Overview
Moses faced significant challenges as Israel's leader: a stubborn ruler, a fierce army, a vast desert, a people prone to complaint, and idolatry. But through it all, God was guiding Moses and shaping his character in powerful ways. These eleven studies by Stephen D. Eyre will open your heart to the God who wants to instill the same qualities in you.
Introduction
Getting the Most Out of Moses
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.
Session One
The Burning Bush: Hearing God's Call
What first impression of God do you think Moses has as he encounters God in the flames of the burning bush? How did God first get your attention, and how has that shaped your relationship with him?
Exodus 3:1–4:17
Session Two
The Red Sea: Standing Firm
How do the Israelites cope with their fears as their former slave master approaches with his army? Why is it that past miracles in your life don't always generate faith for present dangers?
Exodus 14:10–31
Session Three
Mount Sinai: Meeting with God
Describe the incredible sights and sounds that God orchestrates as he reveals himself to the Israelites. How do the "sights and sounds" from your own church worship services encourage you in perceiving the presence of God?
Exodus 19:1–25
Session Four
Tent and Cleft: Alone with God
How is Moses' time with God on the rock different from Moses' meetings with God at the tent? What provisions have you made in your schedule for spending time "inquiring" of the Lord?
Exodus 33:7–23
Session Five
Fire and Incense: The Cost of Serving God
Why do you think Aaron and his two sons are not allowed to mourn for their sons/brothers? What insights do these very hard words provide about what it means to be a "servant-of-the-Lord" leader?
Leviticus 10:1–20
Session Six
Jubilee: Planning for Rest
The Jubilee raised serious economic issues—like how people were to live if they weren't working for a span of two years. What qualities or help would Moses have needed to effectively lead people to practice the Jubilee as God instructed?
Leviticus 25:8–28
Session Seven
Quail: Sharing the Burden
While power is a great privilege, it is also a heavy burden not easily—and often not willingly—shared. What can you learn from Moses' response to God's empowering of the 70 elders?
Numbers 11:4–35
Session Eight
Rebellion: Trusting God Against All Odds
Grumbling flares into outright rebellion, and Moses and Aaron fall prostrate before the entire assembly. What do you think they were feeling?
Numbers 14:1–25
Session Nine
Striking the Rock: The Temptations of Leadership
Why might slavery to Pharaoh seem preferable to freedom in the desert at this point? How has following God turned out to be confusing, disappointing, or different than what you expected?
Numbers 20:1–13
Session Ten
Valley Floor: Memo for the Future
Moses' challenge to the nation concerning God's laws is to not let them "slip from your heart." How can Israel keep God's commands alive and fresh in their hearts and minds?
Deuteronomy 4:5–24
Session Eleven
On the Verge: Passing the Baton
Moses is 120 years old and facing his limits at this point. Why might it be good for Moses and Israel that God is restraining him from entering the land?
Deuteronomy 31:1–13
Leader's Guide
This section includes information on preparing and leading studies, components of small groups, selected discussion questions, and background notes and suggestions for each study.
Total number of pages—64 pages
Stephen D. Eyre is a consultant for Church Discipleship Services, which provides guidance, coaching and resources for small groups in churches of all different sizes and denominations. He is also a minister of congregational development at Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has written many books and Bible study guides, including the LifeGuide® Bible Studies Christian Beliefs, Deuteronomy, Jeremiah and Matthew (with his wife, Jacalyn Eyre).
