Untitled Sermon (11)
1. Same song as before. What is the problem this time, and what are Israel’s complaints (vv. 1–5)?
2. Clearly life in the desert is not what Israel expected when they left Egypt. Why might slavery to Pharaoh seem preferable to freedom in the desert at this point?
3. How has following God turned out to be confusing, disappointing or different in some way than what you expected?
What, if anything, have you learned from those unfulfilled expectations?
4. Moses and Aaron again find themselves face-down before the Lord in yet another leadership crisis (vv. 6–8). What role has prayer occupied in your leadership challenges?
5. In light of Moses’ struggle with anger, it is striking to note that God describes himself to Moses and the nation as “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). What character issues do you struggle with, and how does God respond to them?
6. Because Moses strikes the rock twice rather than speaking to it, God forbids him to enter the Promised Land (vv. 11–12). Why do you think God treats his faithful servant so strictly?
7. How is Moses’ action a lack of trust in God?
8. What would Moses have learned from this experience?
What would Israel have learned from this experience?
9. Obedience to God and representing him well to his people is serious and important. How will this study make a difference in your leadership?
Ask God to give the strength and wisdom to manage your anger—and any other character traits you struggle with—in a way that is pleasing to him. Also ask him to increase your faith in his ability to provide for you and for the people you lead.
Now or Later
Do an anger analysis. Questions you could use include
• What makes you angry?
• How often have you been angry in the recent past?
• Consider whether your anger is a “hot” or “cold” anger. Do you stuff your anger or unleash your anger?
• Would people who know you well describe you as angry?
• Were your parents angry?
• How does your anger affect those closest to you?
• What things trigger your anger?
• What would godly anger management look like? How would it change your life?
Alternatively, you might consider doing a similar analysis with any (or the rest) of the seven deadly sins: lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, greed or pride. Which one do you think is most tempting and a central character flaw for you? Consider as well how trust in God can help you deal with your temptations and character challenges.