Leaders Guide

Exploring the Pentateuch

A 13-Week Adventure
in the NIV Discovery Study Bible
Objectives
Through this 13-week course your group members will:
Read major portions of the first five books of the Old Testament
for themselves
Actively study events that lay the foundation for understanding the
whole Bible
Grow closer to God as they hear and respond to his Word

Why teach the NIV

Discovery Study Bible?
You teach the Bible
just the Bible!
You get your group
members into Gods
Word!

Materials
FOR THE LEADER

An NIV Discovery Study Bible

A notebook for recording study insights
This free on-line Leaders Guide

You can teach the

whole Bible in eight
13-week courses!

FOR EACH GROUP MEMBER

An NIV Discovery Study Bible

A notebook for recording study insights

Procedure
During the week before each group session, group members will complete the Assignments in one or two
of the Study Centers built into the NIV Discovery Study Bible and record their discoveries in a notebook.
During the group session, you will ensure that your group members understand the significance of what
they have studied and help them grasp contributions to their personal relationship with the Lord.

Lesson Plans
Each lesson plan for Exploring the Pentateuch states specific goals for that group session and lays out a
flexible plan that will help you reach those goals. The group session will usually include five segments:
Introduce, Inform, Interact, Internalize and Inspire.
Introduce
You will choose
from several activities that will get
the group session
started.

Inform
You will provide
input (such as a
mini-lecture or
chalkboard illustration) that will bring
the significance of
the Bible passages
into clear focus.

Interact
You will actively
involve your group
members in probing the passages
they have studied.
Each lesson plan
gives you several
activities to choose
from.

Internalize
You will provide
your group members with an opportunity to explore
their own experiences and personalize the truths
studied. (This is
an optional section
that may be used
for groups that
meet for longer
than one hour.)

Inspire
You will encourage
personal application of the truths
studied and motivate your group
members for the
following weeks
fresh discoveries
in Gods Word.

Getting Started
WITH AN ESTABLISHED GROUP

Six weeks before the first group session, tell your group members about the exciting opportunity they have
to explore Gods Word using the unique NIV Discovery Study Bible. Determine how many NIV Discovery
Study Bibles you will need to order.
Two weeks before the first group session, distribute the NIV Discovery Study Bibles and inexpensive
loose-leaf or spiral-bound notebooks. Ask your group members to complete Assignments 15 in Study
Center 1 in preparation for the first group session. Encourage them to use their notebooks to record discoveries, thoughts and any questions they may have.
WITH A NEW GROUP

Eight weeks before the first group session, begin promoting the NIV Discovery Study Bible and the Exploring the Pentateuch elective. Encourage potential group members to sign up immediately.
Five weeks before the first group session, order NIV Discovery Study Bibles for those who have signed
up. You may also wish to order additional Bibles for late enrollees.
Two weeks before the first group session, distribute the NIV Discovery Study Bibles and inexpensive
loose-leaf or spiral-bound notebooks. Ask your group members to complete Assignments 15 in Study
Center 1 in preparation for the first group session. Encourage them to use their notebooks to record discoveries, thoughts and any questions them may have.

A 13-Week Overview
The NIV Discovery Study Bible contains 20 built-in Study Centers to be used in conjunction with this
Exploring the Pentateuch course. You will cover the 20 Study Centers in just 13 group sessions. Your
group members will be asked to complete selected Study Center Assignments before each group session.
Although they will not necessarily read every word in the Pentateuch, they will read and study the key passages that are essential for understanding the message of the first five books of the Old Testament.

Exploring the Pentateuch

LESSON

STUDY CENTER

REFERENCE

FOCUS

Ge 1

God, the Creator

23

Ge 25

God and Man

Ge 611

God, the Moral Judge

5
6*

Ge 1224
Ge 2550*

Gods Covenant With Abraham

78

Ex 111

God Frees the Israelites

910

Ex 1224

God Gives Israel Law

1112

Ex 2540; Lev 110

Worship and Sacrifice

1314

Lev 1127

Holiness

1516

Nu 136

The Road to Canaan

10

1718

Dt 111

Love and Law

11

19

Dt 1226

Special Instructions

12

20

Dt 2734

What Lies Ahead?

13

Celebrate!

* optional reading and study to be done on their own

LESSON 1
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God, the Creator

LESSON AIMS

To appreciate the significance of the presentation of God as Creator in Genesis 1

To sense wonder and awe at the greatness and power of our God and deepen our trust in him
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Center 1.

Complete Assignments 15 in Study Center 1.
Contact four group members if you choose to use Option 2 of Interact.
Gather crayons and paper or collect pictures of nature scenes if you choose to use one of the options
from Internalize.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Launch the group session with a general activity that will help your group members focus on the significance of Scriptures revelation of God as Creator.
Option 1
Discuss. Have group members suggest possible reasons why the very first chapter in the Bible presents
God as Creator. With regard to knowing God, how important is it that we begin with the realization that he
created all things?
Option 2
Brainstorm. Have your group members throw out a number of ideas concerning the following questions:
What difference would it make if the universe just happened as opposed to being created by God? What
difference would it make in our concept of God? Our relationship with God? Our trust in him?

Inform
The realization that God is the Creator underlies Scriptures revelation of God as all-powerful and is evidence that no limits can be placed on what he can do.
Option 1
Mini-Lecture. Take five to eight minutes to make the point that the creation itself witnesses to Gods existence and his power. Review Psalm 19:14 and Romans 1:1821. Then go over the Landmark Natural
Revelation at Psalm 19 and the Closer Look All Know the Creator at Romans 1:1820.
Option 2
Self-Test Review. List the Self-Test questions for Study Center 1 on the chalkboard. Invite volunteers to give
answers or go over the answers yourself. Answers are found in the following locations: (1) Mastery Key 1 in
Study Center 1; (2) Romans 1:20; (3) the Landmark Natural Revelation at Psalm 19; (4) the Closer Look
All Know the Creator at Romans 1:1820.

Interact
The conviction that God is Creator has had a significant impact on his people throughout sacred history.
Knowing God as Creator changes the way we relate to him.
Option 1
Team Bible Study. Have group members form teams of five or six persons. Each team will look at one Old
Testament passage to define the impact knowing God as Creator has had on believers. The passages are as
follows: Psalm 33:19; 89:513; 95:17; Isaiah 40:2631. Have each team share its findings and insights
with the group.
Option 2
Reports. Before the group session, contact four persons and ask each person to take one of the passages
listed in Option 1 (above). Each person should be prepared to read his or her passage aloud and comment
on what it suggests about the importance to believers of knowing God as Creator.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Option 1
Draw Pictures. Provide paper and crayons. Ask group members to recall a time when they felt awe or wonder at something in Gods creation. Each group member will then create a picture of what stimulated his or
her awe, for example, a sunset, waves pounding against a shore, etc.
When the drawings are complete, have each person show his or her picture, describe the feelings that
were produced by the experience and share any impact the experience had on his or her sense of who
God is.
Option 2
View Pictures. Provide a number of pictures of nature scenes. Ask each group member to choose a picture
that produces a sense of awe or wonder in him or her. Have each person show the picture he or she
selected, describe the feelings produced and share the impact experiencing such scenes have had on his
or her sense of who God is.

Inspire
God the Creator truly is all-powerful. When we have a personal relationship with the Creator of all, we can
rest in, and rely on, him.
Option 1
Scripture Reading. Have your group members turn to Isaiah 40:2631. Read these verses aloud together
as an affirmation of shared faith and as worship.
Option 2
Scripture Praying. Invite volunteers to offer brief prayers. Each prayer should begin with Psalm 121:2 (see
Study Center 1, Spiritual Significance) and offer praise to God for help received.

ASSIGNMENT

Next week we will look at the special relationship that existed between the first pair of human beings
and God. We will also discover the impact of Adams sin. Assign Study Centers 23. Your group members should study the Mastery Keys in Study Center 2 and complete Assignment 1 in Study Center 2 and
Assignments 12 in Study Center 3.

LESSON 2
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23

God and Man

LESSON AIMS

To understand Scriptures view of humankind as created in Gods image but fallen and spiritually dead
To sense Gods initial and continuing love for all human beings
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 23.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 2 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 3.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Look for newspaper clippings if you choose to use Option 2 of Introduce.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
How can human beings perform loving, noble acts and also commit terrible crimes against others?
Option 1
Challenge. Ask your group members how they think most people might explain the fact that human beings
can perform noble acts yet also brutalize one another. Be sure to emphasize the words most people. For
instance, evolutionists tend to see evil as a residue of humankinds struggle upward from the animals.
Option 2
Team Evaluations. Have available newspaper clippings that relate both noble and evil acts. Divide into fiveperson teams. Give half the teams the reports of noble acts; the other half, the reports of evil acts. Each
team, working only from its clippings, is to answer the question, What is the nature of human beings?

Inform
Only the Bible provides a realistic explanation for both the good and noble in human beings and the capability of human beings to commit terrible, evil acts. Creation in Gods image is the source of the good; the
sin nature inherited from Adam is the source of the evil.
Option 1
Self-Test Review. Have your group members discuss the Self-Test questions for Study Centers 23. (SelfTests are located in the back of the NIV Discovery Study Bible.) Guide the discussion, making sure that your
group members understand the significance of creation in Gods image/likeness and the lasting impact of
the fall on human beings.
Option 2
Illustrated Mini-Lecture. On one side of the chalkboard, near the bottom, write Good. On the other side,
near the bottom, write Evil. Above Good write Image/likeness of God. Review the fact and significance
of Gods creation of human beings in his own image. Above Evil write The Fall. Review the fact and the
lasting impact of the sin of Adam and Eve.

Interact
Team Discussion. Let your group members select a topic from the following list of questions. Those selecting the same topic are to form a team to explore that topic. If time permits, each team should give a brief
report to the group.
1. What is Gods ideal for relationships between men and women (Ge 2:1924)? What
impact has the fall had on those relationships (Ge 3:16)?
2. What can we learn about temptation and how to resist it from Satans approach to Eve
(Ge 3:17)?
3. In what different ways has the fall affected women and men (Ge 3:1619)?
4. How does the recorded history of Adam and Eves offspring demonstrate the fact that
our race is now in the grip of spiritual death (Ge 4:19,1723)?

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Option 1
Group Bible Study. Look at passages from Scripture that express the wonder that God could care so much
for human beings. As you look at each passage, have group members suggest qualities or traits of God that
are implied in each passage. Write these on the chalkboard. The passages are: Psalm 8; Psalm 139:1316;
Romans 5:78; Hebrews 2:517.
Option 2
Personalize. Sit in a circle. Have each group member think of something he or she likes about himself or
herselfsome positive quality or trait. Go around the circle and have each person tell his or her positive
quality. As each person shares, your group members can add other positive qualities they have noticed in
that person.
When all have shared and been given feedback by the group, invite them to pray silently, acknowledging God as the source of what is positive in them and thanking the Lord for the gift of his own imagelikeness.

Inspire
A unique relationship exists between God and human beings. It is a relationship rooted in Gods steadfast
love for us.
Option 1
Mini-Lecture. Portray God stooping to shape the first human beings. Then read one or more of the Scripture
passages that express wonder at Gods love for us (see Assignment 1 in Study Center 2). Point out that
God did not abandon Adam and Eve when they sinned, but he sought them out. He himself offered the
first sacrifice for sin to clothe them (Ge 3:21). This first sacrifice foreshadowed Christs sacrifice for sins.
Conclude by reading Ephesians 2:18 in unison.
Option 2
Scripture Readings. Briefly point out that the writers of Scripture were deeply touched by the story of the
creation of human beings and Gods continuing love after the fall. Read Psalm 8, Psalm 139:1316,
Romans 5:78 and Hebrews 2:517. After each reading invite volunteers to offer sentence prayers expressing thanks to God for the love that not only moved him to create human beings, but also moves him to
keep on loving us.

ASSIGNMENT

The early chapters of Genesis introduce God as the all-powerful Creator of the universe and the loving
Creator of human beings. Next week we will learn something else about God: He is the moral ruler and
judge of his universe. Your group members should review the Mastery Keys in Study Center 4 and complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 4.
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LESSON 3
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God, the Moral Judge

LESSON AIMS

To understand that we live in a moral universe and that God will judge evil
To build confidence in God, even when evil seems to triumph
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Center 4.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 4.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Focus attention on the fact that evil seems to triumph at times and the universe seems to be anything but
moral.
Option 1
Case History. A drunk driver runs through a red light, killing three college students. He has a lengthy record
of DWI convictions and was driving with a suspended license. The judge gives him three yearsprobation.
Was the sentence just? Is this kind of thing common? Encourage group members to share illustrations of
injustice from their own personal experience.
Option 2
Debate. Discuss the following statement: People generally get what they deserve in this life. You can lead
an impromptu debate or ask several group members to prepare arguments pro and con before the group
session.

Inform
Genesis 611 answers the question of whether we live in a moral universe by presenting God as the moral
Judge who accepts responsibility to punish evil.
Option 1
Guided Bible Study. Look with your group members at key phrases in the story of the Genesis flood. As you
list each phrase on the chalkboard, invite comments.

The situation (Ge 6:5)

Evils impact on God (Ge 6:6)
Gods judgment (Ge 6:7)
Gods grace (Ge 6:8)

Trace the interplay of judgment and grace through Genesis 69. Be sure your group members note
that Noahs simple act of building the ark was his way of preaching Gods grace to his generation (cf. 1Pe
3:1920).

Option 2
Illustrated Mini-Lecture. Cover the key phrases from Option 1 (above) in a brief lecture, writing the phrases
and verses on the chalkboard as you talk. God is moved by injustice and evil. He will punish evil, yet he will
never abandon grace.

Interact
Option 1
Q & A. These early Genesis passages raise many questionsabout the universality of the flood, the extended ages of the preflood people, etc. You may want to let your group members discuss these questions and
the information provided in the features of the NIV Discovery Study Bible.
Option 2
Group Bible Study. Together look at each New Testament passage listed in Assignment 3 in Study Center 4.
It is clear that Jesus and the writers of the Epistles accepted the flood as a historic event. Together list lessons that the New Testament writers drew from this eventabout God, about Gods intentions and about
applications of these lessons to believers lives.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Recall. Ask each group member to focus on one incident from their childhood or adulthood in which he or
she was a victim of an injustice that has affected his or her life and still is troublesome when it is remembered. Each person is to write a description of what happened and the feelings the experience produced.
Those who wish to do so may share their experience with the group.
After volunteers have shared, ask your group members to close their eyes and picture God as Judge,
seated on his throne, hearing their case. Simply try to picture him, and then in silent prayer place the entire
matter in his hands for judgment.

Inspire
One value of this course is that it will enable your group members to think through the first five books of
the Old Testament, understanding the flow of events, the links between them and the significance of each.
This week introduce the Thinking Through the Word feature.
Thinking Through the Word. Write the following column titles across the chalkboard: Scripture, Event
and Significance. Under Scripture list the following references: Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3; Genesis
45; Genesis 69. Together fill in the remaining two columns. Then erase the chalkboard and have each
group member reproduce the chart on paper from memory. (Note: A sample chart Thinking Through the
Pentateuch can be found at the end of Lesson 11 in this Leaders Guide.)
Allowing your group members to think through these early chapters will help them realize how much
they are learning, reinforce what is being learned, and motivate them for next weeks study.
Invite volunteers to close in prayer.

ASSIGNMENT

Sacred history is about to take an important turn. Have your group members study the Background and
Mastery Keys for Study Centers 56. Group members should complete Assignments 14 in Study Center
5. Emphasize that only Assignment 2 in Study Center 6 is required. Reading Genesis 2550 and completing the other Assignments in Study Center 6 are optional.

LESSON 4
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56

Gods Covenant With Abraham

LESSON AIMS

To understand the pivotal role of the Abrahamic covenant in Scriptures unfolding story of redemption
To deepen confidence in God as one who gives purpose and direction to human history
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Center 5.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 5. Become familiar with the content of Study Center 6.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below. Concentrate on the provisions of the
Abrahamic covenant and their significance.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Option 1
Share. Invite your group members to give their impressions of Abraham as a person.
Option 2
Describe. Have each group member contribute one word that seems to best describe Abraham.

Inform
It is vital that your group members understand the role and nature of the Abrahamic covenant. Establishing
this understanding is your most important goal for this group session.
Option 1
Review. Discuss the Landmark The Abrahamic Covenant at Genesis 12. On the chalkboard list the column
headings Promises for Abrahams Lifetime and Promises Beyond Abrahams Lifetime. Together list
appropriate promises under each heading. Carefully go over how the beyond promises are being fulfilled
in history. Then explain the concept of an eschatological complete fulfillment.
Option 2
Report. Discuss the Landmark The Abrahamic Covenant at Genesis 12. Have your group members report
on what they discovered as they followed the Repeated Theme Covenant in the side column at Genesis
12:13.
Option 3
Summarize. Briefly state why the Abrahamic covenant is so significant. First, it specifies what God will surely
accomplish through human history. Second, it introduces Abraham and his descendants, the chosen people
through whom God will do what he has purposed and promised. Third, it is the key to understanding the
Old Testament as the story of how God is working out his purposes through the Jewish people. Fourth, it is
foundational for understanding the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, who is the focus ofand will ultimately bring to fulfillmentGods covenant promises.

Interact
Spend the remainder of your time discussing the topic of faith.
Option 1
Team Sharing. Divide into teams of five or six persons. Each person is to share what he or she learned
from the Landmark Solid Faith at Genesis 15 and from the Romans and Hebrews passages listed in
Assignment 3 in Study Center 5.
Option 2
Define. Ask each group member to write down his or her own definition of faith. Then work together as a
group to come up with a group definition. When your group members have agreed on a definition, review
the Landmark Solid Faith at Genesis 15 or review Romans 4 and use it to evaluate your groups definition.
Make any final changes to the group definition.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Mutual Ministry. Studying together in small groups often opens the door to mutual ministry and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Assignment 4 in Study Center 5 encouraged your students to see what they could
learn about a life of faith through Abrahams experiences. Sharing insights God provided as they did this
assignment is one of those opportunities for mutual ministry that your group members will have as they
work together to explore the Pentateuch.

Inspire
The Abrahamic covenant and its outworking in Old Testament history are evidence that God is in control
and that history is moving toward his intended conclusion.
Option 1
Defend. On the chalkboard write, God is in control. Ask your group members how they would use Genesis 12 to defend this statement. How important is it for a person to know and be convinced that God truly
is in control?
Option 2
Challenge. Remind your group members that the God who has a purpose in history also has a purpose for
each of their lives. Let volunteers close in prayer, thanking the Lord that neither history nor an individuals
life is meaningless. The God who created all has a purpose in all.

ASSIGNMENT

As you give next weeks assignment, fill in the historical gaps. Three generations of Abrahams descendants lived in Canaan, the promised land. Famine drove the family into Egypt, where they lived for some
400 years, much of it as slaves. They multiplied there. When the time was right for God to act on his
promise to these descendants of Abraham, he sent Moses to Egypts ruler. Through a series of miracles,
God forced Pharaoh to let Gods people go. Your group members should study the Mastery Keys in
Study Centers 78 and complete all the Assignments in Study Centers 78.

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LESSON 5
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78

God Frees the Israelites

LESSON AIMS

To
To
To
To

understand the significance of Gods revelation of his personal name

understand the relationship of Gods mighty acts in Egypt to the revelation of his name
introduce Moses, Israels deliverer and lawgiver
sense Gods living presence with each group member, both now and forever

PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 78.

Complete Assignments 13 in Study Center 7 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 8.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Exodus opens with the Israelites as slaves in Egypt. They have no personal experience of Gods greatness
and power.
Option 1
Identify. In the book of Judges, Gideon lamented, The LORD has abandoned us (Jdg 6:13). Have your
group members identify feelings that Gideon might have had at that moment. When a number of feelings
have been suggested, ask your group members to identify times during which they are most likely to feel
the way Gideon did.
Option 2
Discuss. Set the scene by reviewing the experience of the Israelites in Egypt. Point out that the Israelites
had passed down the story of Gods promises to Abraham from generation to generation, but as slaves
they were hardly experiencing Gods blessings. What would have been the most probable view of God held
by the Israelite slaves? What would have shaped that view?

Inform
God revealed his name and his power to, and through, the exodus generation.
Option 1
Outline. List the following points and corresponding questions on the chalkboard:

Israel is enslaved. What is likely their view of God?

Moses is commissioned. What is his reaction?
God reveals his name. What is its significance?
God performs miracles. Why were the miracles important?
Israel is set free. What is their view of God now?

Review the material in these important chapters by inviting your group members to answer these questions based on their study in preparation for this group session.

1 1

Option 2
Mini-Lecture. Briefly cover the significance of these opening chapters of Exodus and their impact on Biblical
faith. Key points to cover: Gods personal name, Yahweh (I AM), identifies him as The One Who Is Always
Present. Exodus 3:15 states that this is how God is to be remembered from generation to generation. We
are to know God as one who is present with us in our here and now.
The miracles God performed to free the slaves reveal his presence and his power. He is here. He has
power. He will act on behalf of his people. However weak we are or however weak we feel, we can remain
confident when we know God as The One Who Is Always Present.

Interact
Option 1
Group Bible Study. Assignment 1 in Study Center 7 instructed group members to underline verses that
show how God encouraged a reluctant Moses. Turn to Exodus 34. Have your group members read aloud
the verses they underlined. Then discuss how Gods words to Moses might apply to challenges you and
your group members face today.
Option 2
Essays. Assignment 4 in Study Center 8 instructed group members to look up and write about passages
that show how Gods miracles during the exodus shaped Israels expectations of God. Let two or three
group members read their short essays. Then look together at each text listed in Assignment 4 to pinpoint
the lasting impact of the exodus miracles on Israels concept of, and expectations of, God.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Share. Assign each group member one of the verses listed in Assignment 4 in Study Center 8. Using the
assigned passage, each person is to determine the situation and the expectation that was shaped by recalling Gods miracle-judgments. Have each group member share what he or she discovered. Then have each
group member share a personal situation and what he or she will expect in view of how God revealed himself to his people in freeing them from Egypt.

Inspire
Option 1
Thinking Through the Word. Have each group member write the following column titles on a piece of
paper: Scripture, Event and Significance. Under Scripture have each group member list the following
references: Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3; Genesis 45; Genesis 69; Genesis 1217; Exodus 14; Exodus 511. Have each group member complete the last two columns. When your group members have finished, go over each passage as a group, agreeing on each entry. (Note: A completed chart Thinking
Through the Pentateuch can be found at the end of Lesson 11 in this Leaders Guide.)
Option 2
Personalize. David wrote a psalm that captures the personal significance of knowing God as The One Who
Is Always Present. Close the group session by reading Psalm 23 in unison. Then have volunteers offer sentence prayers of thanks for Gods presence with us today.

ASSIGNMENT

Next week we will look at one of the most misunderstood themes in Scripture: the law that God gave to
Israel at Mount Sinai. Have your group members study the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 910 and complete all the Assignments in Study Centers 910. Encourage group members to complete the Self-Tests at the back of the NIV Discovery Study Bible each week.

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LESSON 6
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910

God Gives Israel Law

LESSON AIMS

To understand the historical necessity of Gods gift of law

To recognize the differences between the law covenant and the Old Testament promise covenants
To encourage group members to gladly choose Gods will daily
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 910.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 9 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 10.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
This weeks study focuses on the necessity for, and nature of, Old Testament law. Gods people could only
fulfill his purposes and be blessed if they maintained a close relationship with him. (Note: A detailed study
of the Ten Commandments is reserved for Lesson 10.)
Option 1
Predict. Two-year-old Matti has a mom who believes in letting her little darling do pretty much what he
pleases. He stays up as late as he wants, eats only what he wishes, grabs anything that attracts his attention, and generally shouts No whenever his mom tries to gain his cooperation. Invite your group members to predict the following: (1) What will Matti be like at age five? (2) What will he be like at age 15?
(3) Matti has been told never to go into the street. What will Matti do if a ball hes playing with rolls into
the street?
After listening to your group members predictions, invite their opinions on the importance of rules and
discipline in a childs life. Finally, ask them to compare the Israelites attitudes and actions as described in
Exodus 1218 with Mattis attitude and behavior.
Option 2
Discuss. One of the Mastery Keys for Study Center 9 states, The more consistent the kindness of God is,
the more rebellious the Israelites become. Ask your group members to support this statement with evidence from Exodus 1218 (see Assignment 1 in Study Center 9). Discuss what might have happened had
the Israelites been permitted to continue down this path of rebellion.

1 3

Inform
Option 1
Illustrated Mini-Lecture. Use the chalkboard to help your group members see the critical difference
between the Abrahamic (promise) covenant and the Mosaic (law) covenant as explained in the Landmark
The Law Covenant at Exodus 20.
The Two Covenants
c. 1830 B.C.

c. 1400 B.C.

Christ

Historys end

Abrahamic ____________________________________________________ Fulfilled

Law______________________|
You may wish to refer to Galatians 3:1723, which emphasizes the temporary nature of the law and
the fact that it was in force only until Christ came.
Option 2
Quiz. Have your group members take the following true or false quiz, which is based on the Landmark
The Law Covenant at Exodus 20:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The law covenant states what God will surely do in the future.
The fulfillment of the law covenant will take place at historys end.
Israelite generations that kept the law could expect earthly blessings.
The law was given to Israel as a way of salvation.
The term law covenant refers only to the Ten Commandments.

Cover key points by talking through the answers. Be sure that your group members understand the
relationship between eschatological blessings (the blessings at historys end) promised in the Abrahamic
covenant and the contemporary blessings available to generations of Israelites who were faithful to God
and kept his law. Use this illustration: Suppose a teen has a trust fund of one hundred million dollars that
will be turned over to him at age 50. It is his moneybut he will only receive it when he reaches age 50.
Suppose, however, that under certain conditions he will receive the interest earned by the trust before age
50. The Abrahamic covenant is like the hundred million dollars; it is to be paid out at historys end. The
Mosaic Law is like a statement of the conditions under which the Israelites would receive interest on the
promisesblessings in their here and now.

Interact
Option 1
Share. Invite comments and observations on the laws recorded in Exodus 1924.
Option 2
Select. Invite each group member to select one law from Exodus 2123 that reflects Gods concern for peoples well-being. Have each group member state the law he or she selected and explain what the law suggests about the Lords concern for his people.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Option 1
Brainstorm. Return to the illustration of Matti (see Option 1 of Introduce). Draw a time line identifying him
at the following ages: 2, 5, 15 and 20. Assume that his mom, patterning her relationship with Matti on
Gods relationship with Israel through the law, clearly states her expectations for his behavior and disciplines
him, using both rewards and punishments. What might Matti be like at each age?

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Option 2
Personal Time Line. Point out that God is at work in each of our lives to make us more like him and bring
us closer to him. Ask each person to take a sheet of paper and draw a time line of his or her Christian life,
identifying points at which God has disciplined or blessed him or her and noting how each experience of
discipline or blessing has affected his or her spiritual growth and relationship with God. When the time lines
are complete, divide into teams of three or four persons, and have the group members explain their time
lines to each other.

Inspire
Option 1
Summarize. The law was given not only to show the Israelites how to live in harmony with God, but also
to define Gods expectations for a people called to reveal his character to the world. The laws statement
of Gods expectations provided a basis on which God could discipline his people, as it promised blessing
(reward) for obedience and cursing (punishment) for disobedience. On the way to Sinai, Gods people had
acted like unruly two-year-old childrenrebellious and unresponsive to God. Through the law God was able
to guide and discipline his people.
Option 2
Discuss. Ask your group members what they have learned through this weeks study. What have they
learned about the nature of the law? The purpose of the law? The historical necessity for the law? Be sure
that your group members understand the points made in Option 1 (above). Point out that today, as was
true in Old Testament times, we need to live close to the Lord and do his will if we are to be blessed.

ASSIGNMENT

There are many chapters to cover for next week. Have your group members scrutinize Study Centers
1112, giving careful attention to the Background and Mastery Keys. They are to complete Assignments
12 in Study Center 11 and Assignments 12 in Study Center 12.

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LESSON 7
study

enters

1112

Worship and Sacrifice

LESSON AIMS

To understand Old Testament law as a blueprint for living in harmony with God and others
To understand the interrelationship of the major elements in Old Testament law
To realize that a persons relationship with God is to affect all other relationships in his or her life
as well
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 1112.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 11 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 12.
Study the Landmark The Old Testament Criminal Justice System at Leviticus 6.
Develop your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Option 1
Comments. Invite each group member to (1) state one thing that interested him or her in completing the
Assignments or (2) state one new thing he or she learned.
Option 2
Chalkboard Chart. Place the following chart on the chalkboard to show the interrelationship of the themes
covered in these chapters:
THEME

FUNCTION

KEYS

Laws

To state Gods expectations

Everything in life is to reflect

our relationship with God

Tabernacle

To provide a place of worship

and access to God

Tabernacle design reflects relational

truths, e.g., one door represents one
way to approach God

Sin

Breaks fellowship with God and

with others

Merits death penalty

Sacrifices

To restore fellowship with God

Acknowledge sin; rightness of death

penalty; God accepts death of a
substitute

Restitution required when others

are sinned against

Must set things right with others

before sacrifice is acceptable

To offer sacrifices; to represent

men before God

God alone can appoint

Priesthood

Point out that the Mosaic Law is a complex system in which each elementlaws, worship, sacrifices,
priesthood, etc.is intimately linked with every other element. We are to understand these elements in
their interrelationship with each other, not view any of them in isolation.

1 6

Inform
The law established tabernacle worship, the priesthood and sacrifice as well as ritual and moral standards.
Option 1
Study Teams. Divide into teams of five or six persons. Each team is to prepare one of the following projects
by using the features and charts in the NIV Discovery Study Bible. Each team is to report its findings to the
group. The projects are:
Draw a blueprint of the tabernacle and identify spiritual truths reflected in its design.
Prepare a chart contrasting the Old Testament and the U.S. criminal justice systems.
Prepare a list of lessons God taught his people through the sacrificial system.
Option 2
Mini-Lecture. Briefly cover the three issues identified above (the significance of the tabernacle, the criminal
justice system and the sacrificial system).

Interact
Use this activity only if you selected Option 2 as a way to cover the Inform material.
Discuss. Working from the Landmark The Old Testament Criminal Justice System at Leviticus 6, carefully compare and contrast the U.S. and the Old Testament criminal justice systems. Discuss the pros and
cons of each. What elements of the Old Testament system might be realistically applied in the U.S. system?

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Option 1
Group Bible Study. Look together at the story of the golden calf (Ex 32:134:14). What do we learn about
God from these chapters? About Moses? About prayer? About the need for the priesthood and sacrificial
system?
Option 2
Group Bible Study. Look together at the story of Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:13). What lessons might the
Israelites have derived from this incident? What lessons does this incident have for us?

Inspire
Option 1
Challenge. Remind your group members that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives. He has
expectationsbut he has provided not only the forgiveness we need when we fail, but also access to him
through Christ our high priest.
Option 2
Thinking Through the Word. Have each group member write the following column titles on a piece of
paper: Scripture, Event and Significance. Under Scripture have each group member list the following
references: Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3; Genesis 45; Genesis 69; Genesis 1217; Exodus 14; Exodus 511; Exodus 1218; Exodus 1924; Exodus 2540; Leviticus 110. Have each group member complete the last two columns. When your group members have finished, go over each passage as a group,
agreeing on each entry. (Note: A completed chart Thinking Through the Pentateuch can be found at the
end of Lesson 11 in this Leaders Guide.)

ASSIGNMENT

Study the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 1314. Group members should complete
Assignments 14 in Study Center 13 and Assignments 13 in Study Center 14. Encourage your group
members to take the Self-Test for each Study Center as well.
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LESSON 8
study

enters

1314

Holiness
LESSON AIMS

To understand ritual and moral uncleanness and the significance of the Day of Atonement
To explore the Old Testament social justice system and compare it to the U.S. welfare system
To sense the significance of regular, consistent worship and celebration
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 1314.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 13 and Assignments 13 in Study Center 14.
Take the Self-Tests for Study Centers 1314 (located in the back of the NIV Discovery Study Bible).
Develop your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
There are many important topics to cover in this group session. Select from the options below to expedite
coverage.
Option 1
Quiz. Write the following questions on the chalkboard (see the Self-Tests for Study Centers 1314 at the
back of the NIV Discovery Study Bible). Have group members jot down answers. Then let volunteers raise
their hands to answer. Determine the topics on which you will need to spend most of your time by observing how many hands are raised and how accurate the group members answers are.
1.
2.
3.
4.

How was an Israelite affected by being unclean?

In its association with the Day of Atonement, why is the phrase all the sins important?
How did blood sacrifice prepare Gods people for Christ?
What New Testament book develops the significance of Christs crucifixion as a blood
sacrifice?
5. What are two of the six social mechanisms in Old Testament law designed to reduce
poverty?
6. Explain the economic significance of the sabbath year.
7. Explain the economic significance of the Year of Jubilee.
Option 2
Quiz. Give the quiz in Option 1 (above), but rather than review the answers immediately, proceed with the
first Inform activity (below).

Inform
Option 1
Team Study and Reports. Divide the group into teams of five or six persons to review the following topics
and report to the group:
Team 1: Explain the consequences of being unclean. List the kinds of things that could
cause ritual uncleanness according to Leviticus 1122.

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Team 2: Compare Leviticus 4:2,13,22,27; 5:15,18 with Leviticus 16:2930. Explain the significance of the differences you discover.
Team 3: Review the Landmark Blood Sacrifice at Leviticus 17. Explain how this feature of
Old Testament religion prepared Gods people to understand the meaning of the
crucifixion.
Team 4: Review the Landmark The Old Testament Social Justice System at Leviticus 25.
Summarize its features, paying special attention to the economic significance of
the sabbath year.
Team 5: Review the Landmark The Old Testament Social Justice System at Leviticus 25.
Summarize its features, paying special attention to the economic significance of
the Year of Jubilee.
Option 2
Mini-Lecture. Cover each of the questions raised in the quiz (above). Have your group members check their
answers as you cover each topic. Let your group members raise questions as you go through the answers.

Interact
Bible Application. Leviticus 23 reviews weekly and annual times set aside to worship. Read through the
chapter together and stop any time your group members see a worship principle that Christians might
apply. For instance, verse 3 sets aside time to focus on God weekly; verses 45 set aside time to remember
and celebrate what God has done for us; verses 48 set aside periods of several days to be with other
believers and recall Gods grace.
Encourage discussion of how these principles might be implemented. For instance, verses 48 could
be implemented by taking a vacation with other Christian families and holding a nightly hymn sing.

Inspire
Option 1
Exhort. In the Old Testament, holiness required Israel to adopt a lifestyle entirely different from that of surrounding nations. Holiness for Christians is both different and similar to Old Testament holiness. While we
are called to live among people of the world, we are also called to be different, that is, we are to live out
Christs values and priorities.
Option 2
Responsive Reading. Read Psalm 96 responsively, alternating the reading of verses between yourself and
the group.

ASSIGNMENT

The Israelites are about to leave Mount Sinai, where they have been camped for a year, to head toward
Canaan. But Israels refusal to respond to the Lord turns a trip that should have taken only a few weeks
into a journey lasting 38 years! Have your group members examine the Background and Mastery Keys in
Study Centers 1516. They can skim the 36 chapters of Numbers, but they should do all the Assignments in Study Centers 1516.

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LESSON 9
study

enters

1516

The Road to Canaan

LESSON AIMS

To understand the significance of events that took place after receiving Gods law as Israel traveled
from Mount Sinai to Canaan
To sense the importance of trust in, and responsiveness to, God
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Centers 1516.

Complete Assignments 14 in Study Center 15 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 16.
Create your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Option 1
Map Study. Trace the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to Canaan. On the map indicate places
where significant events took place, especially Israels refusal to enter Canaan (Nu 14) and Balaams curse
(Nu 22).
Option 2
Outline. Write on the chalkboard the following simple outline of Numbers to bring the flow of events into
clear perspective:
Numbers 110

Preparation for travel and the first census

Numbers 1114

Discontent and discipline on the way

Numbers 1521

Wanderings

Numbers 2225

Balaams empty curses

Numbers 26

The second census

Numbers 2736

Prospects of life in Canaan

Together look at the Mastery Keys in Study Centers 1516 to establish the significance of these
segments.

Inform
Focus on four themes developed in these chapters: the introduction of discipline, the rebellion at Kadesh
Barnea, Balaams failed curse, and the second census. Be sure your group members understand the significance of each.
Option 1
Group Bible Study. Together look up and compare the passages specified in Assignment 2 in Study Center
15. Discuss the questions listed there. Your group members should see that with the law given, God had a
basis for disciplining his people. It should also be clear that the Israelites needed to experience consequences if they were to become an obedient people whom God could bless.
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Option 2
Mini-Lecture. Briefly mention Israels refusal to enter Canaan and the consequence of that decision: The
generation that had been freed from Egypt would die in the wilderness, but their children would enter the
promised land. Balaams curseseven his attempt to corrupt Israel and turn God against his peoplefailed
because God was committed to keeping his promises. Note that the second census (a census of the new
generation) indicates that the Israelites lost no numerical strength during the 38 years of wandering. By
learning obedience, the new generation was spiritually prepared for the conquest (cf. Dt 4:4).

Interact
Option 1
Comparative Bible Study. Check other Old and New Testament references to the rebellion at Kadesh
Barnea. As you read the references, have your group members suggest lessons that believers today might
apply to their lives. Concentrate particularly on the link between disobedience and unbelief that is emphasized in Hebrew 3.
Option 2
Share. In teams of six persons or together as a group, have group members share what they discovered in
their study of Moses prayer life (see Assignment 3 in Study Center 15).
Option 3
Debate. If the issue of capital punishment is a concern, invite a debate on the following proposition: The
death penalty should be imposed for every murder. Each side can support its position from teaching found
in Numbers 35. If you choose this option, line up debaters prior to the group session.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Circle Sharing. Invite each group member to share a favorite verse of Scripture and link it in some way to
something in the first four books of the Old Testament.

Inspire
Encourage. Summarize the motives of Balaam and his failed attempt to turn God against the Israelites (see
Assignment 2 in Study Center 16). Emphasize Numbers 23:23. God is committed to his people and will
bless them no matter how others seek to harm them. This is also true for us!

ASSIGNMENT

The book of Deuteronomy contains sermons of Moses that review Gods law and expand some elements. Your group members will need to study the Mastery Keys for Study Centers 1718 and complete
Assignment 1 in Study Center 17 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 18.

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LESSON 10
study

enters

1718

Love and Law

LESSON AIMS

To identify the relationship between Old Testament law and love

To gain a deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments
To sense love that infuses all that the Lord asks of us
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys for Study Centers 1718.
Complete Assignment 1 in Study Center 17 and Assignments 14 in Study Center 18.
Develop your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for each of your group members.

Introduce
Love plays a significant and complex role in Old Testament law. Love motivated the Lord to give Israel law,
for God could bless them only if they lived in fellowship with him and if their choices were in harmony with
his moral character. At the same time, only love for God rooted in awareness of who he is and what he has
done could motivate Israels heartfelt obedience. Begin this group session by establishing these fundamental concepts.
Option 1
Mini-Lecture. Review references in Deuteronomy 14 to ways God has shown his love for Israel.
Option 2
Recall. From their reading in Deuteronomy 511, have your group members recall links between love and
law. As your group members suggest links, list them on the chalkboard.

Inform
Option 1
List. Assignment 1 in Study Center 18 instructed your group members to read Deuteronomy 511 and
underline references to love. Go through these chapters together, identifying each love reference. On the
chalkboard list stated or implied elements of the relationship between love and law.
Option 2
Quiz. Ask your group members to list the Ten Commandments in order.

Interact
Option 1
Chart Study. Discuss the chart at Deuteronomy 5 that summarizes the Ten Commandments. Point out that
while the boundaries stated for Israel focus on behavior, each commandment has deeper implications.
Encourage your group members to expand the implications suggested in the right-hand column of the
chart.

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Option 2
Team Study. Divide the group into teams of five or six persons. Give each team two of the commandments
to study. Each team is to read the Biblical texts and list behaviors that are prohibited. Then each team is to
list implications of the commandment that go beyond those behaviors. Each team is then to report to the
group.

Internalize

(OPTIONAL)

Share. Read the exhortation in Deuteronomy 10:1222. Assignment 4 of Study Center 18 asked group
members to write several paragraphs on how they might apply Moses exhortation to their own lives. Sit in
a circle and have each group member read one or two of the paragraphs he or she wrote and share further
on how he or she sees the exhortation to Israel being applied to his or her own life.

Inspire
Challenge. Read the exhortation in Deuteronomy 10:1222. Ask each group member to silently apply this
exhortation to his or her own life. Have volunteers close with sentence prayers.

ASSIGNMENT

Themes introduced in Deuteronomy 1226 include recognition of prophets and rules for warfare. Have
your group members complete Assignments 13 in Study Center 19. Because they are responsible for
only one Study Center next week, have them go back and complete Assignment 2 in Study Center 17.

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LESSON 11
study

enter

19

Special Instructions
LESSON AIMS

To survey themes in Deuteronomy 1226

To conduct reviews that will enhance group members understanding of the Pentateuch
To introduce the college certification option
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Center 19.

Complete Assignments 13 in Study Center 19.
Complete Assignment 2 in Study Center 17.
Duplicate the chart Thinking Through the Pentateuch (located at the end of this lesson plan)
to distribute to each group member.
Develop your own lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Option 1
Page Through Deuteronomy. Together page through Deuteronomy 1226. Many of the themes there are
familiar, as they were introduced earlier in Exodus, Leviticus or Numbers. Focus attention on the new
themes: the one place of worship (Dt 12), the tests for prophets (Dt 18) and the rules for conducting war
(Dt 20). The Mastery Keys indicate aspects of these themes to emphasize.
Option 2
Solicit Comments. Invite your group members to comment on, or ask questions about, anything of interest
they found in Deuteronomy 1226. Be sure your group members understand the rules for identifying true
prophets and the distinction between rules for conducting war with the peoples of Canaan and those for
conducting war with peoples outside Canaan.

Inform
During this and the remaining group sessions, much time should be given to various forms of review.
Review is important in helping your group members achieve the goal of understanding the Pentateuch.
Select at least two of the following review approaches.
Option 1
Review Key Chapters. Divide your group into three-person teams. Each team is to agree on the content and
significance of the following chapters: Genesis 1,2,3,6,12,15; Exodus 1,3,12,1920,2123,40; Leviticus
3,16,23; Numbers 14,26; Deuteronomy 5,6,18. Then go over the material together as a group.
Option 2
Quiz. Divide your group into teams of five or six persons. Each team is to identify the source of the following themes in a specific book and chapter of the Pentateuch. When teams are finished, go over the themes
as a group and review the significance of each. The themes are: (1) the revelation of Gods personal name,
Yahweh; (2) the revelation of God as Creator; (3) the revelation of salvation by faith; (4) the revelation of
Gods creation of human beings in his image; (5) the revelation of Gods purposes in history; (6) the revelation of the impact of sin on humankind; (7) the revelation of forgiveness of even intentional sins; (8) the
2 4

revelation of Gods role as moral Judge; (9) the revelation of basic moral principles for relating to God and
other persons; (10) the institution of the Passover; (11) the initiation of tabernacle worship; (12) the initiation of the sacrificial system; (13) the link between faith and obedience; (14) the link between love and
obedience.
Option 3
Thinking Through the Word. Have each group member write the following column titles on a piece of
paper: Scripture, Event and Significance. Under Scripture have each group member list the following
references: Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3; Genesis 45; Genesis 69; Genesis 1217; Exodus 14; Exodus 511; Exodus 1218; Exodus 1924; Exodus 2540; Leviticus 110; Leviticus 1122; Leviticus 2327;
Numbers 110; Numbers 1114; Numbers 1526; Numbers 2737; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy
511; Deuteronomy 1226. Have each group member complete the last two columns. When your group
members have finished, go over each passage as a group, agreeing on each entry. (Note: A completed
chart can be found following this lesson plan.)

Interact
Course Certification. Introduce the possiblity of Certificates and challenge your students to work toward certification in all eight of the courses built into their Discovery Study Bibles. A certificate for this course can be
downloaded from Zondervans NIV Discovery Study Bible web site (www.zondervan.com\discoverybible), to
be signed by you and your churchs pastor.
See how many want to continue with you or another teacher in these studies, and encourge them to
sign up for the next course to be offered in your congregation. If more than one course is being offered,
briefly preview each so your students can make an informed choice.

Inspire
Scripture Reading. Read Psalm 119:8996 in unison. Let group members express thanks to God in prayer
for his Word and for what it means to them personally.

ASSIGNMENT

Study the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Center 20 and complete Assignments 13 in Study
Center 20. Encourage your group members to review the main themes of the Pentateuch several times,
using the chart they created in this lesson. Give each group member a copy of the chart entitled Thinking Through the Pentateuch. (Note: This chart can be found immediately following this lesson plan.)
Compliment your group members on any progress they display.
Now is also a good time to pick another Exploring course for the next quarters study.

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Thinking Through the Pentateuch

REFERENCE

CONTENT

SIGNIFICANCE

Ge 1

Creation account

God is all-powerful

Ge 2

Creation of humankind

Human beings are special

Ge 3

The fall (Adams sin)

Human beings are flawed

Ge 45

Consequences of the fall

Human beings are spiritually dead

Ge 69

The Genesis flood

God is the moral judge

Ge 1225

Gods covenant with Abraham

God reveals his purposes in history

Ge 2550

Tracing the covenant promises

Gods promises were to the Jewish people

Ex 14

God calls Moses

God reveals the name Yahweh

Ex 511

God delivers the Israelites

God intervenes in history to keep

his covenant promises

Ex 1218

Israel journeys to Sinai

Gods people are undisciplined, unresponsive

Ex 1920

God gives Israel ten commands

God establishes standards

Ex 2124

God reveals case laws

God applies standards to specific situations

Ex 2540

Gods people build a tabernacle

Worship is vital to Gods people

Lev 110

The sacrificial system is instituted

Violations of the law require blood sacrifice

Lev 1122

Old Testament holiness is defined

Gods people are to be set apart

Lev 2327

An annual worship calendar is set

Gods people are to celebrate and worship him

Nu 110

The Israelites prepare to travel

Nu 1114

The Israelites doubt God and rebel

Unbelief and disobedience are destructive

Nu 1526

Thirty-eight years of wandering

The exodus generation dies out

Nu 2737

Looking beyond the conquest

Gods promises are sure and certain

Dt 14

Moses reviews sacred history

God has been faithful

Dt 511

Love and law are inseparable

Love motivates both God and people

Dt 1226

Moses reviews various laws

Dt 2734

Moses encourages commitment

before he dies

Obedience will bring blessing;

disobedience will bring disaster

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LESSON 12
study

enter

20

What Lies Ahead?

LESSON AIMS

To grasp the significance of the blessings and curses predicted in Deuteronomy 28

To continue reviews that will enhance group members understanding of the Pentateuch
PREPARATION

Read the Background and Mastery Keys in Study Center 20.

Complete Assignments 13 in Study Center 20.
Review the relationship between the Abrahamic covenant and law covenants as presented in Lesson
6 of this Leaders Guide.
Be able to recall from memory the chart entitled Thinking Through the Pentateuch (located at the end
of Lesson 11 of this Leaders Guide).
Develop your lesson plan by selecting from the options below.
Pray daily for your group members.

Introduce
Option 1
Page Through Deuteronomy. Together page through Deuteronomy 2734, allowing group members to
make observations or raise questions.
Option 2
Illustrated Mini-Lecture. Use the chalkboard to help your group members see the critical difference
between the Abrahamic (promise) covenant and the Mosaic (law) covenant, as explained in the Landmark
The Law Covenant at Exodus 20.
The Two Covenants
c. 1830 B.C.

c. 1400 B.C.

Christ

Historys end

Abrahamic ____________________________________________________ Fulfilled

Law______________________|
You may wish to refer to Galatians 3:1723, which emphasizes the temporary nature of the law and
the fact that it was in force only until Christ.
Be sure that your group members understand the relationship between the eschatological blessings
promised in the Abrahamic covenant and the contemporary blessings available to generations of Israelites
who were faithful to God and kept his law. Use the following illustration: Suppose a teen has a trust fund
of one hundred million dollars that will be turned over to him at age 50. The money is hisbut he will only
receive it when he reaches age 50. But suppose that before age 50, under certain conditions, he will
receive the interest earned by the trust. The Abrahamic covenant is like the one hundred million dollars
it will be paid out at historys end. The Mosaic Law is like a statement of the conditions under which the
Israelites would receive interest on the promisesblessings in their here and now.

2 7

Inform
Option 1
Introduce Deuteronomy 28. Emphasize the fact that the blessings and curses in this chapter are predictive,
that is, they are promises and warnings of what lies ahead for Israel depending on whether or not Gods
people remain faithful to him and his law. The prophets would later return to this passage repeatedly to
interpret national disasters. Because Israel did not remain faithful, this chapter is in essence a preview of
Israels history.
Illustrate this concept by comparing the curses predicted in Deuteronomy 28:1568 with the events
described in Amos 4:611 (see Assignment 2 in Study Center 20).
Option 2
Reports. Invite group members to report what they discovered as they followed the Repeated Theme Scatter in the side column at Deuteronomy 28:64 (see Assignment 2 in Study Center 20). This activity illustrates the predictive significance of Deuteronomy 28 as well as the conditional nature of the law covenant.

Interact
Conduct a review of the Pentateuch, using an approach you did not use last week. Select from the following four options.
Option 1
Review Key Chapters. Divide your group into three-person teams. Each team is to agree on the content and
significance of the following chapters: Genesis 1,2,3,6,12,15; Exodus 1,3,12,1920,2123,40; Leviticus
3,16,23; Numbers 14,26; Deuteronomy 5,6,18. Then go over the material together as a group.
Option 2
Quiz. Divide your group into teams of five or six persons. Each team is to identify the source of the following themes in a specific book and chapter of the Pentateuch. When teams are finished, go over the themes
as a group and review the significance of each. The themes are: (1) the revelation of Gods personal name,
Yahweh; (2) the revelation of God as Creator; (3) the revelation of salvation by faith; (4) the revelation of
Gods creation of human beings in his image; (5) the revelation of Gods purposes in history; (6) the revelation of the impact of sin on humankind; (7) the revelation of forgiveness of even intentional sins; (8) the
revelation of Gods role as moral Judge; (9) the revelation of basic moral principles for relating to God and
other persons; (10) the institution of the Passover; (11) the initiation of tabernacle worship; (12) the initiation of the sacrificial system; (13) the link between faith and obedience; (14) the link between love and
obedience.
Option 3
Thinking Through the Word. Have each group member write the following column titles on a piece of
paper: Scripture, Event and Significance. Under Scripture have each group member list the following
references: Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3; Genesis 45; Genesis 69; Genesis 1217; Exodus 14; Exodus 511; Exodus 1218; Exodus 1924; Exodus 2540; Leviticus 110; Leviticus 1122; Leviticus 2327;
Numbers 110; Numbers 1114; Numbers 1526; Numbers 2737; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy
511; Deuteronomy 1226. Have each group member complete the last two columns. When your group
members have finished, go over each passage as a group, agreeing on each entry. (Note: A completed
chart Thinking Through the Pentateuch can be found at the end of Lesson 11 in this Leaders Guide.)
Option 4
Self-Test Review. Together work through the Self-Tests for Study Centers 120 that are located in the back
of the NIV Discovery Study Bible.

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Inspire
Scripture Reading. Deuteronomy 28 looks ahead at Israels future. Psalm 78 looks back at Israels past. Both
passages relate the story of decades of tragedy and celebrate Gods faithfulness. Seat your group members
in a circle and read through Psalm 78, with each person in turn reading one verse.

ASSIGNMENT

Encourage your group members to review the Mastery Keys in Study Centers 120 and take the SelfTests located in the back of the NIV Discovery Study Bible. Also encourage them to think during the
week about what they have learned and how they have grown during this intensive study of Gods Word.

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LESSON 13

Celebrate!
LESSON AIMS

To confirm to each group member how much he or she has gained from this study
To celebrate the Lord and his revelation of himself, his purposes and his promises in the first five books
of the Old Testament
PREPARATION

Review the Mastery Keys in all 20 studies in the Pentateuch.

Review the Self-Tests for all 20 studies.
Pray for each of your group members daily.

Introduce
Test. Begin by giving a test, the questions for which are drawn from the Self-Tests for each study. Go over
the answers as a group, but remember that your goal is not to grade the tests, but to help your group
members realize how much they have learned through this study. You can simply copy the test that
follows this lesson plan or prepare a test of your own that reflects themes you have emphasized in the
group sessions.

Interact
Celebrate. Celebrate by inviting your group members to share what has been special to them as you have
studied Gods Word together. Share any blessings they have received, any truths that have enriched their
lives, and any spiritual growth they have experienced.
Be sure to celebrate how preparing these studies and spending time with your group has blessed you!

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P E N TAT E U C H S T U DY T E S T

1. What are two things that can be deduced about God from his creation?

2. What is the significance of the phrase in our image, in our likeness (Ge 1:26)?

3. Did Adam and Eve die when they ate the forbidden fruit?

4. What was the purpose of the flood described in Genesis 6?

5. Name three of the promises contained in the Abrahamic covenant.

6. What name of God was given to Moses? What is its significance?

7. Give one reason for the miracle-judgments God brought on Egypt.

8. Where were the Israelites when Gods law was given?

9. What demonstrated that the Israelites needed Gods law?

10. What kinds of sins could not be cleansed by sacrifices offered by individuals?

11. What is one distinctive of the Old Testament criminal justice system?

12. How was an Israelite affected by being unclean?

13. Identify one of the six social mechanisms in Old Testament law designed to
reduce poverty.

14. What is the Old Testament distinction between murder and manslaughter?

15. What were the consequences of the disobedience at Kadesh Barnea?

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