We should cultivate the habit of pleading promises in our prayers.
– J. C. Ryle
Tag: Discipleship
Reflections on Exodus 35-37
In order to build the tabernacle, Moses needs people to give and people to serve:
- Giving – The people were asked to bring materials for the tabernacle. As their hearts moved them, so they should give to this special work of the Lord. The people were so moved that they gave more than was needed, and had to be restrained from giving more! Is your heart moved to give to the work of the Lord? In what ways? If your heart is not so moved, what does that say about your heart?
- Serving – Like giving, those whose hearts stirred them were to come to help build the tabernacle. They needed all kinds of workers to build the frames, craft the furniture, make curtains, create the priestly garments, and construct everything else involved in this gigantic undertaking. God needs all kinds of people to do all kinds of things in his church today too. To what service is God stirring your heart? If your heart is not stirred to serve God, what does that say about your heart?
Classic Quote
This is the holy reasoning of love; it draws no license from grace, but rather feels the strong constraints of gratitude leading it to holiness.
– Charles Spurgeon
Exodus 35-40: Building the Tabernacle
(35) In order to build the tabernacle, the people needed materials. What words describe the hearts of those who gave?
When has your heart been moved to give?
Should we not give if our hearts are not stirred?
(35-36) In order to build the tabernacle, the people needed workers. Describe what God did to provide for this need.
What similarities do you see in how God provides workers for his church today?
(39-40) What phrase is repeated throughout these chapters?
Why do you think this point is stressed throughout these chapters?
What does this suggest about how we approach God in worship? How we lead and serve in his church? How we live our lives?
(40) After setting up the tabernacle, Moses anointed everything – consecrating all of it to God. And God moved in! We too have been anointed by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 1:21-22), and set apart unto God as his dwelling places (I Corinthians 6:19-20). What does this suggest about how we should live?
(40) In what two ways did God guide his people in this chapter?
How does God guide us?
Passion Points
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
The Character of the Christian: Respected by Outsiders – Tim Challies
What kind of reputation do you have among the unbelievers you work with? Do you work hard and avoid meddling?
How Your Habits Show and Shape Your Heart – David Mathis (TGC)
The danger with having to make the decision all over again every time about these vital means of God’s ongoing grace is our wandering hearts may choose not to avail ourselves of his goodness. These are habits worth forming, because hearing his voice (in his Word), having his ear (in prayer), and belonging to his body (in the local church) are the lifeblood for the Christian life…. The signal joy in forming “habits of grace” is being freed from focus on self, on our technique, to turn our soul’s gaze to Jesus. After all, the great goal of the spiritual disciplines—the end of the means of grace—is knowing and enjoying Jesus.
Three Biblical Practices for Prayer – Colin Smith (UTB)
How easy it is to grow weary, lose focus, and become ungrateful. And yet, these very weaknesses—the same weaknesses faced by the disciples—point us to the One who prays for us. Like the disciples, let us be encouraged by Christ’s reminder to watch and pray. His example of steadfastness, watchfulness, and thankfulness teaches us to rely on what God can do through prayer rather than rely on ourselves.
Isolation from the Church Is Dangerous – Josh Buice (DBG)
We must learn to see the church as a blessing from God rather than an inconvenience. We must never look at the church as a violation to our spiritual privacy fence. We were never called to walk the journey of the Christian life alone. Surround yourself with gospel preaching, gospel singing, and gospel friends…
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!
True Contentment
True contentment is not circumstantial, it is relational. It is not based on what happens to us; rather, it is based on who has taken hold of us – the One who dwells within us.
– Burk Parsons in Tabletalk (December 2015)
Missions Moment
Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God,
there is no need for faith.
– Hudson Taylor
Reflections on Exodus 33-34
Moses continues to intercede and asks to see God’s glory. Consider:
- God’s Presence – God threatens to not go with the people. This is devastating news! Moses again intercedes for the people; he doesn’t want to go if God is not with him. Is God’s presence that important to you? Why?
- God’s Revelation – Moses asks to see God, and God reveals himself to Moses. This revelation primarily takes the form of proclamation. Read 34:5-8 again, and ponder the God we serve. Then follow Moses’ example and bow down in worship before the one true God.
Sermon Songs: Ephesians 4:1-3
Our Father makes us one, Reconciled by the Son
Sons and daughters in His family
The Spirit indwelling, His presence uniting
Joined together to walk worthily
Walk worthily, With peace and purity
Live your new life in Jesus, and you’ll walk worthily
So let us be humble, And like Jesus gentle
Eager to live out our unity
Patient with each other, Bear with one another
And in love learn to walk worthily
Walk worthily, With peace and purity
Live your new life in Jesus, and you’ll walk worthily
(To the tune of “Trust and Obey”)
Prayer Quote of the Week
Time may be short, but time is always long enough for prayer.
– J. C. Ryle
Brian J. Mikul 