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
Respond to any of these to get the conversation rolling.

1. What has God been teaching you or revealing to you this week?

2. Which part of this Moses series–a topic, insight, question, maybe a challenge–has helped you walk more intimately (face-to-face) with God? Why?

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.

INTRODUCTION TO THIS WEEK’S STUDY
Deuteronomy 29-34 provides one of the most significant transitions in the Old Testament. These chapters capture the end of Moses’ life, his final words to the people, and the passing of the baton to Joshua. For 40 years, Moses led the nation of Israel from slavery in Egypt, through harsh wilderness, and now, to the edge of the Promised Land. This was a journey that stretched him to his limits–physically, spiritually and emotionally. He began the journey unsure of his words, unsure of his worth, and unsure the people would listen. He led a people who didn’t want to be led, and having spent much of his leadership life in solitude, it was clear he felt the weight of loneliness and despair. He carried a burden no one else shared. Yet, in spite of a divine calling that always felt beyond him, God continued to give Moses the strength to carry on.

While we’ve been looking at individual episodes in the story of Moses, this week’s study provides more sweeping themes, helping us focus on the nature of God and what it looks like to be in relationship with Him. The video camera moves from ground level to a more 30,000-foot view, which is vital as the Israelites cross the Jordan River and move toward the Promised Land.

Major themes worth considering, in no particular order: Life is fragile. God is faithful. God holds together all creation. His desire for us is always freedom and life. Our time on earth is short. Relationships with God and each other require commitment and sacrifice. Our failures are an invitation to draw near to God, who is using them to write a beautiful story of redemption.

Our hope is that through this series, you’re learning there is no better place to be than walking with God, face to face.

1. Why did God refer to the promise He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? How does that help you understand the significance of Moses’ life?

2. According to Numbers 20:1-13, why did God not allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

3. Why do you think God showed Moses the whole land if He wasn’t going to let him cross over into it?

4. What are some different ways Moses might have felt as he viewed the land beyond the horizon, knowing he wouldn’t be continuing the journey?

5. Have you ever given yourself to something (blood, sweat and tears) only to realize you’d never get what you hoped for? What was it, and how did that experience shape you?

6. Moses and the Israelites had been through just about every life experience together – good and bad. In the end, how does this passage describe the impact of Moses’ life on the people? What words and phrases help capture the mood of those last days?

7. What insights do you gain about the importance of your own life and the role God has given you?

8. How does this passage describe God? What are some life lessons you can learn?

9. What statements does the writer make about Moses at the end of this passage? Which of these qualities are most inspiring for you?

10. God directs us to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1b NIV).
a. What does this mean to you?

b. How could your life be more in line with God’s calling?

11. In the end…
a. These things won’t really matter:

b. These things will matter most:

12. Based on the past couple of questions, I feel led to…
a. Do this:

b. Let go of this:

c. Focus on this:

GOSPEL FOCUS
Moses is mentioned in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament character (closely followed by David and Abraham). The writers used Moses to help us understand Jesus and teach us spiritual lessons.

1. What do these passages teach you about Jesus, and what is God saying to you personally?

2. Moses is like a preview of Christ (a type of Christ). He represents what Jesus would be like. What are some direct correlations between Jesus and the description of Moses in Acts 7?

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.

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.