There is an insatiable desire built within humanity to understand what’s going on in the world and in our lives. We scramble to be “in the know” or “on the inside track,” and we hate feeling “out of the loop.” This hunger for understanding is built into us by God and leads us toward an encounter with that which is beyond us.
Key passage: Exodus 33:7-34:9
Sermon OutlinE
“He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Aspects of the Hunger to Know
Challenges of the Hunger to Know
Moses and the Hunger to Know (Exodus 33:7-34:9)
- The context: Moses’ regular, personal encounter with God (33:7-11)
- Moses’ request for personal instruction (33:12-14)
- Moses’ request for personal presence (33:15-17)
- Moses’ request for personal revelation (33:18-23)
- The encounter: unique, glorious, humble beginnings (34:1-9)
Four Ways to Re-learn ‘Knowing’
- Fasting from the insatiable hunger of ravenous knowing
- Savoring deep knowledge through appropriate curiosity
- Finding satisfaction with transformational knowledge of God
- Tasting the vulnerability of knowing and being known by others
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- As we continue our journey through Lent this weekend with the “Hungry for God” series, this week we are looking at the hunger to know. Begin today’s study by reading Psalm 63:1 aloud, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”Take a minute or two to let those words sink in. Next, ask God to speak to you as you begin this study.
- Read Exodus 33:7-34:9 aloud. According to verses 7-11, what is Moses’ experience of God like? What did this do for Joshua and the people of God who watched this?
- Obviously, Moses’ experience of God is unique. However, what sort of terms would you use to describe your own experience of God?
- In verses 12-14 Moses begins a conversation with God. What does he ask of God and how does God respond to his request?
- The second part of the conversation in verses 15-17 turns to the distinctive aspects of the people of Israel. What does Moses say will distinguish them and how does God respond?
- Moses’ third request is that he might see God’s glory (vs 18). Since Moses had already seen the glory of God (see Exodus 16:7-10; 24:16-17), why do you think he asks for this now?
- God’s response in verses 19-23 show both His willingness to show His glory to Moses, but also the limits on that. What does God say He can and cannot do for Moses here?
- In Exodus 34:1-9 the revelation of God’s glory occurs. What does Moses’encounter in knowl- edge and experience of God here? How does Moses respond to this revelation of God?
- What is God speaking to you personally through these verses about the hunger to know? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Psalm 63:1-3 this week.
- Take Off: Choose to fast from information in some way this week: reduce your access to the news; reduce how often you check your email or social media; avoid gossip forums or conversations. Think about why we so often desire to “be in the know” when it comes to other people or events. Use the space below to take note of your experience this week.
- Put On: Replace the time you use to gather information with practices that will help you hear from God, such as regular Scripture reading, prayer, or sitting in silence before God. Make a commitment to change your habits regarding to how much time you spend taking in “news” about the temporary world and how you will begin to spend some of that time learning about God’s kingdom. Use the space below to take note of your experience this week.