IvoryEagle

Numbers 17) What was the root cause of Korah's rebellion? PRIDE AND JEALOUSY Which of their accusations were true or partially true? THE LEVEL OF PRIESTHOOD Why is challenging the authority of a spiritual leader so dangerous to the challengers? THEY ARE CHALLENGING GOD HIMSELF. How is intercession for a sinful people such an important part of a leader's job? THEY DON'T KNOW GOD LIKE THE LEADER KNOWS GOD. THEY CAN DISCERN WHO IS SINCERELY MISLED AND WHO IS INSINCERELY REBELLIOUS.

Numbers 14) Why is this failure to enter the Promised Land so serious? IT WAS ALL FOR NOTHING. THEIR PRAYER HAD BEEN ANSWERED AND THEY CANCELED THE ANSWER. What did it represent on the people's part? FAILURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN. What did it represent on the Lord's part? GOD IS SERIOUS ABOUT FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. In your opinion, was the punishment too severe? YES. Why or why not? THEY WERE ONLY HUMAN AGAINST DEVASTATING ODDS. ONLY GOD KNEW HOW POWERFUL GOD WAS; BELIEF WAS, TO THEM, A LUXURY OR AT BEST A SKILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION. If the people had moved in faith, how long would their trip from Egypt to Canaan have taken? DAYS.

(Numbers 12) What was Miriam's and Aaron's motivation for speaking against Moses? TO ELEVATE THEMSELVES TO HIS LEVEL OF LEADERSHIP. Why do people seeking power feel a need to discredit the existing leader? LIKE SATAN, TO PROVE THEY ARE JUST AS GOOD. How did Moses handle this provocation? HE PRAYED TO GOD. How might he have handled it if he were a proud man? HE COULD HAVE RESPONDED IN REPRIMAND. How did the Lord handle it? HE QUESTIONED THEM ABOUT THEIR DISRESPECT. HE PUNISHED MERIAM WITH LEPROSY FOR SEVEN DAYS.

Q1. Why do you think Moses is so frustrated in his prayer? BECAUSE THE VERY PEOPLE HE IS TRYING TO LEAD ARE OPPRESSING HIM! What do you think is going on in him emotionally and physically at this point? FEAR, CONFUSING, AND DOUBT Does he have any grounds for his complaints? YES, AT THIS POINT, HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW BIG THE GOD HE SERVES IS! Do you think this is designed to be a model prayer? ABSOLUTELY NOT Why are we shown this prayer? EVEN THE STRONGEST LEADER GETS WEAK AND FRUSTRATED. How did God answer him? HE SHOWED HIM HIS PROMISE OF POWER!

Q4. (Leviticus 1:3-9) In the burnt offering for an individual's sin: What is the significance of the offerer laying his hand on the animal's head? PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SIN AND THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE SIN OF THE PERSON IS BEING CARRIED BY ANOTHER. Why do you think the offerer is to slay the sacrifice rather than having the priest do it? BLOOD ON HIS HANDS DISPEL THE NOTION OF DENIAL. How is the animal's blood significant in sacrifice? THE VERY LIFE OF ANYONE OR ANYTHING IS IN THE BLOOD. SOMEONE OR SOMETHING DIED FOR MY SIN. In what ways does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfill all of this? IN ALL WAYS, ONLY IT WAS NOT AN ANIMAL IT WAS GOD'S ONLY SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q3. What does the arrangement of the furniture, the tabernacle, and the courtyard teach us about worship? WE MUST PREPARE TO WORSHIP GOD; IT IS A SACRED ENCOUNTER. Why do you come to the bronze altar and the laver or basin before you reach the tent itself? PREPARATION Cleansing and forgiveness are represented by the bronze laver or basin. We receive his forgiveness and cleansing by faith with thankfulness.

Q2. (Exodus 25:10-22) What is the significance of the Ark in the Holy of Holies? The ark in the Holy of Holies was the most holy object of all, a gold-covered acacia-wood chest (dimensions 3.75 by 2.25 feet and 2.25 feet high) that served as the portable throne of Yahweh. What did it represent? God's presence on earth Why was it considered so holy? Reserved for God with approved entry of the Priest. If no one really sat upon it, why was it so important? God is everywhere, all of the time. It is His heavenly home on earth.

Q1. (Numbers 2:1-3:39) Why was the camp of the Israelites laid out as it was? TO REFLECT GOD AS IT'S CENTER What did this layout teach the Israelites? GOD IS THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING, ALL THE TIME. Why were the Levites and priests camped closer than the other tribes?? ORDER & ACCESS TO GOD: Each clan of Levites had its own responsibilities for the tabernacle and its furniture. The very organization of Israel's camp reflected this truth according to Numbers 2:1-3:39. God's presence dwelt in the tabernacle. The priests and Levites were camped closest. Each clan of Levites had its own responsibilities for the tabernacle and its furniture. Then arrayed around them were the twelve tribes, each in its assigned position and order of march, when the camp got ready to move.

(Exodus 33:7-11) Why is Moses' pre-tabernacle "tent of meeting" so important in Moses' ministry? HE WAS LEARNING THE WAYS OF GOD. Why is it called the "tent of meeting"? IT TAUGHT THAT A PLACE SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR MEETING AND LEARNING THE WAYS OF GOD. What would it take for you to spend longer periods of intimate time seeking God? ALREADY THERE; I HAVE A HUNGER AND A THIRST THAT FOLLOWS ME DAILY. WHILE I DEDICATE THE FIRST FEW HOURS PER DAY, I FIND MYSELF SEEKING HIM ALL DAY LONG IN ALL THAT I ENCOUNTER. How do you think this would affect your ministry? GREATLY.

Why is interceding for the people so important in Moses' ministry? IN A WAY, THEY ARE LIKE BABIES, THEY ONLY KNOW ONE WAY--THE WRONG WAY. UNTIL MOSES CAN GET THEM TOTALLY FOCUSED AND BELIEVING IN "THE WAY" HE MUST CONTINUE TO INTERCEDE AND REMIND GOD OF WHY THEY ARE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. Why is this such an important role for pastors and lay leaders today? FOR THE SAME REASON, MANY JUST DON'T KNOW GOD. To intercede effectively before God, why must we know both his character and his promises?? WE CAN'T SELL GOD UNTIL WE BUY GOD--WE ONLY BUY WHAT WE KNOW AND BELIEVE.

Q2. (Exodus 32:21-24) What was the nature of Aaron's sin with the golden calf? AN ACT AGAINST GOD. ALLOWING A TANGIBLE IDLE TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THE WORK OF AN INVISIABLE GOD. Why won't he take responsibility for his actions, do you think? HE IS CONFUSED, EMBARASSED, AND SCARED. Why do you think he gets off so easily? I JUST DONT' KNOW. GOD HAS KILLED OTHERS FOR LESS. Why must leaders be accountable for their actions? BECAUSE LEADERS ARE CHOSEN TO LEAD. WHERE THEY GO, THE PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW. What is necessary for leaders to be able to learn from their mistakes? REPRIMANDS.

Q1. (Exodus 32:1-6) Why do you think the people of Israel were so quick to make idols, even after hearing the monotheism of the Ten Commandments that forbade graven images? UNCERTAINTY AND FAMILIARITY; THE COMFORT OF FAMILIAITY. Why do you think Aaron facilitated their sin? IGNORANCE AND WANTING TO PLEASE IN THE MIDST OF HIS OWN UNCERTAINTY; THIS WAS NEW TO HIM AS WELL. WHILE GOD GAVE RULES AS THEY WENT; HE DID NOT GIVE CONTINGENCIES FOR DOUBT. How do you think the golden calf made God feel? ANGRY & DISAPPOINTED What idols do Christian churches allow that lead them away from pure worship of God in our day? APPROVAL OF MAN AND FEAR OF LOST IMAGE AND FUNDS.

Q4. (Exodus 24:8; Matthew 26:27-28) What is the function of the blood of the covenant in Exodus? Blood Sacrifice What is the blood of the covenant in the New Testament? Blood Sacrifice How is the Old Covenant similar to the New Covenant? Both required sacrifice How are they different?The New Covenant required the blood of Jesus: THE FINAL BLOOD SACRIFICE

In what sense is Israel a holy nation? NOT ONLY HAVE THEY BEEN SET APART, THE HAVE ACCEPTED THE COVENENANT OF GOD MEANING HE WILL BE THEIR ONLY GOD AND THE WILL SERVE no other "gods." What does it mean to be holy? STRIVING TO LIVE UP TO THE COVENANT. Why do you think that personal holiness is de-emphasized in our time? TRYING TO LIVE HOLY ACCORDING TO MAN-MADE RULES AND JUDGMENTS. FEAR OF FAILURE AND JUDGMENT. REPULSED BY WHAT OTHERS ACTIONS HAS DONE THAT HAS TAINTED THE PERCEPTION OF "HOLINESS."

What did priests do in the Old Testament? INTERCEDE ON BEHALF OF GOD TO THE PEOPLE. In what sense are you a priest? WITH KNOWLEDGE, DO THE SAME WITH THE UNSAVED. How do you function as a priest? BIBLE STUDY TEACHER, RESPONDING TO PEOPLE'S INQUIRY, ETC. In what sense are you a royal priest? AS A BELIEVER, I AM SET APART FOR GOD. In what areas can your personal priestly function improve? DEVELOP MORE TOLERANCE FOR OTHERS.

From an emotional standpoint, what does it feel like to take out and look over one of your treasured possessions? OWNERSHIP, PROTECT FROM HARM, JOY How was the idea of "treasured possession" fulfilled in Israel? GOD SET ISRAEL APART AS HIS TREASURE. What does it feel like to be God's treasured possession -- as we Christians clearly are according to 1 Peter 2:9? HE WILL PROTECT US FROM ALL CURSES.

Why do you think it took Moses so long to delegate his judicial role to others? IT JUST NEVER OCCURRED TO HIM. What were the qualifications of these judges? TESTED MEN OF GOD Capable. God-fearing, that is, those who revere God. Honest, trustworthy, who not only refuse bribes, but hate the very idea. Accountable. They share the task with Moses, rather than displacing him. Moses remains the ultimate judge in the system. How is Moses' role similar to the role of leaders in Ephesians 4:11-12? HE HAD HIS GIFT AND OTHERS HAD THERE GIFTS; ALL ARE NEEDED What is the importance of the anointing of the Spirit in Christian leadership? MAN IS INCAPABLE TO DOING GOD'S WORK WITHOUT GOD'S SPIRIT.

Why did God provide manna for the people? TO SHOW THEM HE COULD AND WOULD TAKE CARE OF THEM. SINCE THERE WAS NO FOOD IN THE DESERT, GOD DEMONSTRATED THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH HIM; EVEN FOOD IN THE DESERT. Why did the manna finally cease? GOD HAD GOTTEN THEM TO A PLACE WHERE THERE WAS FOOD; THEY NO LONGER NEEDED TO BE FED BY GOD; HE EXPECTED THEM TO PARTAKE OF THE BLESSINGS HE HAD PROVIDED. Why do you think that the people gradually began to take the manna for granted? FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT. What provision of God are you taking for granted? I DON'T KNOW BUT I PRAY DAILY THAT HE WILL SHOW ME.

Why can grumbling against a leader really be a symptom of grumbling against the Lord? IN MANY CASES, WHAT THE LEADER IS REQUIRING IS NOT THEIR IDEA AND IT IS OBVIOUS, IT HAS TO BE THE LORD. Are there any cases where this might not be true? YES, MANY TIMES, SATAN AND EGO INTERVENE AND THE WRONG MESSAGE IS CONVEYED. Why do leaders tend to take complaints so personally? BECAUSE WE ARE HUMAN AND LOVE THE LORD; IT IS PERSONAL WHEN OTHERS RESPOND OTHERWISE. What does it take to learn that "it's not about you." CONTINUING TO LIVE, LISTEN, AND LEARN THE WAYS OF GOD.

Q1. (Exodus 15:24) What are the reasons that people grumble and complain? FRUSTRATIONS, UNBELIEF, COMFORT How do fear and faith relate to grumbling? FAITH AND FEAR CAN NOT OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE What symptoms of grumbling do you see in your own life? INTOLERANCE FOR OTHERS LACK OF COMMITMENT & INSENSITIVITY TO THEIR OWN BEHAVIOR ON OTHERS. What should you do about it? ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE. IN THE END, I CAN ONLY CHANGE MYSELF THROUGH PRAYER.

Why is God's glory important in the Exodus? IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT THE PEOPLE, IT IS TO DEMONSTRATE THAT HE IS THE ONE AND ONLY GOD TO OTHER, gods, like Pharaoh. How is recognition of his glory important to faith? GLORY BUILDS FAITH. WHEN WE WALK BY FAITH, WE HAVE NO FEAR To holiness? IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD To reverence? IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD What happens when leaders take for themselves the credit and glory that should go only to God? HE DEALS WITH THEM, HANDILY! How can leaders keep themselves from pride? STAY IN THE WORD! IN THE WORD, IS THE WILL--STAY THERE!!

Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? HE IS THE LEADER AND AVAILABLE TO BLAME. What motivates their fear? CAN'T SEE THE ESCAPE ROUTE OR THE POWER OF GOD. Who are the people really blaming? GOD How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? RE-ASSURANCE AND DIRECTION Why doesn't Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism? IT IS NOT HIS BATTLE, IT IS GOD'S How do the people respond to Moses' words? THE OBEY, RELUCTANTLY AND BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CHOICE. THEY HARBOR THE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO DIE IN COMFORT IN EGYPT.

Q2. (Exodus 12:50) Why was obedience so important to the people's deliverance? GOD HAD A TOTAL PLAN, THEY ONLY HAD THE PART THEY WERE ACTING ON. OBEDIENCE WAS NEEDED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE CONCLUSION. IT IS ALL ABOUT WHAT GOD KNOWS; NOT WHAT WE KNOW AND THINK. Why is obedience so important to our deliverance from "sin, the flesh, and the devil"? SAME AS ABOVE. Is there any discipleship without obedience? NO. Does a person who says he believes in Jesus but doesn't obey him have real faith? NO

Q1. (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19) In what sense is Christ our Passover Lamb? LIKE THE LAMB, HE DIED FOR OUR SINS THOUGH HE WAS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY. In what sense are we marked with his blood? JOHN 3:16 SO THAT NONE MAY PERISH--WE BELIEVE In what sense does God's judgment pass over us because of Christ's blood? JOHN 3:16 FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE IN HIM WILL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. SO THAT NONE MAY PERISH

Q4. Why do we tend to fight our battles in the flesh rather than using spiritual weapons? WE LOVE TO TOUCH OUR TOOLS; FLESH IS A TOOL. Why do we so often mistake the human enemy for the spiritual enemy? WE CAN SEE THE HUMAN AND IT BLURS THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT. When will God fight our battles and when won't he? WHEN WE LISTEN, WAIT, AND ACT IN OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS.