How does Exodus 35 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts? Setting the Scene in Exodus 35 • After Moses reiterates the Sabbath, he invites the people to bring free-will offerings so the tabernacle can be fashioned (Exodus 35:4-9). • Verses 10-19 list every article required; verse 17 falls in the middle of that list. • The Holy Spirit then empowers Bezalel and Oholiab with “wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:31-35). Focus on Exodus 35:17—Pieces for the Altar “the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin with its stand;” (Exodus 35:17) • A single verse, yet it highlights multiple distinct items—each one essential to acceptable worship. • None of these pieces functions alone; together they facilitate the offering that points to atonement. Parallel Between Physical Pieces and Spiritual Gifts • Just as the altar ensemble required multiple parts, the New Testament church requires multiple Spirit-given abilities. • 1 Corinthians 12:4-6: “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit… the same Lord… the same God.” • Diversity of pieces, unity of purpose—whether bronze grating or gift of teaching, all serve one sacrificial focal point: Christ. The Holy Spirit’s Endowment in Exodus 35 • Exodus 35:31-32: “He has filled him with the Spirit of God… to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze.” • The first explicit mention of someone “filled with the Spirit” in Scripture is for practical craftsmanship. • Skill is not merely human talent; it is Spirit-bestowed for the glory of God. New Testament Echo: Varieties of Gifts, One Lord • Romans 12:4-6 reminds us that “we have different gifts according to the grace given us.” • 1 Peter 4:10: “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Like altar poles or utensils, every believer’s gift is God-issued property to be put into circulation for the body’s good. Purpose: Building a Dwelling for God • The tabernacle pieces enabled God’s visible dwelling among Israel. • Ephesians 2:19-22 says we are now “being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.” • Spiritual gifts create the living architecture of the church—Christ’s present-day sanctuary. Variety and Unity—Each Piece Matters • The bronze grating illustrates strength; the basin speaks of cleansing; poles provide mobility. • 1 Corinthians 12:18: “God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.” • No gift is redundant; removing one piece weakens the whole structure. Stewardship and Willing Hearts • Exodus 35 repeatedly notes the “willing” hearts of the people (vv. 21, 22, 29). • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” Generosity applies to time and skill as well as treasure. Application: Serving Today with Spirit-Empowered Craftsmanship • Identify your gift—whether speaking, serving, leading, creating, or giving. • Offer it willingly, as Israel offered materials, trusting God to assemble the pieces. • Collaborate: gifts interlock like poles to altar, each enabling the other to function. • Keep Christ central; every gift ultimately supports the once-for-all sacrifice He made. |
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