QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

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• What are the connections between the tabernacle and the Sabbath day? What do they have to do with one another?
• The Sabbath is for all people living in all places and times. The Sabbath was especially for Isarel and is especially for the church. How are both of these statements true? 
• What does the Sabbath day signify?
• How should the Sabbath day encourage the believer?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• What do Bezalel the son of Uri and Jesus Christ have in common? See Exodus 31:1 and 1 Chronicles 17:11–15. 
• Describe the story of the Bible according to the theme of the establishment of God’s worldwide and eternal temple. See Revelation 21:9-27. 
• Jesus is many things. In what way is he God’s temple builder? 
• Paul refers to the New Covenant church of Jesus Christ as God’s temple. What are the implications of this? How should this affect our understanding of the nature and mission of the church?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• What did the smoke from the incense burning on the altar signify? How did this encourage the people of God under the Old Covenant? How should the thought of it encourage the people of God under the New Covenant? 
• What did the census tax communicate to Old Covenant Israel? How did it point forward to Christ? 
• What did the washing in the water of the bronze laver signify? How did it point forward to Christ? How does it relate to baptism?
• What did the anointing of oil signify? How did this point forward to the work of the Messiah? What (who) are those in Christ anointed with?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• Describe the garb the high priest of Israel was to wear. Why was the high priest to be clothed like this?
• Why was animal blood to be applied to the altar and to the priests?
• What did all of this communicate to Israel, and through them, to the world, regarding the way that God would open up for man to have a right relationship with him through the Messiah?
• Though Christ was foreshadowed by the priests of the Old Covenant, he did not descend from them. He descended from Melchizedek instead (Hebrews 5-7). Why is this important?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• Describe the tabernacle –  its dimensions, features, and construction –  in a general way. 
• What was the purpose and significance of the tabernacle? 
• How did the tabernacle point forward to Christ and the New Covenant?
• Where is the tabernacle or temple of God now?
• Where will the tabernacle or temple be after Christ returns? 
• How does this teaching impact your life now and your hope as it pertains to the life to come?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• Compare and contrast the eating and drinking of Old Covenant Israel in the presence of God, with the eating and drinking of the New Covenant church in the presence of God. How will this theme of eating and drinking before God be brought to a climax in the new heavens and earth? 
• Compare and contrast the boldness (or lack thereof) of Old Covenant Israel to approach the throne of God, with the boldness that the New Covenant people of God have to approach the throne of grace. What makes the difference?
• Compare and contrast Moses’ temporary ascent to the top of Sinai with Christ’s once for all ascent into heaven. What can we learn about the differences between the Old Covenant and the New from the ascents of the mediators of these covenants, respectively?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• Discuss the interconnectedness of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17), Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24), and New Covenant (Matthew 26:26-29) What are the similarities? What are the differences? 
• Was it right or wrong for Israel to respond to the proposal of this covenant with the words, “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do”? (Exodus 19:8, 24:3, 24:7) Why or why not?
• What did the five elements in the covenant ratification ceremony signify – the altar, twelve pillars, burnt offerings, Book Of The Covenant, and sprinkled blood?
• In ways is the New Covenant greater than the Old?
• How might this text apply to you today?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

• How do the civil laws of Exodus 22:28-23:19 relate to the Ten Commandments? 
• What is the central concern of the collection of laws in Exodus 22:28-23:19?
• It is true that Old Covenant Israel was in a special and unique covenantal relationship with YHWH. But it is also true that all people and all nations are in covenant with YHWH. How so? Discuss the implications of this. 
• Who is in a special covenantal relationship with YHWH today? Discuss how this group has a special obligation to worship and serve the LORD in this world? Please see Romans 9:1–8 and 1 Peter 2:9–12 for help with this question.