Are You Ready to Move from Salvation to Service?: Exodus 40

December 1st, 2025
by Richie Cancel

Introduction:

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast sea, the enemy's army closing in behind you. This moment captures the essence of faith—a step into the unknown guided by trust in God. The Book of Exodus is not just a tale from ancient times; rather, it reflects our spiritual journey from bondage to freedom, from rescue to purpose. As we explore the lessons in Exodus, let's uncover how these ancient stories speak directly to our hearts and lives today.

Exodus 40:2

"On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting."

Saved for a Purpose: Salvation as the Beginning

Is Salvation Only the Start of a Christian Life?

God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt wasn't merely for their comfort; it was for a greater purpose. His directive, "Let my people go that they may serve me," (Exodus 8:1) illustrates that our salvation isn't the end—it's the start of something grand. Too often, we celebrate salvation without embracing the purpose behind it, missing the transformative dynamic of service.

Three Movements of Freedom 

What Are the Three Stages of Spiritual Growth?

The Exodus narrative unfolds in three stages: salvation, sanctification, and service. Salvation brought deliverance from bondage (Exodus 1-14). Sanctification set them apart as God’s people (Exodus 15-40). Lastly, service led them to live out their divine purpose. These movements mirror our need to leave behind old ways and embrace a new, God-centered life.

The Reality of Sanctification: Walking through the Red Sea 

How Does Sanctification Work in Our Lives?

Beginning to serve doesn’t eliminate trials. For Moses, spiritual warfare intensified. Pharaoh’s refusal made Israelites’ lives harder: gathering their own materials yet meeting the same work demands. This pattern is familiar—when we step toward God, life’s challenges often ramp up.

Spiritual warfare targets us by increasing our workload and scattering us from community, reigniting past regrets, and rushing our decision-making. When faced with these pressures, our inclination should be to cry out to God, not to the world or even ourselves, for resolution.

Overcoming Doubt by Knowing God's Word

Finding Assurance in God’s Promises

How Can Knowing God’s Word Help Us Overcome Doubt?

The parting of the Red Sea isn't just a miracle; it's a vivid picture of sanctification—a call to step into a life set apart by faith. As God placed a fiery barrier between Israel and Egypt, He also called them to actively walk through the parted waters. Sanctification requires that we actively choose to leave behind the 'Egypt' of our past. Hebrews 6:6 reminds us, "Let us go on to perfection," indicating that it's an ongoing journey of being made holy.

The Cycle of Complaining and Provision 

Why Do We Complain and How Does God Provide?

Israel's journey was marked by complaints, yet in their grumbling, God provided. Manna appeared from heaven and water flowed from a rock. Such provision came with instructions—trust daily, don't hoard, rest in God’s timing. When we stray from God’s plan, life becomes messy. This lesson rings true in today’s hurried world, reminding us to trust God for daily needs instead of clinging to control.

The Tabernacle: Meeting with God 

How Can We Experience God's Presence Daily?

God desires to meet with us, as illustrated by the construction of the tabernacle, a "tent of meeting." Each part, from the altar of sacrifice to the basin of washing, illustrates our path to God through confession and cleansing. This sacred journey is not reserved for ancient Israelites; it’s our daily rhythm—confess, cleanse, fellowship, surrender—steps that lead us deeper into God’s presence.

Stuck at the Altar: The Need to Move Forward 

Why Do Many Believers Struggle to Mature in Faith?

Some of us find ourselves stuck in the elementary principles of faith, as outlined in Hebrews 6—Admit, Believe, Confess—without progressing to discipleship and service. The altar is a starting point, not a residence. Beyond initial salvation, we are called to actively pursue discipleship, to enter deeper into service and our relationship with God.

The Year of Building: Commitment in Action 

What Does it Mean to Have a Heart Stirred by God?

It took a year for Israel to construct the tabernacle, demonstrating that sustained service requires both a divine stirring and a willing response. Only those with stirred hearts and willing spirits participated. Today, the same principle applies: God stirs hearts, but it is our willingness to respond that determines how we contribute to God’s work. Are you consistently responding to God’s call, or only when resolutions are fresh?

Following the Cloud: Discipleship's Dynamic Nature 

How Does God Lead Us in Our Decisions?

After the tabernacle was built, God’s presence guided Israel’s every move. The cloud dictated when to move and when to stay. Every decision and step was led by God’s presence. This exemplifies true discipleship—letting God lead every aspect of our lives, whether applying for a job or staying put and growing where we are planted.

The Promised Land Awaits: Embracing God's Fulness 

Why Do We Resist Entering God's Promises?

Despite God’s invitation to enter the promised land, Israel hesitated, preferring familiar struggles to faith-driven conquest. God finally led in a new generation who embraced His promise. How long will we circle familiar doubts before stepping into God’s fullness? Just as Israel’s journey was delayed by fear, our spiritual progress can be stalled by reluctance and unbelief.

Practical Application for Today: Living the Lessons in Brooklyn 

How Do These Biblical Teachings Apply to Modern Life?

Living in Brooklyn, amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. These biblical truths invite us to find our 'tabernacle' moments—daily times of worship, confession, and connection with God. Whether it's a stroll through Prospect Park or quiet time in your apartment, create space to meet God regularly. Allow His presence to guide every 'move' and 'stay' in your life. Tailoring these lessons to modern life helps deepen community and transforms how we engage with our urban environment.

Prayer:

Enter the Tabernacle

 Lord, we are grateful for your Word that guides us through life's journey. Help us to move beyond salvation into sanctification and service. Let your presence lead every decision, every season. We confess our tendency to resist, to complain, to settle for less. Draw us into your tabernacle of meeting, where we can be washed, filled, and led by your Spirit. For those seeking a deeper relationship with you, may today be a step into your promises. Amen.