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?

Ask this before you read, and again after.

Passages to cover

Point the group to the look-for list.

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

Give a few minutes of quiet before the first question.

Discussion

Whoever answers, ask them where they see it in the passages.

Why does God give Israel a title before he gives them a single command to obey?

From the sermon God gives a title before he gives a command.

What the sermon said
The sermon said God gives Israel a title, his treasured possession, before he tells them anything to do. Their worth was rooted in his promise, not in their performance.

If the group gets sidetracked
Groups can drift into a debate about law versus grace. Bring it back to the order in the passage: rescue, then title, then command.

If someone asks
Doesn't the 'if you obey' in verse 5 make this conditional? The sermon said God rescued and named Israel first, and their obedience flows out of an identity they already had.

If the group wants more
Ephesians 1:4–5; Titus 3:5
What does it show about God that he comes down the mountain instead of waiting for Israel to climb it?

From the sermon God comes down the mountain instead of waiting.

What the sermon said
The sermon said in the ancient world gods never came off the mountain; people had to climb and earn. This God comes down to be with his people, and years later he came down again in Jesus.

If the group gets sidetracked
Groups can get pulled into comparing religions. Bring it back to verse 9 and what God says he will do.

If someone asks
Why does God come down in a cloud instead of plainly? The sermon did not explain the cloud. Ask the pastor.

If the group wants more
John 1:14; Matthew 5:1
Why does Peter reach back to Israel at Sinai to describe the church?

From the sermon Peter applies Israel's titles at Sinai to the church.

What the sermon said
The sermon said Peter is applying Exodus 19 to Christians, giving them an identity from God and a purpose to carry his mission into the world.

If the group gets sidetracked
Groups can spend the time on the priesthood of all believers as a church structure topic. Bring it back to the identity Peter names in the passage.

If someone asks
Is the church replacing Israel? The sermon did not take that up. Ask the pastor.

If the group wants more
Exodus 19:5–6; Revelation 1:6

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.

Keep going this week

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