Exodus 34 – God by God’s Standards

Hello Project Ezra!  I pray you are all doing well.  This week’s reading will be another chapter that we have dealt with previously (though only sections of it), but which we will be taking in a different direction this time.  There is so much truth packed into scripture that there are many chapters we could look at over and over again, and find new truth and new springboards into the gospel every time.  Sure, some of the genealogies in the Old Testament are a little tough to get through, but even those show that the word of God is more than just a philosophical treatise.  It’s connected to history.  There are names and faces behind every passage, people like you and me who actually saw God work in those ways.  Every passage in the Bible is loaded with truth, and if we are missing it, you are simply not reading it enough.

Exodus 34 is, I think, one of the more profound passages in the Old Testament, and particularly because of verses 5 through 7.  Everyone seems to have an opinion on who God is, and what God is like.  But here, the Lord comes down, and the passage says that the LORD proclaimed the name of the LORD.  God told us what He is like directly!  In this chapter He talks about aspects of who He is that many people would prefer to forget, but which are essential to understanding His character and the gospel, such as His justice, and His jealousy.  People will still argue for their views of God, and say “that’s just your interpretation”, but when the words are proclaimed by God Himself, it’s hard to disagree without dismissing the Bible completely.  And better for them to reject Christianity outright than live in a false, nominal, empty faith that gives them a false sense of security but does nothing to make them right with their creator.

So, I am praying that this week’s chapter, and our preaching of it will, by the power of the Spirit, move people to abandon their self-made images of their own gods, their idols, and turn them to the God who not only exists in truth, but reveals that truth to us in His word.  I pray this outline is a blessing to you and others.

All for His glory,

Dan

INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND THE PROJECT

READ EXODUS 34

What do you think God is like?

What does God say about Himself?

How do they compare?

Exodus 34 tells us – The LORD proclaimed the name of the LORD!

Merciful and gracious

Slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness

Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty

God is a God of love and mercy, but also a God of wrath and justice

He says there are not many roads to Him

Chapter says not to make covenants with others who will lead you toward idolatry

Idolatry called whoring after other gods.  Spiritual adultery 

Directed to destroy false images and altars, for the LORD, who’s name is Jealous, is a jealous God

God is jealous, and appropriate for Him to be so. 

Will not forgive your choice of another religion

Are you an idolater?  Have we been obedient to God’s commands?

GO THROUGH THE LAW OF GOD TO BRING CONVICTION OF SIN

God specific in His requirements.  None have obeyed.

Moses given plan for the Ark and Tabernacle, very specific

Only shadows of the sacrifice of Christ

God has insured that we can be set free, and the debt for our moral crimes paid              

Because of our sin, we deserve to be crushed under God’s wrath, and to spend eternity in Hell

It pleased God to crush His son (Isaiah 53) on the cross

Chastisement that brought us peace

Substitutionary sacrifice

Repent and trust in Christ alone

The only name under heaven by which we must be saved

Only He paid the penalty for your moral crimes

Only two choices

If you trust in Christ, His sacrifice will pay your sin debt

Or deny and reject Him, and pay it yourself in hell

While God has given you time, turn from sin and throw yourself on God’s mercy

Come to the good God today

Life is short.  None of us is promised tomorrow

150,000 die every day

One of these days will be yours

Repent and trust in Christ while there is time