INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES
We were created not only by an infinite, all-powerful God—the One who measures the waters in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 40:12) and holds the endless number of stars in the sky (Isaiah 40:26)—but by a God who is closer to us than the air we breathe. From Genesis to Revelation God has pursued us with His love, that we might have a personal, intimate relationship with Him.

The Bible is full of stories of people who encountered this powerful and personal God. People who suffered, people who lost their way, people who longed for hope and redemption. Moses was one of these people. During this series, we’ll look at several stories in the life of Moses that give us a picture of these divine, intimate encounters with God. May we learn from Moses what it looks like to walk with God, face to face.

SERIES THEME VERSES
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11a (NIV)

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face…
Deuteronomy 34:10 (NIV)

BEGIN THE JOURNEY
1. If your group is new or some people are joining for the first time, ask them how they got connected with this group. Then take a few minutes briefly introducing yourselves.

2. During this series, I hope…

OPEN WITH PRAYER
The noise of this world is maddening. Pause for a few minutes to quiet your heart and mind.

A simple centering prayer: Holy Spirit, we acknowledge You are here and ask You to speak to each of us personally in a way that only You can do. We open our hearts that You might teach us and draw us closer to You. The Bible was written so long ago, but we believe it continues to be the true source of wisdom, hope and direction. May You show us new and beautiful things as we study Your Word together. Amen.

Moses’ greatness lay not in his power, but in his closeness to God—he walked in constant conversation with the Divine.
Walter Brueggemann

BACKGROUND OF TODAY'S MAIN PASSAGE
Exodus 33:7-11 sits at a crucial point in Israel’s journey with God. Just before this passage, Exodus 32, Israel had broken covenant with God by making and worshiping a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. This act of idolatry led to God’s anger and a severe fracture in the relationship between God and His people. Moses interceded for them, pleading for mercy and forgiveness.

In the verses immediately before 33:7–11, God told Moses He would still send the Israelites to the Promised Land—but He Himself would not go with them because of their stubbornness and sin. This deeply grieved the people, and they mourned. It symbolized a distance between God and His people in a way that hadn’t existed before.

Today’s passage describes what happened next in the story.

STUDY AND DISCUSSION
Have someone read this passage then consider the questions that follow.

1. What was the purpose of the tent of meeting?

2. Why do you think Moses set up the tent of meeting outside the camp?

3. How did God reveal Himself, and how did the people respond?

4. Put yourself in their place—what do you think you would’ve seen or felt?

5. Describe a time you were overwhelmed by the presence of God.

6. Why were the Israelites so intent on watching Moses go into the tent? Why is this important to the story?

7. What are reasons people lack intimacy with God? Which of these can you relate to?

8. God told Moses He would not go with Israel because of their sin. What pulls you away from God?

9. In repentance and mourning, the Israelites removed their ornaments—the jewelry they normally wore—as a sign of humility and sorrow (see Exodus 33:4-6). What does that tell you about their view of God?

10. All of us experience times we feel close to God and other times when He seems far away. How do you deal with the ebbs and flows in your relationship with God?

11. The passage mentions that Joshua stayed in the tent even after Moses left. Why do you think that detail is included?

12. God met Moses in a very personal way. What have you and God been talking about recently?

13. What’s something challenging, mundane or exciting about this coming week? How would your life be different if you felt the closeness of God in that?

GOSPEL FOCUS
1. How is Moses like Jesus?

2. How does Moses’ face-to-face relationship with God in the tent of meeting anticipate the intimacy we can have with God through Jesus?

PERSONAL APPLICATION
Close your time with a minute or two of silence, quietly allowing your heart and mind to settle. Ask God what He wants you to know or do from this week’s study and discussion. Write down what you sense God is saying to you. Share this with the group and pray for each other.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Here are some great resources as you continue your study of the life of Moses and the foundational beliefs of the Christian Faith. These are available in the Brookwood Bookstore.

EXODUS AND MOSES
Moses: In the Footprints of the Reluctant Prophet, Adam Hamilton
Leaving Egypt, Chuck DeGroat
The Paradise King, Blaine Eldredge

FOUNDATIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
Basic Christianity, John Stott
I Believe: A Concise Guide to the Essentials of the Christian Faith,
Thom S. Rainer
Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation,
Anthony J. Carter
In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life, Sinclair B. Ferguson

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200.

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.