Moses: The Character Of Leadership Series

Moses: the Character of Leadership

Hebrews 11:23-29.

This morning in our study of Hebrews chapter 11 we look at the life of Moses.

Moses was a leader and his epitaph is recorded in the last three verses of Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 34:10-12 - Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Here are some of Moses’ accomplishments:

• He led the people of Israel out of Egyptian Captivity.

• He led the people of Israel across the Red Sea.

• He led the people of Israel for 40 years in the Desert.

• He personally received the Ten Commandments directly from God.

• He is credited with the writing of the first five books of the old testament.

He’s an amazing person, and an amazing leader.

One of the things that stands out about Moses to me is that for 40 years he NEVER let go of the Vision God had given him

- The People complained, but he continually reminded them of who God is.

- The people sinned, but he continually brought them BACK to God.

- Moses would NOT see the fulfillment of the Promised land God would give them, but he was faithful as a leader to make sure his people got there!

I don’t know ANYONE who doesn’t want to make some kind of positive difference in the world.

If you want to make a difference in this world, who better to learn from than Moses?

Here’s a little background…

Hebrews 11:23 - By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

God protected Moses and he knew what Moses’ purpose would be before he was even born.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE

1. Hebrews 11:24 - By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

2. Hebrews 11:25 - He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

i. Basically, Moses gave up Royalty for Suffering, oppression, and mistreatment. Why would he do something like that?

ii. He Knew who he was. He knew that he BELONGED TO GOD.

3. 1 Peter 1:18-19 - For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

i. God paid a High Price for You! Why did God think you were worth it?

ii. Because he made you. Because before you were even born, he had a plan for you.

iii. In the same way that God preserved Moses and allowed him to grow up in pharaoh’s palace, he has a plan and a purpose for you.

4. 1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

5. This is your identity, this is your purpose.

6. Moses learned who he was and sacrificed EVERYTHING to identify with God and His people.

7. And really he was giving up what was temporary, for what was eternal

i. Broken cisterns –

ii. Jeremiah 2:13 - "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

8. Know who you are.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LIVING FOR

• Hebrews 11:26 - He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

• Moses knew that His purpose in Life was not his purpose, but it was God’s purpose lived out through Him.

• That is so important. If you want to make an impact. If you want to make a difference. Realize that God is the potter and you are the clay.

• Romans 12:1-2 - 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.