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I Will Not Go Up
In Your Midst
Introduction:
God's people, the nation of Israel, had journeyed from the Red Sea,
having experienced great miracles there, and arrived at Mount Sinai
in the third month after leaving Egypt. Moses, the leader of God's
people, is called to the top of the mountain by the Lord, where he
receives the words of Exodus 20-23. Then, the critical event of
Exodus 24: 3 happens. Then Moses receives the covenant on a very
solemn occasion ( 24: 7-8). Following this, the events of 24:12 and
13 occur. Moses is there on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights,
where he receives instructions recorded in Max 25: 31. this helps
prepare us for what happens next.
1.
The golden calf
it
has been less than six weeks since the Israelites had sworn to do
all God had commanded. Read Exodus 32: 1. How soon did they forget
the covenant? They rebelled against Jehovah and Moses. Where were
the elders? They pressure Aaron, and he gives in. The golden
jewelry, which was basically a gift God had given them in Egypt, is
molded into a golden calf. Read verse four. The people say this is
the God that brought them out of Egypt (psalms 106: 19- 21). They
broke at least three of the 10 commandments.
2.
Moses intercedes
read verses 7: 8. The all-seeing God knows what has happened and
informs Moses. “your people” period open quote turned aside quickly
close quote period it is amazing how many Christians today quickly
leave their first love. Read verses 9-10. “stiff-necked”- (Jeremiah
17: 23). God threatens to destroy the Israelites and make a new
nation through Moses. This was a real test for Moses- what would he
do? It was tempting to say nothing and let God deal with them. But
Moses pleads for his people. Read verses 11-13. (Psalm 106: 23). He
interceded for them. Jesus is said to do this for us (Hebrews 7:
25).
3.
The anger of Moses
Read Exodus 32: 15-16. Moses picks up Joshua on the way down. Read
verse 19. The breaking of the tablets represents Israel breaking
their covenant with Jehovah. Moses laid some of the blame on Erin.
But Aaron blames the people totally. Instead of rebuking the people,
Aaron just gave them what they wanted. (preachers often do this
today).
4.
Moses makes a challenge
Read Exodus 32: 26. The Levites show their allegiance. 3000 of the
offenders are killed. Sin had to be removed from the camp. This is
still necessary today. Paul told the church at Corinth- (1
Corinthians 5: 4- 7). Failure to purge out sin will lead to a
toleration of sin.
5.
God removes himself
(Exodus 33: 1) God tells Moses to continue his mission to lead the
children of Israel into the promised land. But there would be some
profound changes. Read verses 2-3. God does not refer to them as his
people. God would not be in their midst anymore but would send his
Angel instead. His close presence would be denied them this saddened
the people (verse 4).
Invitation:
Being separated from God's presence is a terrible tragedy. But being
separated from him for eternity is worse than imaginable (2
Thessalonians 1: 7- 9 ). To avoid that, one must come to know God
and obey the gospel.
February 9, 2025
Sermon prepared by
Bobby Stafford
Prepared by Bobby
Stafford
The church of
Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more lessons
and Sermons, please visit
https://granbychurchofchrist.org/
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