Engaging with God on His Terms (2025-09-07, David Camera, Exodus 25)

A sermon on the tabernacle furnishings in Exodus 25 by Rev. Dr. David Camera. Application questions: What is your prized possession and why? How did you acquire it? What would it take to cause you to give it away?  Look at the list of possible contributions to the tabernacle in verses 1-7. What do they all have in common? Where did these former Hebrew “slaves” get some of the most valuable items in the ancient world? (see Ex. 3:22, 11:2; 12:35)  Where does all that we have ultimately come from? Why does God give us the things we have ultimately?  What principle of giving do we learn in v. 2? (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7) Look at Romans 12:1-2. What are we to offer to God?  What were these donations for?  What is God teaching about worship by asking for these sorts of items?  What were the Israelites forbidden to make by the 2nd commandment? Why? What are they commanded to make here?  What can we learn from verse 9 and verse 40 about how we are to worship God?  The Israelites are commanded here to make 3 primary pieces of furniture that will go inside the tabernacle, the ark, the table and the lampstand.  What aspects of each piece are described in detail?  What can we learn about their significance from these details?  (think back over Genesis and Exodus for hints to the symbolism)  The ark was the center of worship. Inside the ark was the Law of God (testimony). What does this tell us about the focus of meeting with God?  The mercy seat is the place the high priest would sprinkle blood to make atonement for the sins of Israel. Why was the mercy seat placed over the testimony? Look up Rom 3:25 to see how the word for "mercy seat" is used of the work of Jesus Christ. Why is that significant? Look up Hebrews 2:17 and 1 John 2:2. How do we find mercy today for our law-breaking?  Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com