Preparing for Sunday - Exodus 22-23

June 2, 2026 by Joel Conrad Preparing for Sunday

Prepare your heart for our Sunday Morning Gathering by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together.

You will find tangible suggestions for putting scripture to action in your personal life and in our corporate body, links to the songs we will sing, and lyrics for you to prepare for our corporate singing.

Critically Think

Read Exodus 22-23?
As we are picking up where we left off last summer, go back to the previous sections and read/refamiliarize yourself with the sections of Exodus that come before chapters 22-23. Also consider listening to the preceding sermon on Exodus 21 from the series on Exodus.
Exodus 22 opens with restitution laws for theft and property damage. What does the required repayment reveal about God’s view of justice?
In 22:21–27, what categories of vulnerable people receive special protection? What reasons does God give for these commands?
Verse 28 commands respect for both God and rulers. What might be the significance of pairing these commands together? And might this suggest about God’s view of authority?
Carefully read 23:1-9 and write out the different forms of justice and injustice that are addressed in each verse.
Compare the Sabbath day law (23:12) with the sabbatical year law (23:10–11). Who benefits from these rhythms of rest? What does that reveal about God’s priorities?
In 23:20–23, what does the text tell us about the “angel” sent before Israel?
Why does God say He will drive out Israel’s enemies “little by little” (23:29–30) rather than immediately?

Prayerfully Meditate

When you think about justice, are you more concerned with punishment for wrongdoers or restoration for those harmed? How should these passages shape your thinking?
God shows deep concern for the vulnerable (e.g., the stranger, the poor, widows, orphans, and those who are in debt). Does your own heart reflect the compassion of God, or do you see patterns of indifference?
Consider again the forms of justice and injustice with which 23:1-9 is concerned (e.g., bearing false report, allowing social pressure to influence judgment, showing favoritism, etc.). Have you treated someone unfairly because of assumptions rather than careful consideration of the facts, incomplete information, personal biases, or the influence of others?
In 23:13, 24, 32–33, Israel was warned to avoid idolatrous influences or surrounding pagan practices. What modern influences compete for your trust, hope, affections, and obedience?

Intentionally Act

Who in your life currently falls under the category of vulnerable, overlooked, or easily ignored? What are practical ways that you can extend mercy to them?
Reflecting on the forms of justice and injustice addressed in 23:1-9 and the situations that came to mind in the related question above, what would it look like to respond more faithfully before God? Are there situations in which you should pursue reconciliation or attempt to make things right?
Exodus 23 warns against “joining the crowd” or giving into social pressures in wrongdoing. In what situations might you need courage to live in accordance with Truth and stand apart from “the crowd”?
In light of the warnings and commands in 23:13-33, what boundaries do you need to establish against spiritual compromise (e.g., entertainment influences, voices with different worldviews, “functional idols”, etc.)?
Click the links below to find the lyrics and recordings of the songs planned for our gathering this Sunday; learn the songs, study the lyrics and sing them with others.
Pray for those leading our corporate gathering this week and for the Holy Spirit’s work as the Word of God is further explained and applied: Colton Honigman: music; Mark Krystyniak: elder prayer & scripture reading; Bret Capranica: teaching.

Songs for Sunday

Morning Gathering

Lyrics

Lyrics Morning Gathering - June 7, 2026 by Summit Woods Baptist Church