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I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

📖 Week 7 — Sinai: A Holy God and a Holy People

Main Reading: Exodus 19–20
Theme: Holiness, Covenant Identity, and the Voice of God
Messianic Focus: Yeshua as the One Who Fulfills and Deepens the Torah

🌿 Overview

This portion marks one of the most defining moments in all of Scripture:
God descends on Mount Sinai and speaks directly to His people.

The portion begins with God telling Moses:

קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ — “You shall be holy”

But this theme is rooted in a bigger word:

קָדוֹשׁ — Kadosh

  • Pronounced: kah-DOHSH
  • Meaning: holy, set apart, distinct

At Sinai, God reveals:

  • His holiness
  • His covenant
  • His voice
  • His law (Torah)
  • His desire for a people who reflect His character

Israel is called to be:

מַמְלֶכֶת כֹּהֲנִים וְגוֹי קָדוֹשׁ

“A kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
(Exodus 19:6)

Holiness becomes the heartbeat of covenant identity.

🌿 Key Scriptures

TopicScripture
Israel arrives at SinaiExodus 19:1–6
Preparation for God’s presenceExodus 19:7–15
God descends on the mountainExodus 19:16–25
The Ten Words (Commandments)Exodus 20:1–17
The people tremble at God’s voiceExodus 20:18–21

🌿 Supporting Readings

  • Prophets / Writings: Psalm 29; Psalm 93; Isaiah 6:1–7
  • Messianic Writings: Matthew 5–7; Hebrews 12:18–29; James 2:8–12

🌿 Hebrew Notes (Integrated)

1. Kadosh — קָדוֹשׁ — “Holy, set apart”

The central theme of Sinai.
God is holy, and His people are called to reflect His holiness.

2. Torah — תּוֹרָה — “Instruction, teaching, guidance”

  • Pronounced: toh-RAH
    Torah is not merely “law”; it is God’s loving instruction.

3. Aseret HaDibrot — עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת — “The Ten Words”

  • Often called “The Ten Commandments,” but literally Ten Words
    These are covenant principles that shape all of life.

4. Kol — קוֹל — “Voice”

Israel hears the kol Elohim, the voice of God.
This is the only time in history God spoke audibly to an entire nation.

🌿 Messianic Connection

Yeshua declares in Matthew 5:

“Do not think I have come to abolish the Torah…
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”

He:

  • Lives Torah perfectly
  • Reveals its deepest meaning
  • Writes it on our hearts by the Spirit
  • Makes us a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)

Just as God called Israel to be set apart, Messiah calls His disciples to be:

  • salt
  • light
  • distinct
  • holy
    through love, obedience, humility, and truth.

The Ten Words become the foundation for Kingdom living in the Sermon on the Mount.

🌿 Moral and Spiritual Application

Sinai teaches us:

  • God is not distant — He comes near
  • God’s voice guides His people
  • Holiness is both calling and identity
  • Obedience flows from relationship
  • God reveals His character through His commands

We are invited into a life that reflects God’s holiness, not out of fear, but out of love.

🕎 7-Day Devotional (gentle Hebrew included)

DayReadingFocusHebrew Learning NoteMessianic Insight
Day 1Ex. 19:1–6A kingdom of priestsKadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) — holyMessiah makes us a holy priesthood.
Day 2Ex. 19:7–15Preparing to meet God—Holiness prepares us to encounter God.
Day 3Ex. 19:16–25God descends in fireKol (קוֹל) — voiceThe same voice speaks through Messiah.
Day 4Ex. 20:1–6No other godsTorah (תּוֹרָה) — instructionMessiah reveals the heart of worship.
Day 5Ex. 20:7–12Honor God & parents—Messiah teaches deeper reverence and honor.
Day 6Ex. 20:13–17Love your neighbor—Messiah fulfills the law through love.
Day 7Ex. 20:18–21Fear of God—Awe leads to deeper obedience.

🌿 Discussion Questions

  1. What does it mean for God to call His people kadosh (holy)?
  2. How does God’s holiness differ from human ideas of perfectionism?
  3. Why is God’s voice at Sinai so important in understanding Scripture?
  4. How does Yeshua “fulfill” the Torah rather than abolish it?
  5. Which of the Ten Words speaks most strongly into your life right now?

🌿 Prayer Focus

Ask God to reveal His holiness to you more deeply.
Invite Him to write His Torah on your heart, shape your character, and teach you to walk in His ways through the power of His Spirit.

🌿 Memory Verse

Exodus 19:6 — “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

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