Sermons on Exodus 33:12-17
The various sermons below interpret Exodus 33:12-17 as a profound example of intercessory prayer, with a shared emphasis on Moses' desire for God's presence as a distinguishing mark for His people. They highlight Moses' boldness and confidence in approaching God, using His promises as a basis for his petitions. This approach is presented as a model for effective prayer, encouraging believers to confidently remind God of His promises. A common theme across the sermons is the prioritization of God's glory and presence over ordinary blessings, suggesting that Moses sought an extraordinary manifestation of God's love and assurance. This desire for a deeper experience of God's presence is seen as a call for the church to seek more than just institutional success or personal gain, but rather a profound encounter with God's glory.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present unique nuances in their interpretations. One sermon emphasizes Moses' concern for God's glory as the primary motive for his intercession, suggesting that the church should similarly prioritize God's honor over other concerns. Another sermon introduces the theme of longing for divine revival, arguing that true revival involves seeking an extraordinary demonstration of God's presence that sets His people apart. This perspective contrasts with the idea of simply returning to a previous state of blessing, highlighting a desire for something beyond the ordinary. Additionally, one sermon presents the theological theme of God's glory as the primary motive for prayer, suggesting a shift from self-centered to God-centered motives.
Exodus 33:12-17 Interpretation:
Interceding for God's Glory and the Lost (MLJTrust) interprets Exodus 33:12-17 as a crucial section for understanding the motives behind Moses' intercession. The sermon highlights Moses' desire for a special authentication of the church and its message, emphasizing that Moses was not content with ordinary blessings but sought an exceptional declaration from God to demonstrate that the Israelites were indeed His people. This interpretation underscores the importance of seeking God's presence as a distinguishing factor for His people.
Longing for Divine Revival: Moses' Intercessory Prayer (MLJTrust) offers a unique perspective by emphasizing that Moses' prayer for God's presence was not just about returning to a previous state of blessing but about seeking something extraordinary and unusual. The sermon suggests that Moses' request for God's presence was a plea for a deeper, more profound manifestation of God's love and assurance, beyond the ordinary experience of the church.
Intercessory Prayer: Seeking God's Presence and Glory (MLJTrust) interprets Exodus 33:12-17 as a profound example of intercessory prayer, emphasizing Moses' boldness and confidence in approaching God. The sermon highlights Moses' reasoning and arguing with God, reminding Him of His promises and using them as a basis for his petitions. This approach is seen as a model for effective prayer, where believers are encouraged to "sue" God for His promises, demonstrating a child-like confidence and trust in God's willingness to fulfill His word.
Exodus 33:12-17 Theological Themes:
Interceding for God's Glory and the Lost (MLJTrust) presents the theme of concern for the glory of God as the primary motive for Moses' prayer. The sermon emphasizes that Moses' intercession was driven by a desire to uphold God's honor and reputation, suggesting that the church today should similarly prioritize God's glory over institutional success or personal gain.
Longing for Divine Revival: Moses' Intercessory Prayer (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of longing for an extraordinary manifestation of God's presence. The sermon argues that true revival involves a desire for something beyond the ordinary blessings of the church, seeking a unique and powerful demonstration of God's presence that sets His people apart from the world.
Intercessory Prayer: Seeking God's Presence and Glory (MLJTrust) presents a distinct theological theme of the importance of God's glory as the primary motive for prayer. The sermon emphasizes that Moses' concern was not just for the people of Israel but primarily for the glory and honor of God's name. This theme is expanded by suggesting that the church today should also prioritize God's glory over institutional concerns, reflecting a shift from self-centered to God-centered motives in prayer.
Exodus 33:12-17 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Interceding for God's Glory and the Lost (MLJTrust) provides historical context by referencing the 1859 revival and the role of intercessors in past revivals. The sermon draws parallels between Moses' intercession and the prayers of those who have sought revival throughout history, emphasizing the importance of motives and purpose in seeking God's intervention.
Intercessory Prayer: Seeking God's Presence and Glory (MLJTrust) provides historical context by referencing the 1859 Revival in the United States, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The sermon uses this historical event to illustrate the potential for a mighty outpouring of God's spirit, similar to what Moses sought for Israel. This context serves to inspire contemporary believers to seek a similar revival in their own time.
Exodus 33:12-17 Cross-References in the Bible:
Interceding for God's Glory and the Lost (MLJTrust) references Exodus 32:11-12, where Moses intercedes for the Israelites after they worship the golden calf. The sermon uses this passage to illustrate Moses' concern for God's glory and reputation, arguing that Moses' intercession was motivated by a desire to uphold God's honor in the eyes of other nations.
Longing for Divine Revival: Moses' Intercessory Prayer (MLJTrust) references Acts 2 and Acts 4 to draw parallels between the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the revival Moses sought. The sermon uses these passages to emphasize the need for an extraordinary manifestation of God's presence that is unmistakable and transformative.
Intercessory Prayer: Seeking God's Presence and Glory (MLJTrust) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Exodus 33:12-17. It cites Exodus 32:11-12, where Moses intercedes for Israel by appealing to God's reputation among the Egyptians, highlighting Moses' concern for God's glory. The sermon also references Psalm 79 and Psalm 83, where the psalmists express a similar concern for God's name and glory. Additionally, Acts 4 is mentioned, where the early church prays for boldness in the face of persecution, drawing a parallel to Moses' bold intercession.
Exodus 33:12-17 Christian References outside the Bible:
Interceding for God's Glory and the Lost (MLJTrust) references historical figures and events, such as the 1859 revival, to illustrate the importance of intercessory prayer and the motives behind seeking revival. The sermon highlights the role of past intercessors who were driven by a concern for God's glory and the church's mission.
Intercessory Prayer: Seeking God's Presence and Glory (MLJTrust) explicitly references Thomas Goodwin, a Puritan theologian, who is quoted as encouraging believers to "sue" God for His promises. This reference is used to illustrate the concept of arguing and reasoning with God in prayer, as Moses did, and to encourage believers to approach God with confidence and boldness.
Exodus 33:12-17 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Interceding for God's Glory and the Lost (MLJTrust) does not provide any secular illustrations specific to Exodus 33:12-17.
Longing for Divine Revival: Moses' Intercessory Prayer (MLJTrust) does not provide any secular illustrations specific to Exodus 33:12-17.
Intercessory Prayer: Seeking God's Presence and Glory (MLJTrust) does not provide any illustrations from secular sources in its discussion of Exodus 33:12-17.