CHRONOLOGICAL
A.D.
B.C.
Volume 2
WINTER 2015-16: Leader
Guide ESV
Ed Stetzer G e n e r a l E di t or
Trevin Wax M a n ag i ng E di t or
God’s Word to You
A Summary of the Bible
In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe.
This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence,
in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled
against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our
rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.
Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the
nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how
God acted mightily on Israel’s behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and
then giving them His holy law. But God’s people—like all of us—failed to
rightly reflect the glory of God.
Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself
came to renew the world and restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the
law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human
rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from
the dead.
Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the
news of Christ’s work to the world. Empowered by God’s Spirit, the church
calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for
our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and
results in a life of ongoing transformation.
The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the
conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will
escape God’s judgment and live joyfully in God’s presence for all eternity.
God’s message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late.
Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that
God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.
A Word from the Editors
Ed Stetzer
General Editor—The Gospel Project
Executive Director, LifeWay Research
Who is Yahweh? Perhaps you think this a strange question, especially in this
context, but for every person who has a knowledge of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, there are countless more who echo Pharaoh’s words: “Who is the
Lord that I should obey his voice?…I do not know the Lord” (Ex. 5:2). And
God is not content with this situation; nor should we be.
In Genesis, God revealed Himself as the Creator and a Covenant-Maker.
In Exodus through Deuteronomy, God reveals Himself—to Pharaoh, the
Egyptians, and the Israelites—to be a Redeemer and a Lawgiver. Whether
through displays of His power or communication of His law, God’s concern
was that the whole world would know “I am the Lord.” There is no other God!
Nor is there another Savior than the One sent to redeem those who believe. You see, as grand as
the story of the exodus is—and it is a great and awesome historical account of God fulfilling His
covenant and bringing His people out of slavery in Egypt—as great as it is, it is still but a picture
foreshadowing the even greater reality that One would come to free people from their slavery to
sin and death! So, experience the ground-shaking account of Yahweh redeeming His people, but
recognize the earth-shaking redemption from sin that comes through faith in Jesus Christ and
proclaim His freedom to the captives.
Trevin Wax
Managing Editor—The Gospel Project
Author of multiple books, including Gospel-Centered Teaching, Counterfeit Gospels, and
Clear Winter Nights: A Young Man’s Journey into Truth, Doubt, and What Comes After
When I was a kid, I wanted to memorize more than just Bible verses. I wanted to
memorize whole books of the Bible. I remember, around the age of 8, deciding
I would memorize the Book of Exodus. Epic fail. I only got a few verses in before
giving up. But looking back, it’s not surprising that I would choose Exodus.
Here was the story of Moses and his own deliverance and transformation into a
deliverer to lead his people out of slavery. The story fascinated me as a kid, and it
captures me still today.
Exodus (and the rest of the books of law) shines a spotlight on God as the
Redeemer. Anytime in the New Testament we come across the words redeem
or redemption, we ought to think back to God’s redemptive work in Exodus. This is the pivotal
moment in Israel’s history that anchors the rest of the biblical storyline and provides the framework
for our understanding of God’s ultimate work of redemption in Jesus Christ. As you and your group
work through these fundamental plot points of the Old Testament (the exodus, the Red Sea, the
golden calf, the giving of the law, the tabernacle), I hope you’ll not only be swept up in the drama
of each story but that you’ll also grow in gratitude for what they teach us about God, His salvation,
and His mission to save His people to be a light to the world.
EDITORS
About the Writers
Unit 1:
Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in
The Gospel Project®
Adult Leader Guide ESV
Volume 4, Number 2 Winter 2015-16
Eric Geiger
Vice President, LifeWay Resources
Ed Stetzer
General Editor
Trevin Wax
Managing Editor
Daniel Davis
Content Editor
Josh Hayes
Content and Production Editor
Ken Braddy
Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies
Raleigh, North Carolina. He also serves as associate professor
of preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
His books include Ordinary and the Christ-Centered Exposition
commentary on the Book of Exodus, among others. He is happily
married to Kimberly, and they have five adopted children.
Unit 2:
Rick Morton (sessions 7-8) is Vice President of Engagement
for Lifeline Children’s Services in Birmingham, Alabama,
where he leads the ministry’s partnership efforts to manifest
the gospel to vulnerable children around the world. He is
married to Denise, and they have two middle school sons and
a daughter in college.
Michael Kelley
Director, Groups Ministry
Send questions/comments to:
Managing Editor,
The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide,
One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102;
or make comments on the Web at
www.lifeway.com.
Printed in the United States of America
The Gospel Project®: Adult Leader Guide ESV
(ISSN 2330-9377; Item 005573550) is published
quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One
LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer,
President. © 2015 LifeWay Christian Resources.
For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com,
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For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address,
e-mail [email protected], fax (615) 251-5933,
or write to the above address.
Kendell Easley (sessions 9-12) is a professor of biblical
studies at Union University and is the director of the Master of
Christian Studies and Doctor of Ministry programs for Union
in the Memphis area. He also serves as pastor of McLean
Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Kendell is married to
Nancy, and they have one married young adult son.
Unit 3:
D. A. Horton is currently serving in the Church Planting
Residency at Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina.
He and his wife, Elicia, and their three children are preparing
to plant a church in Los Angles, California. He is working
on his PhD in Applied Theology at Southeastern Baptist
Theological Seminary.
We believe that the Bible has God for its author;
salvation for its end; and truth, without any
mixture of error, for its matter and that all
Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To
review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit
www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are
taken from the English Standard Version® (The Holy
Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
All Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are taken
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright
1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible
Publishers. Used by permission.
All Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the
Good News Translation in Today’s English Version—
Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible
Society. Used by permission.
WRITERS
Table of Contents
uggested for
S
the week of
Unit 1: God the Redeemer
December 6
7
Session 1 The Redeemer Responds
December 13
19
Session 2 The Redeemer Reveals His Glory
December 27
31
Session 3 The Redeemer Judges and Saves
January 3
43
Session 4 Worthy of Praise
January 10
55
Session 5 The Wilderness Test
January 17
67
Session 6 Rebellion Against the Redeemer
Unit 2: God the Lawgiver
January 24
79
Session 7 The Loving Lawgiver
January 31
91
Session 8 God of Our Relationships
February 7
103
Session 9 The Lawgiver’s Tabernacle
February 14
115
Session 10 Atonement Sacrifices (Part 1)
February 21
127
Session 11 Atonement Sacrifices (Part 2)
February 28
139
Session 12 The Law’s Blessing and Curse
December 20 Unit 3: Christmas
151
Special Session The Glory of Christmas
Editor’s Note: In order to preserve the narrative flow of our study through Scripture (and since some
users of The Gospel Project are on a different schedule), we have placed the Special Session for Christmas
at the end of both the Leader Guide and Personal Study Guide. The week prior to your intended use of
this session, remind your group members to study the Christmas session at the end of the book.
How to Use The Gospel Project
Tips from Trevin on how best to use this Leader Guide
Welcome to The Gospel Project! Think of yourself as a guide leading your group on a tour of God’s
Word, journeying through the Bible’s grand story and encountering the riches of Christ’s redemption. We
hope The Gospel Project will provide you with the tools and resources you need as you prayerfully seek
to apply the truth of the gospel to the people God has placed in your group. Here are some things to
remember as you use this Leader Guide:
Pray. Pray for your group. Don’t lead in your own strength.
Adapt. You know the style of your group. If more discussion-oriented, then encourage group
members to read the session ahead of time. Use the “Further Discussion” questions in the Session
Plan to facilitate discussion that stays grounded in the session. If you take a more master-teacher
approach, then spend time familiarizing yourself with the Expanded Session Content. Select
questions that make the most strategic sense for moving the session along.
Cut. If it seems to you that The Gospel Project provides too much material for one session, you’re right.
We chose to deliver more than you need and to include the bulk of the content in the Personal Study
Guide (PSG) so you don’t feel pressed to get all the content delivered in the session time itself. Refer
your group members to the PSG.
Add. The PSG has the bulk of the content from the Leader Guide, but not all of it. Throughout the
Expanded Session Content, you will see portions of leader-only content marked off in the margin, as
this portion is. These sections might be transitions between points, illustrations, answers to questions,
content for interactive portions in the PSG, and even theological connections. The Session Plan will
reference the more vital sections, but as you shape each session, consider how these leader-only
sections can benefit your group.
Personalize. Take the truths in The Gospel Project and enhance them. Add personal stories. Ask
penetrating questions that go to the heart of the people you know and love.
Resource yourself. (Encourage your group to take advantage of these resources too.)
Make use of the additional resources suggested at the end of each session.
• Read a suggested chapter or section in a book.
• Learn from the “Tip of the Week” to grow as a teacher and a group in spiritual maturity.
Visit GospelProject.com/Blog for the following:
• Read blog posts related to the overall study theme and specific sessions.
• Listen to a brief video as I point out the highlights to focus on for the upcoming session.
Visit GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources to access these resources:
• Read online articles and blog posts related to the session content.
• Listen to helpful podcasts from pastors and church leaders.
• Download suggestions for interactive options to help address a variety of learning styles.
Overflow. Remember…The Gospel Project is not just a curriculum. We are the project. As we immerse
ourselves in the great story of redemption, God’s Spirit uses the gospel to change us. Don’t prepare
simply for the content you’re going to deliver. Let the truths of God’s Word soak in as you study. A great
leader is not a dispenser of information but an overflowing river of gospel passion. Let God work on your
heart first, and then pray that He will change the hearts of the people He has entrusted to your care.
6
Leader Guide
•
Winter 2015-16
SESSION 1
The Redeemer Responds
Summary and Goal
God responded to Israel’s terrible plight by listening to the prayers of His oppressed people, revealing
His character to Moses, and promising to deliver and redeem them. Watching God reveal Himself
and His justice should inspire us to worship our Redeemer and pursue His mission in the world.
Main Passage
Exodus 2:23–3:22
Session Outline
1. God responds by listening to the prayers of the oppressed (Ex. 2:23–3:10).
2. God responds by revealing His character (Ex. 3:11-15).
3. God responds by promising redemption (Ex. 3:16-22).
Theological Theme
God is good and just. He sees the suffering of the oppressed and promises redemption.
Christ Connection
God told Moses His name “I AM” as a revelation of His good and righteous character. Jesus is the
great “I AM” who gave us an even greater revelation of God’s goodness and righteousness.
Missional Application
God calls us to be conscious of the plight of the oppressed and, in response, to show and share the love
of God.
Date of My Bible Study: ______________________
© 2015 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.
7
Session Plan
The Redeemer
Responds
Session 1
Introduction
Pack Item 1:
God Delivers
Display this poster in a
place that will help group
members follow the
storyline of Scripture, to
remember where we’ve been
and where we are going.
Introduction Option
If you still have “The
Promise of Genesis” on
display, refer to it to help
recount the storyline of
Genesis and how the
Israelites ended up in Egypt.
(“The Promise of Genesis”
was Pack Item 10 from “The
Story Begins” Leader Pack.)
Begin by calling to mind our lighthearted view of Egypt, and then contrast
that with the serious circumstance in which the Israelites found themselves—
under Egyptian slavery (leader p. 10; personal study guide [PSG] p. 10).
Why were the Israelites in Egypt?
How would their slavery have affected their view of God’s
covenant promise?
If helpful, recount the storyline of Genesis that led the Israelites to Egypt and
into slavery (leader p. 10). Then summarize the session (leader pp. 10-11;
PSG pp. 10-11).
1. G
od responds by listening to the prayers of
the oppressed (Ex. 2:23–3:10).
Introduce and read Exodus 2:23-25 (leader p. 11). Note God’s attentive
nature in this passage and explain His concern as a continuation of His
covenant with Abraham in Genesis (leader p. 11; PSG p. 11).
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?
Pack Item 2:
The Exodus Map
Display this map before
the group meeting.
Reference it as needed
throughout Units 1 and 2
to help group members
orient themselves to the
people, places, and events
written about in the Book
of Exodus and the rest of
the Pentateuch.
For this session, call
attention to a possible
location for Horeb (also
Mount Sinai), the site of
burning bush and later the
giving of the law.
8
Leader Guide
•
How does it challenge you to know that God sees every
sinful deed you have done against Him and others?
Continue the reading of Exodus 3:1-6. Highlight God’s holiness on display
through fire and Moses’ response of fear. Those who are in Christ, however,
need not be afraid to approach our Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob (leader pp. 12-13; PSG p. 12).
What is the difference between being “terrified” by God and
being “awed” by God?
Winter 2015-16
Read Exodus 3:7-10. Explain God’s motive and purpose in His planned
response to the cry of His oppressed people (leader p. 13; PSG p. 13).
How does it encourage you to know that God hears the
cries of the oppressed?
2. G
od responds by revealing His character
(Ex. 3:11-15).
Ask a volunteer to read Exodus 3:11-15. Show the weakness of Moses’ excuse(s)
in the light of God’s promised presence (leader pp. 14-15; PSG p. 14).
What are some areas in which you feel unqualified or
unable to do what God has called you to do?
How does God’s presence and His promise enable you
to go on?
Point 1 Option
Have group members read
the “Essential Christian
Doctrine” Enslaved to Sin
(leader p. 13; PSG p. 13) and
reflect on how slavery to sin
compares to the Israelites’
slavery in Egypt. After a
moment, encourage them
to pair up with someone
and share their thoughts,
and then have the pairs
share one conclusion with
the group.
Ask the following question:
• How should the cry of
those enslaved to sin
differ from the cry of those
who have been liberated
in Christ?
Explain the significance of God’s name—as near as we can tell—as a
revelation of His character (leader p. 15; PSG p. 15).
When we feel inadequate to obey God’s call, what are
some ways we can move our eyes from the magnitude of
the task to the majesty of God Himself?
3. God responds by promising redemption
(Ex. 3:16-22).
Read Exodus 3:16-22. Point out God’s sovereign prediction about what was
going to happen: the elders would listen; Pharaoh would not. God promised
to perform wonders that would force Pharaoh to let the people go. Though
Moses continued making excuses, God would use him to report His words of
redemption (leader pp. 16-17; PSG p. 16).
What are the fears that most hinder you from speaking on
God’s behalf?
How can we overcome these excuses with faith in God’s
promised redemption?
Conclusion
Recap the session and show how these events point forward to the redemption
from sin that comes through Jesus, the great I AM. Emphasize the Christ
Connection for this session and draw attention to Pack Item 3: Seeing Jesus
in the Exodus to help group members begin looking for ways God is already
pointing forward to the coming of Jesus. Also show how our deliverance should
shape the way we show and share the love of God (leader p. 17; PSG p. 17).
Apply the truths of this session with “His Mission, Your Mission” (PSG p. 18).
For Further
Discussion
How would you describe
the sign God gave to Moses
in Exodus 3:12?
Would you find comfort in
such a sign, that confirmation
would come as the result
of obedience rather than at
the beginning of obedience?
Why or why not?
Christ Connection: God
told Moses His name
“I AM” as a revelation of
His good and righteous
character. Jesus is the
great “I AM” who gave us
an even greater revelation
of God’s goodness
and righteousness.
........................................................
Missional Application: God
calls us to be conscious of
the plight of the oppressed
and, in response, to show
and share the love of God.
Session 1
9
Expanded Session Content
The Redeemer
Responds
Session 1
Introduction
Voices from
the Church
“God is grieved by the sin,
death, and power of hell
that afflicts His world, and
is sacrificially involved in
the removal of all that
destroys and alienates His
world from Himself.” 1
–Joshua Ryan Butler
In the 1980s, a song titled “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles
shot up the charts and led to people of all ages doing the lighthearted
“sand dance.” (The move was supposed to reflect ancient Egyptian art.)
Even today, people unfamiliar with the song know the dance.
However, “Walk Like an Egyptian” doesn’t lead you to take Egypt
very seriously. For many in the West, Egypt is known primarily for ancient
pyramids or King Tut’s tomb. In the period of the exodus, however, people
feared Egypt. Egypt had mighty Pharaohs, great building projects, and
they were in touch with dark power. Everyone took Egypt seriously. Israel
certainly wasn’t doing the Egyptian sand dance. They were enslaved to the
Egyptians, and it’s the awfulness of their slavery that sets the dark
backdrop for God’s glorious deliverance that takes place.
Why were the Israelites in Egypt?
How would their slavery have affected their view of God’s
covenant promise?
In Genesis, we saw how Joseph, Jacob’s beloved son, was taken to
Egypt because his jealous brothers sold him into slavery. After interpreting
dreams, Joseph gained favor in the eyes of Pharaoh. Joseph ended up
helping save lives by storing up food during the seven good years in
preparation for a seven-year famine. So all the earth came to Egypt to buy
grain (Gen. 41:57). During this time, Joseph’s family went to Egypt and
Joseph provided food for them (Gen. 42). His family resettled in the Nile
Delta. This family of 70 people entered Egypt (see Gen. 46), and from
there, they multiplied greatly (Ex. 1:1-7).
In Exodus 1:8, we read that a new king over Egypt dealt harshly with
the Israelites. As a result, Joseph’s family was brought under political
slavery (1:8-10), economic slavery (1:11-14), social slavery (1:15-22), and
spiritual slavery (3:18; 4:22-23; 5:8). They desperately needed to get out
of Egypt.
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Leader Guide
•
Winter 2015-16
Session Summary
“Exodus” means “a going out” or “departure.” This book of the Bible
provides the historical account of God’s deliverance of His people from
Egypt’s cruel slavery. In this session, we see how God responds to Israel’s
terrible plight by listening to the prayers of His oppressed people, revealing
His character to Moses, and promising to deliver and redeem them.
Watching God reveal Himself and His justice should inspire us to worship
our Redeemer and pursue His mission in the world.
1. God responds by listening to the prayers of the
oppressed (Ex. 2:23–3:10).
In chapter 2 of the Book of Exodus, we read about Moses’ birth
(2:1-10), his growth (2:11-15), and his flight from Egypt (2:15-22). The
story continues in verse 23 with a new king ruling Egypt. Despite this
change in government, slavery remains intense. As a result, Israel groans
and cries out for help.
During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of
Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for
rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning,
and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with
Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
23
When the people cried out, God heard them. God also saw their
oppression, and the writer said that God took notice of the situation
(2:24-25). God heard. God saw. God knew. God’s attentive nature is
revealed throughout the Scriptures. The psalmist said, “The eyes of the
Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry” (Ps. 34:15).
God’s people can cry out to their God and trust that He hears them and
cares about their situation.
These cries were of particular interest to God because of His covenant
with Abraham (2:24). The term “covenant” appears here for the first
time in Exodus. It appears 27 times in Genesis. It may be best defined
in The Jesus Storybook Bible as “a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up,
Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” 2 God’s purpose of redemption
and mission given to Abraham in the Book of Genesis continues in the
exodus story. God cares about His people.
Further
Commentary
“Chapter 3 begins by
setting the scene of what
is about to occur. Moses
was leading the flock
belonging to Jethro…It is
important to note that
Egyptians didn’t think
highly at all of shepherds
(see Gen. 46:34). It is also
important to recognize the
shepherding pattern being
set here. Moses spent
40 years as a shepherd in
Midian. David was also a
shepherd who was taken
from the sheepfolds to
become king. God loves
to use shepherds! He
even refers to Himself
as a shepherd (Ps. 23:1;
Ezek. 34:13). Ultimately,
salvation would come
through Jesus, the good
shepherd, who laid
down His life for His
sheep (John 10:11).” 3
–Tony Merida
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?
Session 1
11
Further
Commentary
“The possibility of danger
implicit in human contact
with God is reflected
throughout Scripture
(19:21-24; 24:11; 33:20-23;
Gen. 32:30; Judg. 13:20-23;
Isa. 6:5; Acts 9:3-9;
1 Tim. 6:15-16; Rev. 19:11-21).
This place was holy, not
because of any quality
intrinsic to it, but because
of God’s presence and
activity. The tabernacle
would be a place set apart
by the Lord’s presence
(Ex. 29:43-44). To stay at
a distance and remove
footwear was then and is
now in many cultures a sign
of respect and humility. The
Lord’s self-identification,
which began, I am the God
of your father, connected
this event with the past
both by naming the
patriarchs and by the
wording of the statement
(Gen. 15:7; 17:1; 26:24; 28:13;
31:13; 35:11; 46:3). It also
had the ring of a formal
pronouncement by a
king (Gen. 41:44).” 4
–Dorian G. Coover-Cox,
HCSB Study Bible
In chapter 3 we hear some of the same language, and we see the holy
God to whom we pray. This time God told Moses that He had heard the
groans of His people. God called Moses to serve as His agent of
redemption and, in so doing, reminded Moses that He had heard Israel’s
prayers. As a result of this, God told Moses of His plan to free them. The
writer gave the description of Moses’ call this way:
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the
priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness
and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord
appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked,
and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And
Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is
not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God
called to him out of the bush,
“Moses, Moses!” And he said,
“Here I am.” 5 Then he said,
“Do not come near; take
your sandals off your feet,
for the place on which you
are standing is holy ground.”
6
And he said, “I am the God
of your father, the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob.” And
Moses hid his face, for he was
afraid to look at God.
1
In this passage, we read of the burning bush and “the angel of the
Lord” who appeared to Moses. The fire represents God’s holy presence.
Fire is appropriate because we know that we are drawn to fire, amazed by
fire, but we also have to tell children, “Don’t play with fire.” Fire must be
taken seriously. And so is God. He is holy.
God spoke to Moses and called him to take his sandals off as an act
of reverence (3:5; see Josh. 5:13-15). God then identified Himself with the
patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (3:6). Before God entered into a
relationship with Moses, He had entered into a relationship with Moses’
fathers (see 2:24). God was also giving Moses a bit of personal history
of Himself.
The God of the burning bush wasn’t an unknown God; He was the
God who acted on behalf of these men earlier in history. Notice that God
did not say, “I was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” but rather,
“I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” This indicates that God’s
people never really die; they’re part of an eternal relationship with God.
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Leader Guide
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Winter 2015-16
When Moses encountered God, the Scripture says Moses “hid his face”
(3:6). 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 (Col. 3:3)! Therefore,
we can seek God with confidence because of the work of Christ.
What is the difference between being “terrified” by God and
being “awed” by God?
Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people
who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters.
I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of
the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good
and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the
Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and
the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to
me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress
them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people,
the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
7
In verses 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. He said,
“I have surely seen…have heard…I know their sufferings…[their] cry…has
come to me…I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians
oppress them.” These phrases echo the words of 2:23-25 and show us that
God does indeed hear our cries.
Are you crying out to God personally? We should be encouraged
by the fact that God hears those who humbly cry out to Him (see
Luke 18:13-14). God is high and holy, yet He hears the prayers of the
meek and lowly (see Isa. 57:15).
Next, God responded by explaining His purpose to Moses. His
purpose was to relocate His people. He would take them out of Egypt and
put them in a place with milk and honey (3:8-9). 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. Paul also described
this glorious transfer to the Colossians, saying: “He has delivered us from the
domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in
whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14).
Voices from
Church History
“When the Holy One called
Moses from the bush he
said thus to him, ‘I am the
God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob.’ When Death
heard this utterance, he
trembled and feared and
was terrified and perturbed
and knew that he had not
become king forever over
the children of Adam.” 5
–Aphrahat (circa 230-360)
99 Essential
Christian Doctrines
43. Enslaved to Sin
Because of the fall of Adam
and Eve in the garden of
Eden, all of humanity has
inherited a sin nature that
inclines them toward sin
and rebellion. Human
beings are enslaved
to sin (Rom. 6:17),
continually living with the
propensity to transgress
God’s commandments
whenever possible. It isn’t
until one experiences
salvation through the
work of Christ that he or
she is able to overcome
sin’s enslavement
through the power of the
Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:2).
Session 1
13
How does it encourage you to know that God hears the
cries of the oppressed?
2. God responds by revealing His character
(Ex. 3:11-15).
Further
Commentary
“I am who I am (Heb. ’ehyeh
’a šer ’ehyeh): possibly ‘I will
be what I will be.’ This pithy
clause is clearly a reference
to the name YHWH…Since
this is the only place in
the Old Testament where
there is any explanation of
the meaning of the name
YHWH, we ought therefore
to take very seriously the
association with ‘being’
which is clearly stated
here…Granted, however,
the general connection
with ‘being,’ what is the
exact meaning? Simplest
of all, does it mean that
God exists, as opposed to
idols without being? Along
these lines, Hyatt sees ‘I am
He who is’ as a possible
translation: he also sees
Hosea 1:9 as a possible
reference to this meaning
(in a negative sense). Does
it mean ‘I am incomparable,
inscrutable to human
eyes’ (Ex. 33:19)? This,
though true, would hardly
be a further revelation.
Or does it mean ‘I will
only be understood by
my own subsequent acts
and words of revelation’?
This would seem to fit the
biblical pattern, for in all
subsequent Israelite history
God would be known as
the One who brought Israel
from Egypt (Ex. 20:2). The
revelation of the name
therefore is not merely a
deep theological truth; it
is a call to the response
of faith by Moses and
by Israel.” 6
–R. Alan Cole
14
Leader Guide
•
We’ve seen how God responds to injustice by hearing the prayers of
the oppressed. He hears, He sees, and He acts. But part of His action is to
reveal His character. Take a look at how God reveals His character:
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh
and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will
be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you:
when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on
this mountain.”
13
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say
to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me,
‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am
who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me
to you.’ ” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The
Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus
I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
11
Moses wasn’t eager to go on mission. In the following dialogue, Moses
made several excuses for not obeying God’s call. God responded to each of
Moses’ excuses and questions with statements about His own sovereignty
and power.
This section is deeply encouraging. If you feel as though God is
sending you to do something beyond yourself, the key is to take your eyes
off of your failures and weaknesses. Get a vision of God. Moses too had to
recognize that God is enough.
Moses’ first argument was about himself. “Who am I?” he asked (3:11).
He felt insufficient. He essentially asked, “Have you considered my resume?
The last 40 years, I’ve been in a wilderness.” Stop and think about it.
Moses was a shepherd. While he used to be a prince, he was now a humble
shepherd. God asked this shepherd to confront the most powerful person in
the world and tell him to let his slaves go free. This would be sort of like an
average blue-collar worker declaring war on a president of a major country.
Can you imagine your plumber declaring war on Russia?
Winter 2015-16
Moses was an average guy, and he didn’t have great influence. Yet God
responded to Moses by revealing what’s most important—Himself. God
said, “I will be with you” (3:12). Throughout the Bible, this is what God’s
leaders need to lead—God’s presence. It’s the nonnegotiable for serving
God. Think about Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Jehoshaphat, and the
disciples. God was with them all.
In addition to God’s presence, God also promised a sign. He said,
“You shall serve God on this mountain” (3:12). God intended to bring His
people back to this mountain to sing His praises.
What are some areas in which you feel unqualified or
unable to do what God has called you to do?
How does God’s presence and His promise enable you
to go on?
Moses’ next big question was “What is Your name?” (3:13). It was
obviously important to know who God is, especially if you are going to tell
a group of people that God sent you! Merely saying, “I heard a voice in a
bush,” wouldn’t be very persuasive.
So God told Moses His name (3:14-15). God revealed His name as
“Yahweh” (commonly rendered as “Lord” in English) in verse 15. Great
mystery exists here. No one really knows how to pronounce God’s name,
and the meaning is mysterious also, but the meaning seems to be related
to the idea of this verb “to be.” In other words, “God is.” He is central. He
has no beginning. He causes everything to be. He alone is God.
Does it move you when you hear, “Tell them I AM sent you”? God
was saying that He is absolutely central. Paul later said, “For from him and
through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen”
(Rom. 11:36). Is God central in your life? Is He central in your marriage?
Is He central in your ministry? God told Moses that the most important
thing about his mission was God Himself!
Behold, the greatness of your God. God is self-existent and selfsufficient. God needs no air, no sleep, and no food. He doesn’t need us,
but we need Him! God wasn’t like the Egyptian false gods. He was and is
the one true God on whom all things depend. God is also majestic in His
mysteriousness. We will never have God totally figured out. He doesn’t
involve us in His work because He needs us; He includes us because He
loves us.
Voices from
Church History
“[God] needs no one, but
when faith is present He
works through anyone.” 7
-A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
Further
Commentary
“Tradition maintains that
at the time of the Exodus
Moses introduced his
people to a new covenant
name for God—Yahweh
(pronounced Yah-way).
When God spoke to Moses
from the burning bush,
Moses asked Him for His
name. God responded
by giving him the name
Yahweh…This word appears
about 6,800 times in
the Old Testament…
Exodus 3:14 is the only
real attempt made in the
Old Testament to explain
the meaning of the name
Yahweh. In this verse,
YHWH is translated as the
great I AM.” 8
–Hershel H. Hobbs,
Biblical Illustrator
When we feel inadequate to obey God’s call, what are
some ways we can move our eyes from the magnitude of
the task to the majesty of God Himself?
Session 1
15
3. God responds by promising redemption
(Ex. 3:16-22).
Further
Commentary
“After God performed
these wonders, the
Egyptians would allow the
Israelites to plunder them
(Ex. 3:21-22)…God was
setting another pattern:
the idea of conquering
and taking the spoils.
Paul later said that after
Jesus Christ conquered
our greatest enemies of
sin and death, ‘He took
prisoners into captivity;
He gave gifts to people’
(Eph. 4:8). What is amazing
is that the Israelites are
simply told to ask for it.
God is fighting the battle
for them, which is another
pattern. Also noteworthy
is that these precious
metals will be used to
construct the tabernacle
(Ex. 35:4-9,20-29).” 9
–Tony Merida
God responds to the cries of His people by hearing their prayers, by
revealing His character, and finally by promising redemption. God gave
Moses a message to give to the elders of Israel. Notice God’s sovereign
prediction about what was going to happen:
Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord,
the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has
appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to
you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction
of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the
Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and
honey.” ’ 18 And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of
Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God
of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days’
journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’
19
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled
by a mighty hand. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with
all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. 21 And
I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go,
you shall not go empty, 22 but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and
any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for
clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you
shall plunder the Egyptians.”
16
In this striking promise, Moses was learning what it means to be a
prophet: to declare God’s message and to trust in God to work in people’s
hearts. Consider how God told Moses that the elders “will listen to your
voice” (3:18). This wasn’t the last time God would promise Moses that
people would respond to His message.
Notice also that Moses and the elders were going to say to Pharaoh:
“Please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may
sacrifice to the Lord our God” (3:18). We see here that Israel wasn’t just
enslaved physically, but they were enslaved spiritually too. They needed to
be freed in order to worship (see 7:16; 8:1,20; 9:1,13; 10:3).
It’s unclear why they only asked for a “three-day” trip. It may have
been an ancient Near Eastern expression to mean a long journey of an
indefinite period of time. What was important about the trip, however,
was the purpose—worship.
Even though the elders would listen to Moses’ message, God reminded
Moses that Pharaoh would not listen, at least not initially. God told
Moses that in response to Pharaoh’s refusal, He would intervene with His
“mighty hand” performing wonders (3:19-20).
16
Leader Guide
•
Winter 2015-16
Moses still wasn’t convinced. In chapter 4, he argued with God.
Moses complained that no one would believe his message (4:1-9). But God
assured him that they would.
Then Moses used his speech problem as perhaps his most widely
known excuse for not obeying God’s plan (4:10-12). God told Moses that
this excuse was irrelevant and irreverent. Concerning the latter, God said,
“Who has made man’s mouth?” (4:11). God told Moses that He formed
him for a purpose. God knew about Moses’ weakness. And it was precisely
because of this weakness that God would gain much glory.
God told Moses that his excuse was irrelevant: “I will be with your
mouth and teach you what you shall speak” (4:12; cf. Jer. 1:4-10). When
Moses again expressed reluctance, God responded to him with anger
(4:14), but He was gracious here as well. He gave Moses some help by
sending Aaron with him (4:14-16).
God is looking for reporters, not orators. We do not have to make fine
speeches; we just give the news. Moses had to learn, like us, that “it’s not
about you!” It’s about the I AM.
Voices from
the Church
“Exodus-shaped redemption
demands exodus-shaped
mission. And that means
that our commitment to
mission must demonstrate
the same broad totality of
concern for human need
that God demonstrated in
what he did for Israel…Our
mission must be derived
from God’s mission.” 10
–Christopher Wright
What are the fears that most hinder you from speaking on
God’s behalf?
How can we overcome these excuses with faith in God’s
promised redemption?
Conclusion
The plan was in place! God responded by revealing His promise of
redemption to the reluctant shepherd-mediator, Moses. And here we look
forward through the Scriptures to Jesus, the great I AM who gave us an
even greater revelation of God’s goodness and righteousness. He is the
Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for His sheep in order to
lead us out of a greater slavery into a greater freedom—from the kingdom
of darkness into His kingdom of light.
As the people of God’s kingdom, we are formed by God’s deliverance.
In this story, we see how God promised deliverance from (1) sociopolitical-physical-economic slavery and (2) from spiritual slavery.
Christians should care about alleviating both types of human suffering:
temporal suffering and especially eternal suffering. Let’s do both in the
power of our self-sufficient, prayer-hearing God.
CHRIST CONNECTION: God told Moses His name “I AM” as a
revelation of His good and righteous character. Jesus is the great
“I AM” who gave us an even greater revelation of God’s goodness
and righteousness.
Session 1
17
Additional Resources
The Redeemer Responds
Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry
Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject.
Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry
blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry.
References
1. Joshua Ryan Butler, The Skeletons
in God’s Closet (Nashville: Thomas
Nelson, 2014), 15.
2. Sally Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus
Storybook Bible (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2007), 36.
3. Tony Merida, Christ-Centered
Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Exodus
(Nashville: B&H, 2014), 22.
4. Dorian G. Coover-Cox, in HCSB
Study Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010),
102, n. 3:6.
5. Aphrahat, Demonstrations 22.2,
quoted in Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, Deuteronomy, ed. Joseph
T. Lienhard, vol. III in Ancient
Christian Commentary on Scripture:
Old Testament (Downers Grove:
IVP, 2001), 15-16.
6. R. Alan Cole, Exodus, in Tyndale
Old Testament Commentaries
(Downers Grove: IVP, 1973), 69-70.
7. A. W. Tozer, quoted in
1001 Quotations That Connect,
eds. Craig Brian Larson and Brian
Lowery (Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2009), Quotation 495.
8. Hershel H. Hobbs, “Yahweh,”
Biblical Illustrator (Fall 1974): 14.
9. Tony Merida, Christ-Centered
Exposition: Exalting Jesus in
Exodus, 27-28.
10. Christopher J. H. Wright, The
Mission of God (Downers Grove:
IVP, 2006), 275-76.
Study Material
-- “Moses and the Deliverance”—Pages 61-66 from Telling God’s Story
by Preben Vang and Terry G. Carter
-- “In the World: How Excellent Are Thy Names”—Article by Ken Hemphill;
find a link to this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “When God Speaks,”
can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project.
Sermon Podcast
Dhati Lewis: “Saved From, Saved For”
Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources
Tip of the Week
The Gospel Project Leader Pack
Throughout the session plans in this Leader Guide, you will see references
to pack items that will enhance your group meeting and help group
members gain more from this study of God’s Word. These items are
available in The Gospel Project for Adults: Leader Pack.
• The posters and charts in the Leader Pack will help foster discussion within
your group and make clear the connections throughout the Scriptures.
• The map will help put the stories of Scripture in geographical context.
• The pack also includes some take-away items so group members can recall
what they learned in the session and be reminded to apply what they
learned as they go about their mission of making Jesus known in the world.
• The DVD in the pack contains customizable files of the Leader session
plans and commentary, as well as videos from our managing editor that
will help leaders make the most efficient use of their group time.
The Gospel Project for Adults: Leader Pack is available in print and digital
formats. Order today at GospelProject.com or by calling 800-458-2772.
18
Leader Guide
•
Winter 2015-16
Scope and Sequence
GOAL
Over the course of three years, participants will journey from Genesis to Revelation and discover how
God’s plan of redemption unfolds throughout Scripture and still today, compelling them to join the
mission of God.
PLAN OVERVIEW
Fall 2015
The Story Begins
God the Creator (Genesis 1–11)
God the Covenant-Maker (Genesis 12–50)
Winter 2015-16
God Delivers
God the Redeemer (Exodus)
Coming Next Quarter
Spring 2016
The Promised Land
God the Savior (Numbers, Joshua)
God the Judge (Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel)
Summer 2016
God the King (1–2 Samuel)
A Kingdom Established
God All Wise (1 Kings, Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Proverbs)
Fall 2016
God the Revealer (1–2 Kings, Isaiah)
Prophets and Kings
God the Pursuer (Prophets, 1–2 Chronicles)
Winter 2016-17
God the Sustainer (Daniel, Ezra)
Exile and Return
God the Provider (Esther, Nehemiah, Malachi)
Spring 2017
God the Son (Gospels)
The Rescue Begins
God Among Us (Gospels)
Summer 2017
Jesus the Storyteller (Synoptic Gospels)
Stories and Signs
Jesus the Miracle-Worker (Gospels)
Fall 2017
Jesus the Savior (Gospels)
Jesus Saves
Jesus the Risen King (Gospels, Acts)
Winter 2017-18
The Spirit Who Empowers (Acts)
The Church on Mission
The God Who Sends (Acts)
Spring 2018
The God Who Directs His People (Epistles)
Letters to God’s People
The God Who Changes Us (Epistles)
Summer 2018
God’s Prisoner (Acts, Epistles)
Come, Lord Jesus
162
God the Lawgiver (Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy)
Leader Guide
•
Winter 2015-16
The God Who Makes All Things New (Epistles, Revelation)
BHPublishingGroup.com
VOLUME 3
THE PROMISED LAND
Unit 1God the Savior
(Numbers, Joshua)
WRITERS:
Coming Up Next
New Studies for Spring 2016
Philip Nation and Robert Smith
Unit 2God the Judge
(Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel)
WRITERS:
Afshin Ziafat and Matt Boswell
Want to use The Gospel Project with other age groups?
Preview The Gospel Project for Kids and Students at GospelProject.com.
And now you can choose the Bible translation that appears in your study.
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you need a Bible study.
TOPICS
More Than Enough:
How Jesus Meets Our Deepest Needs
BY Jeff Iorg
Beauty from Ashes:
Redeeming Your Broken Moments
BY Clayton King
SCRIPTURE
Studies in the Gospel of John and various
Old and New Testament passages.
WWW.LIFEWAY.COM
BibleStudiesforLife.com
WINTER 2015-16
SCRIPTURE:
ACTS 1–12
General Editor: Vance Pitman
LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible