God's Faithfulness and Our Identity in Exodus
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new journey through the book of Exodus, a book that fits perfectly with our current cultural moment. As we dive into this Old Testament narrative, we will explore themes of identity, faith, and God's unwavering faithfulness. Exodus is not just a historical account; it is a story filled with powerful imagery and deep spiritual lessons that point us to Jesus Christ.
We begin by understanding the context of Exodus within the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. These books span thousands of years and were written by Moses, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The book of Exodus, originally titled "Shemot" (meaning "names"), starts with a list of the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt. This emphasis on names highlights the theme of identity, reminding us that God knows each of us by name and has a plan for our lives.
As we journey through Exodus, we will see how God uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His promises. The story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph sets the stage for the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their eventual deliverance. Despite their suffering, God never forgets His people. He remembers their names and their plight, and He has a rescue plan in place.
The imagery in Exodus is rich and varied, from the burning bush to the parting of the Red Sea, from the plagues to the manna from heaven. All these images point to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. As we study this book, we will be reminded of our own forgetfulness and God's faithfulness. We will see that, like the Israelites, we are often forgetful of God's goodness, but He never forgets us.
In this series, we will also explore how the stories in Exodus instruct, encourage, and give us hope. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that these stories were written for our instruction and to give us hope through endurance. As we face our own challenges, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, just as He was with the Israelites.
So, as we begin this journey through Exodus, let us remember that God knows our names, He has a plan for us, and He is always faithful. Let us open our hearts to the lessons He has for us in this powerful book.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Knows Our Names: The book of Exodus begins with a list of names, emphasizing that God knows each of us personally. This theme of identity is crucial in our culture today, where many struggle with understanding who they are. Remember that God knows your name and has a plan for your life, even when you feel forgotten or insignificant. [40:07]
2. God's Faithfulness Amidst Our Forgetfulness: The Israelites often forgot God's promises and faithfulness, just as we do today. Despite their forgetfulness, God never abandoned them. He remembered His covenant and delivered them from slavery. This serves as a powerful reminder that God remains faithful to us, even when we forget Him. [52:55]
3. Imagery Pointing to Jesus: The rich imagery in Exodus, from the burning bush to the parting of the Red Sea, all points to Jesus. These stories are not just historical events but are meant to foreshadow the ultimate deliverance through Christ. As we study these images, we see how they reveal God's plan for salvation through His Son. [43:21]
4. Endurance and Hope: The Apostle Paul reminds us that the stories in Exodus were written for our instruction and to give us hope through endurance. As we face our own trials, we can find encouragement in knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and providing for us, just as He did for the Israelites. [45:47]
5. Unexpected Instruments of God's Plan: God often uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His promises. From Abraham to Moses, God chose unlikely individuals to carry out His plans. This reminds us that God can use anyone, including us, to accomplish His purposes, regardless of our background or abilities. [47:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:09] - Fall Season at RIV
[28:52] - Insider Baseball: RIV's Structure
[29:37] - Online Service Details
[30:38] - New Patio at Holt
[31:19] - Introduction to Exodus Series
[32:20] - Biblically Holistic and Humble Approach
[33:10] - Importance of Reading the Bible
[33:59] - Study Guide for Exodus Series
[35:13] - Context of Exodus
[35:53] - The Pentateuch Overview
[36:58] - Historical Narrative in Exodus
[37:33] - Authorship of Exodus
[39:17] - Purpose of Exodus
[40:07] - Theme of Identity
[41:49] - Imagery in Exodus
[43:21] - Imagery Pointing to Jesus
[45:47] - Lessons from Apostle Paul
[47:17] - God's Unexpected Instruments
[52:55] - God's Faithfulness
[56:15] - Call to Remember
[57:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Journey Through Exodus
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 1:1-7 - "These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all; Joseph was already in Egypt. Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them."
2. Romans 15:4 - "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
3. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 - "For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the names listed at the beginning of Exodus? (Exodus 1:1-7)
2. According to Romans 15:4, what is the purpose of the Scriptures written in the past?
3. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, what events from Exodus does Paul reference, and how does he relate them to Christ?
4. How does the sermon describe the theme of identity in the book of Exodus? [40:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the book of Exodus starts with a list of names, and how does this relate to the theme of identity? [40:07]
2. How does the imagery in Exodus, such as the burning bush and the parting of the Red Sea, point to Jesus according to the sermon? [43:21]
3. What does the sermon suggest about God's faithfulness amidst our forgetfulness, and how is this demonstrated in the story of the Israelites? [52:55]
4. How does the Apostle Paul use the stories from Exodus to instruct and encourage believers in 1 Corinthians 10:1-4? [45:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that God knows your name and has a plan for your life. How does this truth impact your sense of identity and purpose, especially during times when you feel forgotten or insignificant? [40:07]
2. The Israelites often forgot God's promises and faithfulness. Can you identify a time in your life when you forgot God's goodness? How did you find your way back to remembering His faithfulness? [52:55]
3. The imagery in Exodus points to Jesus and God's plan for salvation. How can you use the stories and imagery from Exodus to deepen your understanding of Jesus' role in your life? [43:21]
4. Paul reminds us that the stories in Exodus were written for our instruction and to give us hope through endurance. How can you apply this principle to a current challenge you are facing? [45:47]
5. God often uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His promises. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected person or situation in your life to accomplish His purposes. How did this experience shape your faith? [47:17]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness. What practical steps can you take to regularly remind yourself of God's promises and past faithfulness in your life? [52:55]
7. How can the lessons from the book of Exodus help you navigate your own journey of faith, especially in moments of doubt or difficulty? [56:15]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes and lessons from the book of Exodus, encouraging personal reflection and practical application of God's Word.
Devotional
Day 1: God Knows Our Names
Description: The book of Exodus begins with a list of names, emphasizing that God knows each of us personally. This theme of identity is crucial in our culture today, where many struggle with understanding who they are. Remember that God knows your name and has a plan for your life, even when you feel forgotten or insignificant. This personal knowledge and care from God is a profound reminder of His intimate involvement in our lives. He sees us, knows us, and calls us by name, affirming our worth and purpose in His grand design. [40:07]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unnoticed or insignificant. How does knowing that God knows your name and has a plan for you change your perspective on that experience?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness Amidst Our Forgetfulness
Description: The Israelites often forgot God's promises and faithfulness, just as we do today. Despite their forgetfulness, God never abandoned them. He remembered His covenant and delivered them from slavery. This serves as a powerful reminder that God remains faithful to us, even when we forget Him. His unwavering faithfulness is a cornerstone of our relationship with Him, providing us with assurance and hope, especially in times of doubt and forgetfulness. [52:55]
Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV): "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you forgot God's goodness in your life. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness daily?
Day 3: Imagery Pointing to Jesus
Description: The rich imagery in Exodus, from the burning bush to the parting of the Red Sea, all points to Jesus. These stories are not just historical events but are meant to foreshadow the ultimate deliverance through Christ. As we study these images, we see how they reveal God's plan for salvation through His Son. This connection between the Old Testament imagery and the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus enriches our understanding of God's redemptive work throughout history. [43:21]
John 1:29 (ESV): "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'"
Reflection: Consider one of the images from Exodus (e.g., the burning bush, the Red Sea). How does this image deepen your understanding of Jesus' role in your life?
Day 4: Endurance and Hope
Description: The Apostle Paul reminds us that the stories in Exodus were written for our instruction and to give us hope through endurance. As we face our own trials, we can find encouragement in knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and providing for us, just as He did for the Israelites. This endurance and hope are vital for our spiritual journey, helping us to persevere through challenges with the assurance of God's presence and support. [45:47]
Romans 15:4 (ESV): "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Reflection: Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can the stories of God's faithfulness in Exodus inspire you to endure and find hope?
Day 5: Unexpected Instruments of God's Plan
Description: God often uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His promises. From Abraham to Moses, God chose unlikely individuals to carry out His plans. This reminds us that God can use anyone, including us, to accomplish His purposes, regardless of our background or abilities. This truth encourages us to be open to God's calling, knowing that He equips and empowers those He chooses, often in surprising ways. [47:17]
1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel inadequate. How might God be calling you to step out in faith, trusting that He can use you despite your perceived weaknesses?
Quotes
1. "We believe that all of scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for us. And so that's biblically holistic. It's why we pick books like Exodus and we go into the old Testament and we spend all this time teaching through an old book because all of the Bible is good for us. But we also want to be humble. We want to be humble to three different types of people. The first is the divine author of scripture." [32:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We think the Bible is so important that we think you should be reading it. And we think that if you, even if you have, do not have a copy of the Bible, we want you to have one. And so in the back, we bought a whole bunch of these. We've got boxes of these. They're a free version. We want to give that to you on the way out. If you want to have your own copy." [33:10] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Why are we tackling this old Testament book of Exodus and why are we doing it now? Well, because, because Exodus fits the cultural moment in which we live. And to understand that we need to understand the context of Exodus. And so that's what we're going to do today. We're not going to actually cover any of Exodus today. We're going to cover some other stuff around Exodus to put it all into context." [35:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One of the major themes that we're going to see in Exodus is this theme of identity. It's one of the central themes in this book. And it is one of the central themes in our culture today. We're wrestling with what is our identity? Who is it that we are? What were we created to be? And that is right there on these pages." [40:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have forgotten who God is and we forgot. We forget who we are. We forget. We forget what God has wired us to be. And so what we have in our culture is access to so much information, like a sea of information to the point that we drown in it and we forget more than we ever knew. And we end up forgetting who God is." [40:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Exodus is a historical account of the people of God who thought that he had forgotten about them. They thought that God had abandoned him. They forgot the promise that God had made to them. And they were beginning to wonder if the stories they'd heard about God were just make-believe. Was he just a make-believe being out there? Or is he really real?" [52:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Remember that God knows your name. Remember that he is calling you to himself. Remember that he sent his son, the seed of Abraham, to live the sinless life that you cannot live. It's why you keep those secret sins that start to leak out, because you cannot live that perfect life that Jesus has called you to. But he lived it. And then he dies on the cross so that your penalty for that sin does not have to apply to you." [56:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Over the next seven months, we're going to journey with God's people. We're going to journey through captivity and deliverance. We're going to look into the mirror of God's perfect law that's going to show us who we really are. And that's going to be uncomfortable. Just going to let you know in advance. We're going to discover who we're meant to be. we're going to discover how we are meant to worship this God." [56:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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