The End of the Beginning

Exodus 35:1–40:38

Four Principles for Living and Working with God:

God gifts His people for serving Him.

1. The people of Israel building the Tabernacle. (35:30–36:2; see also 31:1-6)
2. The people of the church. (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; see also Ephesians 1:19; 3:7, 20-21; 4:7-16; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

God’s people are to obey Him completely.

1. To obey His commands. (35-40; 24:3, 7; Leviticus 19:37; Deuteronomy 8:1; 11:1; John 14:15; 2 Corinthians 2:9)
2. To do His work His way. (compare chapters 25-31 with 35-40; 39:32, 42-43; 35:1-3; cf. 25:8-9, 40; 26:30; 31:32, 42-43; see also 1 Corinthians 14:40; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; Ephesians 6:10-20)

God’s people are to bless others and their faithful work.

1. Moses’ example. (39:43)
2. Our practice. (Romans 16:10-15, 23; Philippians 1:15-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4; 3 John 12)

God demonstrates His approval with His presence and direction.

1. To Moses and all Israel. (40:34-38; see also 25:8-9)
2. To us. (see Psalm 90:17; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)