11: Apostasy and Intercession — Teaching Plan

Key Thought: With Moses on the mount with God, the people threatened Aaron with death. He made a golden calf, which Israel worshipped as their God. Moses interceded for them, and God relented.
September 13, 2025

1. Have a volunteer read Exodus 32:1-6.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
How was it possible for Aaron’s leadership to fail so dramatically?
Personal Application: Have you ever shown weakness in the face of an adversary? How have you tried to justify your compromise? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What was the result of Israel’s idolatry in the desert? Because they rejected the God of Moses as their Saviour, how did it affect their mindset and actions? ” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Exodus 32:7-14.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why did God send Moses down from the mountain to the camp of Israel?
Personal Application: What idols do we worship or substitute for God today? Share your thoughts.
(Note: pride, money, power, sex, food, TV, drugs, alcohol, pornography, work, sports, family, shopping, politics, music, etc.)
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why did Moses respond to God’s threat to destroy Israel in the way he did? If it were me listening to all the complaining and blaming and whining, I would have let God destroy them and start over like He suggested.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Exodus 32:15-29.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What was Moses’ reaction when he got to the camp of the Israelites?
Personal Application: Seeing that Moses’ prayers saved Israel from destruction, how important is it to us to identify those who need prayer and fervently pray for them? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: Why did Aaron tell Moses it wasn’t his fault, that the people made him, and claim it was magic that when he cast the jewellery into the fire, out came this calf?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Exodus 32:30-32.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
How far did Moses go for his intercession for sinners?
Personal Application: How can we pray with or for others without being offensive or disrespectful? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Inform the class about your plans for the week and share them with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).