Pastor’s Bible Study

The Plagues of Egypt Part 3

The first plague: The Frogs

October 6, 2021

 

Notes:

The Plagues of Egypt: The Frogs

Review assigned questions from last week:

1. What parallels can be drawn from the lack of justice for the Hebrews during biblical times and people in contemporary times?

2. Do you feel that there is real accountability for the blood being shed in many of our communities today? Why or why not?

3. How can believers strive to help those in power be more accountable for the lives of people and the overall sanctity of life?

Today’s Lesson: (Exodus 8:1-15)
Natural Disaster – a natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that causes great damage or loss of life.

Some would argue that the plagues, particularly the plague of the the frogs were natural disasters. They would say that the abundance of frogs on land from the river occurred naturally due to the flood season common in Egypt.

Significance of Frogs:
– Frogs are essential to the environment because they eat algae. Basically frogs help to keep the water clear of bacteria.

– Frogs in excess around people can be toxic because they carry salmonella which attacks the intestines leading to diarrhea and possible severe illness.

How does the believer discern natural disasters from supernatural events? (Romans 8:28)

Points of Discernment:
1. Timing – was it just a coincidence that the frogs appeared at the time when Aaron stretched out his rod over the river and then all died when Moses spoke to the Lord in the exact day that Pharaoh requested: Exodus 8:6,12-13

2. Impact – who seemed to be the primary focus: Exodus 8:2

3. Outcome – was there an outcome that increased awareness of God and His will: Exodus 8:8-9

The Purpose in the Plagues
1. God’s Sovereignty (Preeminence) Colossians 1:15-18
2. God’s Judgment (Wrath) Romans 1:18-26
3. God’s concern for His peoples (Justice) Micah 6:8
4. God’s Divine Purpose (Providence) Jeremiah 29:11

Reflection Assignment:
Apply the points of discernment used in today’s lesson to the current pandemic. Explain what you have discerned thus far about God’s possible purpose in it and some possible outcomes.

The Plagues of Egypt Part 2

The first plague: The Blood

September 29, 2021

 

Notes:

“The Plagues of Egypt”
(Exodus 7-13)
Introduction:
Exodus 5-6:13

Pandemic – prevalent over a whole country or world.

Plague – Outbreak

Examples – Cholera, Asian Flu, HIV/AIDS, H1N1, Ebola, SARS, Bubonic Plague (Black Death), and Smallpox.

Plagues in the Bible generally are interpreted to:
1. Demonstrate God’s Power/Judgment
2. Demonstrate human limitations and dependency
3. Necessitate Repentance
4. Deliverance from oppression/injustice
5. Destroy the enemies of God and His people (protection)

Scripture Lesson: Exodus 5-6:13
A. God always sends a prophet/leader to convey His word/will
B. God always stands against oppression and oppressors
C. God always responds to the calls/cries of His people
D. God’s people must be in expectation of His divine action (discerning)
E. God will fight our battles

Homework: Answer reflection questions from Exodus 7.
1. What did God mean when He told Moses that He would make him a god to Pharaoh?
2. What does the Bible mean when it says that God will harden Pharaoh’s heart?
3. How old was Moses and Aaron when the Lord sent them to Pharaoh? What do you think is the significance of their ages if any?
4. Why were the magicians able to perform the same miracle as Aaron did with his staff?

The Plagues of Egypt Part 1

Introduction

September 22, 2021

 

Notes:

“The Plagues of Egypt”
(Exodus 7-13)
Introduction:
Exodus 5-6:13

Pandemic – prevalent over a whole country or world.

Plague – Outbreak

Examples – Cholera, Asian Flu, HIV/AIDS, H1N1, Ebola, SARS, Bubonic Plague (Black Death), and Smallpox.

Plagues in the Bible generally are interpreted to:
1. Demonstrate God’s Power/Judgment
2. Demonstrate human limitations and dependency
3. Necessitate Repentance
4. Deliverance from oppression/injustice
5. Destroy the enemies of God and His people (protection)

Scripture Lesson: Exodus 5-6:13
A. God always sends a prophet/leader to convey His word/will
B. God always stands against oppression and oppressors
C. God always responds to the calls/cries of His people
D. God’s people must be in expectation of His divine action (discerning)
E. God will fight our battles

Homework: Answer reflection questions from Exodus 7.
1. What did God mean when He told Moses that He would make him a god to Pharaoh?
2. What does the Bible mean when it says that God will harden Pharaoh’s heart?
3. How old was Moses and Aaron when the Lord sent them to Pharaoh? What do you think is the significance of their ages if any?
4. Why were the magicians able to perform the same miracle as Aaron did with his staff?

Believing God