Preaching Through Exodus

August 17, 2026

Exodus may feel daunting to preach through, but it contains some of the Bible’s most pivotal events and clearest commands. Even the more challenging passages provide valuable insight for how we follow God today. This outline covers all forty chapters in 52 sermons, allowing you to preach through the entire book in a year while adjusting the schedule around holidays and other special Sundays.

Exodus

Rescued. Redeemed. Redirected. Restored.

In the Book of Exodus, we discover a relentless God who will do whatever it takes to redeem hopeless people in inescapable bondage. God delivers us so profoundly that we should devote our lives wholeheartedly to Him.

Part 1: Rescued (Sermons 1–13)

Israel Multiplies in Egypt (Exodus 1:1–7) — As the Book of Exodus commences, God reminds us of how He kept His promises to an unlikely family to fulfill an uncommon calling. God sets the stage to use His people to accomplish His purposes, and nothing can stop Him.
Pharaoh Oppresses Israel (Exodus 1:8–22) — The Israelites intimidated the Egyptian Pharaoh, so he used all forces at his disposal to reduce their presence. No matter how much God’s enemies oppose His people, they will never fully succeed.
The Birth and Rescue of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10) — In what seemed like a random set of events surrounding the first few months of Moses’ life, God orchestrated details to save Moses and God’s people. God rescues us from danger and places us at the center of His plans.
Moses Flees to Midian (Exodus 2:11–25) — Moses desired to deliver God’s people through his strength, but his efforts would never suffice. If God calls us to something great, we must realize His power must accomplish it.
God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1–22) — Moses received the LORD’s instructions at the burning bush and immediately provided excuses for not doing what God asked of him. When we consider what God calls us to do, we must never forget who He is and who we are not.
God Answers Moses’ Objections (Exodus 4:1–17) — As Moses added to the excuses for why he couldn’t do what God called him to do, God kept providing assurances of why he could go forward. When God calls us to do something, He always equips us with exactly what we need.
Moses Returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:18–31) — As Moses prepared to return to Egypt, God prepared him for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, but a curious event on the way showed that Moses wasn’t exempt from that very thing. We must prioritize assessing our own personal obedience before expecting it from anyone else.
Pharaoh Increases Israel’s Burden (Exodus 5:1–6:1) — Moses’ initial efforts only increased Pharaoh’s narcissistic rage and the Israelites’ horrific conditions. When things get worse before they get better, we must hold on to God’s promises.
God Promises Deliverance (Exodus 6:2–13) — God reassured Moses that He would be able to redeem the people, no matter how bad the opposition seemed to be. In the circumstances that affect our lives, we must remember that there’s no situation God can’t redeem.
The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:14–30) — Before the plagues commenced, Scripture provides a genealogy for Moses and Aaron, highlighting their family line’s unsavory nature. Just like these two who were used mightily by God, nothing in your family tree can disqualify you from God’s service.
Moses and Aaron Before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1–13) — While the planned Exodus served to rescue God’s people, He also intended it to wake Egypt up to His supremacy compared to the gods of this world. Never overlook how God uses His work among His people to bring the nations to Him.
The First Five Plagues (Exodus 7:14–9:7) — In the first five plagues, God shows His power over the gods of Egypt and attacks the Egyptians’ many sources of affluence. Nothing in this world deserves our wholehearted trust and allegiance.
The Final Five Plagues (Exodus 9:8–11:10) — In the final five plagues, God humbles a man who considers himself a god and a people who thought themselves untouchable. God opposes the proud and will use any means necessary to humble us.

Part 2: Redeemed (Sermons 14–24)

The Passover and Final Plague (Exodus 12:1–50) — In the final plague, God passed over those who believed in the power of a sacrificial substitute. Jesus’ sacrifice satisfies the punishment that we deserve, and we are given life through His death.
The Consecration of the Firstborn (Exodus 13:1–16) — When the Israelites emerged from Egypt, God gave them a chance to live again. Jesus has defeated our greatest enemies and set us free to follow Him all the way to the Promised Land.
God Leads Israel from Egypt (Exodus 13:17–22) — As they left Egypt, God led the Israelites through unexpected paths by unusual guides. We must maintain trust even when God leads in ways we do not understand.
The Crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1–31) — With the sea in front of them and the enemy behind them, the Israelites were out of options unless God did something miraculous. The LORD has proved to be a waymaker time and time again for the people of God.
The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1–21) — At the banks of the Red Sea, the victorious Israelites worshiped the God who had saved them. We should live lifestyles of worship, constantly expressing gratitude to our faithful Deliverer.
The Bitter Waters of Marah (Exodus 15:22–27) — When the Israelites discovered bitter water at the beginning of their trek through the wilderness, God empowered Moses to make it sweet. God reminded them that He is their Healer, and we must remember that no situation is behind His remedying.
Manna in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:1–36) — The Israelites grumbled against the LORD when the conditions worsened, but He provided food for them still. God’s provision is as constant as His character is reliable.
Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1–7) — To provide the Israelites with water, God curiously instructed Moses to strike a rock in the side from which life-giving nourishment would run. This moment and the event it foreshadowed remind us all that the LORD is truly among us.
Israel Defeats Amalek (Exodus 17:8–16) — The Israelites fought against the Amalekites and prevailed under unique circumstances during the conflict. As our banner, the LORD is what unites and mobilizes the people of God to victory.
Jethro Advises Moses (Exodus 18:1–27) — Jethro encouraged his son-in-law, Moses, to alter his leadership practices to focus on what God had called him to do. This simple yet significant change at Rephidim paved the way for what would happen at Sinai.
Israel Arrives at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–25) — Before God gave commandments, He reminded the people about what He had already done for them. We don’t do good works to be loved by God, for redemption precedes regulations.

Part 3: Redirected (Sermons 25–37)

The First Commandment: No Other Gods (Exodus 20:1–3) — The first commandment forbids the people of God to have any other gods besides the LORD. To obey this command, we must rid ourselves of any rivals threatening His place in our lives.
The Second Commandment: No Idols (Exodus 20:4–6) — The second commandment warned the people of belittling God to any type of idol. We must ensure we worship the God who made us, not the gods we attempt to make.
The Third Commandment: God’s Name (Exodus 20:7) — The third commandment discouraged the people from vainly using God’s name. God’s name represents who He is, and we must never frivolously use it for any type of sinful agenda.
The Fourth Commandment: The Sabbath (Exodus 20:8–11) — The fourth commandment standardized a week by six days to work and one day to rest. Keeping the Sabbath day holy is about ordering our time to remember who we are not.
The Fifth Commandment: Honor Parents (Exodus 20:12) — The fifth commandment instructs all people, regardless of age, to honor their parents. God has created the family structure to be a training ground for how we embody care and respect authority.
The Sixth Commandment: Do Not Murder (Exodus 20:13) — The sixth commandment forbids the taking of innocent life. As people distinguished by the image of God, we must respect and protect that same image in any and every life we encounter.
The Seventh Commandment: Do Not Commit Adultery (Exodus 20:14) — The seventh commandment warned the people against breaking marriage vows and entangling themselves in forbidden relationships. To avoid adultery, we must cherish marriage.
The Eighth Commandment: Do Not Steal (Exodus 20:15) — The eighth commandment discouraged the practice of stealing. If we trust God for what we need and work diligently to provide for those around us, we will never need to take what belongs to another.
The Ninth Commandment: Do Not Bear False Witness (Exodus 20:16) — The ninth commandment prohibited the people from bearing false witness against each other. God is truth, and His people should be known for being truth-tellers.
The Tenth Commandment: Do Not Covet (Exodus 20:17) — The tenth commandment cautioned against coveting anything that belongs to someone else. We cannot practice contentment if we constantly compare what God has provided us with what we see adorning others.
Laws for Worship and Community (Exodus 20:18–21:32) — After the Ten Commandments, God provided Moses with additional instructions that seemed varied and extensive. At the heart of these commandments, we understand that God is expounding on how we fulfill the first ten by respecting Him and others.
Laws for Justice and Mercy (Exodus 21:33–23:9) — In addition to God’s commandments instructing individual behaviors, He also provided a type of order in which society could thrive. In these multifaceted commands, we realize that God loves justice and a culture that embodies it.
Sabbaths, Festivals, and the Promised Land (Exodus 23:10–33) — God expected His people to observe weekly rhythms and calendared festivals to recall His presence in those moments they needed Him most. We ought to build patterns into our lives that remind us and the generations behind us of God’s continued faithfulness.

Part 4: Restored (Sermons 38–52)

The Covenant Confirmed (Exodus 24:1–18) — After God provided the commandments, He initiated the ratification of a covenant with His people. A sacrifice was essential for the people to experience fellowship with God.
Offerings for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1–9) — God instructed the people to give in specific ways to create a place to meet with Him. The offerings of these formerly enslaved people are much like ours, given from the overflow of God’s provision.
The Ark, Table, and Lampstand (Exodus 25:10–40) — God’s determination to build a tabernacle to dwell with His people reveals an astounding truth. God actually desires to fellowship with us. This passage beckons us to consider His unwavering mercy and astounding grace.
The Tabernacle and Courtyard (Exodus 26:1–27:21) — Within the structure of the tabernacle, God architected details to remind us of how sin separates and how sacrifice restores. Our sin has separated us from God, and our only hope to reenter His presence is upon His conditions.
The Priests and Their Consecration (Exodus 28:1–29:46) — God provided precise instructions regarding His expectations of the priests’ covering and consecration. As a kingdom of priests, our hope is to be clothed in the righteousness of a perfect sacrifice.
Worship at the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1–38) — God explained how He desired His people to approach Him in worship. Through their prayers, offerings, and purifications, God showed them a sure path to engage Him.
Bezalel, Oholiab, and the Sabbath (Exodus 31:1–18) — At the beginning of the tabernacle’s construction, God showed that He had filled specific individuals with His Spirit to complete the design and assembly. God gives each of us skills to do His work and wisdom to experience His rest so that we never confuse the One deserving of credit.
Israel Worships the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1–14) — The people grew impatient with Moses’ apparent delay on the mountain and decided to take idolatrous matters into their own hands. Through their example and Moses’ response, we discover what we must do with the sin we so quickly embrace.
Moses Confronts Israel’s Sin (Exodus 32:15–35) — The people’s sin with the golden calf was so grave that God had to do something about it. Through Moses’ willingness and God’s rejection of his plan, we understand the substitute we need so desperately.
Moses Seeks God’s Presence (Exodus 33:1–23) — God invited Moses into a staggering type of intimate friendship with Himself. Moses became so accustomed to that level of proximity with God that he refused to go forward without it.
God Reveals His Character (Exodus 34:1–9) — God provided Moses with a description of Himself that became one of the most repeated characterizations in the Bible. As we unpack who God says He is, we discover the beauty and balance of His nature.
The Covenant Renewed (Exodus 34:10–35) — Before reminding the people of some of His expectations, God restated His unique commitment to them. The distinguishing characteristics of our lives are wrapped up in God’s promises.
Israel Builds the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:1–36:38) — With the commencement of the tabernacle’s construction, God called for givers and workers to mobilize for the task. Like the Israelites, we get to join God in His efforts if our lives are available to His invitations.
The Tabernacle Completed (Exodus 37:1–40:33) — After receiving detailed instructions on how to build the tabernacle, the people recorded how they fulfilled them precisely. If we are to complete God’s work, we ought to attempt it in God’s way.
God’s Glory Fills and Leads the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–38) — God’s glory filled the completed tabernacle, and His presence guided Israel on their journey. God’s people depend upon His presence to dwell among them and direct them.