Moses - Learning From Elderly Believers Lesson 8 Series

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because … they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses … refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned” (Hebrews 11:23-29).

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Summary of Moses' greatness: protected at birth – refused Egyptian riches – shepherd 40 years in desert – ten miracles to release one million people – crossed Red Sea – water from rock – manna from Heaven – received Ten Commandments and ordinances for new nation – led them through desert to Promised Land.

2. Moses spent the first 40 years in Pharaoh’s palace in Egypt, learning the basics of governing a nation. The second 40 years in desert learning how to shepherd God’s people. The third 40 years he led God’s people from Egypt to Jordan following the cloud and pillar of fire.

3. Defeated several nations who attacked Israel.

4. Moses spent 40 days in the presence of God. Received the Ten Commandments.

5. In his anger broke original tablets of the Ten Commandments (32:19) had to carve them himself (Exodus 34:1-29).

6. Moses' patience was tested continually by Israel’s murmurings, grumblings, and sad complaints.

7. Moses struck the rock for water (Exodus 17:1-7) and God answered by defeating the Amalekites (17:8-16).

8. Moses struck rock again in selfish disobedience. “The Lord said … speak to the rock … it will pour out water” (Numbers 20:7-8). “Moses … took the staff … listen you rebels! Must we bring water from this rock” (Leviticus 20:9-10). “The Lord said … ‘because you did not trust Me enough … you will not led them into the land I am giving them’” (Leviticus 20:12).

B. PRACTICAL TAKE AWAYS

1. No matter how close you are to God and no matter how much you have been used by Him, God can punish you, just as He punished Moses.

2. When God has a big job that is important, He raises up a leader with big faith and big ability to do it.

3. When you are following God’s leadership, those you are working with may not be following Him, and nor will they follow you.

4. If you are going to do big tasks for God, you will need big patience and faith in Him.

5. You can be a faithful follower of Christ, but in a moment of disobedience you may strike the rock to show your anger.

6. If God challenges you to speak to the rock as you serve Him, be careful to obey if God asks you to do it a second time.

7. In spite of Moses’ great faith and wisdom, and the fact he enjoyed God’s presence, these facts did not prevent him for making a mistake and striking the rock.

8. Never claim you have no sin or that you will not sin, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth” (1 John 1:8, NLT).

9. Your great faith may be remembered by all and recognized by God, but your “slip” of indiscretion may also be remembered by all but will be forgotten by God.

10. Judge Moses by the greatness of his accomplishments, but not by his one indiscretion. In the same way, judge your faith by what they do for God, not by your one slip or by one stumble or by one fall.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.