"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)

The Grand Narrative: (Exodus 19 & 20) “Mount Sinai”

(Exodus 19 & 20) “Mount Sinai”

Published 15 September 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

⚠️ The 5 Greatest Mistakes

  • 1️⃣ Approaching God’s presence casually—ignoring consecration (19:10–11, 14–15).
  • 2️⃣ Treating holy boundaries as optional near the mountain (19:12–13, 21–24).
  • 3️⃣ Fearing the thunder more than heeding God’s words (20:18 vs. 20:1–17).
  • 4️⃣ Choosing distance—asking Moses to speak so they need not draw near (20:19, 21).
  • 5️⃣ Overcomplicating worship when God prescribes simple obedience (20:24–26).

💥 The 5 Greatest Failures

  • 1️⃣ Forgetting identity—treasured possession, kingdom of priests (19:4–6).
  • 2️⃣ Allowing spectacle to drown out covenant commitment (19:16–19; 20:1–2).
  • 3️⃣ Neglecting to prepare the whole camp for encounter (19:10–11, 14–15).
  • 4️⃣ Failing to keep God’s words central in community life (19:7–8; 20:1–17).
  • 5️⃣ Drifting from God’s simple altar to human showiness (20:24–26).

🚫 The 5 Greatest Sins

  • 1️⃣ Idolatry—other gods, images of silver or gold (20:3–5, 23).
  • 2️⃣ Profaning the Name—taking the LORD’s name in vain (20:7).
  • 3️⃣ Profaning time—breaking Sabbath holiness (20:8–11).
  • 4️⃣ Dishonoring parents—rejecting God’s order for life and land (20:12).
  • 5️⃣ Coveting—desiring what God has given to another (20:17).

🌱 Great Spiritual Growth Applied

  • 1️⃣ Consecrate daily—wash, set apart, expect God to meet you (19:10–11, 14–15).
  • 2️⃣ Live from identity—“I bore you on eagles’ wings” (19:4–6).
  • 3️⃣ Let holy fear keep you from sin (20:20).
  • 4️⃣ Draw near through the mediator God provides (20:19–21).
  • 5️⃣ Worship as commanded—simple altar, God’s presence and blessing (20:24–25).

🧭 Great Leadership Principles Gleaned

  • 1️⃣ Prepare people before holy moments—clear instructions, shared expectations (19:10–11, 14–15).
  • 2️⃣ Guard the flock with wise boundaries near holiness (19:12–13, 21–24).
  • 3️⃣ Center the community on God’s spoken Word (19:7–8; 20:1–17).
  • 4️⃣ Model nearness—leaders draw close to God for the people (20:19–21).
  • 5️⃣ Keep worship God-shaped, not leader-shaped (20:24–26).