God Comes Down

Sermon 44 in Series

Exodus 19:16-25
[16] On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. [17] Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. [18] Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. [19] And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. [20] The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

[21] And the LORD said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to look and many of them perish. [22] Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves, lest the LORD break out against them.” [23] And Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.’” [24] And the LORD said to him, “Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, lest he break out against them.” [25] So Moses went down to the people and told them.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has the word “awesome” lost its meaning in our culture? What makes this scene truly awesome?
2.   What phenomena does God use as he meets with his people? What is he communicating about himself?
3.   How do the people respond to what is happening at the mountain? What impact would Moses’ dialogue with God and ascent of the mountain have had on them?
4.   How do Christians sometimes treat God casually? How does this passage inform/correct the way you relate to God?
5.   How does this text emphasize God’s holiness? How does his warning show his grace?
6.   In what ways do New Covenant realities and promises bring proximity to God rather than distance? How does Hebrews 12:28-29 protect us from abusing or presuming on New Covenant grace?

References: Genesis 15:17; Exodus 3:2; Hebrews 12:21; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12; 2 Samuel 6:7-8; Leviticus 10:1-3; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Hebrews 12:28.