Onerivertrail

Q4. What about Moses strengths have inspired you? Moses definitely had a lot of significant strengths. His ability to just be himself and honest with God about who he was not and what he felt he could not do for God. Moses was truthful even when he was out of line in his complaining about situations. He was a person who remained himself and did not try to assert himself to or copy another person. What about his weaknesses have been a warning to you? His anger is a warning to me. In anger and reacting we can step outside the will and direction of God and flow in disobedience. This is not a good place to go in a relationship with God. If there is one primary thing God has taught you from Moses life that you seek to apply to yours, what is it? Put God, his words and directions first and trust Him always with what comes. No one else or their opinions or view of you matters.

Q3. (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:14) Though Balaam wouldn't prophesy evil against Israel, he was willing to counsel the Moabites how to hurt Israel. How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel into sin? He told Balaak to get the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. All are sins against God which would bring God's judgement on the Israelites. Why was Aaron's grandson Phinheas so honored for his action? Phinnheas stepped forward to defend God's honor and put a stop to this behavior of sin. When he stepped forward this stopped the plague. What was his reward? He was rewarded a covenant of everlasting priesthood. Why are we so often zealous to defend the rights of God's enemies and so slow to defend God's honor? I think we fail to examine the cause when we step forward to defend another. So many times giving certain rights to others and equal place in society is really saying to God that we approve what He calls sin or an abomination. We need to examine our motives and the cause we are defending and make sure it lines up with the things of God that bring blessings and not a curse.

Q2. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-15) What precipitated the plague of snakes? The people began with their constant complaining again. They compained against God and Moses this time! Is being impatient with God's provision a sin? In this case it is a grievous sin. They were complaining against God, demanding their own way and complaining about the one God chose to lead them. Why or why not? Sometimes being impatient is not a sin if it provokes us to step out and do what God wanted us to do from the beginning. If it comes from complaining and not walking in faith then you have your sin as did the people who Moses tried to lead. What are the points of comparison between the bronze snake in the desert and Christ on the cross? We have power over serpents and scorpions. Nothing shall harm us. Satan's power was put to death through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This is a reminder of that. All manner of sickness and disease and works of evil are dead through faith. Faith was built in the people in the desert by looking at what was put to death and believing the words spoken about it.

Q1. (Numbers 20:1-13) What did God tell Moses to do to bring water out of the rock? He told him to speak to the rock with his rod in hand. What did Moses actually do? He got angry with the people, acted in an arrogant manner as if he was bringing the water out of the rock himself and then struck the rock twice with his rod. In what way did he sin? He disobeyed God's instructions and did not show honor to God in front of the people. His arrogance robbed that glory to himself. What emotions and attitudes were behind his sin, do you think? Frustration, anger, and self righteousness/rebellion. What must leaders do when they sin in these ways? They are to recognize where they have fallen to, repent of their sins and get God's forgiveness.

Q4. (Numbers 17) What was the root cause of Korah's rebellion? Feeling set apart from the others caused him to demand equal power and recognition. Which of their accusations were true or partially true? They were a set apart people, a holy people planned by God but God had included all of them in this. Korah wasn't seeing that. He was just seeing the differences of their positions. Why is challenging the authority of a spiritual leader so dangerous to the challengers? When you challange the authority of a spiritual leader that God put into place you are actually challanging God's decisions. You are challanging God Himself. How is intercession for a sinful people such an important part of a leader's job? It keeps a leader in a right state of heart and focused on what God's heart or intentions are in a situation. Intercession pleads for the mercy of God in the lives of a people who are not walking correctly.

Q3. (Numbers 14) Why is this failure to enter the Promised Land so serious? This land was promised by God and the good reports of it fell on deaf ears. In every way since their beginning of this journey to the promise of God the people rebelled, fell short of any faith or belief in God. They seemed like they had no remembrance for all the ways God showed Himself strong on their behalf. This was 40 years strong and now they are about to cross over and their old ways of dealing with life and their leaders was still the same behavior. This was more than serious with a holy God. What did it represent on the peoples part? It showed the same rebelious, fearful, selfish and demanding people that they were from the beginning of their exodus. What did it represent on the Lords part? It showed the Lords nature is unchanging but nonetheless loving and at the pleas of Moses turned back from complete destruction of the people He called Israel. He is a just and faithful God. In your opinion, was the punishment too severe? Why or why not? No. It was just and actually quite merciful considering the fact that the people ignored all He had done since they began their journey with Him. If the people had moved in faith, how long would their trip from Egypt to Canaan have taken? I don't know for sure. Maybe days, weeks or months but certainly not years!!

Q2. (Numbers 12) What was Miriams and Aarons motivation for speaking against Moses? Why do people seeking power feel a need to discredit the existing leader? How did Moses handle this provocation? How might he have handled it if he were a proud man? How did the Lord handle it? They spoke against Moses because of their own need for recognition and power. When you **** for power you become dest​ructive toward others. Moses was a humble man and not desiring of leading a people or being important. When Miriam became leperous Moses prayed to God to heal her. He did not rejoice in Miriam's suffering for what she had done to him. Moses was pleasing to God in this. If he had been otherwise in his heart then he would have dealt with Miriam in a smug and proud manner of himself. The Lord handled this by making an example of Miriam for 7 days of being outside the camp in her unclean condition before healing her.

Q1. (Numbers 11:11-15) Why do you think Moses is so frustrated in his prayer? Their complaining spirit got to Moses. As usual when the people blamed Moses then Moses caved and turned the blame on God. A complaining spirit gets to all of us if we entertain it long enough or tolerate through others. What do you think is going on in him emotionally and physically at this point? I think Moses was thinking back with the people and wanted something different to. You want it more when you hear it continuously. The days were getting longer with the complaining and the same food with the same griping people. Moses was tired of being the punching bag of the people. It is easy for a leader to grow tired. Does he have any grounds for his complaints? No!! All he had to do was discuss this problem with God. He did not have to come to God in the same manner the people came to him with their complaining. Do you think this is designed to be a model prayer? Not at all. We are to humble ourselves before God and let our requests be known. Ask for wisdom to handle situations. Why are we shown this prayer? Probably to show leaders what traps are out there from the evil one and to be prepared. God will honor our prayers and He hears our frustrations but we still must be aware of the pitfalls of leadership and the potential problem of falling into a complaining spirit with the people. How did God answer him? The Lord reminds him of who He is and tells Moses what He will do and to tell the people.

Q4. (Leviticus 1:3-9) In the burnt offering for an individual's sin: What is the significance of the offerer laying his hand on the animal's head? The significance of the offerer's hand on the animals head is to show that the offerer is bringing this as his offering and atonement for his own personal sins. Why do you think the offerer is to slay the sacrifice rather than having the priest do it? The offerer must show it is his sacrifice for his own sins. How is the animal's blood significant in sacrifice? There has to be a blood sacrifice for the atonement of sin. In what ways does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfill all of this? Jesus was the perfect sacrifice and His blood was shed for all of our sins.

Q3. What does the arrangement of the furniture, the tabernacle, and the courtyard teach us about worship? This all represents the steps of approaching God. We enter into prayer, confess out sins, ask for forgiveness and cleansing of our hearts .Then worship your God and commune with Him. Why do you come to the bronze altar and the laver or basin before you reach the tent itself? The bronze altar represents our offerings and sacrifices and the laver is the place of washing or cleansing before entering the tabernacle, the Presence of God. Like This Quote MultiQuote

Q2. (Exodus 25:10-22) What is the significance of the Ark in the Holy of Holies? It was specially designed by God and contained His commands for the people through Moses. The Presence of God was in the Holy of Holies. What did it represent? It represented the promises of God and reconcilation place for the atonement of sin. Only the priests could enter here. Why was it considered so holy? This is where the Presence of God dwelled among the people. If no one really sat upon it, why was it so important? It showed God's place among the people as their center and His Presence was there continually. This was the holiest of ground.

Q1. (Numbers 2:1-3:39) Why was the camp of the Israelites laid out as it was? God was their center and intended to be. In Numbers God said to Moses and Aaron that the Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting where God's was. What did this layout teach the Israelites? It taught the Israelites that God would make a distinction with them by being their center and setting up the order of the camp according to their functions or responsibilities assigned. All were important and God always has an orderly plan in place for His people. Why were the Levites and priests camped closer than the other tribes? They were the closest because of their responsibilities of taking care of the tabernacle and the furniture as well as preparing the sacrifices.

Q4. (Exodus 33:7-11) Why is Moses pre-tabernacle tent of meeting so important in Moses ministry? This is a place where Moses separated himself to be with God and to know him intimately. He could then share this with the people for their benefit also. Why is it called the tent of meeting? It is a place of meeting between God and Moses. What would it take for you to spend longer periods of intimate time seeking God? For me it would take a better organization of time coupled with a disciplined schedule for God only. How do you think this would affect your ministry? I would have the words and heart of God to offer to people who seek for it and for those who need to hear it as a warning for strayed walking and living. Like This Quote MultiQuote

Q3. (Exodus 32:11-13, 30-35; 33:12-17) Why is interceding for the people so important in Moses ministry? The people needed a strong and constant leader among them. Moses spent time with God. The people being spontaneous and giving in to their fleshly wants strayed away from a holy God and sinned against Him. Without the intercession of Moses on their behalf to God then the people would have been destroyed and lost forever. Moses intercession also proved his character and knowing the heart of God. Why is this such an important role for pastors and lay leaders today? Leaders set the pace and standard of what God wants for the people. It is important for them to intercede based on what God has said and promised They can only do this if they spend hours in prayer as Jesus did to know and do the will of God. To intercede effectively before God, why must we know both his character and his promises? If we have not investigated and interacted with the character of God and know his promises then our prayers become empty without the heart of God in them.

Q2. (Exodus 32:21-24) What was the nature of Aaron’s sin with the golden calf? Aaron was a weak leader and did more following of Moses than he did leading the people. He was content just taking direction from Moses where the people were concerned and with Moses gone Aaron showed his true weakness. He compromised the covenant in trying to keep the people satisified and together. Why do you think he won’t take responsibility for his actions? Weak leaders are as cowardly as their weakness and run from accountability. Why does he get off so easily? I believe God had a greater plan and it was already said what His plan for Aaron and his sons would be but to get there it took the great intercession and heart of Moses to approach God for him. Why must leaders be accountable for their actions? You must be accountable when in a God given position of trust and authority because you are leading the people by your example of what God expects and wants from you and them. To betray that position and give way to compromise or sin misleads the people who are following you. What is necessary for leaders to be able to learn from their mistakes? To learn from your mistakes you must have a humble and willing heart with a teachable spirit. Always be ready to stand before God and be accountable for all your actions.

Q1. (Exodus 32:1-6) Why do you think the people of Israel were so quick to make idols, even after hearing the monotheism of the Ten Commandments that forbade graven images? Human nature looks for something to follow all of the time and something tangible. Yes they had the 10 commandments but all of this was new. The presence of God in the way He appeared to prove Moses was terrifying and I believe they wanted to continue on doing right but fell back to the ways of their own nature. Why do you think Aaron facilitated their sin? As some leaders do or those assisting leaders in their absence, just try to keep it together even at the expense of pure compromise. Aaron was trying to buy time until the return of Moses and compromised himself to keep the group together at any cost. I believe Aaron also fell in the trap of confusion of worship as stated in our notes. How do you think the golden calf made God feel? "ENRAGED" What idols do Christian churches allow that lead them away from pure worship of God in our day? Some christian churches are responding as Aaron. Please the people to keep them together at any cost. Give them easy rules and watered down sermons to maintain a group gathering and offerings of support for the building. Other churches give graven gods of human beings that are passed away but touching the image gives a promise of blessings to come. Raising up angels in the status of human beings and glorifying their importance. Everyone is given a god to make friends with or worship except for giving the people the God of Israel. Sad state of affairs in many churches today.

Q4. (Exodus 24:8; Matthew 26:27-28) What is the function of the blood of the covenant in Exodus? How is the Old Covenant similar to the New Covenant? In Exodus it confirmed the agreement that God has made with the people. In Matthew Jesus confirms his blood as blood of the new covenant between God and man. . What is the blood of the covenant in the New Testament? This is the actual blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross for our sins. How are they different? In the old testament the shedding of blood had to come through an umblemished animal for sin. The sacrifices were always repeated. In the new testament Jesus is the unblemished sacrifice and is the final sacrifice that is necessary for the cleansing of sin forever.

Q3. (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9) In what sense is Israel a holy nation? Israel is a covenanted nation with God which sets them apart from all others. This constitutes a holy nation. What does it mean to be holy? To be holy means to be set apart from all others by God for Himself and stay devoted to all that He is. Why do you think that personal holiness is de-emphasized in our time? Our times are changing. No longer is it emphasized in churches and in the christian homes the children are raised seeing many different standards of compromised living by their parents. Praise God that this is not true in all churches and homes but the church as a whole has changed and there is a great falling away by the people who were called to be set apart for a holy God.

Q2. (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9) What did priests do in the Old Testament? In what sense are you a priest? How do you function as a priest? In what sense are you a royal priest? In what areas can your personal priestly function improve? Priests in the Old Testament offered sacrifices for sins of the people. My sins have already been paid for by the sacrifice of the life of Jesus Christ. I function as a priest by offering myself daily in service to the good news of this. How can I improve? As He continues to work in me I shall do more to accurately, positively and lovingly spread the news of my high Priest as one of His.

Q1. (Exodus 19:5; 1 Peter 2:9) From an emotional standpoint, what does it feel like to take out and look over one of your treasured possessions? It is such a great and pleasurable feeling, full of memories. It is something that I care for deeply and give the greatest of care to. How was the idea of treasured possession fulfilled in Israel? This was fulfilled through covenants before and with Israel. Covenants are a two way agreement. God's covenants are set up by Him with conditions and promises and the people agree to keep it that way. God's promise was that if the people fulfilled their end of the covenant that they would be His treasured possession. What does it feel like to be Gods treasured possession as we Christians clearly are according to 1 Peter 2:9? For me it is still sinking in. It is so awesome. All it takes is obedience and faith and your life is beautiful. This is very lightly put as words cannot express the awesomeness of His covenant with His people.

4. (Exodus 18:13-27; Numbers 11:10-30) Why do you think it took Moses so long to delegate his judicial role to others? I don't think that idea had occured to Moses. God had not spoken to him in this respect and Moses himself had to learn obedience, trust and faith in his walk with the God of heaven and earth. He was used to dealing with grumbling men who were not spiritual by any means. But now we see Jethro speaking this idea with wisdom to Moses. An idea takes root!! What were the qualifications of these judges? Their qualifications were capable, God-fearing, honest, trustworthy, and accountable men. How is Moses role similar to the role of leaders in Ephesians 4:11-12? The new testment leaders were not set up to do it all alone. They were to equip others through teaching and training. What is the importance of the anointing of the Spirit in Christian leadership? Christian leadership relies on God. The Spirit gives the power and direction in their role. They depend on this and not their own human wisdom.

Q3. (Exodus 16) Why did God provide manna for the people? Why did the manna finally cease? Why do you think that the people gradually began to take the manna for granted? What provision of God are you taking for granted? God provided what they needed as He always does. Out of fear the people grumbled about starving but God always provides. The manna ceased when they ate from the produce while camped at the border of Cannan. They took the manna for granted because they figured God was providing this everyday as a continuous solution. I suppose there are any number of things I take for granted and just expect them to be the same day after day. It is an awakening when that changes and my course is changed.

Q2. (Exodus 16:7-8) Why can grumbling against a leader really be a symptom of grumbling against the Lord? Are there any cases where this might not be true? Why do leaders tend to take complaints so personally? What does it take to learn that "it's not about you." Grumbling against a leader is another way of complaining about and rebelling against what God has done. Some even hope God hears what they say. Others are just focused on what they feel the leader has failed to do for them and express it with hostility toward that leader. Maybe those who are whole heartedly following the Lord have discerned a bad leader in their group. Some leaders take criticism very personally because they feel its all about them and forget who the director of their steps really is. To learn its not about you then a leader must get His mind on God and off of himself. Success depends on God and not on how well we feel we put it all together.

Q1. (Exodus 15:24) What are the reasons that people grumble and complain? How do fear and faith relate to grumbling? What symptoms of grumbling do you see in your own life? What should you do about it? So many reasons for grumbling and complaining. When it comes to following God or one of His leaders we tend to balk with uncertainy in some situations and maybe are fear motivated in others. Depending on the challange of the moment determines how your heart responds. We all respond differently. In groups we tend to grumble with our peers or shout it all joy with them. Faith dispels fear but fear brings great grief and unbelief to the heart. Challanges of health or family issues may send me to grumbling if there is a fear mix and it is stirred by another. My way of approaching this heart response is to sit in the presence of God and talk it out. Seeking His reasurrance even though He may not provide specifics on the solution He will provide always settles my heart.

Q4. (Exodus 14:4, 17-18) Why is God glory important in the Exodus? How is recognition of his glory important to faith? To holiness? To reverence? What happens when leaders take for themselves the credit and glory that should go only to God? How can leaders keep themselves from pride? Seeing God's Glory demands an action from the people. It is something undeniable to those who believe and those who oppose such belief in a Holy God. God is spoken about through Moses and is seen mightly and without question through miraculous events. To acknowlege His Glory is to show faith and be built up in it. Those who take glory for themselves have not acknowledged the power of their God in their ministry or themselves. The try to rob the glory knowingly or unknowlingly and fall as short as Pharaoh with sighting only themselves as a super power. Leaders who are responsible to the people will always acknowledge their God and His power in every word or action that comes from them. This maintains a humble and contrite heart, one that is always focused on leading the people to the same knowledge as they have of His Lordship. Like This Quote MultiQuote