Exodus 32-34 | Powerful Praying / The Tests
As we come to the end of Exodus and the end of the School year, it is test time!
It doesn’t seem this is the case anymore, but some of you might remember when you had to pass a test at the end of the year to see if you would move on to the next grade.
In some ways, this is where Israel is…after the disaster of the golden calf, they will be tested to see if they can move forward as God’s people.
But just as the school tests were meant to show what was in your mind…these tests are intended to show what was in their hearts.
Spoiler Alert: Not only do they pass the test, but we are also given a powerful lesson on the elements of powerful praying.
Notes for Personal Study or Community Groups
1. The First Test: do you want the “blessings” without the burden? (32:7-14)
2. The Second Test: do you want the gifts but not the giver? (32:30-33:6)
3. The Third Test: Tell me what you want…what you really, really want? (33:12-17)
1. We want the grace to know we are yours.
2. We want the promise of Your presence.
3. We want to stand out in an evil world.
4. Four Elements of Powerful Prayer.
- Boldness
- Theo-Logic
- Direct and Specific
- Urgent
Discussion Questions:
Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to say: anything but this…anywhere but here?
The real question is not do you pray, read your Bible, go to church, etc…but is He with you?
Will you be satisfied with the gifts rather than the Giver?
Who is God calling you to intercede for?
Questions for kids:
Do you like taking tests?
Why do you think you have to take so many?