Exodus 2.3

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BIBLE PASSAGE – Exodus 2.16-25

This is the third and final part in a series of 3 small group studies looking at Exodus 2. There’s so much in Exodus 2. Take time to read it for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Bible truth to you, and help you apply it to your life.

The Small Group Session

Read through the Bible verses out loud within the group. 

Question – Did you know that the Godhead (Father, Son & Spirit) are always ‘working’ on your behalf to shape you – for his Kingdom and glory? There are several ways this happens. Let’s look at a couple from the Bible and write down how God helps us, to help and encourage us..

Romans 8.26-27

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Hebrews 7.24-25 

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And finally, take a read through / flick through – Job 28 and 39. You will see that God himself is still intimately involved with his creation. Write down just a couple things that spring out from these chapters – or divide them up and take a few points each

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You see, God is working on our behalf to shape us. Romans 8.28 lets us know that God works all things for the good of those who love him. Some people take this to mean they will get good things. Maybe you will. But God is interested in your character and your heart. He allows things to shape us to be more like him, and serve him more effectively. It’s like a light bulb that has been dullened by dirt. Piece by piece as you rub the grime away, the light can shine brighter. The good that Romans speaks of is an eternal good.

For Moses back in Exodus 2, the same principle was at work. We have seen how he had sinned by actually killing someone. Imagine how this must have weighted him down. We know that he would have to go back to Egypt and confront his sin. Let’s look at a New Testament example of this:

Read Luke 22.54-62 and then John 21.15-17.

We see how Peter was forced to confront his own sin and weakness. But Jesus knew what he was doing. It is the same for us when we do wrong. We need to ask God for forgiveness and truly mean that we are sorry. I believe that God is speaking to some of you right now. There are things you need to ask God forgiveness for – hurts, anger, bitterness, actions..

Write down privately to say sorry to Jesus..

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An encouragement for all of us – You’ve probably heard the phrase, ‘God moves in mysterious ways.’ Of course that’s true to us. But nothing surprises God. It’s all intimately and perfectly planned.

Many times in the Bible we are encouraged to keep going for God, to faithfully serve God, thank him and live in a holy way. You see, you never know when God is going to do something great in your life..

Zipporah was a daughter of a man called Jethro, a priest. Along with her sisters she was faithfully going to the well to get water to feed the cattle. Serving God faithfully in her situation. Don’t ever despise what God has given for you to do. Let me tell you that what God has called you to do is an amazing privilege, so stick at it ! One day a man came into the life of Zipporah, called Moses. This man was to change her life forever – he would become her husband. 

Ladies – don’t just go for any bloke that comes your way. Wait for the right man. Read Exodus 2.21 and write it down:

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What is significant here? It is that Jethro gave his daughter to Moses in marriage. Listen, the Bible makes it clear that it is God the Father who brings man and woman together. It was the father, Jethro who acted. It is The Father in heaven, who will act on your behalf, whether it be in marriage – or in anything else in life.

In Exodus 2.17 we find that a bunch of scally shepherds came and chased away the daughters of Jethro as they were trying to draw water for the flock. We find that Moses acted in 2 significant ways:

1. Being a man – Read 1 Timothy 3. In this we find the rules for being an elder and a deacon (notice these are 2 separate and distinct ministries in church life, according to the Bible and not according to many churches!). In this we find that a man must be a good leader of his family and his children. He must stand out ahead, to defend them. This is what Moses did in verse 17 of Exodus 2.

Question – do you have the kind of character to do this? Leadership and being a family leader requires this. 

2. A servant heart – Exodus 2.17, we find that Moses also watered the flock. So, not only did he chase off the shepherds. He then watered the flock. 

Question – what did Jesus have to say about being a servant? Discuss any Bible verses you know of, or Biblical examples..

Philippians 2.1-11 / Matthew 20.26-28

Question – A writer and Bible teacher called Derek Prince wrote a book called, ‘The way up is down.’ What did he mean by this and how can we practically make this happen? What are the dangers of getting the balance wrong?

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For Moses, we see that his actions gained him a respect and a reward. In return for his actions, Jethro took Moses into his home, gave one of his daughters to him in marriage. Moses went on to have a family too. God was with him. God is with you and I too, despite our failings and mistakes. Aren’t you relieved about that..! 

Serving and obeying God shows we love God, it also does beings the promise of God with us. You see, there is a Biblical principle of what we sow we reap. This means we will receive a reward (in this life or in heaven – or both) for the things we do. This is not the reason we do things, but it is a promise of God. 

Read Proverbs 11.18

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2 Corinthians 9.6 (about money)

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Galatians 6.7-8

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Finally – Is there anything else you can find in this passage, or other things you’d like to talk about. 

Take time out to pray to God to thank him.