3. DELIVERED TO MEET GOD (Exodus 19:1-25)

3.1. "CAMPED THERE BEFORE THE MOUNTAIN" (Exodus 19:2)

Exodus 19:1 "In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai."

Israel has now reached Sinai, where they halted for twelve months. It was here that God had planned to meet with them. In chapter 19, as God's servant, Moses passes three times between God and the people.

"Israel." This is the name of the people of God. To them alone the revelation was to be made. In the same way now, under the gospel, the Holy Spirit makes clear the Word of God only to His people.

1 John 2:20 "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things."

John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth."

John 14:17 "The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive ..."

They camped. They were pilgrims. Ours is a tent life here. We are in the world but we are not of the world.

John 17:14 "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

Before the mount - at the very place where God was to meet them. Are we living our lives consciously before God?

Hebrews 4:13 "But all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

Ryrie interestingly points out - "to whom we must give "account" is literally "to whom is our word." A play on the Greek term for "word," that is, if our lives conform to the Word of God, Hebrews 4:12. "For the Word of God is living and powerful... the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Then our word (account) in the day of Judgment will be acceptable to God".

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Why was it important that Israel had arrived at Sinai?

• Are you living in the conscious presence of God?
• Do you live as one accountable to God?