In life, we often find ourselves in situations where the darkness seems overwhelming, and hope appears distant. The story of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 5 and 6 reminds us that God's deliverance often follows a period of intensified struggle. Moses faced increased oppression from Pharaoh, yet God reassured him of His covenant promise. This pattern is not unique to Moses; it is a recurring theme in the lives of believers. When we are in our darkest moments, it is crucial to remember that God's intervention is often just around the corner. This understanding encourages us not to give up, as God's deliverance is on the way. [04:10]
Exodus 6:6-7 (ESV): "Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."
Reflection: Think of a current struggle in your life. How can you hold onto the hope of God's deliverance, trusting that He is working even when you cannot see it?
Day 2: Reverence for God's Omnipotence
Reverence is a rare and profound emotion, a blend of admiration and fear, awe and dread. The omnipotence of God demands such reverence from us. Recognizing God's infinite power should lead us to a place of awe and worship. This reverence is not just an emotional response but a call to live in a way that honors the Almighty. It is about acknowledging His greatness and allowing that understanding to transform our lives. As we stand in awe of God's power, we are reminded of our place in His creation and our dependence on Him. [15:37]
Psalm 33:8-9 (ESV): "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God in your daily life? How might this change your approach to worship and prayer?
Day 3: The Certainty of God's Justice
The omnipotence of God guarantees that those who resist Him will face His wrath. It is a sobering reality that no one can thwart God's purposes, and His justice will prevail. This truth should lead us to live in obedience to God, recognizing the folly of disobedience. God's power ensures recompense, and His justice is certain. For those who choose to resist Him, there is a promise of recompense. However, for those who align themselves with His will, there is the assurance of His protection and love. [18:54]
Nahum 1:3 (ESV): "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God's will? What steps can you take today to align yourself with His purposes and avoid the consequences of disobedience?
Day 4: Refuge in God's Omnipotence
For those who accept God's terms, His omnipotence offers refuge, promising ultimate victory despite suffering. This refuge is not from earthly trials but from final defeat, assuring us of His love and protection. The story of Jim Elliot, who was martyred while serving as a missionary, exemplifies this refuge. His life and death, though seen as a tragedy by the world, were lived under the shadow of the Almighty. God's omnipotence does not guarantee deliverance from earthly trials but assures us of His love and final victory. [19:08]
Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."
Reflection: How can you find refuge in God's omnipotence today, trusting in His ultimate victory even in the face of your current challenges?
Day 5: Living Under God's Sovereign Power
Living under God's omnipotence means trusting in His ultimate victory, even in the face of suffering. The story of Jim Elliot illustrates that our faith in God's power should transform our lives, bringing freedom, joy, and hope. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this truth, finding our refuge in the Almighty and trusting in His sovereign power. This trust is not passive but active, calling us to live boldly and courageously, knowing that our lives are in the hands of an all-powerful God. [21:58]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust more deeply in God's sovereign power? How can you actively live out this trust in your daily actions and decisions?
Sermon Summary
In reflecting on the omnipotence of God, we are reminded of the profound truth that the Almighty, who loved us and gave Himself for us, is infinite in power. This understanding should revolutionize our lives, bringing freedom, joy, hope, and power into our church, families, and workplaces. The narrative from Exodus 5 and 6 illustrates how God’s deliverance often comes after a period of intensified struggle, as seen when Moses and Aaron faced Pharaoh's increased oppression. Yet, God reassures Moses of His covenant promise, revealing Himself as Yahweh, a name that encompasses His almighty nature and assures His people of deliverance.
The omnipotence of God implies three significant truths about God: He cannot be stopped from fulfilling His purposes, He does whatever He pleases, and His power is superior to all others. These truths should evoke reverence, recompense, and refuge in us. Reverence is a rare emotion, a blend of admiration and fear, awe and dread, which we are called to experience before the Almighty. The recompense of God’s wrath is a sobering reality for those who resist Him, as His omnipotence ensures that no one can thwart His will. Yet, for those who accept His terms, His omnipotence offers refuge, a promise of ultimate victory despite suffering.
The story of Jim Elliot, who was martyred while serving as a missionary, exemplifies this refuge. His life and death, though seen as a tragedy by the world, were lived under the shadow of the Almighty, demonstrating that God’s refuge is not from suffering but from ultimate defeat. God’s omnipotence does not guarantee deliverance from earthly trials but assures us of His love and final victory. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this truth, finding our refuge in the Almighty and trusting in His sovereign power.
Key Takeaways
1. God’s Deliverance Often Follows Struggle: Just as Moses faced increased oppression before deliverance, our darkest moments often precede God’s intervention. This pattern encourages us not to give up, as God’s deliverance is on the way. [04:10]
2. The Omnipotence of God Demands Reverence: Reverence is a rare emotion, a combination of admiration and fear, which we are called to experience before the Almighty. Recognizing God’s infinite power should lead us to awe and worship. [15:37]
3. God’s Power Ensures Recompense: The omnipotence of God guarantees that those who resist Him will face His wrath. It is folly to disobey the Almighty, as His purposes cannot be thwarted, and His justice will prevail. [18:54]
4. God’s Omnipotence Offers Refuge: For those who accept His terms, God’s omnipotence is a refuge, promising ultimate victory despite suffering. This refuge is not from earthly trials but from final defeat, assuring us of His love and protection. [19:08]
5. Living in the Shadow of the Almighty: The story of Jim Elliot illustrates that living under God’s omnipotence means trusting in His ultimate victory, even in the face of suffering. Our faith in God’s power should transform our lives, bringing freedom, joy, and hope. [21:58] ** [21:58]
In Exodus 5:22-6:8, how does God respond to Moses' complaint about the increased oppression of the Israelites? What assurance does He provide? [03:23]
According to Psalm 91:1-2, what does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty?
How does Daniel 4:35 describe God's sovereignty and power over the universe?
What are the three implications of God's omnipotence mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to His nature? [07:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the story of Moses and Pharaoh illustrate the concept that God's deliverance often follows a period of struggle? What might this suggest about the nature of God's timing? [04:10]
The sermon mentions that reverence is a rare emotion. Why might reverence be difficult for people to experience today, and how does understanding God's omnipotence change that? [15:37]
In what ways does the omnipotence of God provide a refuge for believers, according to the sermon? How does this differ from a refuge from earthly trials? [19:08]
How does the story of Jim Elliot exemplify living under the shadow of the Almighty, and what does it teach about the nature of God's protection? [21:58]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up during a difficult situation. How can the understanding that God's deliverance often follows struggle encourage you to persevere? [04:10]
How can you cultivate a sense of reverence for God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His omnipotence and majesty? [15:37]
Consider a situation where you might be resisting God's will. How does the knowledge of God's ultimate power and justice influence your response to His commands? [18:54]
In what ways can you find refuge in God's omnipotence during times of personal suffering or uncertainty? How can this perspective change your approach to challenges? [19:08]
Jim Elliot's story highlights the idea of ultimate victory despite earthly suffering. How can you apply this mindset to your own life, especially when facing trials? [21:58]
Identify an area in your life where you need to trust more in God's sovereign power. What specific actions can you take to surrender this area to Him?
How can the understanding of God's omnipotence bring freedom, joy, and hope into your relationships and work environment? What changes might you need to make to reflect this truth? [20:20]
Sermon Clips
Has it ever hit home to you what it means to say God who loved me and gave himself for me is Almighty? If we could live that Faith, what a revolution in our church, in our families, at our work it would be. Freedom, Joy, hope, power because the one who loved us and gave himself for us is infinite in power. [00:00:17]
Isn't it the case that very often when you're discouraged it gets darker and darker just before it gets brighter? Isn't it the case that the Knight seems to have the worst setback just before Deliverance comes? That's exactly what God allowed to happen for these people. Here comes the deliverer, he's right around the corner. [00:03:33]
God is saying now Yahweh is a greater name than God Almighty. It's a bigger name. It Embraces the old one and includes it. I've kept this privilege of knowing me as Yahweh I am who I am for you Moses and for the people at this particular time. [00:05:36]
The omnipotence of God implies that he does whatever he pleases. To put it positively, Psalm 115:3, our God is in heaven, he does whatever he pleases. Or Isaiah 46:9, I am God and there is none besides me, my counsel shall stand, I will accomplish all my purpose. [00:08:37]
Reverence is a foreign emotion to Fallen human beings. Very few people have tasted reverence. Is that true? If you consider God a pal or sidekick or grandfather or religious drug for the uneducated, you can't reverence God. There are a lot of affections that you can feel for a little God, reverence is not one of them. [00:14:40]
Reverence, I think, is a combination of admiration and fear, a combination of awe and Dread, a combination of Wonder and Terror. It's an emotion that we were made to experience. We long for it. Everybody Longs for it. Why else do people create and make millions on Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi? [00:15:37]
The omnipotence of God means recompense, a recompense of wrath upon those who do not believe the gospel of our Lord Jesus. There's a scene in The Book of Revelation that John paints for us, one of those terrible scenes. A white horse comes forth from Heaven and the rider is called faithful and true. [00:16:56]
If God is Almighty, people who resist him cannot succeed. He will crush them and soak his robes in their blood. But they seem to prosper, do they not? The unbelieving and the Arrogant, the hard of heart and the callous, they seem to prosper. But oh, the Bible is so clear in Psalm 73 what their latter end will be. [00:18:54]
The omnipotence of God means refuge for those who have accepted the terms of his treaty. He does hold out a treaty, this Warrior God, right up until the day you die. The treaty is there awaiting your signature. Psalm 91:1-2, he who dwells in the shelter of the most high who abides in the shadow of the almighty. [00:19:08]
Elizabeth Elliot wrote two years later, the world did not recognize the truth of the second Clause of Jim Elliot's Credo: he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. She called her book The Shadow of the Almighty from Psalm 91 verse one because she was absolutely convinced. [00:21:58]
The Refuge of the almighty is not a refuge from suffering or even murder. It is a refuge from final and ultimate defeat in the universe. It is a promise of final Victory. God did not exercise his omnipotence to deliver Jesus from the cross. He did not exercise his omnipotence to deliver Jim Elliott. [00:22:58]
The omnipotence of God is a refuge for his obedient people. Nothing that befalls you comes but by his ordination and afterward he will receive you to Glory. Almighty God and heavenly father, I yearn for this people and for myself. Oh, how I want more of you God, how I want more power, more faith, more purity. [00:23:10]