meanings to another level. A person’s name could describe his or her character or a defining physical characteristic. Some were born out of joy, and others out of suffering. God too has a name. It was not given to Him but chosen by Him, and it served the purpose of identifying His nature and character for the comfort and hope of His people.
[2]A new generation of Israelites wouldn’t recognize Moses or trust him to be their leader. So God told Moses to tell them that “I Am Who I Am” sent him. “I Am” is related to the Hebrew word for “to be” and is likely pronounced “Yahweh” (often translated in our Bibles as “Lord”).
It’s impossible to fully understand the mystery and meaning of God’s name but at the very least, it implies God’s eternal pre-existence. God was never created, nor does He need anything to sustain Him. He just is – the Creator and Sustainer of everything, which is dependent upon Him. God’s name also tells us something about His character. He is unchangeable, reliable and eternal. The people of God could trust God because He will do what He says He will do.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject [3].