Through The Bible - English - 04 (Exodus-1) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon uses the story of Moses to illustrate that God's purposes are fulfilled even through the opposition of the devil and the world's systems. The key lesson is that human abilities, education, or worldly success are insufficient for God's calling; true preparation comes through periods of breaking and humility, such as Moses' 40 years in the wilderness. When we think we are ready, God may still require us to be broken down before He can use us for His divine purpose.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How God turns the devil's schemes for His purposePharaoh's scheme to kill the Hebrew male babies ultimately placed Moses in Pharaoh's palace, demonstrating that God uses Satan's attacks to fulfill His divine purposes.
Why Egypt's best education could not prepare MosesDespite having forty years of the best training, wealth, and military leadership in Egypt, Moses was not ready to serve God until he was thoroughly humbled.
The forty-year wilderness humblingGod took Moses into the wilderness to look after sheep and live under his father-in-law for forty years to break his self-reliance until he realized he could not speak.
God's promises and the switch of faithGod's promises are not fulfilled until our faith touches His word, much like closing an electrical switch to let the power flow.Exodus 3:17
Three signs given to equip MosesGod gave Moses three signs involving his staff, leprosy in his hand, and water from the Nile poured onto dry ground to teach him authority over Satan, awareness of his corrupt flesh, and total separation from the world.
Strict obedience in the homeGod confronted Moses over his failure to circumcise his son because a servant of God must first be the head of his own home and maintain strict obedience.Exodus 4:24–26
The Passover and deliverance through the bloodIsrael was delivered not by good works, but by applying the blood of an innocent lamb in faith, pointing ahead to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Crossing the Red Sea and the baptismsThe Red Sea crossing and the pillar of cloud pictured baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is designed to lead believers into total victory over sin.
The bitter waters of Marah and God's prearranged solutionsWhen Israel grumbled over bitter waters, God showed Moses a tree to heal them, proving that God plants solutions long before we ever face our problems.
Smiting the rock for living waterSmiting the rock in the wilderness produced rivers of water for two million people, symbolizing the spiritual rivers that flow when Christ is crucified and the Holy Spirit works.Exodus 17:6
Overcoming Amalek through prayer and communityThe battle against Amalek represents the conflict with the flesh, overcome when Moses lifted his hands in prayer with the support of Aaron and Hur.
The Ten Commandments and the spirit of true obedienceGod gave the Ten Commandments in chapter 20, followed immediately by the example of the willing slave who loves his master, showing that true obedience flows from love.
The golden calf and the importance of uncompromising leadershipWhen Israel fell into idolatry with the golden calf during Moses' absence, it highlighted how crucial one uncompromising man of God is to keep a people on the right path.
