Exodus 18-outline

Exodus 18

Study: Jethro’s Visit and Wise Advice

Store: “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Apply: God’s Deliverance

Learn: The Importance of the Body

·       Exodus 18

o   2 Focus Points

§  1. The Visit- Exodus 18:1-12

·       The Greeting

·       The Impact

§  2. The Wise Advice-Exodus 18:13-27

·       Relieve the Burden

·       Continue on

·       Delegate

1.    The Visit

-Exodus 18:1-12

v  The Greeting

§  How did Moses react upon the news of His Father-In-Law and family’s arrival?

§  What type of relationship did Moses have with Jethro before he left for Egypt?

§  In verse 3 what does the name Gershom mean?

§  In verse 4, what does the name Eliezer mean?

§  How long had it been since Moses had seen his family?

v  The Impact

§  In verse 8 what did Moses tell Jethro?

·       Who did Moses point Jethro too?

·       Who did Moses give all the credit too?

§  What reaction did Jethro have in verse 9 and 10?

§  How did Moses’ story impact Jethro?

§  How did Jethro’s relationship with God change @ that point?

§  What did Jethro do in verse 11 and 12 to show his thankfulness to God?

2. The Wise Advice

                  -Exodus 18:13-27

v  Relieve the Burden

Ø  Exodus 18:14-18

§  List the difference between Moses’ way of doing things verse Jethro’s advice on doing things.

                                   Moses                                               Jethro

§  How will Jethro’s advice help relieve some of Moses’ burden?

§  How does the Body of Christ help relieve some of our burdens?

§  How does Jesus help relieve our burdens according to the following verses?

·       Psalm 145:14

·       Matthew 11:28-30

                                   

                 

v  Continue On

Ø  Exodus 18:19-20

§  Why did Jethro advise Moses to continue being God’s representative?

§  Why are we to continue being Jesus’ representatives?

§  How would the people of Israel benefit from Moses continuing to represent and teach them God’s Word?

·       What benefit do we receive?

·       What benefit do others receive who hear and are taught God’s Word and laws?

Ø  The Opportunity

·       List 5 Opportunities we have to share God’s Word and Laws with others?

¨     1.

¨     2.

¨     3.

¨     4.

¨     5.

v    Delegate

Ø  Exodus 18:21-26

§  What does it mean to delegate?

§  Why did Jethro make a point to describe the type of men Moses should delegate things too?

§  What type of character and qualities were they to display?

§  Why is this important for us know?

·       Bonus Question: God gives us a glimpse of something to come in the New Testament that will play a huge role in the lives of Christians, what is it?

§  How does Christ delegate today?

§  What is the significance of the Body of Christ?

·       Why are there many parts of the Body?

·       What role do you play in the Body?

·       Read 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31

¨     How do Exodus 18 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 compare to each other?

§  How would Jethro’s advice to delegate later affect the Israelites?

·       What advice can you take from Jethro’s advice to Moses?

Take-Away

1. Give God your burdens!

2. Help relieve the burdens of others.

3. Listen to Godly Counsel.

4. As a part of the Body of Christ, do your job well.

5.  Pray for the Body of Christ.

6. Praise God for the gifts he has given you!

Application

1. What role do you play in the Body of Christ?

2. How can you make better use of the opportunity God has given you to spread the Good News?

3. What three things can you take from Exodus 18?

4.  What burdens have weighed you down?

                  How can you apply Matthew 11:28-30 and Psalm 145:14

                 

 all rights reserved by coffeeatthecross

The Place He Was Found

He entered this world in the lowliest of places. There were no sounds of trumpets or the rolling out of the red carpet. He was not greeted by Royal Priests or clothed in a luxurious robe.

He did not demand attention or come to meet the pleasures of man. He came to save the sick and lost and those embodied in sin. He came to save you and me. 

Even from the time of His birth, man has judged by appearance, wealth and prestige. But Jesus, He desired none of those things, nor did He demand them. 

"There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care." Isaiah 53:2-3

Jesus, one of extraordinary qualifications and qualities, came not in a manner of which to display them, but rather, He came in a way for all, plain and ordinary people to know Him. 

He is a realistic Savior, whose only desire is for us to know Him personally. No matter who we are, poor, average, or rich, Jesus makes Himself known to each of us. 

I love this about Him! I love that He desires to know me personally and for me to know Him personally. I love that He can be found in the lowliest and dirtiest of places. He does not require over the top gatherings, fancy churches or even worship bands to come and meet with us. 

Actually, if all of that was removed, it would expose and reveal the true hearts of many. Is Jesus enough for us today? 

Do you only attend social events that meet your standards or Churches with the best bands and people, or do you just have a heart to be with Jesus no matter where He is?

Today, we are making Him to be an unrealistic Savior. We are failing to remember what He did for us when we were in the mud and mire. He got His feet and hands dirty in order to remove and save us. 

Many times before I have asked, "If you were invited to come to an empty room with just you and your Bible, would you come?" And many have responded, "Yes!" Yet, where are they?

We have set these unrealistic expectations that the only way to draw people in, is by fancy decor, the best of foods, fancy clothes, and music that "feels good." 

Jesus didn't even do that, so why do we? Why do we have to have all the fluff, what happened to just being with Jesus and in His Word?

This season is more than a celebration, it is a reminder of what Jesus did and how He came. It is a reminder to each of us that He came to make a way for all people, and we should be going out and ministering to all people. Our homes and Churches and gatherings should be filled with people from all walks of life. We should have our Bibles open and be feasting on His Word and His truth rather than feasting on things of the world. 

Is Jesus enough for us today? If He asked us to go and sit in the mud and mire with others, would we? 

Are we doing things for the praise of man or for Him? Let us not become like the Priests in Jesus' day who looked down upon those less than them. Let us not become so caught up in the worldly things that we set a poor example to the lost. 

May we always be reminded of Jesus' entrance into the world and where He lay wrapped in cloth. Let us remember we are called to reflect Him and share who He is with others. 

If a lost and broken person, walked in dirty clothes would they walk away having heard the message of Jesus and hope and Salvation, or would they walk away feeling as though they aren't good enough?

Sometimes, in our attempts to gather with the finest of things, can only become a hindrance and distraction to those who are lost. Let's not set the example that Jesus is only found in the nicest and cleanest of places with the finest of people. Let's set the example that Christ set. 

When we fail to share the Word, may the only conviction come from failing to do so. 

"Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all." Isaiah 53: 4-6

Exodus 17-Outline

Study: The Water from the Rock and The Victory

Store: “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Apply: God’s Deliverance

Learn: God Provides, Delivers and Protects

·       Exodus 17

o   3 Focus Points

§  1. The Doubting Israelites- Exodus 17:1-4

·       Complaining

·       Testing

§  2. God’s Provides-Exodus 17:5-7

·       Moses’ Safety

·       The Rock

§  3. The Battle- Exodus 17:8-16

·       The New Leader of the Army

·       The Support

·       The Victory

1.    The Doubting Israelites

-Exodus 17:1-3

v  Complaining

Ø  What caused the Israelites to complain in verse 2?

§  Where does the root of complaining come from?

§  In what other chapter did they complain about the lack of water?

§  How did God provide for them, then?

§  What was their complaint in Exodus 17:3?

§  Look back at chapter 15 and 16. What had God done for the Israelites in these last two chapters?

§  What is the pattern here?

§  Read Philippians 2:14-16, Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

·       How can we apply each of these verses and combat a complaining spirit?

v  Testing

Ø  In the latter part of verse 2, how does Moses reply to the people?

§  Why did Moses respond with questions? What did he hope would happen when he asked those questions?

·       How did the Israelites respond to Moses’ questioning?

§  Up to this point the Lord had performed many miracles, yet the Israelites seemed to forget His protection and provision for their lives, why?

¨     Is there something you are still complaining about that the Lord has already provided for once?

§  How did the Israelites test the Lord?

2. God Provides, Again

                  -Exodus 17:4-7

v  Moses’ Safety

Ø  Look back at verse 4, why was Moses afraid for his life?

§  How does the Lord protect Moses?

v  The Rock

Ø  Why did God lead Moses and the leaders to a Rock in Mount Sinai?

§  Has God led you somewhere in order to use you or protect you?

Ø  How did the Lord provide water for Moses and the Israelite people?

§  Just out of curiosity how big do you think that rock was?

§  Why was it important for Moses to take some leaders with him? Why did God not send him to go alone?

Ø  What two names did Moses give the place where God provided water? Why?

§  Why did Moses give that place a name?

§  What is the significance of him naming particular places? What purpose did it serve?

3. The Battle

                  Exodus 17:8-16

v    The New Leader of the Army

Ø  Who were the Amalek people?

§  Bonus Question: Who were the Amalek descendants from?

Ø  What made the Amalekites so hostile?

Ø  In verse 9 who does Moses introduce us to?

§  What do we know about Joshua at this point?

Ø  What leadership role does Moses give Joshua?

§  What did Moses command Joshua to do?

Ø  Why was it necessary for Moses to tell Joshua where he would be the next day, and what was so significant about the staff in his hand?

v  The Support

Ø  It’s important to make note of Joshua’s obedience and willingness to act. This will play an important role later on.

Ø  Who does Moses take to the top of the hill with him?

§  Why is this important for us to know?

Ø  How did Aaron and Hur give Moses support according to verse 12?

§  As followers of Christ, where do we get our support?

§  How can we as the Body of Christ better support one another?

§  Why do we need support? How does it benefit others and us?

§  How did the support of Aaron and Hur benefit Moses and the rest of the Israelites?

v  The Victory

Ø  According to verse 11 what gave the Israelites the advantage?

§  What gave the Amalekites the upper hand?

Ø  What point is the Lord trying to make and does make in verses 10-13?

Ø  How did the Israelites receive the victory over the Amalekites?

§  How do we receive the victory today?

Ø  There is a powerful lesson to be taught here.  List 5 lessons you've learned from verses 10-16.

§  1.

§  2.

§  3.

§  4.

§  5.

Ø  What did God instruct Moses to do in verse 14? Why?

Ø  What did Moses do according to verse 15?

§  Why were altars so significant back then?

§  What purpose did they serve?

Ø  What did Moses call the altar?

§  What does “The Lord is My Banner” mean?

§  How is He our Banner today?

Ø  What price would the Amalekites pay for raising their fist against the Lord’s throne?

§  Who all would be affected by their hasty decision?

Take-Away

1. Be mindful of all God has done for you.

2. Trust in His promises, protection, and provision for your life.

3. Focus on who He is and what He as done for you.

4. As apart of the Body of Christ, be supportive and encourage one another.

5.  Be prayerful for all your brothers and sisters around the world.

6. Praise God for the victory you received when Christ came and died and rose again!

Application

1. How can you become more mindful of what God has done for you?

2. How can you be an Aaron or Hur to someone this week?

3. What three things can you take from Exodus 17 and apply to your life this week?

4.  As you begin this week, make it a point to memorize Philippians 2:14-15, Philippians 4:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

5. Write down 5 ways God has given you the victory over a particular sin in your life or a battle you have been facing.

                  

Parenting

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

Parenting-something we wish Jesus would have sent a step by step manual on.

Those who can figure out together, how it's to be done, according to the Word of God, finds something of such rarity. The problem is, it's so rare only a very very small few have figured it out.

Parenting is a daily choice we make when God gifts us with children. Parenting is hard, rewarding, frustrating, exciting, work, and something that can't be done without God's help, mercy, guidance, and teaching.

I truly have a great respect for single parents. For those who do it well, I pray it's because they do it with Christ as the center.

For married couples, I pray they do it with Christ as the center and as a team. It's so hard to parent when you and your spouse are not on the same page. I believe many of us can testify to that.

The problem when parents are on different pages is the lack of communication. When we don't pray about it as a couple, we allow Satan to step in and attack; this can cause many problems. When we fail to work as a team, we allow Satan, the opponent to step in cause dissension among the team and cause confusion among our children.

Parenting has changed so much over the years. I often wonder what it was like 40, even 80 years ago. How was it done in Godly homes? Homes where the mamas stayed home and only the daddies worked. Homes where God truly was the center of all things and it was evident when you saw those families.

Today, you have so many people trying to parent every one's kids. You have advice and criticism coming at you from every angle. If you child is hyper, you lack control. If your child does not sit still and listen, you are teaching them poorly. If you don't say what they think you should say, you baby them to much.

If the mama doesn't tend to the kids so the husband can go and do what he wants, you are a bad mom and wife.

And it doesn't stop there. We all think we can parent better than the next. The truth is, we can't! We are all, who love the Lord are trying to do our best. We fail often, but we get up and keep trying. Our convictions are different from each others. Our hearts desires are different.

Our children are all different, not one is the same. Oh, how well do I know that with my own two boys.

Our parents are not the same as other parents. Nor do we parent exactly like our parents did. For some, the lessons they learned or the struggles, heartache, joys, etc they went through have shaped them to parent the way either they wished they would've been parented or parent because how great they were parented.

But the truth is, if we parent from the example our parents set rather than the example Christ set for us, we not only set ourselves up for failure, we set our children up for failure.

We are to parent as Christ parents. We are to follow His example. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should not listen to the advice of older parents, but we are to be very careful to take every bit of advice and place it under the microscope of God's Word and make sure it aligns with His will and His Word.

We are to look and seek those who are still seeking to live holy and righteous lives and who have sought to follow the steps of God's Word, for wisdom.

As parents, we all desire our children to honor and respect us, but if we don't set the example of honoring and respecting Christ, it brings confusion to our children and gives us little to stand on.

I am thankful for the example the Lord set for me and what parenting is to look like. I fail often, but seek to do it His way. If I do nothing else in this life, I pray I point my boys to Christ. To live like Him, to love Him, to serve Him, to honor Him, and to make sure He is always in the center of their lives. And I know that in order for them to know how to do that, I have to set the example.

If the Lord reveals anything to you today, I pray it is that He has given you the choice to choose today how you will parent, and that through Him and with Him you can break the generational line. You today, can choose the example you will set and the legacy you will leave.