Good evening, tonight we are going to take a look at Exodus chapters 23-24.

Explain to me a time when you got caught in a lie?

Well, in the first section of chapter 23, we read about the laws of justice and mercy.  Let’s go ahead and take a look at that section now.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 23:1-9)

To which of the 10 Commandments do these laws relate?

What incentive does God give them for keeping these laws?

Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on and take a look at the next little section.  What is you favorite holiday and why?

Well, in this next section, we are taking a look at the Sabbath laws, and then the 3 annual festivals that the people were to observe.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that at this time.  (READ 23:10-19)

When we talk about the Sabbath laws, what would happen if you followed them?

How would following them be good for you?

How would following then be bad for you?

What did the 3 festivals celebrate?

What can you do, or do you do as a way of celebrating God’s provisions in your life?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, if that is all, let’s go ahead and finish this chapter.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us.  (READ 23:20-33)

Why tell Israel that God is sending His angel to prepare their way?

How else does God ensure that Israel will reach their goal?

What role do health and fertility play in reaching that goal?

What conditions or roadblocks are put on them in this story?

Would you rather have God’s game plan for you all laid out from the beginning, or revealed one step at a time?  Why?

Do you tend to focus on God’s warnings or God’s promises?  Why?

At this time, allow me to share with you what the commentary has to say about this chapter.  It writes, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, let’s take a look at one last section for tonight.  Chapter 24 is about the covenant being confirmed.  And let’s just go ahead and jump right into that text.  Whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 24:1-18)

Do you think that either Moses or God expected the people to meet all of their covenant duties?  Why or why not?

In what sense have you personally seen God?  (in Christ, in others, in church, in Bible)

What kind of promises have you made to God?

Is God’s covenant with his people, both then and now, sustained by their obedience, or by His grace?  Why do you think that way?

At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about this chapter.  It writes, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, we will not meet next week, but the first Wednesday in January, we will be meeting and discussing chapters 25-26.

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