Exodus 27: Expository Sermon Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview:

Exodus 27 continues the detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, focusing on the altar of burnt offering, the courtyard of the Tabernacle, and the oil for the lampstand. The altar of burnt offering, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, would be used for animal sacrifices, representing atonement for sin. The courtyard serves as the outer area of the Tabernacle where worshipers can come near to God, but the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place remain restricted to the priests. The chapter ends with instructions for maintaining the lampstand with pure oil, ensuring that its light burns continually before the Lord.

The chapter emphasizes the themes of sacrifice, atonement, access to God’s presence, and the importance of continual worship. The instructions reflect God’s desire for His people to approach Him through prescribed means, which ultimately point forward to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system and the light of the world.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 27 is part of the broader section in Exodus that outlines the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. This chapter focuses on key components of the Tabernacle’s worship system: the altar, the courtyard, and the lampstand. These elements were central to Israel’s worship and were designed to reflect the holiness of God and the necessity of atonement for sin.

Literarily, this chapter continues the detailed, technical instructions for the construction of sacred objects and spaces, emphasizing the order and precision required in worshiping a holy God. The altar of burnt offering and the courtyard represent the outer aspects of worship, while the lampstand and its light serve as a symbol of God’s continual presence.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Altar of Burnt Offering: Atonement for Sin:

The altar of burnt offering was the place where animal sacrifices were made as atonement for sin. It served as a central feature of Israel’s worship and a constant reminder of the need for blood to be shed for the forgiveness of sin.

“Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece. And overlay the altar with bronze” (Exodus 27:1-2).

The altar points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:10). The bronze overlay symbolizes strength and endurance, reflecting the enduring nature of Christ’s sacrifice.

The Horns of the Altar: Strength and Salvation:

The four horns of the altar symbolize strength, power, and refuge. In the Old Testament, the horns of the altar were often seen as a place of refuge and safety for those seeking asylum (1 Kings 1:50).

“Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece” (Exodus 27:2).

These horns reflect the strength and power of God’s salvation, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who provides refuge and safety for all who come to Him in faith. The altar, with its horns, symbolizes both atonement and the strength of God’s mercy and grace.

The Courtyard of the Tabernacle: Access to God’s Presence:

The courtyard served as the outer boundary of the Tabernacle, where worshipers could come near to God but were not permitted to enter the Holy Place or the Most Holy Place. This area symbolizes access to God’s presence through the sacrificial system.

The courtyard represents the first level of access to God’s presence, but the full access to the Most Holy Place would come later through Christ’s death, which tore the veil and opened the way for believers to enter God’s presence directly (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-20).

The Continual Light of the Lampstand: God’s Presence and Guidance:

The instructions for maintaining the lampstand with pure olive oil emphasize the importance of keeping the light burning continually before the Lord.

“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come” (Exodus 27:20-21).

The continual light of the lampstand symbolizes God’s presence and guidance among His people. It points forward to Jesus, who is the Light of the World, providing spiritual illumination and guidance for all who follow Him (John 8:12). The purity of the oil reflects the holiness and perfection of God’s presence, which never fades or diminishes.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 27:1-2:

The altar of burnt offering is to be constructed with precise dimensions and materials. The square shape and the horns at the corners emphasize the strength and stability of the altar. The bronze overlay represents the enduring nature of the altar, as bronze is resistant to fire, symbolizing the enduring nature of God’s atonement for sin.

Exodus 27:3-5:

“Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar.”

The bronze utensils used for the altar’s upkeep highlight the sacred nature of the sacrifices made on it. Every detail of the altar and its associated tools reflects the holiness and precision required in the worship of God.

Exodus 27:6-8:

“Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.”

The poles for carrying the altar indicate the portability of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The instructions to follow the exact pattern given by God underscore the importance of obedience in worship.

Exodus 27:9-13:

“Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.”

The courtyard of the Tabernacle is described in precise dimensions, with curtains of fine linen and bronze bases. The posts and their decorations emphasize the beauty and holiness of the outer area where worshipers could come near to God.

Exodus 27:14-19:

“The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. On the east end, toward the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty cubits wide… All the other articles used in the service of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including all the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be of bronze.”

The detailed instructions for the courtyard’s dimensions, posts, and materials reflect the order and reverence required in approaching God. The use of bronze, a durable and strong material, symbolizes the strength of God’s covenant with His people.

Exodus 27:20-21:

The continual burning of the lampstand symbolizes the eternal presence of God among His people. The pure oil represents the purity and holiness of God’s presence, and the command to keep the lamps burning emphasizes the need for continual worship and devotion.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 27 reveals important theological truths about sacrifice, worship, and the presence of God. The altar of burnt offering serves as a reminder of the need for atonement through the shedding of blood, pointing forward to Jesus Christ as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10). Just as the altar provided a place for sacrifices, Christ’s death on the cross provides the ultimate sacrifice that atones for sin once and for all.

The courtyard of the Tabernacle represents the first level of access to God, but full access to His presence was only made possible through Christ’s death, which tore the veil and opened the way for believers to enter the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:19-20). Christ’s sacrifice grants believers direct access to God, removing the barriers that once separated humanity from God’s holy presence.

The continual burning of the lampstand symbolizes God’s presence and guidance among His people. This light finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is the Light of the World, illuminating the path of righteousness and truth for all who follow Him (John 8:12). The purity of the oil used for the lampstand reflects the holiness of Christ, who is the perfect and pure light that never fades.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Introduction: The Holiness of God’s Worship System
- Set the context for Exodus 27, focusing on the detailed instructions for constructing the altar, the courtyard, and maintaining the lampstand’s light.
- Introduce the themes of atonement, access to God’s presence, and the continual nature of worship.
Point 1: The Altar of Burnt Offering—Atonement for Sin
- Discuss the significance of the altar of burnt offering as the place of atonement and the necessity of bloodshed for the forgiveness of sin.
- Application: How does Christ’s sacrifice on the cross fulfill the role of the altar, and how can we live in gratitude for His atoning work?
Point 2: The Courtyard of the Tabernacle—Access to God’s Presence
- Explore the symbolism of the courtyard as the place where worshipers could approach God, but with limited access to the Holy Place and Most Holy Place.
- Application: How does Christ’s death open the way for believers to have full access to God’s presence, and how can we approach Him with confidence?
Point 3: The Continual Light of the Lampstand—God’s Presence and Guidance
- Highlight the importance of maintaining the lampstand’s light as a symbol of God’s continual presence and guidance among His people.
- Application: How can we reflect Christ’s light in the world, living as witnesses to His presence and truth?
Point 4: Worship Through Obedience and Reverence
- Emphasize the importance of following God’s instructions for worship, as seen in the detailed commands for constructing the altar, courtyard, and maintaining the lampstand.
- Application: How can we ensure that our worship is characterized by obedience, reverence, and a heart that seeks to honor God in every detail?

Illustrations and Examples:

Share a personal story or historical example of how precise instructions and obedience in a task or mission led to a successful outcome, drawing parallels to the importance of following God’s commands in worship.
Use a metaphor of light and darkness, such as a lighthouse guiding ships, to illustrate how Christ’s light provides guidance and direction for believers in a dark world.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 27 challenges believers to consider the importance of worshiping God with reverence, obedience, and continual devotion. The detailed instructions for the construction of the altar, courtyard, and lampstand remind Christians that worship is not about personal preference but about following God’s commands and honoring His holiness. Just as the Israelites were called to approach God through the sacrificial system, believers today are called to approach God through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides full access to God’s presence.

The altar of burnt offering, with its requirement for the shedding of blood, points to Christ’s atoning death on the cross. Worshiping God through Christ means recognizing the significance of His sacrifice and living in gratitude for the forgiveness of sin. The courtyard of the Tabernacle, with its limited access, reminds believers of the great privilege they now have in approaching God directly through Christ. The continual light of the lampstand challenges Christians to reflect the light of Christ in their daily lives, shining as witnesses to His presence and truth in the world.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 27:

God the Father’s holiness, justice, and desire for atonement are central to Exodus 27. The altar of burnt offering reflects His requirement for the shedding of blood as a means of atonement for sin, while the courtyard represents the access He provides for His people to come near to Him. The continual burning of the lampstand reflects God’s eternal presence and guidance, ensuring that His people are never left in darkness.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 27:

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the altar of burnt offering, as He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, making atonement once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). The altar points forward to Christ’s death on the cross, where His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sin. The courtyard of the Tabernacle symbolizes the access to God that was limited under the Old Covenant, but Christ’s death tore the veil and granted full access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). The lampstand, with its continual light, finds its fulfillment in Christ, who is the Light of the World, guiding believers into truth and righteousness (John 8:12).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 27:

The Holy Spirit now dwells in the hearts of believers, making them temples of God’s presence (1 Corinthians 3:16). While the altar, courtyard, and lampstand were physical symbols of God’s presence in the Tabernacle, the Holy Spirit brings the presence of God into the lives of believers, enabling them to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Spirit also empowers believers to live as lights in the world, reflecting the light of Christ in their words and actions.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 27:

God’s love is evident in His provision of a means for atonement and access to His presence. The altar of burnt offering reflects God’s desire to forgive sin and provide a way for His people to approach Him, while the courtyard symbolizes the invitation for all to come near to God. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death tore the veil that separated humanity from God and opened the way for believers to enter into His presence. The continual light of the lampstand reflects God’s enduring love and guidance, ensuring that His people are never left in darkness.

Reflection Questions:

How does the construction of the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 27 point forward to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and how does this impact your relationship with God?
In what ways does the courtyard of the Tabernacle symbolize access to God’s presence, and how does Christ’s death grant full access to God?
How can you reflect Christ’s light in the world, living as a witness to His presence and truth in your daily life?
How does the continual burning of the lampstand challenge you to maintain a constant focus on worshiping and serving God with devotion?
How can the Holy Spirit guide you in living a life that honors God’s holiness and reflects His presence in your daily walk with Him?

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