Assurance of Faith: Lessons from Moses

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound assurance of faith as exemplified by Moses, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament. We began by examining the New Testament scriptures from the Gospel of John and the Epistle to the Hebrews, which emphasize the power and authority given to believers to become children of God. This assurance is not a vague hope but a certain knowledge that empowers believers to live out their faith boldly.

Moses, despite being raised as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, chose to identify with the enslaved Israelites, demonstrating a profound faith that led him to forsake the privileges of Egyptian royalty. His life was marked by significant decisions, such as refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, risking his life for his people, and leading them out of Egypt. These actions were not impulsive but the result of a deep assurance in God's promises and purposes.

The key to Moses' remarkable life was his assurance of God's presence and promises. This assurance was nurtured by his upbringing, his encounters with God, such as the burning bush, and his understanding of God's covenant. Moses' faith was not based on mere intellectual assent but on a living relationship with God, which enabled him to endure trials and lead his people with confidence.

As believers today, we are called to seek this same assurance. The New Testament offers us an even greater assurance through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are invited to live with the certainty that we are God's children, destined for the recompense of the reward. This assurance empowers us to face challenges with the same boldness and faith as Moses.

Key Takeaways:

- Assurance of Faith: True assurance is not a vague hope but a certain knowledge of our identity as children of God. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and face challenges with confidence, just as Moses did. [05:42]

- Choosing and Esteeming: The Christian life involves constant evaluation of two alternatives: the worldly life and the spiritual life. Moses' choices were guided by esteeming the reproach of Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. [20:01]

- The Role of Suffering: Moses understood the value of suffering and trials, seeing them as opportunities for growth and alignment with Christ. This perspective allows believers to endure hardships with hope and purpose. [27:34]

- Knowing God Personally: Moses' assurance came from a personal relationship with God, marked by direct encounters and a deep understanding of God's character and promises. This personal knowledge of God is essential for living a life of faith. [45:13]

- The Greater Assurance in Christ: The New Testament offers believers a greater assurance than the Old Testament saints had, through the life and work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This assurance should lead us to live with confidence and boldness. [49:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Scripture
- [02:04] - The Need for Assurance
- [03:44] - Examples of Faith
- [05:07] - Understanding Faith and Assurance
- [06:19] - The Significance of Moses
- [09:59] - Moses' Assurance and Actions
- [12:02] - Moses' Decision and Sacrifice
- [14:08] - Leaving a Life of Ease
- [16:06] - Defying Pharaoh
- [18:08] - Crossing the Red Sea
- [19:17] - The Process of Choosing and Esteeming
- [22:21] - The Two Alternatives
- [23:29] - Evaluating Life in Light of the Gospel
- [27:34] - The Value of Suffering
- [31:22] - The Secret of Moses' Actions
- [37:56] - Assurance of God's Purpose
- [45:13] - Knowing God and His Character
- [49:00] - The Greater Assurance in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:12-13
2. Hebrews 11:23-29

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 1:12-13, what authority is given to those who receive Christ, and how does this relate to the concept of being "born of God"? [00:11]

2. In Hebrews 11:23-29, what specific actions did Moses take that demonstrated his faith, and how did these actions reflect his assurance in God's promises? [01:10]

3. How does the sermon describe the significance of Moses' decision to refuse being called the son of Pharaoh's daughter? What does this reveal about his priorities? [12:02]

4. What role did Moses' personal encounters with God, such as the burning bush, play in nurturing his assurance and faith? [35:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance of being a child of God, as described in John 1:12-13, empower believers to live boldly in their faith today? [02:19]

2. The sermon highlights Moses' choice to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. What does this teach about the value of suffering in the Christian life? [27:34]

3. In what ways does the New Testament offer believers a greater assurance than the Old Testament saints had, according to the sermon? [49:00]

4. How does Moses' faith and assurance serve as an example for believers facing difficult decisions between worldly and spiritual paths? [22:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a comfortable life and a path that required faith and sacrifice. How did you make your decision, and what was the outcome? [12:02]

2. Moses' assurance came from a personal relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God this week? [45:13]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing suffering as an opportunity for growth. How can you reframe a current challenge in your life as an opportunity for spiritual growth? [27:34]

4. Consider the two alternatives of worldly and spiritual life. How can you evaluate your daily choices to ensure they align with your faith and God's promises? [22:21]

5. The sermon suggests that the New Testament offers a greater assurance through Christ. How can you live with more confidence and boldness in your faith, knowing this assurance? [49:00]

6. Moses' actions were guided by esteeming the reproach of Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. What worldly "treasures" might you need to reevaluate in light of your faith? [20:01]

7. How can you cultivate a sense of assurance in your identity as a child of God, and how might this change the way you face daily challenges? [05:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance of Identity in God
True assurance is not a vague hope but a certain knowledge of our identity as children of God. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and face challenges with confidence, just as Moses did. Moses' life exemplifies the power of knowing one's identity in God, as he chose to forsake the privileges of Egyptian royalty to identify with the enslaved Israelites. His decisions were rooted in a deep assurance of God's promises and purposes, which enabled him to lead his people with courage and conviction. As believers, we are invited to embrace this same assurance, grounded in the New Testament's promise of our identity as God's children through Jesus Christ. This assurance is not merely intellectual but is meant to transform how we live and face life's challenges. [05:42]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to live out your identity as a child of God? How can you remind yourself of this assurance today?


Day 2: Choosing the Eternal Over the Temporal
The Christian life involves constant evaluation of two alternatives: the worldly life and the spiritual life. Moses' choices were guided by esteeming the reproach of Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. This perspective challenges believers to evaluate their own lives in light of eternal values rather than temporary gains. Moses' decision to align himself with God's people, despite the cost, reflects a profound understanding of what truly matters. As believers, we are called to make similar choices, prioritizing our spiritual inheritance over worldly success. This requires a conscious effort to discern and choose what aligns with God's purposes for our lives. [20:01]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one worldly pursuit you are currently prioritizing over your spiritual growth? How can you begin to shift your focus towards eternal values today?


Day 3: Embracing Suffering as Growth
Moses understood the value of suffering and trials, seeing them as opportunities for growth and alignment with Christ. This perspective allows believers to endure hardships with hope and purpose. Moses' life was marked by significant trials, yet he remained steadfast because he saw these challenges as part of God's refining process. As believers, we are encouraged to view our own sufferings through this lens, recognizing that they can lead to deeper faith and greater alignment with God's will. Embracing suffering in this way transforms it from a source of despair to a catalyst for spiritual growth. [27:34]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you view this situation as an opportunity for growth and alignment with Christ?


Day 4: Cultivating a Personal Relationship with God
Moses' assurance came from a personal relationship with God, marked by direct encounters and a deep understanding of God's character and promises. This personal knowledge of God is essential for living a life of faith. Moses' encounters with God, such as the burning bush, were pivotal in shaping his faith and leadership. As believers, we are invited to cultivate a similar relationship with God, seeking to know Him personally and intimately. This involves spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and being attentive to God's presence in our lives. A personal relationship with God provides the foundation for a life of faith and assurance. [45:13]

"And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." (Exodus 33:11a, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God this week? What specific steps will you take to know Him more intimately?


Day 5: Living with Greater Assurance in Christ
The New Testament offers believers a greater assurance than the Old Testament saints had, through the life and work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This assurance should lead us to live with confidence and boldness. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus provide a solid foundation for our faith, offering us a greater assurance of God's promises. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this assurance, allowing it to transform our lives and empower us to face challenges with boldness. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit further assures us of God's presence and guidance, enabling us to live out our faith with confidence. [49:00]

"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you live more boldly in the assurance of Christ's work and the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today?

Quotes

True assurance is not a vague uncertain belief, not a mere hoping, but an assured certain knowledge of the things which they believe. Now then, that has been the case with all the examples that we've looked at hitherto, and now this morning we come to this particular case of Moses. [00:05:37]

The man is not rarely concerned about the details of these people's lives. That's not what he's interested in. He is really interested in the thing that made them what they were, and that is this whole question of assurance. And this, he tells us, is the whole secret. [00:07:27]

It was because of their faith and their assurance that these men were able to do these things. It was because of his assurance that Abram was able to offer up his Isaac. So you don't start with the offering up of the Isaac. The thing to concentrate on is to get Assurance. [00:08:50]

Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer Affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. [00:01:03]

The Christian is a man who is always in the position of considering two Alternatives. Now, this is a very important point because it's a very valuable test that we can all apply to ourselves. When I say two Alternatives, of course, I'm speaking in an ultimate sense. [00:20:48]

He is able to look upon suffering in this life and in this world in an entirely new manner. He says, if I do this, it will involve me in the reproach and in the suffering which is inherent in the life of these people, but it's all right. He says, I can see that there's value in that. [00:27:32]

The Christian is a man who sees that he's having the Great and the high privilege of being like his master. So the Apostle Peter makes a great appeal to us when we are in this kind of position. He says, be like him, walk in his steps. [00:29:22]

What was it that enabled Moses to do these things? I'm not asking again what made him do them. I've told you what made him do them. It was the calculating, it was the choosing, it was the Reckoning, it was the esteeming. Yes, that's the thing that made him do it. [00:31:58]

Moses knew him, not only the theophanies, the burning bush. He had met him, he'd spoken to him, he had access into his holy presence. One of the greatest chapters in the Old Testament is Exodus 33, where you find Moses praying to God and pleading with him. [00:45:34]

The argument is, my dear friends, that if it is possible for an Old Testament Saint to have this degree of assurance, how much greater is it now? This man contrasts and compares the old dispensation and the new in chapter 8 and in chapter 12 of this great epistle. [00:47:46]

The Apostle is able to look back on Calvary. He is in Christ. He's been baptized by the Spirit. I know whom I have believed. It's not a vague uncertain Faith. It's not a hoping against hope. It's not a trying to hold on as best you can. [00:49:25]

We are meant to know God. We are meant to know that we are the children of God. We don't just take it by faith and not worry about our feelings and say, of course, I take it in the word. It's all the word. This separation of the word and the spirit is very near to blasphemy. [00:50:28]

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Transcript
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