God reveals Himself as Israel’s redeemer—sovereign and holy. Though Moses is chosen to lead, he relies entirely on God’s power. The Exodus is ultimately about God—His rule, worship, and kingdom. Pharaoh stands in opposition, but the battle is between the true God and Egypt’s false gods, and Pharaoh is no match. Our study will follow the outline below:

1. Moses’ Obedience and God’s Assurance (v.18-20)
2. God's Covenant and Requirement of Obedience (vv. 21-26)
3. God’s Provision and Israel’s Response (vv. 27-31)

The Exodus story is a contest between the God of Israel and Pharaoh, Egypt’s self-proclaimed god. Moses enters Egypt carrying the staff of God, a symbol of divine power that even Pharaoh would recognize as a claim to authority. However, while Moses is sent as Israel’s deliverer, he is entirely dependent on God’s command, protection, and strength. Ultimately, it is God—not Moses—who truly delivers Israel.

In verses 21-23, God commands Moses to confront Pharaoh with signs, revealing His plan to harden Pharaoh’s heart. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty—Pharaoh stands in the way of His kingdom, but God ensures Israel’s deliverance. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is described in three ways: God hardens it, Pharaoh hardens it, and it is hardened. This highlights both divine control and human responsibility.

In Exodus 4:24-26, God’s holiness is clear—He demands righteousness, especially from those who represent Him. Those who serve Him must do so in holiness. We are saved to worship the holy God (v.31).

Getting Started                          

1. Have you ever signed up for a race, competition, studies, or training you thought you were unprepared for? Share your story.

•     Read Exodus 4:18-31

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or convicting?

Digging Deeper

3. Why does Moses say to Jethro, "Let me go back to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive" (Exodus 4:18)? 

4. In Exodus 4:21, God tells Moses, "I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." Why would God intentionally harden Pharaoh’s heart?   

5. Exodus 4:24 states, "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him." Why does God take such drastic action, and how does Zipporah’s response of circumcision (Exodus 4:24-26) point to the necessity of a transformed heart in Christ?

The Heart of the Matter

6. Just as Moses was sent to free Israel from slavery, Jesus came to free us from the bondage of sin. How does recognizing Jesus as our Deliverer shape the way we trust Him in difficult seasons? 

7. Robert Murray M’Cheyne once said. “What my people need from me most is my own personal holiness.” Moses was lacking here until Zipporah saved his skin, literally. Has there been someone who has lovingly confronted you about sin and helped you live a life of holiness to the Lord? 

8. In verse 31, the Israelites responded by worshipping. They gave God the glory while they were waiting to be delivered (while they were still in Egypt). In what areas of your life can you give glory to God while you are waiting? What are you waiting for?