God's Call: Identity, Presence, and Purpose in Exodus

Devotional

Day 1: Our Identity is Defined by God’s Presence

Our identity and worth are not determined by our abilities, achievements, or societal labels but by God's presence with us. When Moses questioned his worthiness to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, God reassured him with the promise, "I will be with you." This assurance from God highlights that our true identity is rooted in His presence and guidance. We are who we are because God is with us, empowering us for His purposes. This understanding liberates us from the pressure to define ourselves by worldly standards and allows us to rest in the knowledge that we are valued and loved by God. [01:02:53]

Exodus 3:11-12 (ESV): "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?' He said, 'But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate or unworthy? How can you remind yourself today that your identity and worth are defined by God's presence with you?

Day 2: God is Transcendent and Immanent

God revealed Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. This name, often translated as Yahweh, emphasizes that God is both transcendent and immanent. He exists beyond and above the physical universe, yet He is also present within His creation, sustaining it and being actively involved in our lives. This dual nature of God provides us with comfort and assurance, knowing that He is both above all and intimately close to us. Understanding God's transcendence and immanence helps us to trust in His ultimate authority and care for us. [37:52]

Jeremiah 23:23-24 (ESV): "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."

Reflection: How does knowing that God is both transcendent and immanent affect your view of Him? In what ways can you seek to experience His presence more intimately in your daily life?

Day 3: We Must Let God Define Himself

In our culture, many people try to define God according to their own preferences and emotions, saying things like, "My God would never..." or "My God wouldn't allow..." This approach leads to creating a god in our own image, rather than worshiping the true God who has revealed Himself in Scripture. We must let God define Himself and accept His revelation of who He is. By doing so, we can worship Him in truth and spirit, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and confusion. Accepting God's self-revelation allows us to have a deeper and more authentic relationship with Him. [43:28]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Are there any preconceived notions or personal preferences you have about God that might not align with His revelation in Scripture? How can you seek to know and understand God as He has revealed Himself?

Day 4: Called to Be Ambassadors for Christ

Just as Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This calling is not based on our power but on God's power working through us. As new creations in Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, bringing others into a restored relationship with God. This responsibility requires us to rely on God's strength and guidance, knowing that He equips us for the task. Embracing this calling allows us to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. [01:14:05]

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation? How can you be an ambassador for Christ to them today, relying on God's power and guidance?

Day 5: Obedience to God’s Call Brings Fulfillment

Responding to God's call with obedience and faith leads to the fulfillment of His plans and promises in our lives. As we step out in faith, we experience God's provision and power, which strengthens our trust in Him. Our role is to be obedient, trusting that God will take care of the rest. This obedience brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that we are participating in God's divine plan. By following God's call, we align ourselves with His will and experience the joy and peace that come from living in accordance with His purposes. [01:12:47]

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take today to respond to His call with obedience and trust in His provision?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone! It's a joy to have you here today, whether you're joining us in person or online. We celebrated our anniversary yesterday, and it was a wonderful time filled with graduations and celebrations. Congratulations to all the graduates! Today, we continue our series through the book of Exodus, focusing on chapter 3. This chapter marks a significant turning point where God begins to speak directly to Moses and His people, leading them out of slavery in Egypt.

We started by reading through Exodus 3, where Moses encounters the burning bush. This miraculous event captures Moses' attention, and God calls out to him, instructing him to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. God reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and expresses His concern for the suffering of His people in Egypt. He commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage.

Moses, feeling inadequate, asks, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" God reassures him, saying, "I will be with you." This interaction highlights a crucial point: our identity and worth are defined by God's presence with us, not by our own abilities or societal labels. God further reveals His name as "I AM WHO I AM," emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This name, often translated as Yahweh, signifies God's transcendence and immanence—He is both above all and present with us.

We explored the concept of God's transcendence, which means He exists beyond and above the physical universe. He is eternal, having no beginning or end. This is crucial for us to understand because it shapes our view of God as the ultimate authority and creator. Psalm 90:2 captures this beautifully: "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

However, God is not only transcendent; He is also immanent. He is present within His creation, sustaining it and being actively involved in our lives. This dual nature of God—being both far above us and intimately close—provides us with comfort and assurance. Jeremiah 23:23-24 speaks to this, affirming that God fills heaven and earth and is always near.

In our culture today, many people try to define God according to their own preferences and emotions. They say things like, "My God would never..." or "My God wouldn't allow..." This is a dangerous path because it leads to creating a god in our own image, rather than worshiping the true God who has revealed Himself in Scripture. We must let God define Himself and accept His revelation of who He is.

God's revelation to Moses also includes a call to action. Just as Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 reminds us that we are new creations in Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This calling is not based on our power but on God's power working through us.

As we conclude, we witnessed a beautiful moment of baptism and prayer for those seeking God's guidance in their lives. This serves as a reminder that we are all called to respond to God's call with obedience and faith, trusting that He will provide everything we need for the journey ahead.

###

Key Takeaways

1. existent nature. He is both transcendent, existing beyond the physical universe, and immanent, present within His creation. This dual nature provides us with comfort and assurance, knowing that God is both above all and intimately close to us. [37:52]
3. We Must Let God Define Himself: In our culture, many try to define God according to their own preferences and emotions. However, we must let God define Himself as He has revealed in Scripture. Creating a god in our own image leads to idolatry and confusion. Accepting God's revelation of who He is allows us to worship Him in truth and spirit.

4. Called to Be Ambassadors for Christ: Just as Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This calling is not based on our power but on God's power working through us. We are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, bringing others into a restored relationship with God.

5. Obedience to God’s Call Brings Fulfillment: Responding to God's call with obedience and faith leads to the fulfillment of His plans and promises in our lives. As we step out in faith, we experience God's provision and power, strengthening our trust in Him. Our role is to be obedient; God will take care of the rest.

### [37:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:21] - Celebrating Graduates
[24:04] - Knowing Everyone: A Humorous Story
[26:44] - Introduction to Exodus 3
[28:27] - The Burning Bush Encounter
[29:42] - God’s Concern for His People
[30:23] - Moses’ Question: Who Am I?
[37:52] - God’s Transcendence and Immanence
[43:28] - Letting God Define Himself
[49:38] - God’s Personal Name: I AM
[50:39] - Paul in Athens: The Unknown God
[54:30] - Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit
[62:53] - Our Identity in God
[72:47] - Obedience to God’s Call
[74:05] - Called to Be Ambassadors for Christ
[75:36] - Baptism and Prayer
[91:12] - Conclusion and Offering

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Moses doing when he encountered the burning bush, and how did God first address him? ([28:27])
How does God describe Himself to Moses, and what significance does this name hold? ([30:23])
What are the two attributes of God discussed in the sermon, and how are they defined? ([37:18])
What was Moses' initial reaction to God's call, and how did God reassure him? ([30:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to understand both the transcendence and immanence of God? How do these attributes provide comfort and assurance? ([40:50])
How does the concept of God defining Himself challenge the way people in our culture often try to define God? ([43:28])
In what ways does Moses' question, "Who am I?" reflect common struggles with identity, and how does God's response address these struggles? ([57:03])
How does the calling of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt parallel the calling of Christians to be ambassadors for Christ? ([01:12:28])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task. How did you experience God's presence and reassurance during that time? ([30:23])
How can understanding God's transcendence and immanence change the way you approach your daily life and challenges? ([40:50])
Have you ever tried to define God based on your own preferences or emotions? How can you ensure that your understanding of God aligns with His revelation in Scripture? ([43:28])
In what ways can you be an ambassador for Christ in your current environment? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the message of reconciliation. ([01:12:28])
Think about a situation where you need to step out in faith and obedience to God's call. What steps can you take to trust in God's provision and power for that journey? ([01:12:47])
How can you help others in your community understand their identity in God rather than in societal labels or personal abilities? ([57:03])
Identify one area in your life where you need to let God define who you are. What practical steps can you take to align your identity with God's view of you? ([01:02:53])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You ever heard the old saying, it's not what you know, it's who you know? Well, there is some truth to that when it comes to our identity as the children of God. It's not so much what we know as it is who we know." [25:51](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "God's got a plan for me. It's a good plan. He's got a plan and a purpose for my life. I need to listen to, identify with God and the character of God to determine my identity. Not try to do this on my own. And not let the culture do this to me or for me. But let God define me. And who I am. You see, who we are, it matters who you know so that you can identify who you are. If you know God, then you can be, you can be able to identify who God designed you to be." [01:03:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "People are always saying, I just wish I had more faith. I wish I had stronger faith. The only way to strengthen your faith, is to step out and exercise it. You start being obedient to what God's calling you to do and you see God be God when you step out in faith and do what God is calling you to do." [47:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "Here's the thing about picking your own identity. For a lot of people, it comes out of periods of confusion in their minds and in their hearts. Right there, in a period in their lives where they're just so lost and so searching. And my heart goes out to people where they're just so lost that they just don't have a clue of who they really are and what they're supposed to be doing and what their lives are supposed to be all about." [01:00:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "We believe that the Bible reveals that to be God. How could God do that? It's because He already was. I be who I be. I am who I am. I was already existing. I was already there when I did that, when I brought that into existence. So God is transcendent." [40:12](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Our emotions are just so strong that we get convinced of things that are not at all what God reveals about our identity. And so it's important that we listen to this question, Who am I? And how God answers that question. Especially in our culture today. When people are just so determined to identify themselves whatever they feel like on the inside emotionally in their hearts that they are. That's how they're determining their identity." [01:01:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "God's called you to this promise, this inheritance, this life that He has in store for you. In 1 Peter 2, verse 9, He says this to Christians, You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." [01:10:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "We don't get to define him. He defines himself. We don't get to decide what God is like. God tells us what God is like in his Word. We don't get to say, well, I just don't feel like God would be like that. Well, you may not feel like it, but that doesn't change who God is. He be who he be. Whether you feel like it or not. Whether you're moved to think that or not. Whether it makes sense to me or not. God is God. And we don't get to define God." [43:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "God is transcendent, but he's also imminent. He's right there with us. So it's important for us to know, because here's the thing that's happening in our culture. I want to tie it to what's happening around us in today's world. People are trying to define God their own way. Now that's not new. Mankind has done that throughout history. But it seems to be more prevalent in our culture, in our culture today." [42:09](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "God's going to take care of the rest when we are obedient to God's call in our lives. 2 Corinthians 5 beginning with verse 17, Paul said it this way, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, a new creation has come, the old is gone, the new is here. All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them." [01:13:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

6. "God is revealing Himself in this text. So the first thing we're going to focus on and the second thing we're going to talk about is defining God. How do you define God? What would you say if somebody asked you to define God for them? How would you define God? Because the world is trying to do this in a lot of different ways, trying to define God, or to deny God completely, one of those two approaches." [34:48](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

7. "God is making sure Moses gets this right. He's going to have to stand before His own people and stand before the government of Egypt and say, I am has sent me to you to do this thing that He's sending me to do. And so God is making sure He knows how to identify who He is." [50:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

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