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. What’s God up to in your life?

2. What opportunity (or challenge) are you facing that’s requiring great courage?

OPEN WITH PRAYER
A simple centering prayer: Lord, we lay down the burdens and responsibilities of the day and turn our eyes toward You. Help us be present with You. Help us be here and nowhere else. Quiet our minds and restore our union with You. [This would be a good time to take a few deep breaths.]

I release this into Your loving hands… (name things you need to give to God)

We know Your love for us cannot be measured or stolen. You offer peace without limit and joy that overcomes the hardship of this world. We pray You’d put thoughts in our minds and stir our hearts in ways that draw each of us closer to You. Help us hear Your voice and experience more of who You really are. Amen.

BACKGROUND OF TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
This week's Scripture stretches five chapters (Exodus 7-11) and recounts the story of God's rescue mission to free His people from slavery in Egypt.

Egypt was the most powerful nation in the ancient Near East, known for its wealth, advanced civilization and many gods. Pharaoh was considered divine–the earthly representative of the gods. The Israelites had been living in Egypt for 430 years and had grown into a large population that Pharaoh feared might threaten Egyptian power (Exodus 1:8-10). God sent Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh with a divine demand, "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 8:1b, NIV). When Pharaoh refused, God sent ten plagues as escalating acts of judgment and revelation.

The statement, The LORD said to Moses occurs 15 times in Exodus 7-11, 47 times in the book of Exodus and 138 times in the first 5 books of the Bible. This reveals the personal and intimate relationship the Lord had with Moses.

1. Why did God send the plagues?

2. What does this teach you about God?

3. God told Moses to confront Pharaoh (who is described as brutal, arrogant, hard-hearted, evil, oppressive and cruel).

a. How would you have felt if you were in Moses’ shoes?

b. What do you think caused Moses to obey God?

4. What does this passage teach you about God, about Moses and Aaron and about Pharaoh?

5. What’s the main point of this episode with the staffs and snakes?

6. When have you tried to manipulate a situation rather than trusting God?

7. Jewish and Christian scholars alike hold that the plague of blood mocked Hapi, the Nile god who represented life, abundance and prosperity. From what the passage describes, why else would God begin with this plague?

8. The plagues proved that the God of the Israelites was more powerful than the gods of Egypt. When have you thought about, witnessed or experienced the power of God?

9. Do you know God controls all things or do you believe luck or fate play a part?

10. How would your life be different if you relied more on the power of God?

You’ll find in the For Further Study section below a list of the ten plagues and Bible references, along with directions for study. Next week, we’ll look at the eventual exodus from Egypt and the story of salvation! For now, we’ll jump to the beginning of the final plague.

11. Pharaoh received nine opportunities to repent and release the Israelites before the final plague was unleashed; three times he said he would let them go, but changed his mind when the plague ended. (Exodus 8:15; 9:35; 10:20). Can you think of a time you refused to listen to God and He went to extreme measures to get your attention? If so, what happened?

12. What’s the difference between God’s wrath and the kind of anger we often experience?

13. Why is it good to remember God’s judgment?

14. What dangers are there of thinking too much about God’s judgment?

15. How does the story of Pharaoh's hardened heart relate to the concept of repentance?

16. How might you use the story of the plagues to help a neighbor or friend draw closer to God?

The Christian life always comes in exchange for the life you once loved, not in addition to it.
Rosaria Butterfield

GOSPEL FOCUS
How does this week’s lesson point to God’s justice, deliverance and ultimate plan in Christ?

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.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Below is a list of the ten plagues. Here are suggestions for study:

1. Note the order, each plague’s effect, and the dialogue between God, Moses and Pharaoh.

2. Write down specific details and outcomes of each plague.

3. What’s the unique symbolism or reason for each of the plagues?

4. Are there any repeated patterns?

5. What recurring themes do you see?

6. Make a list of what these passages teach about the nature and character of God.

7. Ask God to give you specific life-applications from the lessons you’re learning.

ONE: Water Turned to Blood (Exodus 7:14–24)
TWO: Frogs (Exodus 8:1–15)
THREE: Gnats (Exodus 8:16–19)
FOUR: Flies (Exodus 8:20–32)
FIVE: Livestock Disease (Exodus 9:1–7)
SIX: Boils (Exodus 9:8–12)
SEVEN: Hail (Exodus 9:13–35)
EIGHT: Locusts (Exodus 10:1–20)
NINE: Darkness (Exodus 10:21–29)
TEN: Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11–12)

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.