Exodus 20:18–21 (ESV): 18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” 21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Read Exodus 20:18-21 together. Why is the un-mediated presence of God absolutely terrifying for human beings? 

2.  In what ways do we see Moses playing the role of Mediator between God and the people?

3. Just like Israel, you and I need a mediator––someone to stand in the gap between our human frailty and God’s holiness.  According to 1 Timothy 2:5, “...there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  In what ways does Jesus mediate our case before God?  Use scriptural examples if possible! 

4. When we stand before God on the final day of judgment, will our obedience to the commands of God be enough to tip us into heaven?  Why or why not? See Romans 3:20.  

5. According to Romans 8:1, what must happen in order to put us in the ‘not condemned’ category before God?  

6. How do we become a child of God instead of an enemy of God? (Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12, Acts 3:19)  

Galatians 3:26-27: ​​26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 1:12: 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Acts 3:19:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out