Eternal Rewards: Faith, Courage, and Preparation in God

 

Summary

In reflecting on the life of Moses, we are reminded that the true reward for following God is not found in this world. Moses chose to align himself with the mistreated people of God, which led him to a life in the desert with ungrateful followers. His reward was not earthly, and similarly, following Jesus and taking up the cross does not promise worldly rewards. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are to be pitied. Faith, however, factors in eternity, recognizing that the cross leads to resurrection and glory. This eternal perspective allows us to endure present afflictions, viewing them as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits.

Moses' story also illustrates the courage that faith brings. By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger, because he saw Him who is invisible. This courage was not immediate; Moses initially acted impulsively, leading to a disastrous outcome. However, God used the subsequent 40 years in the desert to prepare Moses, teaching him self-control and humility. This period of preparation was crucial, as success before readiness can be detrimental. Moses' endurance during these years was fueled by his faith, as he trusted God’s presence and future plans for him.

Finally, the confidence that faith enjoys is seen in Moses' observance of the Passover. Despite his stature, Moses recognized his need for a savior, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Faith acknowledges this need and rejoices in the provision of a savior, offering peace and assurance of forgiveness through Christ's blood.

Key Takeaways:

- The reward for following Christ is not found in this world but in eternity. Like Moses, we must be willing to embrace the cross, understanding that our present sufferings are preparing us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them. [21:47]

- Faith brings courage to face challenges and endure hardships. Moses left Egypt by faith, not fearing the king's wrath, because he saw Him who is invisible. This courage is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. [25:02]

- Preparation is essential before stepping into God's calling. Moses spent 40 years in the desert learning self-control and humility. Success before readiness can be harmful, and God uses periods of preparation to shape us for future work. [30:32]

- Endurance is possible when we live by faith, seeing the invisible God. Moses endured years of preparation by trusting in God's presence, and we too can endure trials by setting the Lord always before us, knowing He is at our right hand. [36:38]

- Faith acknowledges our need for a savior and rejoices in the provision of Jesus Christ. Moses, despite his greatness, recognized his need for the Passover lamb, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin. [39:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [19:20] - Moses' Reward Beyond This World
- [20:09] - Apostle Paul's Perspective on Hope
- [20:57] - The Cross and Resurrection
- [21:12] - Eternal Weight of Glory
- [22:21] - Faith and the Unseen
- [23:09] - Applying Faith to Life's Choices
- [24:27] - Courage from Faith
- [25:17] - Moses' First Venture
- [26:39] - Moses' Time in Midian
- [28:10] - Leaving Egypt by Faith
- [30:15] - The Danger of Premature Success
- [31:08] - Moses' Transformation
- [33:08] - Preparing for God's Work
- [34:28] - Enduring by Seeing the Invisible
- [37:12] - Confidence in Faith
- [39:28] - The Passover and Christ's Sacrifice

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Life of Moses and the Reward of Faith

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 11:24-28
2. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
3. 1 Corinthians 15:19

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Hebrews 11:24-28, what actions did Moses take by faith, and what were the consequences of these actions?
2. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, how does Paul describe the afflictions believers face, and what perspective does he encourage them to have?
3. What does 1 Corinthians 15:19 suggest about the nature of hope in Christ, and how does it relate to the life of Moses as discussed in the sermon? [20:09]
4. How did Moses' faith influence his decision to leave Egypt, and what does this reveal about his character? [24:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "eternal weight of glory" in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 help believers endure present challenges, and how might this have applied to Moses' life? [21:12]
2. What does Moses' decision to align with the mistreated people of God, despite the lack of earthly reward, teach about the nature of faith and courage? [19:20]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of preparation before stepping into God's calling, and what lessons can be drawn from Moses' 40 years in the desert? [30:15]
4. In what ways does the observance of the Passover by Moses highlight the need for a savior, and how does this point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? [37:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision that required faith. How did you factor in eternity in your decision-making process, similar to Moses? [23:57]
2. Moses left Egypt by faith, not fearing the king's wrath. Is there a situation in your life where you need to act courageously despite fear? How can you draw strength from God's presence? [24:42]
3. Consider the periods of preparation in your life. How have these times shaped you for future work, and what might God be preparing you for now? [31:54]
4. How can you cultivate a perspective that sees present afflictions as "light and momentary" in light of eternal glory? What practical steps can you take to maintain this perspective daily? [22:04]
5. Moses recognized his need for a savior through the Passover. How do you acknowledge your need for Jesus in your daily life, and how does this impact your sense of peace and assurance? [39:28]
6. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you endure by "seeing Him who is invisible," and what specific actions can you take to remind yourself of God's presence? [36:38]
7. How can you apply the lessons from Moses' life to embrace the cross and follow Jesus, even when it means going against cultural norms or facing personal sacrifices? [23:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Eternal Rewards Over Earthly Gains
In the life of Moses, we see a profound example of choosing eternal rewards over temporary, earthly gains. Moses, despite his royal upbringing, chose to align himself with the oppressed people of God, leading him to a life of hardship in the desert. This choice reflects a deep understanding that the true reward for following God is not found in this world. Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to take up our cross, understanding that our present sufferings are preparing us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them. The Apostle Paul reminds us that if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are to be pitied. Our faith must factor in eternity, recognizing that the cross leads to resurrection and glory. This eternal perspective allows us to endure present afflictions, viewing them as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits. [21:47]

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to seek immediate gratification over eternal significance? How can you shift your focus to prioritize eternal rewards today?


Day 2: Courage Rooted in Faith
Moses' story illustrates the courage that faith brings. By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger, because he saw Him who is invisible. This courage was not immediate; Moses initially acted impulsively, leading to a disastrous outcome. However, God used the subsequent 40 years in the desert to prepare Moses, teaching him self-control and humility. This period of preparation was crucial, as success before readiness can be detrimental. Moses' endurance during these years was fueled by his faith, as he trusted God’s presence and future plans for him. This courage is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises, allowing us to face challenges and endure hardships with confidence. [25:02]

"By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you draw courage from your faith in God's unseen presence and promises to face this challenge today?


Day 3: The Importance of Preparation
Preparation is essential before stepping into God's calling. Moses spent 40 years in the desert learning self-control and humility. Success before readiness can be harmful, and God uses periods of preparation to shape us for future work. This time in the desert was not wasted; it was a crucial period where Moses was molded into the leader God needed him to be. Similarly, we must embrace the seasons of preparation in our own lives, trusting that God is using them to equip us for His purposes. These times may feel like delays, but they are divine opportunities for growth and transformation. [30:32]

"And after he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’" (Acts 13:22, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a season of preparation you are currently in or have recently experienced. How can you embrace this time as an opportunity for growth and trust in God's timing?


Day 4: Endurance Through Faith
Endurance is possible when we live by faith, seeing the invisible God. Moses endured years of preparation by trusting in God's presence, and we too can endure trials by setting the Lord always before us, knowing He is at our right hand. This endurance is not passive but active, requiring us to continually fix our eyes on the unseen realities of God's promises and presence. By doing so, we find the strength to persevere through difficulties, knowing that God is with us and for us. [36:38]

"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing? How can you actively set the Lord before you and draw strength from His presence to endure this trial?


Day 5: Faith and the Need for a Savior
Faith acknowledges our need for a savior and rejoices in the provision of Jesus Christ. Moses, despite his greatness, recognized his need for the Passover lamb, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin. This recognition of our need for a savior is a fundamental aspect of faith, leading us to rely not on our own strength or righteousness but on the grace and mercy of God through Jesus. In acknowledging this need, we find peace and assurance of forgiveness, knowing that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. [39:28]

"For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." (1 Corinthians 5:7b, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself relying on your own strength or righteousness? How can you shift your focus to rely on the grace and mercy of God through Jesus today?

Quotes


In reflecting on the life of Moses, we are reminded that the true reward for following God is not found in this world. Moses chose to align himself with the mistreated people of God, which led him to a life in the desert with ungrateful followers. His reward was not earthly, and similarly, following Jesus and taking up the cross does not promise worldly rewards. [00:19:06]

Faith factors in eternity. Following Jesus does mean taking up a cross now; there's always a cost, but it doesn't end there. The cross for Jesus led to his glorious resurrection, and right now he is seated in glory at the right hand of the Father, and one day, all who follow him will share in his reward. [00:20:42]

Moses saw through the world with its fleeting treasures and pleasures, and by faith, he factored in eternity. That's why he was able to embrace the cross at the cost of leaving the palace and taking his stand with the mistreated people of God. If you're going to follow after the Lord Jesus Christ, you're going to have to do the same. [00:22:36]

By faith, Moses left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. This is about Moses' courage and about his perseverance, and we're going to see that that came because of faith. [00:24:40]

Moses thought that what he had done was completely hidden, that no one had seen it, but the act had been seen, and the scripture tells us that when Pharaoh heard about it, he sought to kill Moses. So in a single day, Moses went from being a favored son of the palace to being a hunted fugitive of the king. [00:26:05]

Moses was not ready. I mean, here's a man who clearly had a violent temper. He had not yet learned self-control. What damage might have been done if Moses had assumed leadership over the people of God at the age of 40? No, Moses wasn't ready. He needed to master himself. [00:29:21]

The worst thing that can happen to a man is to have success before he is ready. Very perceptive. Kendall says it was the wisest advice he ever gave me. The worst thing, the worst thing that can happen to a man or to a woman is to have success before he or she is ready. [00:30:34]

Moses spent the next 40 years in the desert, and there God taught him to master himself, and the man who had had the violent temper became a man whose scripture tells us became known as the meekest of people. You'll find that in Numbers chapter 12 and verse 3. [00:31:00]

Moses knew that his time had not yet come, but he also knew that his time would come. So by faith, he left Egypt in order to prepare himself for the work that God would give him to do. I believe that God has a future for me. I'm going to prepare myself for the work that one day he will give me to do. [00:31:48]

Moses endured when everything was against him. God's people were against him, Pharaoh was against him, I've no doubt his own conscience was against him, but Moses dared to believe that God was for him, and he endured as seeing him who is invisible. [00:34:49]

Moses trusted God as if he could see him, as if he could see him right there next to him. That's what faith does. Faith reckons on this wonderful reality that God is right here next to you. I have set the Lord always before me, and because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [00:36:20]

Moses, at this point in the story, now verse 28, he has spent 40 years in preparation for ministry. This is the man who would do miracles, this is the man who God would use to form and to lead an entire nation, and this man says I am a sinner in need of a savior. [00:38:55]

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Transcript
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