Companion Bible Study · Participant Guide A People for His Presence · Exodus 3:16–4:17 · Study 6

Central truth: God’s sufficiency, not ours, is the decisive reality.

Before you begin Read Exodus 3:16–4:17 in your Bible. This study is designed to help you examine the passage directly, whether or not you heard the Sunday sermon. As you work, distinguish what God specifically promised Moses from what Scripture calls believers to trust and obey today. For personal study, allow approximately 25–35 minutes. Groups can use these questions in 50–60 minutes.

1. God's Word and Moses' Uncertain Future

Read Exodus 3:16–22.

  1. What does Moses have to tell the elders about the LORD and His relationship to Israel? What does God say He has seen and intends to do?
  2. Compare the predicted responses of Israel's elders and Pharaoh (vv. 18–20). What does God say He Himself will do about Pharaoh's resistance?
  3. What would it mean for Moses to trust God's words without expecting the mission to be easy? How is a specific promise to Moses different from a guarantee about the outcome of our own plans?

2. When Fear Predicts Rejection

Read Exodus 4:1–9; compare 3:18 and 4:1.

  1. What discrepancy do you notice between God's statement about the elders and Moses' prediction? How might Moses' earlier experiences in Exodus 2:11–15 help explain his fear?
  2. According to Exodus 4:5, what purpose do the signs serve? What does this tell you about whose authority Moses represents?
  3. Read ahead to Exodus 4:29–31. What actually happens when Moses and Aaron speak to Israel? What does this outcome reveal about the earlier conversation?

3. God's Presence and Genuine Limitations

Read Exodus 4:10–12; compare 3:11–12.

  1. What does Moses say about his speech? What details about his particular difficulty are left unexplained by the text?
  2. How does God's answer redirect Moses' attention? Compare the promises “I will be with you” (3:12) and “I will be with your mouth” (4:12).
  3. How can we acknowledge a real limitation without concluding that it necessarily excuses us from a responsibility Scripture makes clear? When might we instead need wise counsel or practical help?

4. Refusal, Correction, and Help

Read Exodus 4:13–17.

  1. How does Moses' request in verse 13 differ from his earlier concerns? What does the LORD's anger in verse 14 tell us about his response?
  2. In what ways does Aaron help Moses, and which responsibilities remain Moses'? What does this teach us about God's provision through other people?
  3. Why should we be careful not to label every fear, disability, or hesitation as sinful refusal? What distinguishes an honest need for help from resisting a clear command?

5. From Moses to Christ

Read Hebrews 3:1–6 and 9:11–15.

  1. How is Moses described in relation to God's house, and how is Jesus distinguished from him? What does Christ accomplish as mediator that Moses could not?
  2. How does knowing that salvation rests on Christ, not on our adequacy, change the way we respond to weakness and pursue obedience?

Responding to the Passage

Read Exodus 3:16–4:17 once more.

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's character? Name one response that is genuinely grounded in Scripture—whether repentance, obedient action, receiving help, or patient trust—rather than in pressure to appear more confident.

For reflection or group prayer Where are you tempted to let a feared outcome speak with more authority than God's Word? Where do you need to seek help rather than carry a responsibility alone? Only share what you are comfortable sharing.

Closing prayer Father, teach us to listen to Your Word, acknowledge our weakness truthfully, and trust Your presence and provision. Correct us where we resist what You have made clear, and give us humility to receive help. Above all, fix our hope on Jesus Christ, our faithful and sufficient mediator. Amen.

Related teaching: “Called in Weakness,” Exodus 3:16–4:17 · Living Way Church Teaching Library: https://tlw.church/teaching/