Empowered by Faith: Moses and the New Covenant
Summary
Moses stands as one of the most significant figures in biblical history, embodying the journey of faith, leadership, and the limitations of the law. His life story, from his miraculous survival as a baby to his leadership in delivering the Israelites from Egypt, is a testament to God's providence and purpose. Despite his initial reluctance and personal limitations, God chose Moses to lead His people, demonstrating that divine calling is not about human qualifications but about God's empowerment. Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush marked a pivotal moment, illustrating that God equips those He calls, regardless of their perceived inadequacies.
Moses' life also highlights the purpose of the law, which was given to expose sin and point towards the need for a Savior. The law, with its numerous commandments, was not meant to save but to reveal humanity's inability to achieve holiness on its own. This revelation underscores the necessity of Christ, who fulfills the law and offers salvation through grace. Moses' journey, including his mistakes and moments of disobedience, serves as a reminder of the importance of walking in step with God's timing and direction.
The narrative of Moses is woven throughout the Bible, from Exodus to Acts and Hebrews, emphasizing his role as a mediator of the old covenant. However, it is through Christ that a new and better covenant is established, one that offers salvation not through adherence to the law but through grace. This transition from law to grace is a call for believers to live in the freedom and promises of God, recognizing that the law's limitations are overcome in Christ.
As we reflect on Moses' life, we are encouraged to walk by faith, see beyond the visible, and understand our identity in Christ. This understanding empowers us to live purposefully, aligning our lives with God's plans rather than our own. In doing so, we embrace the fullness of the new covenant, living not by the letter of the law but by the Spirit that gives life.
Key Takeaways:
1. Divine Calling and Empowerment: Moses' story illustrates that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Despite Moses' insecurities and limitations, God equipped him for leadership, reminding us that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from fulfilling God's purposes. Trust in God's empowerment and step into your calling with confidence. [03:33]
2. The Purpose of the Law: The law was given to reveal sin and humanity's need for a Savior, not to save. It exposes our inability to achieve holiness on our own, pointing us to Christ, who fulfills the law and offers salvation through grace. Embrace the freedom found in Christ, who leads us into a better covenant. [05:27]
3. Walking by Faith: Moses' life challenges us to walk by faith, not by sight. Faith enables us to see beyond our circumstances and trust in God's promises, even when the path is unclear. Let faith guide your decisions and actions, knowing that without faith, it is impossible to please God. [17:31]
4. Understanding Our Identity: Knowing our identity in Christ gives us the confidence to walk in purpose and align our priorities with God's plans. Moses' awareness of his identity empowered him to lead with boldness. Seek to understand your identity in Christ and let it shape your life's direction. [22:22]
5. Living in the New Covenant: The new covenant through Christ offers salvation by grace, not by the law. This covenant invites us to live in the promises of God, free from the constraints of legalism. Embrace the Spirit's guidance and live in the freedom and fullness of God's promises. [27:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Moses
- [01:00] - The Birth and Early Life of Moses
- [03:18] - Moses' Calling and Leadership
- [04:55] - The Purpose of the Law
- [06:21] - The Law and Christ
- [07:06] - Moses' Mistakes and Lessons
- [08:46] - Trusting God's Timing
- [11:02] - Moses' Encounter with God
- [13:02] - Moses and the Promised Land
- [15:28] - The New Covenant in Christ
- [17:16] - Walking by Faith
- [19:04] - Seeing the Invisible
- [21:19] - Aligning with God's Purpose
- [24:17] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [27:37] - Living in the New Covenant
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:1-12
2. Romans 3:20
3. Hebrews 11:23-29
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Observation Questions:
1. How did God first call Moses to leadership, and what was Moses' initial reaction to this calling? ([03:18])
2. What was the purpose of the law given to Moses, according to the sermon? ([05:27])
3. How does the sermon describe Moses' mistakes and what lessons can be learned from them? ([07:06])
4. In what ways is Moses' life used to illustrate the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ? ([13:18])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between human limitations and divine calling? How does this apply to Moses' story? ([03:33])
2. How does the law serve as a "schoolmaster" to bring us to Christ, according to the sermon? What does this mean for believers today? ([06:21])
3. How does understanding one's identity in Christ empower believers to live purposefully, as illustrated by Moses' life? ([22:22])
4. What does it mean to live in the freedom of the new covenant, and how does this contrast with living under the law? ([27:17])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task or calling. How can Moses' story encourage you to trust in God's empowerment rather than your own abilities? ([03:33])
2. The sermon emphasizes the law's role in revealing sin and pointing to Christ. How has this understanding changed your perspective on following religious rules or traditions? ([05:27])
3. Moses' life challenges us to walk by faith, not by sight. What is a current situation in your life where you need to trust God's promises despite unclear circumstances? ([17:31])
4. Knowing your identity in Christ is crucial for living purposefully. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of your identity in Christ this week? ([22:22])
5. The new covenant invites us to live in the promises of God. What is one area of your life where you need to embrace the freedom and fullness of God's promises more fully? ([27:17])
6. Moses made mistakes by acting prematurely. Can you identify a situation where you might be tempted to act before God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing? ([08:03])
7. How can you support someone in your life to fulfill their God-given purpose, as Moses' mother did for him? ([19:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Empowerment Over Human Qualification
Moses' life is a profound example of how God empowers those He calls, regardless of their perceived inadequacies. Despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt, God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, demonstrating that divine calling is not about human qualifications but about God's empowerment. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's ability to equip them for their unique callings, reminding them that their weaknesses do not disqualify them from fulfilling God's purposes. As you reflect on Moses' journey, consider how God might be calling you to step into a role that seems beyond your capabilities, trusting that He will provide the necessary strength and wisdom. [03:33]
Exodus 4:10-12 (ESV): "But Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate? How can you trust God to empower you in this area today?
Day 2: The Law's Purpose and Christ's Fulfillment
The law given to Moses was intended to reveal humanity's sinfulness and the need for a Savior, not to provide salvation. It exposed the inability of humans to achieve holiness on their own, pointing to the necessity of Christ, who fulfills the law and offers salvation through grace. This understanding invites believers to embrace the freedom found in Christ, who leads them into a better covenant. As you meditate on this truth, consider how the law's limitations highlight the beauty of grace and the new covenant established through Jesus. [05:27]
Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you rest in the grace that Christ offers today?
Day 3: Faith Beyond Sight
Moses' life challenges believers to walk by faith, not by sight. His journey illustrates the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when the path is unclear. Faith enables individuals to see beyond their circumstances and align their actions with God's will. As you reflect on Moses' example, consider how faith can guide your decisions and actions, knowing that without faith, it is impossible to please God. [17:31]
Hebrews 11:27 (ESV): "By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible."
Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 4: Embracing Your Identity in Christ
Understanding one's identity in Christ is crucial for living a life aligned with God's purposes. Moses' awareness of his identity empowered him to lead with boldness and confidence. Similarly, knowing who you are in Christ can shape your life's direction and priorities. As you reflect on this truth, seek to deepen your understanding of your identity in Christ and how it can empower you to live purposefully. [22:22]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does your understanding of your identity in Christ influence your daily decisions? What is one way you can live out this identity more fully today?
Day 5: Living in the Freedom of the New Covenant
The new covenant through Christ offers salvation by grace, freeing believers from the constraints of legalism. This covenant invites individuals to live in the promises of God, guided by the Spirit rather than the letter of the law. Embracing this freedom allows believers to experience the fullness of God's promises and live a life of purpose and joy. As you meditate on this truth, consider how the new covenant can transform your relationship with God and others. [27:17]
2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV): "Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Reflection: In what ways have you been living under the constraints of legalism? How can you embrace the freedom and guidance of the Spirit in your life today?
Quotes
Moses was called into leadership. God called him in Exodus 3 in a burning bush, called him into leadership, called him and chose him in spite of all his limitations, his insecurities. God chose him as the person that he wanted him to lead his people out of Egypt. [00:03:19]
That should encourage us that God doesn't choose the qualified. When he chooses you, he equips you. So don't worry about your limitations. Don't worry about, you know, you could have a thousand one excuses why you cannot do something, but it is God who anoints us. [00:03:42]
The law was not to save people. That is something that we need to realize. You know, there were 63 laws. If you broke one, you broke all of them. And apart from the law, they had so many different other law codes, so many different dos and don'ts. There was no way anybody could meet all of them. [00:05:06]
The law was to expose the state of man. The law was to let them see where they were, to see that they cannot save themselves. We as human beings cannot save ourselves. We need God. And so the law was given, the law was provided to reveal how holy God is. [00:05:27]
Moses made mistakes. He's a great hero, great hero of faith, but we know that he made a mistake. And one of the mistakes that he made was a prematured action. He was somebody who would talk to God. God would speak to him. God will give him direction. [00:07:06]
Sometimes we hear prophetic words. God speaks to us. We have dreams. We know something is about to happen. What we don't know is how long it's going to take for that thing to happen. And there are times when you want to make it happen. [00:08:17]
Why don't we just stop and let God be God? Let us stop trying to figure things out. God has given you a word. Let him figure it out. Let him sort it out himself. I mean, if God is going to scratch his head and think, hm, I said this, how am I going to do it? [00:08:43]
Moses knew who he was. He knew his identity. He thought, yes, I've been called to save my people or to deliver my people. And so he's going to do it by his own method. He's going to do it by his own strategy. And that is when he ended up first of all killing an Egyptian. [00:10:10]
By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parent because they saw he was a proper child, and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Some versions say fair, some versions say I think they saw he was amplifies it cely. [00:15:59]
Are you walking by faith or you are walking by sight? Are you moved by what is around you? Looking at when God gives you a word, you're looking at your circumstances, you're waiting for everything to line up. Oh, I want to wait till I do this. [00:17:31]
Let us walk by faith because without faith, it is impossible to please God. And so the first point is that we should walk by faith. And then it goes on to say that from verse 25 or was choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures for a season. [00:17:51]
Moses knew that he could not do it without God's help, and that is why he asked God to go with him. And we need God to help us go through life, navigate through life, be with us, speak to us, direct us. Moses is a great hero of faith. [00:24:17]
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