Exodus 34:5–8 Discussion Guide
Discuss (option 1): We have likely encountered popular misconceptions about God suggesting that the God of the Old Testament is mean, angry, and full of violence whereas the God of the New Testament (Jesus) is loving, gracious, and nice. We should not be dismissive of the fact that there are some difficult passages to understand in the Old Testament. However, what does this popular understanding about God get wrong? Have you encountered these ideas or perhaps thought this yourself?
Discuss (option 2): Atheist Richard Dawkins said the following in a recent interview: “to ground your morality in the Bible would be an appalling thing to do if you actually look at the Bible […] if you look at almost any of the moral lessons you can take from it. Some of the things Jesus said are very nice, but you have to pick and choose your way through. […] Setting aside Jesus’ emphasis on loving your neighbor––which is very nice; and the Sermon on the Mount is very nice–– … The Old Testament of course is appalling.” What is wrong with Dawkins’ argument? Have you encountered this or similar arguments? How might you respond? (Hint: The Bible is a unified narrative. God is unchanging; he’s not different in the OT or NT).
Q1: A right understanding of God is required for right worship of God. Personally, how foundational is the Bible to your life? How can you grow in this?
Read: Exodus 34:5–8
5 The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed his name, “the Lord.” 6 The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed:
The Lord—the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, 7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
8 Moses immediately knelt low on the ground and worshiped.
Q3: Why is it important for God to reveal his character to us? How does this help us have relationship with him?
Q4: This passage reveals five key aspects of God’s character: mercy, grace, patience, faithfulness, and righteousness. (Remember one is not more important than the other). Personally, which stands out to you and why?
Q5: How does acknowledging the depth of your sin make you aware of the depths of God’s grace and mercy?
Q6: In what ways have you experienced and known God’s faithfulness? Try to think of a recent example.
Q7: In what ways has God been patient with you this week? Do you need to repent and reconcile with anyone?
Q8: How do you hold God’s grace and justice in tension? Is it easier for you to prioritize one over the other? How do we see this tension upheld on the cross?
Q9: How does God’s justice challenge you? How does God’s justice comfort you?
Q10: Are you tempted to worship God according to your own terms or do you worship him as he has revealed himself to us?
Pray: Pray that God would give you a deeper love for the Bible. That is how we know him and grow in relationship with him. Perhaps spend time in prayer, not asking God for anything but praising God for being who he is. Consider using Exodus 34:5–8 as a model for prayer.