In today's message, we explored the profound truth that the core of Christianity is not what we do for God, but what God has done for us. Our actions and responses to God's call are important, but they are secondary to His work in our lives. This foundational understanding sets the stage for our discussion on God's call and commission for each of us. God has a unique plan and purpose for every individual, a race to run, and a call to fulfill. However, like Moses, we often find ourselves doubting our abilities and questioning God's promises. Moses, despite his dramatic encounter with God at the burning bush, was filled with uncertainty and doubt. Yet, God reassured him that He would be with him, providing the necessary faith and supernatural elements to fulfill his calling.
We examined the story of Moses and the burning bush, where God asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?" This question challenges us to consider what God has already placed in our hands to fulfill His purpose. Whether it's a skill, a tool, or a passion, God can use what we have right now for His glory. Moses' journey teaches us that God often calls those who feel inadequate, and He equips them with what they need. The key is not our ability but our availability to God.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of obedience in fulfilling God's call. Moses and his wife Zipporah faced a moment of disobedience that needed correction before they could proceed with God's plan. This highlights that obedience becomes more crucial when God calls us to a task. Finally, we reflected on the transformation that God brings into our lives, urging us to accept Jesus Christ as our deliverer, just as the Israelites eventually accepted Moses. Jesus' transformative power is evident in our lives, and we are called to embrace it fully.
Key Takeaways
1. The essence of Christianity lies in what God has done for us, not in what we do for Him. Our actions are a response to His love and grace, and they are secondary to His work in our lives. This understanding should shape our perspective and priorities. [00:24]
2. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us, and He calls us to fulfill it. Like Moses, we may doubt our abilities, but God equips us with what we need. Our availability to God is more important than our ability. [01:38]
3. God often uses what is already in our hands to fulfill His purpose. We should consider the skills, tools, and passions He has given us and trust that He can use them for His glory. [07:44]
4. Obedience is crucial in fulfilling God's call. When God calls us, He expects us to align our lives with His commands. Disobedience can hinder our progress, but God is gracious to correct and guide us. [32:52]
5. Jesus Christ is our ultimate deliverer, and His transformative power is evident in our lives. We are called to accept Him fully, just as the Israelites accepted Moses. His miracles of transformation are a testament to His love and power. [35:19] ** [35:19]
What was Moses' initial reaction to God's call at the burning bush, and how did God respond to his doubts? ([03:06])
In Exodus 4, what did God ask Moses to do with the rod in his hand, and what was the significance of this action? ([06:11])
How did God address Moses' concern about his speaking abilities, and what does this reveal about God's provision? ([15:51])
What was the consequence of Moses and Zipporah's disobedience, and how was it resolved? ([32:03])
Interpretation Questions:
How does the story of Moses at the burning bush illustrate the idea that God often calls those who feel inadequate? What does this suggest about God's criteria for choosing people for His purposes? ([04:29])
Why do you think God chose to use what was already in Moses' hand (the rod) to demonstrate His power? What does this teach us about the resources God has given us? ([07:44])
In what ways does the narrative of Moses' reluctance and eventual obedience highlight the importance of availability over ability in fulfilling God's call? ([20:02])
How does the transformation of the rod and Moses' hand serve as a metaphor for the transformative power of God in our lives? ([12:46])
Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God was calling you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' story to apply in future situations? ([04:29])
Consider what God has placed in your hands right now—skills, tools, or passions. How can you use these for His glory in your current context? ([07:44])
Moses initially doubted his ability to speak. Is there an area in your life where you feel insufficient? How can you trust God to equip you in that area? ([15:51])
Obedience was crucial for Moses and Zipporah before they could proceed with God's plan. Is there an area of disobedience in your life that you need to address to move forward in your calling? ([32:03])
How can you make yourself more available to God, setting aside excuses or fears that may be holding you back? ([20:02])
Reflect on the transformative power of Jesus in your life. How can you embrace and demonstrate this transformation in your daily interactions? ([35:44])
Moses eventually accepted his role as a deliverer. Is there a role or responsibility you have been resisting? What steps can you take to embrace it fully? ([35:19])
Sermon Clips
"Principle is simply this, that what God does for us is the core of Christianity. You see, this morning I'm going to be talking a lot about what we do for God and how we respond to God's call, and that's important, but please don't forget that what God does for us is the core of Christianity." [00:00:15]
"I believe very strongly, and I hope you do too, that God has a plan and a purpose for each individual life. He has a call for you to fulfill, He has a race for you to run, and a purpose for you to live out. Finding that call, fulfilling that call is important." [00:01:26]
"Moses was unsure of himself, but friends, that didn't mean that he wasn't truly called. God often calls and uses people who are unsure and people who simply need to rise to the occasion and have faith given to them as a gift from God." [00:04:20]
"God says you don't need to search all over the earth to find it. It's in your hand now. What is in your hand? And Moses answered back, he said a rod. That rod, that staff that Moses held in his hand, that staff that was going to part the Red Sea." [00:07:32]
"God is teaching Moses something in fulfilling the call I have on your life. You can trust me. I'll teach you in smaller things and lead you to greater things. What I'm teaching you right now is preparation for what you're going to do in the future." [00:10:18]
"God's point here was not to analyze the origins of weakness or even evil but to show that God is so mighty that he can even call the mute and the deaf and the blind to do his work. Moses, you say you can't speak. I don't care. I'm in charge of mouths." [00:17:36]
"The problem is not your ability or your lack of ability. The problem is more so is by faith making yourself available to God because I'll tell you how it really stood with Moses. Where it really stood with Moses was he complained about his lack of ability." [00:18:38]
"God is not as interested in your ability as he is in your availability. Now Moses thought the problem was his ability. No, God, I'll take care of that. His real problem was that he didn't want to be available. He hung out a sign that says, Lord, I'm not available." [00:19:50]
"When God has a call on a person's life, that obedience doesn't become less important. Obedience becomes more important. Now I'd say this, anybody who senses a call to ministry or some kind of public ministry like I have, when I read this in my studies this week, it sobered me up." [00:32:52]
"Israel now accepted their deliverer after rejecting him before. I think that this is what each and every one of us need to do. Jesus Christ is our deliverer. I'm happy to present before you someone greater than Moses, someone who can deliver us and fulfill God's call in our life." [00:35:19]
"Jesus Christ transforms lives. He's right here in our presence, right here in our midst. Would you stop rejecting him as Israel rejected Moses the first time and now believe on him and open up your heart to receive it?" [00:35:52]
"We believe your work of transformation. You've done something greater in us than a cure from leprosy or the transformation of a snake into a rod. You've done something in us, Lord, to bring us from death to life, from bondage to liberty, from stained to being pure." [00:36:56]