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Setting up altars for worship

Text: Exodus 20:22-26
27 January 2014

27 January 2014

BETHANY 4 PRAYER CIRCLE

SETTING UP ALTARS FOR WORSHIP
Exodus 20:22-26

1. Pre-Tabernacle Days

a) An altar of earth    Exodus 20:24

i) Burnt offerings

ii) Peace offerings

iii) Sheep and oxen

b) An altar of stone    Exodus 24:25

i) Not made of hewn stone

ii) No tool shall be used

iii) No steps

c) Acceptance of this manner of worship

i) Every place where I will record My name    Exodus 20:24d

ii) I will come to you    Exodus 20:24e

iii) I will bless you    Exodus 20:24f

2. God’s Revelation of Himself at Mount Sinai

a) Sense of fear of God (reverence) must be present    Exodus 20:20a

b) His Presence helps to create this sense of reverence    Exodus 20:20b

c) God speaks from heaven    Exodus 20:23a

d) No idolatry    Exodus 20:23b

i) Gods of silver

ii) Gods of gold

WORSHIP PRESCRIBED BY GOD
Exodus 24

1. Invitation to worship issued by God    Exodus 24:1-2

2. Worship is to be seen:-

a) As an invitation

b) As a privilege

3. Worshippers

a) Moses    Exodus 24:1

b) Aaron    Exodus 24:1a

c) Nadab and Abihu    Exodus 24:1b

d) Seventy of the Elders of Israel    Exodus 24:1c

e) The people    Exodus 24:2c

4. Proximity to God

a) Moses was the only person allowed to draw closer to God (proximity)

b) The others were to worship from a distance

SIGNIFICANCE

1. The idea of Corporate worship was new to Israel

2. This had to be carefully taught

3. Principles emphasised

a) Worship is a privilege

b) Reverence must be cultivated and practised

c) Proximity to God to be appreciated deeply

“Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.”     Psalm 65:4

WORSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF THE IDEA OF A PHYSICAL SANCTUARY

1. Divine revelation    Exodus 25

a) Source: God Himself

b) Revelation to Moses

2. Divine instruction    Exodus 25

a) Clear instruction

b) Careful compliance required

3. Significance of a Physical Sanctuary

a) Israel had come of age

b) National importance

c) Individual significance