God My Portion And Cup

January 26, 2013            Exod 4:1–6:13, Matt 16:21–17:13, Ps 16:5–11, Prov 3:7–9

Exodus 4:1-6:13

What excuses do you use to not do what God is calling you to do?

Moses was afraid of failure and rejection. I think we all are to some extent. He said I have no standing among the people and I am not gifted to do that. God has said was the Great I AM and Moses basically said he is not. He lacked faith, but God had answers for all his fears.

What is holding you back? What fears do you have that keep you from being God’s representative?

It is a bit sad that the chosen leader of God’s people had not circumcised his youngest son. God apparently disciplined Moses through deathly sickness not because He hated Moses, but because He wanted to bring Moses to the truth. A lesson is to be learned here, a leader must first set things right in his own household before he can effectively lead God’s people. This was also a warning for all of God’s people. Moses was the leader, but God held all people to the same standard of circumcision.

Zipporah, Moses’ realized what was going on and took action. She took a flint knife and reluctantly circumcised her son. It is clear that she detested the practice of circumcision. It was appear that she returned to her father’s house after this.

We do not know why Moses had not circumcised his son. Perhaps it was to keep peace in the house? However, when he did what he was commanded to do God forgave him and his sickness left. It was at this point Moses was ready to go back home and lead his people.

Chapter 5

7 times God commands Pharaoh to let His people to go. Why did Pharaoh have so little respect for God? How do you think today’s world leaders would respond to a prophet of God?

Chapter 6

The stage had been set for a showdown between God and Pharaoh (and the Egyptian gods).

God reminded the people of His promises. Why do we need to reminded of the promises so often?

Matthew 16:21-17:13

Jesus seems rather harsh with Peter why?

Jesus asks some very probing questions here. What is a person’s soul worth? How easy it is to allow the things of this world to get in the way of our ultimate goal of heaven.

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? Are you doing this?

Chapter 17

What was the purpose of the Transfiguration?

Why Moses and Elijah?

How does this text complete the story of Moses?

What is the significance of what God the Father says in this text?

Psalm 16:5-11

How is God your portion and cup?

Jesus’ whole earthly life was guided by the extreme desire to do the will of the Father? Could the same be said of you?

This Psalm is quoted in Acts 2:25-28 and 13:35 in reference to the Messiah. This Psalm foretold that Jesus was raise from the grave. We know that He is the first fruits of the Resurrection. Do you have the faith to know that you too will live even though you die?

Proverbs 3:7-9

What are some practical blessings of fearing the Lord?

We are commanded to honor God with our tithe. Do you do this? If so, do you do it as a cheerful giver? If not what is your justification?

Pray today for those that are preparing for tomorrow’s worship. Specifically this week please pray for those that will teach in Sunday school. Pray that they will be well prepared able to inspire others be more like Jesus.

Pray about what is holding you back from serving God, what excuses do you make?

Meditate on the greatness of Christ in His glorified form. Pray about how you can put Him first in your life.

Pray for strength to know and do the will of God in your life.

Pray about your giving and the motives behind it.