Deliverance: Changing Circumstances and Ownership in God

 

Summary

In our journey through the book of Exodus, we have been exploring the theme of deliverance, which is a complex and multifaceted process. Today, we delved into the plagues described in Exodus 7 through 11, where we see God's hand at work in bringing about deliverance for the Israelites. The plagues, with their chaos and suffering, serve as a powerful reminder that God can use even the most tumultuous circumstances to lead us toward peace and freedom.

Deliverance, as depicted in the Bible, involves two essential components: a change of circumstances and a change of ownership. The Israelites needed to be freed from their bondage in Egypt, but they also needed to become God's people, serving Him rather than Pharaoh. This dual aspect of deliverance is crucial for us to understand. While we often focus on the change of circumstances, longing for God to remove our suffering, we must also recognize the importance of a change of ownership. We are called to let go of our autonomy and control, acknowledging that we belong to God.

The narrative of the plagues emphasizes the need for both Pharaoh and the Israelites to know God. This theme of knowing God is central to the story of Exodus and highlights that true deliverance involves more than just a change in our external circumstances. It requires a transformation of our hearts and minds, a recognition that God is the ultimate authority in our lives.

As we reflect on our own lives, we must confront the reality that we are both Israelites and Pharaoh. We are in need of deliverance from our suffering, but we also need to relinquish our control and allow God to be the Lord of our lives. This process can be challenging, as it often involves chaos and upheaval. However, it is in these moments of turmoil that we have the opportunity to truly know God and experience His deliverance.

Key Takeaways:

- Deliverance involves both a change of circumstances and a change of ownership. While we often focus on the former, the latter is equally important. We must recognize that we belong to God and serve Him, not ourselves or the world. [02:14]

- The theme of knowing God is central to the narrative of the plagues. Both Pharaoh and the Israelites needed to understand that Yahweh is the true God. This knowledge is essential for true deliverance and transformation. [08:04]

- We are both Israelites and Pharaoh, in need of deliverance and a change of ownership. We must confront our desire for control and autonomy, recognizing that true freedom comes from surrendering to God. [09:38]

- God uses chaos and suffering to draw us closer to Him. In moments of turmoil, we have the opportunity to know God more deeply and experience His deliverance. This process can be painful, but it leads to true freedom and peace. [25:00]

- The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and desire for our deliverance. Jesus, the King of the universe, willingly changed His circumstances and ownership for our sake. This act of sacrifice assures us that God is for us, even in the midst of our suffering. [31:56]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - Introduction to Exodus Series
[01:22] - The Plagues and Deliverance
[01:55] - Understanding Deliverance
[02:30] - Change of Circumstances
[03:05] - Change of Ownership
[04:10] - Our Desire for Deliverance
[05:45] - Importance of Ownership Change
[07:02] - God's Purpose in the Plagues
[08:04] - Knowing God
[09:20] - We Are Both Israelites and Pharaoh
[10:07] - Why We Need a Change of Ownership
[12:44] - Anxiety and Control
[15:23] - Mistreatment and Exploitation
[18:25] - Spiritual Order and Surrender
[19:24] - How God Changes Ownership
[22:40] - Opportunity and Risk in Chaos
[25:00] - Finding God in Chaos
[31:56] - The Cross and God's Love
[33:04] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 7-11
2. Exodus 9:15-16
3. Genesis 1 (Creation narrative)

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the two essential components of deliverance as described in the sermon, and how are they illustrated in the narrative of the plagues? [02:14]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of chaos and suffering in the process of deliverance? [01:38]

3. What repeated phrase does God use when speaking to Pharaoh, and what does it signify about the purpose of the plagues? [01:55]

4. How does the sermon explain the significance of knowing God for both Pharaoh and the Israelites during the plagues? [08:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that we are both like the Israelites and Pharaoh in our need for deliverance and a change of ownership? [09:38]

2. How does the sermon interpret the theme of knowing God as central to the narrative of the plagues, and why is this knowledge crucial for true deliverance? [08:50]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between chaos in our lives and the opportunity to know God more deeply? [25:00]

4. How does the sermon use the cross as an illustration of God's ultimate act of deliverance and change of ownership? [31:56]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current situation in your life where you are seeking deliverance. How might you be focusing more on a change of circumstances rather than a change of ownership? [04:10]

2. Consider a time when chaos or suffering led you to a deeper understanding of God. How can you apply that experience to your current challenges? [25:00]

3. In what areas of your life do you struggle with relinquishing control to God, and how can you begin to surrender those areas to Him? [10:38]

4. How can the theme of knowing God more deeply during times of turmoil be applied to your personal spiritual journey? [08:50]

5. Reflect on the concept of being both an Israelite and a Pharaoh in your life. How can you address both your need for deliverance and your tendency to hold onto control? [09:38]

6. How does the example of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross inspire you to change your circumstances and ownership for the sake of others? [31:56]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is trying to get your attention. How can you respond to this prompting in a way that leads to true deliverance? [26:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Deliverance Requires a Change of Ownership
Deliverance is not just about escaping difficult circumstances; it also involves a profound shift in who we serve. The Israelites were freed from Pharaoh's grip, but true deliverance meant becoming God's people, serving Him wholeheartedly. This dual aspect of deliverance is crucial for us to understand. While we often focus on the change of circumstances, longing for God to remove our suffering, we must also recognize the importance of a change of ownership. We are called to let go of our autonomy and control, acknowledging that we belong to God. [02:14]

"For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding onto control? How can you begin to surrender this area to God today?


Day 2: Knowing God is Central to True Deliverance
The narrative of the plagues emphasizes the need for both Pharaoh and the Israelites to know God. This theme of knowing God is central to the story of Exodus and highlights that true deliverance involves more than just a change in our external circumstances. It requires a transformation of our hearts and minds, a recognition that God is the ultimate authority in our lives. Understanding who God is and His sovereignty is essential for experiencing true deliverance and transformation. [08:04]

"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How well do you know God? What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding and relationship with Him?


Day 3: We Are Both Israelites and Pharaoh
As we reflect on our own lives, we must confront the reality that we are both Israelites and Pharaoh. We are in need of deliverance from our suffering, but we also need to relinquish our control and allow God to be the Lord of our lives. This process can be challenging, as it often involves chaos and upheaval. However, it is in these moments of turmoil that we have the opportunity to truly know God and experience His deliverance. [09:38]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you see yourself acting like Pharaoh, holding onto control? How can you begin to let go and allow God to lead you?


Day 4: God Uses Chaos and Suffering to Draw Us Closer
God uses chaos and suffering to draw us closer to Him. In moments of turmoil, we have the opportunity to know God more deeply and experience His deliverance. This process can be painful, but it leads to true freedom and peace. The plagues, with their chaos and suffering, serve as a powerful reminder that God can use even the most tumultuous circumstances to lead us toward peace and freedom. [25:00]

"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 recent time of chaos or suffering in your life. How might God be using that situation to draw you closer to Him?


Day 5: The Cross is the Ultimate Demonstration of God's Love
The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and desire for our deliverance. Jesus, the King of the universe, willingly changed His circumstances and ownership for our sake. This act of sacrifice assures us that God is for us, even in the midst of our suffering. It is a powerful reminder that true deliverance and freedom come through surrender and sacrifice. [31:56]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: How does the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross impact your understanding of God's love for you? How can you live in response to this love today?

Quotes


Deliverance, as depicted in the Bible, involves two essential components: a change of circumstances and a change of ownership. The Israelites needed to be freed from their bondage in Egypt, but they also needed to become God's people, serving Him rather than Pharaoh. This dual aspect of deliverance is crucial for us to understand. [00:02:30]

We are both Israelites and Pharaoh, in need of deliverance and a change of ownership. We must confront our desire for control and autonomy, recognizing that true freedom comes from surrendering to God. This process can be challenging, as it often involves chaos and upheaval. [00:09:20]

God uses chaos and suffering to draw us closer to Him. In moments of turmoil, we have the opportunity to know God more deeply and experience His deliverance. This process can be painful, but it leads to true freedom and peace. [00:25:00]

The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and desire for our deliverance. Jesus, the King of the universe, willingly changed His circumstances and ownership for our sake. This act of sacrifice assures us that God is for us, even in the midst of our suffering. [00:31:56]

The narrative of the plagues emphasizes the need for both Pharaoh and the Israelites to know God. This theme of knowing God is central to the story of Exodus and highlights that true deliverance involves more than just a change in our external circumstances. [00:08:04]

God could have actually done the deliverance in just one moment. He could have changed the Israelites' circumstances, bringing them out of Egypt, obliterating Pharaoh and all the Egyptians in a split second if he had wanted to. He even says so in Exodus 9:15. [00:07:02]

The key to establishing the right order is to know that God is God and you are not. That's what's going to lead to the change of ownership where now everything is rightfully in God's control versus you trying to hang on to control in your own life. [00:19:24]

God is showing Pharaoh that he is not in control of his own life. And he also shows Pharaoh a second thing: He shows Pharaoh that Pharaoh himself is involved, is part of the problem with the world. That Pharaoh is part of the reason that the world is as broken as it is. [00:22:40]

In that chaos, there is a chance to know God. This is the opportunity. There is a chance in that chaos to know God. There's a chance to change ownership from ourselves to the Lord. Because we have to recognize that prior to this point, without that chaos, Pharaoh could have remained under the illusion that he was a God of his own life. [00:25:00]

The opportunity is to know God and to start moving along the path towards freedom. The risk is to harden your heart and to turn away from God. Now, this does not seem like much of an opportunity. I mean, we have to recognize that Pharaoh's world was in chaos. [00:24:10]

The Israelites experienced the first few of these plagues. The first three plagues, it said they also experienced the water turning to blood or the Nile turning to blood. The frogs and I think the gnats. They experienced this but they didn't harden their hearts and turn away. [00:31:56]

The change of ownership is essential for us to actually live a more flourishing life. How does God do it? How does God help us to have a change of ownership? Well, as we've already talked about, the theme, one of the sub-themes running through the whole plague narrative is knowing God. [00:19:24]

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Transcript
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