Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Exodus 25 (Part 2) Bible Study (The Ark of the Covenant) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Scripture References

Exodus 25:10-22Exodus 19:4Hebrews 9:41 Kings 8:91 Samuel 6:1Leviticus 16:14Hebrews 9:111 Samuel 6:19Genesis 3:24Numbers 10:331 Samuel 4:4Colossians 4:16Exodus 40:1Song of Solomon 2:8Exodus 35:30Song of Solomon 5:2

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the Ark of the Covenant as a prophetic picture of Jesus Christ's dual nature and ministry. The sermon emphasizes God's desire for intimacy, the sufficiency of His mercy, and the call for believers to walk daily in His presence.

Key Takeaways

1The Ark of the Covenant is a foundational revelation of God’s desire for intimacy and relationship with His people.
2Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Ark, perfectly balancing humanity and divinity while covering our sins with His mercy.
3A relationship with God based only on the Law (rules) without the 'manna' (grace) and 'rod' (power) is a tactic of the enemy to create a performance mindset.
4God's presence is not static; He desires to walk with us through every part of our daily journey, not just during church services.
5Spiritual growth requires intentionality in removing 'little foxes'—seemingly small distractions or sins that hinder our closeness with Christ.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think God gave the instructions for the Ark of the Covenant first, even though it was kept in the innermost room?
2Pastor Batarseh mentioned that the enemy wants us to have 'only the tablets of stone' (the Law) left in our Ark. How does a performance-based mindset affect your joy in Christ?
3What is the significance of the Cherubim looking down at the Mercy Seat rather than at each other or the people?
4In 1 Samuel 4, Israel used the Ark like a 'good luck charm.' How are we tempted to treat spiritual practices (like prayer or church attendance) as superstitions today?
5Read Song of Solomon 2:10-15. How does the imagery of the 'winter being past' change your perspective on approaching God after you have sinned?
6What are some 'little foxes' common in our culture that can slowly chew away at a believer's passion for God?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify one 'little fox' (a specific habit, app, or distraction) this week that is hindering your time with God and remove it.
Practice the 'Arise, Lord' prayer every morning, consciously inviting God's presence into your commute, work, and decisions.
Evaluate your view of God: Are you relating to Him only through 'thou shalt nots,' or are you resting in His mercy and resurrection power?
Set aside a specific time this week to simply 'let God see your face' in prayer, focusing on worship rather than a list of requests.
Read the book of Colossians to gain a deeper revelation of the supremacy and divinity of Christ as discussed in the sermon.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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