God's Authority: Lessons from Pharaoh and the Plagues
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Exodus 7, exploring the timeless question posed by Pharaoh: "Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?" This question is as relevant today as it was in ancient Egypt. Despite our technological advancements and perceived progress, the fundamental issue of the human heart remains unchanged—sin. Pharaoh, much like modern society, believed in his own sovereignty and questioned the authority of the God of the Hebrews. This led us to examine the first three plagues God sent upon Egypt: turning the Nile into blood, the plague of frogs, and the plague of gnats. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and demonstrated God's supreme authority.
The Nile, central to Egypt's prosperity, was turned to blood, showing that the true source of life and sustenance is God, not the Egyptian god Happy. The plague of frogs, which invaded every corner of Egyptian life, mocked the god Hegat, who was supposed to bring fruitfulness. The plague of gnats, which turned the very dust of Egypt into a nuisance, showed that even the smallest creatures are under God's control, not the Egyptian gods. These plagues were not just punishments but revelations of God's power and authority, meant to answer Pharaoh's question and to remind the Israelites of who their God truly is.
In our modern, pluralistic society, we often face the same challenge. We live in a "post-truth" era where feelings often dictate beliefs, and the idea of an absolute truth is frequently rejected. Yet, the plagues remind us that God's truth and authority are unchanging, regardless of human opinion or technological advancement. As Christians, we are called to live as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, set apart to declare the praises of God. Our mission is to live such good lives that even those who do not believe may see our good deeds and glorify God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Root Problem of Humanity:
Despite technological advancements, the fundamental issue of the human heart remains unchanged—sin. No amount of progress can solve this root problem. Our advancements may improve our quality of life, but they cannot address the core issue of our sinful nature. This is why we continually see cycles of crime, dishonesty, and mistreatment in society. [26:48]
2. God's Authority Over Creation:
The plagues in Egypt were not just acts of judgment but demonstrations of God's supreme authority over all creation. By turning the Nile into blood, God showed that He is the true source of life and sustenance, not the Egyptian gods. This serves as a reminder that all we have comes from God, and He alone has the power to give and take away. [44:04]
3. The Deceptiveness of Feelings:
In a post-truth world, people often rely on their feelings to guide their actions. However, the Bible warns that the heart is deceptive. Our feelings are unstable and can lead us astray. True guidance comes from God's unchanging truth, not our fluctuating emotions. [39:14]
4. Living as a Chosen People:
As Christians, we are called to be a chosen people, a royal priesthood, set apart to declare the praises of God. This means living lives that reflect God's holiness and love, even in a pluralistic society that may reject absolute truth. Our lives should be a testimony to God's goodness and authority. [01:05:44]
5. Our Mission and Purpose:
Our primary purpose as Christians is to live out God's mission on earth. This involves abstaining from sinful desires and living such good lives that even non-believers may see our good deeds and glorify God. We are temporary residents on this earth, and our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. [01:12:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:48] - The Root Problem of Humanity
[28:27] - Technological Advancements and Human Sin
[31:07] - Pharaoh's Question: Who is the Lord?
[32:41] - Pluralistic Society of Egypt
[36:48] - Post-Truth Culture
[39:14] - The Deceptiveness of Feelings
[42:27] - God's Response: The Plagues
[44:04] - The Plague of Blood
[48:18] - True Source of Happiness
[51:17] - The Plague of Frogs
[54:12] - The Plague of Gnats
[57:08] - God's Authority Over Insects
[01:05:44] - Living as a Chosen People
[01:07:18] - God's Kingship and Our Citizenship
[01:12:11] - Our Mission and Purpose
[01:14:09] - Closing Prayer
[01:19:17] - Prayer Requests and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 7:14-25 - The Plague of Blood
2. Exodus 8:1-15 - The Plague of Frogs
3. Exodus 8:16-19 - The Plague of Gnats
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Pharaoh's initial reaction to Moses and Aaron's request to let the Israelites go? (Exodus 5:2, [31:07])
2. How did God demonstrate His authority over the Nile River in the first plague? (Exodus 7:14-25, [44:04])
3. What was the significance of the plague of frogs, and how did it challenge the Egyptian god Hegat? (Exodus 8:1-15, [51:17])
4. How did the magicians of Egypt respond to the plague of gnats, and what did they acknowledge? (Exodus 8:16-19, [57:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pharaoh's heart remained hard despite witnessing the plagues? What does this reveal about human nature and sin? ([45:19])
2. How do the plagues serve as a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, and what does this tell us about God's authority over creation? ([42:27])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern society is similar to ancient Egypt in terms of questioning God's authority? ([31:07])
4. How does the concept of living as a "chosen people" and a "royal priesthood" apply to Christians today, according to the sermon? ([01:05:44])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentions that despite technological advancements, the root problem of humanity—sin—remains unchanged. How do you see this reality manifesting in today's world? ([26:48])
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle with acknowledging God's authority, similar to Pharaoh's question, "Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?" ([31:07])
3. The sermon warns about the deceptiveness of feelings in a post-truth world. Can you identify a time when your feelings led you astray? How can you seek God's unchanging truth in such situations? ([39:14])
4. As Christians, we are called to live as a chosen people, set apart to declare the praises of God. What specific actions can you take this week to reflect God's holiness and love in your community? ([01:05:44])
5. The sermon emphasizes our mission to live such good lives that even non-believers may see our good deeds and glorify God. Can you think of a recent example where your actions might have influenced someone's perception of God? How can you be more intentional about this in the future? ([01:12:11])
6. Reflecting on the plagues, how can you remind yourself that God is the true source of life and sustenance, not the "gods" of modern society (e.g., technology, wealth, status)? ([44:04])
7. The sermon calls us to abstain from sinful desires and live as temporary residents on earth. What practical steps can you take to focus more on your heavenly citizenship and less on worldly distractions? ([01:09:25])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Unchanging Problem of Sin
Description:
Despite the rapid advancements in technology and the progress we see in various fields, the fundamental issue of the human heart remains unchanged—sin. No amount of technological progress can solve this root problem. Our advancements may improve our quality of life, but they cannot address the core issue of our sinful nature. This is why we continually see cycles of crime, dishonesty, and mistreatment in society. The story of Pharaoh in Exodus 7 is a stark reminder that human pride and self-sovereignty often lead us to question God's authority, just as Pharaoh did when he asked, "Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?" [26:48]
Bible Passage:
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Reflection:
Think about an area in your life where you see the cycle of sin repeating. How can you invite God into that space to bring transformation and healing?
### Day 2: God's Supreme Authority Over Creation
Description:
The plagues in Egypt were not just acts of judgment but demonstrations of God's supreme authority over all creation. By turning the Nile into blood, God showed that He is the true source of life and sustenance, not the Egyptian gods. This serves as a reminder that all we have comes from God, and He alone has the power to give and take away. The plagues were a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, revealing their impotence and highlighting God's unmatched power. This is a powerful reminder for us today that no matter what we rely on—be it technology, wealth, or human wisdom—God's authority remains supreme. [44:04]
Bible Passage:
Psalm 24:1-2 (ESV): "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers."
Reflection:
Reflect on something in your life that you have been relying on more than God. How can you shift your trust back to Him, acknowledging His supreme authority?
### Day 3: The Deceptiveness of Feelings
Description:
In a post-truth world, people often rely on their feelings to guide their actions. However, the Bible warns that the heart is deceptive. Our feelings are unstable and can lead us astray. True guidance comes from God's unchanging truth, not our fluctuating emotions. The plagues in Egypt serve as a reminder that God's truth and authority are unchanging, regardless of human opinion or technological advancement. As Christians, we are called to live by God's truth, even when it contradicts our feelings or the prevailing cultural norms. [39:14]
Bible Passage:
Proverbs 28:26 (ESV): "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."
Reflection:
Identify a recent decision you made based on your feelings. How might God's unchanging truth have guided you differently in that situation?
### Day 4: Living as a Chosen People
Description:
As Christians, we are called to be a chosen people, a royal priesthood, set apart to declare the praises of God. This means living lives that reflect God's holiness and love, even in a pluralistic society that may reject absolute truth. Our lives should be a testimony to God's goodness and authority. The Israelites were reminded of who their God truly is through the plagues, and we too are reminded to live in a way that honors God and sets us apart from the world. Our mission is to live such good lives that even those who do not believe may see our good deeds and glorify God. [01:05:44]
Bible Passage:
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:
Consider how your daily actions reflect your identity as part of God's chosen people. What is one specific way you can demonstrate God's love and holiness today?
### Day 5: Our Mission and Purpose
Description:
Our primary purpose as Christians is to live out God's mission on earth. This involves abstaining from sinful desires and living such good lives that even non-believers may see our good deeds and glorify God. We are temporary residents on this earth, and our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. The plagues in Egypt were a powerful demonstration of God's authority and a call for the Israelites to remember their identity and mission. Similarly, we are called to live with a heavenly perspective, focusing on our mission to declare God's praises and bring glory to His name. [01:12:11]
Bible Passage:
Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Reflection:
Reflect on your daily routines and habits. How can you align them more closely with your mission and purpose as a follower of Christ? What is one change you can make today to live with a heavenly perspective?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have access to more information than we've ever had before. But we are not any more advanced at the root of the problems of mankind than any generation that's ever lived before us. You see, the root problem is in the heart of man. And we have not solved that with all of our advancements and all of our enlightenments, all of our progressiveness that we've, we've been able to have in our current culture. It has not solved the problem in the heart of man. At the root of the heart of man, the problem is sin. It always has been. And it always will be. And none of our advancements will do anything to take care of that problem." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Who is this God that we should listen to him? Can't we take care of things ourselves? Aren't we really the ones in control? Aren't we really in charge of our own fate? Who is this Lord that we should listen to him?" (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Just because you feel it's okay and you act on that, everything we act on by our feelings affects other people, whether we want it to or not. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a really bad way. If we just let our feelings dictate how we act, then it can be very destructive and disruptive and chaotic in the world." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus said, I have come that you may have life and have it to the full. What's really the source? It's God in Christ. He's the source of what will truly give us joy in life. Whether you feel like it or not, he's the source. Whether you, whether you think you feel more like it's this, when that is not in your control, but it's in God's control, who's really the one providing then? God. And so your feelings don't get to control that. God controls that. The one true God, the real God controls that, not your feelings." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Who is the Lord? That's the question Pharaoh had. That's the question every human being on earth has to answer. Who is the Lord? Not what do you feel, but what's the fact about who is the Lord? Who has shown themselves to be the Lord? Who has given the evidence? Upon which you can base your decision on who is the Lord." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God is revealing the fact that he is the ruler and the one who's over all things, not our own made-up gods and feelings that we have about those things. The next one we find starting in chapter 8. This one to me almost sounds cute until you understand the full extent of it. Frogs. Okay? My wife actually collects frogs. She uses that wording that they use with the letters from frog, fully rely on God. That's how she breaks down frog. Okay? But this is not cute." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is our king. And God's people are now our family. And the third fact is this. God's mission is our purpose for being here. As his children, part of his family. We are here as aliens on mission for God. With the time that we have here, we're on mission for God. Remember what he said in verse 12? Well, before that, he said in verse 11. As foreigners and exiles abstain from sinful desires, that's part of the mission, that wage war against your soul. And then, here's the mission. Continued. Live such good lives among the pagans. The word pagan just means someone who's not a Christian, right? So live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they can still see your good deeds and glorify God on the day that he visits us." (-353 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So in that revelation and what God's telling us through the Exodus encounter with the plagues is three things. First, God, the God of the Bible is king. You need to know that. I may not always feel like. He is my, my emotions that day, my feelings that day may not point that direction, but that doesn't change the fact. Here's the fact. God is king period. He's demonstrated it over and over again. If you ever think you're in control, be aware of how God might prove to you that you're not. You are not in control and neither am I. And that's a good thing. You better be glad I'm not in control. I might throw. Rock a, we're not in control, but God is, that's a good thing, not only because we couldn't handle it well, but because God handles it exactly right, the way it needs to be handled." (59 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I am a citizen of heaven above everything else. And the benefits and the blessings of being a citizen of heaven through Jesus, not because I've done anything, but for what Jesus has done. I'm a citizen of heaven. And that citizenship is what should drive my life more than anything else. More than even that I'm an American. I should be much more driven by being a citizen of heaven than I am by being an American. And so should you. Now that doesn't mean I need to tear down the place where I live. I shouldn't. I don't need to try to tear down America. But I have a higher, holier calling as a citizen of heaven. That's my first allegiance above everything else." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Now, the nation of Israel was supposed to do that under the old covenant. They were supposed to show a set-apart lifestyle different than the rest of the world so that people could see the people of God have a different life than the people who don't know God have. And it's better. And it has blessings that people who don't know God don't have. And today, who are the people of God set apart for God? We are Christians. So what are we supposed to be doing? Showing the world a set-apart life and what that looks like when you live for God and honor God and serve God. We're supposed to be that example to the rest of the world that does not know God. Even if they criticize us and ridicule us for it, here's what they can't say. God's people weren't what they claimed to be. You see, that's what we're called to. That's our mission." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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