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
Which of these best describe where you are right now?
1. FLOURISHING (like you’re in the Promised Land: thriving, inspired, free at last!)
2. DOWN (in Egypt: sad, low, depressed, discouraged, hopeless, burned out)
3. SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE (wilderness: just getting by, resigned, stuck, lost heart, empty)

How long have you felt this way?

What caused you to be in this place?

PRAY
A simple centering prayer: Dear Lord, You are the giver of Life.1 You have redeemed me.2 Your love cannot be measured or stolen.3 With joy You have drawn water from the wells of salvation.4 Because I have Jesus, I have life.5

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.]

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.

Add to this your own words of prayer.
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1 Job 33:4; Acts 17:25 2 Isaiah 43:1; Hebrews 9:12 3 Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:38-39; 4 Isaiah 12:3; 5 1 John 5:11-12.

BACKGROUND OF THIS WEEK'S LESSON
Exodus 15:23-16:12 describes a pivotal transition in Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Occurring about a month after the exodus, this passage recounts three key moments: the bitter waters at Marah made sweet, the rest at Elim, and the people’s hunger in the Wilderness of Sin. The Israelites had just witnessed God’s mighty deliverance at the Red Sea, but now question His power and goodness as they quickly face scarcity and uncertainty. This begins the pattern that repeats throughout the Israelite’s wilderness journey: crisis, complaint, intercession, and God’s provision – not only for their physical needs, but in reshaping their identity from one of bondage to one of trustful reliance.

When God wanted to raise Moses as a leader, He didn’t give him a platform – He gave him the wilderness. Loneliness. Uncertainty. Silence. It’s in the quiet where leaders are formed.
Kelly Minter, @usa.biblestudy

1. What was life like for the Israelites, and how did their response impact their relationship with Moses and with God?

2. They had just witnessed the awesome power of God (parting of the sea), but quickly forgot about who He was and what He did. Can you think of a time you doubted God’s goodness? Explain.

3. Describe a time God did something powerful in your life. What does it feel like as you stop to remember what happened?

4. Describe a time you didn’t get what you wanted but still felt God was taking care of you. What evidence can you point to that showed He cared?

5. What was the point of Moses throwing the piece of wood into the water?

6. What kind of relationship did God want to have with the Israelites? Can you put words to it?

7. Why is the way of trust both so difficult and so appealing? How is this way different from the way you’ve lived your life?

8. How does this passage speak to your journey?

9. Not only did God rescue the Israelites from Egypt, He then gave them a beautiful campground with plenty of water and a stunning display of trees! When have you found it difficult to receive God’s blessings?

10. We’re more like the Israelites than we’d like to admit. How can you relate with them?

11. Why do some people have deep trust in God, while others take the role of a victim?

12. What are ways people can move from self-pity to a settled reliance on God?

13. How do you think this whole situation was affecting Moses?

14. Why does God keep testing the Israelites? How was He trying to shape them?

15. Have you ever felt like God was testing you? Explain.

16. What do you think it would’ve been like if you were one of the Israelites in the wilderness?

GOSPEL FOCUS
1. How is Moses like Jesus in this story?

2. Go back through the passages we’ve been looking at, and make a list of all God did for His people. How do these things point to Jesus?

*** Pause and think of someone you know who’s in a wilderness season (stuck, acting like a victim, complaining, misunderstanding God, etc.). Who comes to mind? Pray God would soften their heart and renew their trust in Him.

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 He’s 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.