I AM...Present - MSQ
Part of I AM—A Study of Exodus
October 22, 2023

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I AM…Present - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

It’s a mind-blowing idea that the Creator God of the universe wants to dwell amidst His people. And yet, believers today have God’s presence available to them. In Exodus, God met with Moses in the burning bush, on the mountain and time in between. Moses was the go-between for the people and God. Then at Mount Sinai, God instructed Moses to make the Tabernacle, which means “dwelling” or “a residence”. It was a tent built as the house of God for His presence to dwell amidst His people as they wandered through the wilderness. Aaron and his sons were then made priests to be the go-between, and to continue as such after Moses passed from the scene. God’s presence would continue in the Tabernacle, especially in the “Holy of Holies.” Today, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. And each Christian is given the Priesthood and is an evangelistic book, that is, a go-between unbelievers and God. For now, on this side of the cross, we have God’s spirit dwelling in us. Jesus said, “… And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

  1. How do you know, or can you know, that God is present with you?

  2. Honestly, do you want the presence of God or just the blessings of God?

Consider This

Christians get to live in the presence of God all the days of their lives—and that relationship makes all the difference.

  1. When the Israelites made the golden calf and deserted the Lord, it seemed absurd in the narrative (Exodus 32:1-6). But can our old ways—the flesh creep into our lives in a similar way today? How?

  2. Why did the Lord threaten to desert the Israelites? (see Exodus 33:3-4)

  3. Read Exodus 33:12-14.

    • How would you describe the way Moses communicated with God?

    • How did God respond? What can you learn about God from this exchange?

  4. Read Exodus 33:15-17.

    • Why do you think the Lord’s presence was critical to Moses and also to Israel?

    • How did the Lord reply to Moses (v 17)? What does this tell you about Moses’ standing with God?

    • How does the Lord’s response to Moses parallel His view of His children, Christians, today (see John 10:3 Revelation 2:17)?

    • How does it make you feel knowing that God knows your name?

  5. How do you think Moses felt knowing God was his friend? What do you think about God being your friend? What advantages does that truth give to you? (See John 15:15)

  6. How does God’s presence provide you with perspective in times of difficulty?

  7. Read Exodus 33:18-23.

    • What request did Moses make of God in Exodus 33:18, and why did he make it?

    • What did the Lord allow Moses to see? What didn’t He allow Moses to see? Why?

    • How did the Lord protect Moses as He came close? How does the Lord protect Christians from His glory (and holiness and wrath) today? (See 2 Corinthians 5:21, Revelation 7:9, 19:14)

  8. What did Jesus promise concerning God’s presence in the lives of believers after the cross?

    • John 14:16-17, 20
    • Hebrews 13:5
    • Romans 8:9-11

    • 1 Corinthians 3:16

    • Can you share how these truths impact you?

  9. Read Romans 8:31-39. Can anything separate you from God’s loving presence? Why?

  10. Can you share what your experience of God’s presence brings into your life personally?

Moving Forward – Application

How do you experience more of the presence of God? How do you grow in your awareness and following of God’s presence in your life? “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief.” (James 4:7-9a NLT)

  1. Specifically, why do you sometimes not sense God’s presence? What can you do about that?

  2. How do we grow in our awareness of God’s presence in our lives?

  3. How can you plan to intentionally rest in God’s presence each day this week?

  4. What do you need to be honest with God about this week?