Faith in Action: Lessons from Moses' Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Summit family. Today, we continue our journey through Hebrews 11, focusing on the life of Moses. This chapter, often called the "Great Hall of Faith," showcases the extraordinary faith of biblical figures. Moses, a legendary figure of the Old Testament, exemplifies what it means to live by faith. Despite his royal upbringing, Moses chose to leave behind the fleeting pleasures of sin and the treasures of Egypt, seeking something far greater. His life teaches us that true satisfaction and purpose are found not in worldly accolades but in a deeper relationship with God.
Moses' story is a powerful reminder that faith involves stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting in the unseen. He left Egypt, not fearing the king's wrath, because he saw "Him who is invisible." This kind of faith requires us to let the unseen dictate the seen, to trust in God's promises even when the path is unclear. Moses' encounter with the burning bush at 80 years old flipped his life upside down, demonstrating that it's never too late to answer God's call.
Faith also means hearing clearly from God. Moses had an intimate relationship with God, meeting Him at the tent of meeting and hearing His voice clearly. For us today, hearing from God involves engaging with His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. We must position ourselves to hear from God by confessing sin, eliminating distractions, and sometimes even fasting.
Moreover, entering a life of more requires leaving our "Egypts"—the idols and comforts of this world. The plagues in Egypt were targeted assaults on their idols, showing that God's way is far superior to the world's way. We must be willing to let go of our idols to fully embrace the life God has for us.
Finally, the life of more means looking to Jesus, the true and better Passover Lamb. Just as the Israelites applied the blood of the lamb to their doorposts to escape the destroyer, we must apply the blood of Christ to our hearts to escape God's wrath. This act of faith leads us into a life of more, even when it involves trials and suffering. Our suffering is never just about us; it's part of God's greater mission. Just as the Red Sea experience prepared Israel for future battles, our trials prepare us for greater things in God's kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Requires Leaving Comfort Zones: Moses left the royal comforts of Egypt, choosing to endure hardship with God's people. This teaches us that true faith often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God with the unknown. Faith is letting the unseen dictate the seen, as Moses did by seeing "Him who is invisible" ([15:55]).
2. Hearing from God is Essential: Moses' ability to exercise great faith stemmed from his intimate relationship with God, where he heard God's voice clearly. For us, this means engaging deeply with Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. We must position ourselves to hear from God by confessing sin, eliminating distractions, and sometimes fasting ([20:16]).
3. Leaving Our Idols Behind: The plagues in Egypt were targeted assaults on their idols, showing that God's way is superior to the world's way. We must be willing to let go of our idols—those good things that have become ultimate things—to fully embrace the life God has for us. Holding on to our idols is like preferring darkness over the light of God's kingdom ([30:15]).
4. Looking to Jesus, the True Passover Lamb: Just as the Israelites applied the blood of the lamb to their doorposts to escape the destroyer, we must apply the blood of Christ to our hearts to escape God's wrath. This act of faith leads us into a life of more, even when it involves trials and suffering. Our salvation through Christ is the beginning of a journey that often includes trials, but these trials prepare us for greater things in God's kingdom ([35:02]).
5. Suffering is Part of God's Greater Mission: The Red Sea experience shows that our suffering is never just about us; it's part of God's greater mission. Just as Israel's suffering at the Red Sea prepared them for future battles, our trials prepare us for greater things in God's kingdom. Our suffering can make us more compassionate, empathetic, and effective in our ministry and relationships ([39:58]).
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:51] - Introduction to Moses
[02:44] - Moses' Faith and Choices
[03:35] - Prayer for God's Guidance
[05:03] - The Noble Cause
[07:03] - Longing for More
[09:21] - The Rich Young Ruler
[11:18] - Moses Leaves Egypt
[12:11] - J. Cole's Search for Happiness
[13:41] - Moses' Encounter with God
[15:00] - Defining Faith
[16:53] - The Belt of Faith
[18:32] - Practical Steps of Faith
[20:16] - Hearing Clearly from God
[21:45] - Doctrine of Revelation
[23:19] - Doctrine of Illumination
[25:11] - Positioning to Hear God
[27:15] - Confessing Sin
[28:44] - Eliminating Distractions
[30:15] - Leaving Egypt and Idols
[33:22] - Embracing the New Way
[35:02] - Looking to Jesus
[36:31] - Crossing the Red Sea
[38:11] - Faith in Trials and Suffering
[39:58] - Suffering and God's Mission
[41:26] - Frederick Douglass' Suffering
[42:59] - Personal Story of Suffering
[45:09] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 11:23-29
- Exodus 3:1-6
- John 1:29
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant choices did Moses make by faith according to Hebrews 11:23-29? How did these choices reflect his priorities? ([02:44])
2. Describe Moses' encounter with the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-6. What was the significance of this event in Moses' life?
3. In John 1:29, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God." How does this title connect to the Passover lamb mentioned in Hebrews 11:28? ([35:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Moses choose to leave the royal comforts of Egypt and endure hardship with God's people? What does this teach us about the nature of faith? ([02:44])
2. How does Moses' intimate relationship with God, as described in Numbers 12:6-8, influence his ability to exercise great faith? ([20:16])
3. What are the "idols" in our lives that we need to leave behind to fully embrace the life God has for us? How do the plagues in Egypt illustrate this concept? ([30:15])
4. How does the act of applying the blood of the Passover lamb to the doorposts in Exodus relate to our faith in Jesus as the true Passover Lamb? ([35:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Moses left his comfort zone to follow God's call. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, even if it means leaving your comfort zone? ([15:55])
2. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there any distractions or unconfessed sins that might be hindering you from hearing God's voice clearly? What steps can you take to eliminate these distractions? ([27:15])
3. Identify an "idol" in your life—something good that has become an ultimate thing. What practical steps can you take this week to let go of this idol and trust in God's superior way? ([30:15])
4. How can you apply the concept of the Passover lamb to your daily life? What does it mean for you to live under the protection of Jesus' sacrifice? ([35:02])
5. Think about a recent trial or period of suffering in your life. How can you view this experience as part of God's greater mission? How might it prepare you for future challenges or opportunities to serve others? ([39:58])
6. Moses' life was flipped upside down at 80 years old when he encountered God at the burning bush. How does this story encourage you to be open to God's call, regardless of your age or stage in life? ([14:15])
7. The sermon mentioned that our suffering is never just about us but is part of God's greater mission. How can you use your experiences of suffering to empathize with and support others in your community? ([39:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Faith requires us to leave our comfort zones and trust in the unseen. Moses, despite his royal upbringing, chose to endure hardship with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin and the treasures of Egypt. This decision exemplifies the essence of faith—letting the unseen dictate the seen. Moses saw "Him who is invisible" and trusted in God's promises even when the path was unclear. This kind of faith calls us to step out of our comfort zones and trust God with the unknown, just as Moses did. [15:55]
Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV): "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 2: Hearing Clearly from God
Moses' ability to exercise great faith stemmed from his intimate relationship with God, where he heard God's voice clearly. For us today, hearing from God involves engaging deeply with Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. We must position ourselves to hear from God by confessing sin, eliminating distractions, and sometimes fasting. This intentional positioning allows us to hear God's voice more clearly and follow His guidance in our lives. [20:16]
John 10:27 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: What distractions or sins are currently hindering you from hearing God's voice clearly? What steps can you take today to eliminate these distractions and position yourself to hear from God?
Day 3: Leaving Our Idols Behind
The plagues in Egypt were targeted assaults on their idols, showing that God's way is superior to the world's way. We must be willing to let go of our idols—those good things that have become ultimate things—to fully embrace the life God has for us. Holding on to our idols is like preferring darkness over the light of God's kingdom. Letting go of these idols allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [30:15]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: Identify one idol in your life that you have been holding onto. How can you begin to let go of this idol and trust in God's superior way today?
Day 4: Looking to Jesus, the True Passover Lamb
Just as the Israelites applied the blood of the lamb to their doorposts to escape the destroyer, we must apply the blood of Christ to our hearts to escape God's wrath. This act of faith leads us into a life of more, even when it involves trials and suffering. Our salvation through Christ is the beginning of a journey that often includes trials, but these trials prepare us for greater things in God's kingdom. [35:02]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How can you apply the truth of Christ's sacrifice to your heart today? In what ways can you look to Jesus for strength and guidance in the midst of your current trials?
Day 5: Suffering as Part of God's Greater Mission
The Red Sea experience shows that our suffering is never just about us; it's part of God's greater mission. Just as Israel's suffering at the Red Sea prepared them for future battles, our trials prepare us for greater things in God's kingdom. Our suffering can make us more compassionate, empathetic, and effective in our ministry and relationships. Embracing this perspective allows us to see our trials as opportunities for growth and preparation for God's greater purposes. [39:58]
2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV): "Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or suffering you have experienced. How can you use what you have learned from this experience to comfort and support others who are going through similar challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I just want you to know that a part of what it means to be human, a part of what it means to be made in the image of God, is this restlessness, this discontent, this dissatisfaction with the stuff of this life. You and I were created for far more than accolades and applause and big paychecks and nice homes and wonderful vacations." [08:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think the whole ministry of Jesus can be summed up in this invitation for more. Jesus came announcing the good news of, the kingdom of God. I can just see him there with hands outstretched in a posture of invitation, inviting us for more." [09:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is letting the unseen dictate the seen. We see this in our text. Again, verse 27, by faith, speaking of Moses, he left Egypt not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured, underlined this phrase, as seeing him who is invisible." [15:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I promise you, when we die, and stand in the presence of God, we won't regret, excuse me, we will regret playing it safe. We won't regret trusting him because he's never let us down." [19:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ has come offering to us the new way of living, the kingdom of heaven. And when we hold on to our idols, it is our way of saying thanks, but no thanks to the electricity. We prefer darkness." [33:22] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you're not hearing clearly from God, you will not be a man or woman of faith. Noah heard clearly from God about building the ark. Abraham heard clearly from God about offering his son Isaac. And Moses was a man who heard clearly from God." [20:16] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Nothing will distort the voice of God more than unconfessed, unrepentant sin. If you are living in sin, if you're holding on to sin, you will not hear the voice of God clearly." [27:15] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your suffering is never just about your suffering. It is always about God's greater mission. I want to be sensitive when I say that. I don't say this to make light. But our suffering, my suffering, your suffering, is never just about our suffering. It's always about God's greater mission." [39:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So here's Moses. I think like all the other men and women of Hebrews 11, the reason why they're people of faith is because they're hearing from God. I want you to understand that God is not on the history channel. I believe he's still speaking today. Are we in position?" [29:44] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The 10 plagues that God unleashes are, here it is, targeted assaults on the idols of Egypt. You need to understand in the Bible, Egypt is often used synonymously to speak of the world, the system that is opposed to the will and way of God." [30:15] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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