Trust Over Control: Lessons from the Golden Calf

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God in Uncertainty

The Israelites' time at Mount Sinai was intended to be a period of deep intimacy with God. However, their anxiety led them to seek control through idolatry, creating a golden calf to lead them. This act of idolatry starkly contrasts with the relationship God desires with His people, which is based on grace and trust, not control. The Israelites' actions reflect a common human tendency to seek control over trust, especially in times of uncertainty. True intimacy with God requires us to relinquish control and trust in His sovereignty and goodness. When we trust God, we allow Him to lead us through life's uncertainties, knowing that His plans for us are good and perfect. [13:12]

Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV): "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God? How can you actively choose to trust Him today, even when the future seems uncertain?

Day 2: Identifying Modern Idols

Tim Keller describes the human heart as an "idol factory," constantly finding ways to place other things before God. This isn't limited to ancient idols like the golden calf but includes modern-day obsessions such as career, money, and relationships. Recognizing this tendency helps us to refocus our hearts on God. The Israelites' quick turn to idolatry reveals a deeper issue: the human heart's tendency to seek control over trust. By identifying and acknowledging the idols in our lives, we can begin to dismantle them and place God back at the center of our hearts. [30:23]

Ezekiel 14:3-4 (ESV): "Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols."

Reflection: What modern-day idols have you placed before God in your life? How can you begin to dismantle these idols and refocus your heart on God today?

Day 3: Embracing Grace and Trust

The relationship God desires with us is based on grace and trust, not control. The Israelites' attempt to control their chaotic lives through idolatry contrasts with the trust God asks of us. Trusting God means relinquishing control and believing in His goodness and sovereignty. When we place our trust in God, we acknowledge that His plans are higher than our own and that His grace is sufficient for us. This trust allows us to live in peace, knowing that God is in control and that He is working all things for our good. [25:50]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 4: The Need for a Mediator

Moses' intercession for the Israelites points to the need for a mediator between us and God. While Moses was not perfect, his actions foreshadow Jesus, the perfect mediator who fully atones for our sins. This highlights the importance of Jesus' sacrifice in restoring our relationship with God. Jesus' role as our mediator allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our sins have been atoned for and that we are covered by His grace. This understanding deepens our appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice and encourages us to live in a way that honors Him. [36:47]

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as your mediator change the way you approach God in prayer and worship? How can you live in a way that honors His sacrifice?

Day 5: Living in Grace

The story of the golden calf reminds us that our relationship with God is based on grace, not our efforts. When we place other things before God, we commit a great sin that alienates us from Him. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, we can live in a relationship with God that is rooted in grace and trust. This grace allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that we are forgiven and loved. Living in grace means acknowledging our dependence on God and allowing His love to transform our lives. [39:49]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of God's grace in your life? What practical steps can you take to live in a way that reflects His grace and love to others?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone. Today, we continue our journey with Moses, focusing on the Israelites' time at Mount Sinai. Last week, we discussed their arrival at Mount Sinai, where they experienced the glory of the Lord and received the Ten Commandments. This week, we delve into Exodus 32, where the Israelites' intimacy with God falls apart. While Moses is on the mountain receiving detailed instructions for the tabernacle—a symbol of God's desire for a relationship with His people—the Israelites grow anxious and demand Aaron to make them gods to lead them. They create a golden calf, a common idol in the ancient Near East, and declare it their god.

This act of idolatry is a stark contrast to the relationship God desires with His people. The Israelites' actions reflect their attempt to control their chaotic lives, a common theme in ancient paganism. Pagan gods were believed to control various aspects of life, and people sought to appease them to gain control over their circumstances. However, the God of Israel is different. He is sovereign, compassionate, and desires a relationship based on grace and trust, not control.

The Israelites' quick turn to idolatry reveals a deeper issue: the human heart's tendency to seek control over trust. This is not just an ancient problem but a human condition. We, too, often place things before God in our lives, seeking control over our chaos. Tim Keller aptly describes the human heart as an "idol factory," constantly finding ways to put other things in the place of God.

The story of the golden calf doesn't end with alienation. Moses intercedes for the people, offering himself as a substitute for their sin. While God doesn't accept Moses' offer, this act points us to Jesus, the perfect mediator who can fully atone for our sins. Jesus' sacrifice allows us to live in a relationship with God based on grace and trust.

In conclusion, the Israelites' story is a mirror reflecting our own tendencies to seek control over trust. We must recognize this and turn back to a relationship with God, trusting in His grace and sovereignty.

###

Key Takeaways

1. day obsessions like career, money, and relationships. Recognizing this tendency helps us to refocus our hearts on God. [30:23]
3. Grace and Trust Over Control: The relationship God desires with us is based on grace and trust, not control. The Israelites' attempt to control their chaotic lives through idolatry contrasts with the trust God asks of us. Trusting God means relinquishing control and believing in His goodness and sovereignty.

4. The Role of Mediators: Moses' intercession for the Israelites points to the need for a mediator between us and God. While Moses was not perfect, his actions foreshadow Jesus, the perfect mediator who fully atones for our sins. This highlights the importance of Jesus' sacrifice in restoring our relationship with God.

5. Living in a Relationship Based on Grace: The story of the golden calf reminds us that our relationship with God is based on grace, not our efforts. When we place other things before God, we commit a great sin that alienates us from Him. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, we can live in a relationship with God that is rooted in grace and trust.

### [30:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[13:12] - Intimacy at Mount Sinai
[13:51] - Moses' Absence and Israel's Anxiety
[14:30] - Instructions for the Tabernacle
[16:09] - Israel's Turn to Idolatry
[17:03] - The Golden Calf
[18:11] - God's Anger and Moses' Intercession
[19:14] - Moses Confronts the People
[20:06] - The Chaos of the Ancient World
[22:13] - Paganism and Control
[23:11] - The Israelites' Pagan Influences
[24:42] - Yahweh's Sovereignty and Compassion
[25:50] - Grace and Trust Over Control
[27:53] - The Israelites as a Mirror of Us
[29:26] - The Human Heart as an Idol Factory
[30:23] - Modern-Day Idolatry
[32:20] - Trust and Control in Our Lives
[33:51] - Worldviews: Paganism vs. Biblical
[35:18] - The Story of the Golden Calf Continues
[36:47] - Moses as a Mediator
[38:12] - Jesus, the Perfect Mediator
[39:49] - Living in a Relationship Based on Grace
[40:56] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the Israelites doing while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving instructions for the tabernacle? ([13:51])
How did Aaron respond to the Israelites' demand for gods to lead them? ([14:30])
What was God's reaction to the Israelites' idolatry, and how did Moses intercede for them? ([18:11])
How does the writer of Hebrews describe Jesus' role as a mediator? (Hebrews 7:23-25)

Interpretation Questions

Why did the Israelites feel the need to create a golden calf while Moses was on the mountain? ([13:51])
How does the concept of the human heart as an "idol factory" relate to the Israelites' actions and our own lives today? ([29:26])
What does Moses' offer to atone for the Israelites' sin reveal about his character and leadership? ([36:47])
How does Jesus' role as the perfect mediator differ from Moses' role, and why is this significant for our faith? (Hebrews 7:23-25)

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt anxious or out of control. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the Israelites' turn to idolatry in Exodus 32? ([13:51])
Tim Keller describes the human heart as an "idol factory." Identify one modern-day "idol" in your life (e.g., career, money, relationships). How can you refocus your heart on God? ([30:23])
The sermon emphasizes that intimacy with God requires trust, not control. What are some practical steps you can take to trust God more in your daily life? ([25:50])
Moses interceded for the Israelites, pointing to the need for a mediator. How can you rely more on Jesus as your mediator in your relationship with God? ([36:47])
The story of the golden calf highlights the importance of living in a relationship based on grace. How can you remind yourself of God's grace in moments of stress and anxiety? ([39:49])
Think about a specific area in your life where you struggle to relinquish control. What is one action you can take this week to trust God more in that area? ([25:50])
How can you cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God in your daily routine, especially during times of uncertainty and chaos? ([13:12])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Trust and control are exactly opposite. You can either seek to control your very chaotic life, or you can trust that God will take care of you. You can do one or the other, but you can't do both. It is a binary choice." [26:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The relationship that we have with the Lord, on the other hand, that comes from grace. It is God's grace, unmerited, undeserved favor and love, that God comes to rescue Israel. And because this relationship is based on grace, therefore it is lived out with trust." [25:50] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The human heart is an idol factory. So why do we do this? Why would we allow things of this world to come first in our lives, to come before God? Simple. Because trust and control are exactly opposite. That's why." [32:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you look at the world through the lens of this God and His grace towards us, then guess what? The outcome of your life is not ultimately on your shoulders. Instead, you can trust in the goodness of God. You can trust in who He is, how you see the world." [33:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The relationship that Israel has with the Lord, it is unlike anything the world has seen. Paganism is about jumping through the hoops to making sure that you can appease the gods so that they take care of you and bad things don't happen to you." [25:50] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The Israelites are meant to be... The Israelites, throughout Exodus, they represent us. They represent the human condition. I mean, think about how we've seen this play out in the series. The Israelites are slaves in Egypt. What the Bible teaches is that all of us, the human condition, is that we are all slaves to sin and death." [27:53] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The great Tim Keller once wrote that the human heart is an idol factory. Now, by that, he doesn't mean that the human heart loves to contrive, little statues that we're going to bow down to and worship and offer prayers to and incense to and burn, that kind of stuff too, but rather the human heart finds all kinds of ways to put other things in the place of God." [30:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Just like the Israelites, the human condition is to seek control over trust. Just like the Israelites, all of us have a tendency to put the things of this world before God in our effort to try to control our very chaotic lives. And when we do that, we don't end up just with mixed up priorities, getting the wrong things first, but really what we do is we commit a great sin." [39:49] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The story of the golden calf, it does not end with alienation and separation. Instead, what we see here is that from Israel's rejection of God, that's not the end of the story. So let's go back and pick up exactly where we left off." [35:18] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Moses puts his own life on the line here. He says to God, I will go up to the Lord. Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin. But let me be the substitute for the destruction that they have caused. He says, I will bear the consequences. I will take this upon my own shoulders." [36:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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