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)

CONNECT
1. How has your relationship with God impacted your view of the world?

2. How have you allowed your struggles or failures become your identity?

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.

BACKGROUND OF TODAY'S MAIN PASSAGE
Most scholars (along with Jewish tradition) divide Moses’ life into three major periods.
1. First 40 years – In Egypt, raised in Pharaoh’s household.
2. Second 40 years – In Midian, as a shepherd.
3. Final 40 years – Leading Israel through the wilderness after the Exodus.

Following his birth and adoption by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 1:1-2:10), the story immediately moves to a pivotal moment in Moses’ life. Today’s passage marks the end of the first period (Acts 7:23-24 tells us this episode took place when Moses was forty), bridging his early life in Pharaoh’s palace to his eventual calling by God at the burning bush in Exodus 3.

Having been placed in the water (the Nile River), Moses’ identity dramatically shifted from Hebrew origin to his upbringing as an Egyptian. Having grown up amidst royalty in Egypt sets the stage for the next several chapters in Exodus.

STUDY AND DISCUSSION
It might be helpful to read the entire story, then come back to the questions for each passage.

1. Moses lived in the lap of luxury with hundreds of other noble family members who lacked for nothing. Why did Moses risk everything by killing an Egyptian?

2. Describe a time you witnessed or experienced outrage because of injustice. What was the next thing you did?

3. Moses then tried to mediate a fight between two Hebrews, but they rejected his authority. How would you have felt and reacted if you had been in Moses’ situation?

4. Why did Pharaoh try to kill Moses?

5. Moses was afraid because his secret was out. To deal with this inner turmoil, he fled to Midian. Describe a time you said or did something you didn’t want anyone to know about. Did you tell someone or run and hide? How did that experience shape you?

6. Since water was the source of all life and wealth, the shepherds became ruthless and drove the daughters away. What did Moses do, and what do you think was his motivation?

7. Why was Reuel interested in meeting Moses?

8. When have you risked being vulnerable and you were received well? And not so well?

9. By remembering His covenant, vs. 24-25 indicate God was not yet done with Moses. God was about to act through Moses, though Moses didn’t know it yet.

b. What kind of person did Moses become?
c. What phrase or idea stands out to you in that passage? Why?

10. Have you ever felt like you’d messed up so bad (or were such a failure) that God wasn’t interested in you anymore? If so, describe that time.

11. When was a time you cried out to God because of harsh circumstances? Did you feel like God heard your cry for help? What was that experience like for you?

12. What would we be missing if this passage weren’t in the Bible?

GOSPEL FOCUS
1. Based on today’s passage, what similarities and differences do you see between Moses and Jesus?

2. What does 1 John 1:5-10 teach you about hiding versus confessing sin?

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.