The God Who Keeps His Promise

At Sinai, before Israel is given any law to keep, God tells them who they already are: a people he carried out of Egypt and claimed as his own treasured possession. Their worth rests on his promise, not on their performance, and that same identity is now applied to the church in Christ.

Opening

What did the sermon say God gives Israel before he gives them any commands?

Passages to cover

As we read, look for

What God says he already did for Israel in Egypt
The titles God gives Israel before any command
How the people respond in unison

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain. Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Yahweh commanded him. All the people answered together, and said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh. Yahweh said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Moses told the words of the people to Yahweh.
Exodus 19:1–9

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
Exodus 19:5–6

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. In the past, you were not a people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2:9–10

Also read John 17:20–23; Deuteronomy 7:6

Discussion

Why does God give Israel a title before he gives them a single command to obey?
What does it show about God that he comes down the mountain instead of waiting for Israel to climb it?
Why does Peter reach back to Israel at Sinai to describe the church?

Closing

What is one place this week where we could live out of the identity God has already given us?

Prayer

For an identity rooted in God's promise rather than in performance.
For gratitude for a belonging none of us earned.
For courage to step into the mission God has given his people.

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