Exodus 35: Expository Sermon Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview:

Exodus 35 marks the beginning of the construction of the Tabernacle, with specific instructions and a communal call for the people of Israel to contribute their resources and skills for its completion. Moses first reiterates the commandment to observe the Sabbath before calling on the people to bring materials for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The chapter highlights the willing and generous response of the Israelites, who give freely of their possessions and skills. Bezalel and Oholiab are appointed once again to lead the work, having been filled with the Spirit of God for this task.

Key themes in this chapter include the importance of Sabbath rest, the principle of giving generously to God’s work, and the value of using God-given skills for His glory. This chapter points forward to the New Testament principles of spiritual gifts and service within the body of Christ, emphasizing the collective effort required to build God’s dwelling place, now understood as the church.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 35 follows God’s renewal of the covenant with Israel after the golden calf incident and Moses’ intercession on behalf of the people. Having received God’s assurance of His continued presence with them, Moses now relays the commands regarding the construction of the Tabernacle. The chapter also reiterates the commandment to observe the Sabbath, linking the sacredness of rest with the work of building a place where God would dwell among His people.

Literarily, the chapter transitions from the instruction and design phase of the Tabernacle to its actual construction, emphasizing the practical steps of gathering materials and the contribution of the people’s labor. The generosity and unity of the Israelites in fulfilling God’s commands serve as a model for future generations in their worship and service to God.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Commandment to Observe the Sabbath:

Before the people begin the work of building the Tabernacle, Moses reminds them of the importance of observing the Sabbath.

“For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of Sabbath rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death. Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day” (Exodus 35:2-3).

The command to rest on the Sabbath is reiterated, underscoring the importance of prioritizing worship and rest over productivity. The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God’s creative work and His rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This principle of rest points forward to the ultimate rest found in Christ, who invites believers to rest from their works and find spiritual rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10).

The Call to Generous Giving:

Moses calls on the people to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle, and the people respond with great generosity.

“Moses said to the whole Israelite community, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood’” (Exodus 35:4-7).

The voluntary nature of the offering emphasizes that giving should be done willingly and from the heart. The people give out of what they have, demonstrating their devotion to God and their desire to see His dwelling place completed. This principle of generous giving is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to give cheerfully, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The Role of Skilled Workers and the Use of Gifts for God’s Glory:

Bezalel and Oholiab are once again mentioned as the leaders of the construction project, having been filled with the Spirit of God and equipped with the necessary skills for the task.

“Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills… He has also given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others’” (Exodus 35:30-34).

The role of Bezalel and Oholiab highlights the importance of using God-given gifts and skills for His glory. Their work on the Tabernacle is not just a practical task but an act of worship. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to use their spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ and build up the church (1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8).

Unity and Participation in God’s Work:

Exodus 35 emphasizes the communal effort required to complete the Tabernacle. The entire Israelite community is involved, with each person contributing according to their ability and resources.

“Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” (Exodus 35:20-21).

This collective effort reflects the unity of God’s people as they work together to fulfill His commands. Each person’s contribution, whether in resources or skills, is valued and necessary. This concept of unity and participation points forward to the New Testament church, where each member of the body of Christ plays a vital role in the building up of the community (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 35:1-3:

“Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, ‘These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do: For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of Sabbath rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death. Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.’”

Moses begins by reminding the Israelites of the importance of observing the Sabbath. The command to rest emphasizes that even in the midst of important work, such as building the Tabernacle, the people must prioritize their relationship with God through rest and worship. This principle of Sabbath rest points to the ultimate rest found in Christ.

Exodus 35:4-9:

Moses calls for a voluntary offering from the people, emphasizing that those who are willing should give. The diversity of materials requested reflects the detailed design of the Tabernacle and the variety of contributions required to complete the project.

Exodus 35:10-19:

“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded: the tabernacle with its tent and its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; the ark with its poles and the atonement cover and the curtain that shields it; the table with its poles and all its articles and the bread of the Presence… and the woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary.”

Moses calls on those who are skilled to contribute their labor to the construction of the Tabernacle. The specific details of the work reflect the careful craftsmanship required to build the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions.

Exodus 35:20-29:

The people respond generously to Moses’ call, bringing a wide variety of materials for the construction of the Tabernacle. The willingness of the people to give reflects their devotion to God and their desire to participate in His work.

Exodus 35:30-35:

Bezalel and Oholiab are once again appointed to lead the work on the Tabernacle, having been filled with the Spirit of God and equipped with the necessary skills. Their leadership emphasizes the importance of using God-given gifts for His glory and the collective effort required to complete the task.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 35 reveals several important theological truths about worship, rest, generosity, and service. The command to observe the Sabbath underscores the importance of prioritizing rest and worship in the life of God’s people. The principle of generous giving reflects the heart of worship, where the people respond to God’s work with willing and joyful contributions. The role of skilled workers in the construction of the Tabernacle emphasizes the value of using God-given gifts and talents for His glory.

These themes point forward to the New Testament, where the body of Christ is called to serve together in unity, using their spiritual gifts for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, is the ultimate dwelling place of God among His people (John 1:14). Through Christ, believers are invited to participate in the work of building His kingdom, using their gifts and resources to glorify God.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Introduction: The Call to Build God’s Dwelling Place
- Set the context for Exodus 35, focusing on the beginning of the construction of the Tabernacle and the call for the people to contribute.
- Introduce the themes of Sabbath rest, generous giving, and the use of gifts for God’s glory.
Point 1: The Importance of Sabbath Rest
- Discuss Moses’ command to observe the Sabbath before beginning the work of building the Tabernacle, emphasizing the need for rest and worship.
- Application: How can believers prioritize rest and worship in their busy lives, finding spiritual rest in Christ?
Point 2: The Call to Generous Giving
- Explore the voluntary nature of the offering for the Tabernacle and the people’s generous response.
- Application: How can believers cultivate a spirit of generosity in their giving, responding joyfully to God’s work?
Point 3: The Use of God-Given Gifts for His Glory
- Highlight the role of Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled workers in the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of using gifts and talents for God’s purposes.
- Application: How can believers use their spiritual gifts and abilities to serve God and build up the body of Christ?
Point 4: Unity and Participation in God’s Work
- Discuss the communal effort required to build the Tabernacle, with each person contributing according to their resources and skills.
- Application: How can the church today reflect this unity and collective participation in the work of building God’s kingdom?

Illustrations and Examples:

Share a personal story or historical example of a community coming together to accomplish a significant task, drawing parallels to the collective effort of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle.
Use a metaphor of a puzzle, where each piece is necessary to complete the whole picture, to illustrate how each person’s contribution is vital in the body of Christ.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 35 challenges believers to consider how they are contributing to the work of building God’s kingdom. Just as the Israelites were called to bring their resources and skills for the construction of the Tabernacle, believers today are called to use their gifts and talents to serve the body of Christ. This chapter emphasizes the importance of generous giving, where offerings are given freely and joyfully in response to God’s work. Believers are also reminded of the value of rest and worship, as the Sabbath command underscores the need to prioritize time with God.

The role of Bezalel and Oholiab serves as a reminder that God equips His people with the skills they need to accomplish His purposes. Whether through practical skills, spiritual gifts, or financial resources, each person has something to contribute to the work of building up the church. The unity and participation of the entire Israelite community in the construction of the Tabernacle reflect the collective effort required to fulfill God’s plans, and this principle continues to apply to the church today.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 35:

God the Father’s provision and sovereignty are evident in Exodus 35. He calls His people to rest in His provision through the observance of the Sabbath and to participate in His work by contributing their resources and skills for the construction of the Tabernacle. The Father’s desire to dwell among His people is central to the chapter, as the Tabernacle represents His presence with Israel. This desire is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, through whom believers experience the indwelling presence of God.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 35:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle, as He is the true dwelling place of God among His people (John 1:14). Just as the Israelites contributed their resources and skills to build the Tabernacle, believers are called to build up the body of Christ through their gifts and service. Christ invites believers into His rest, fulfilling the Sabbath command, and through His sacrificial work, He enables them to serve God with joy and generosity (Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-10).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 35:

The Holy Spirit’s role is seen in the empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab, who are filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the Spirit equipping believers for service. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to each believer for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were equipped for the work of the Tabernacle, believers today are empowered by the Spirit to use their gifts for God’s glory.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 35:

God’s love is evident in His desire to dwell among His people and in His provision for the construction of the Tabernacle. His command to observe the Sabbath reflects His care for His people, offering them rest and renewal. The willingness of the Israelites to give generously to the construction of the Tabernacle demonstrates their response to God’s love and provision. Ultimately, God’s love is fully expressed in Jesus Christ, through whom believers experience His presence and participate in His work of building the kingdom.

Reflection Questions:

How does the command to observe the Sabbath in Exodus 35 challenge you to prioritize rest and worship in your life, and how can you find rest in Christ?
In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of generosity in your giving, responding to God’s work with a willing and joyful heart?
How can you use the gifts and talents God has given you to serve Him and build up the body of Christ, following the example of Bezalel and Oholiab?
How can the church today reflect the unity and participation of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle, with each member contributing to the work of building God’s kingdom?
How does the collective effort of the Israelites in Exodus 35 inspire you to work together with others in your community or church to fulfill God’s purposes?

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