God's Sovereignty, Power, and Mercy Revealed in Egypt

Devotional

Day 1: The Mystery of Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

God's sovereignty and human responsibility are intertwined in a profound mystery that is evident in the story of Pharaoh's hardened heart. In Exodus, both God and Pharaoh play roles in the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, illustrating the complex relationship between divine will and human choice. This narrative challenges us to acknowledge our limited understanding of God's ways and to trust in His ultimate plan. It serves as a reminder that while we have free will, God's purposes will always prevail. This mystery is woven throughout the Bible, encouraging believers to rest in the assurance of God's sovereignty while taking responsibility for their actions. [50:26]

"For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden." (Romans 9:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to reconcile God's sovereignty with your personal responsibility? How can you trust God more in these areas today?

Day 2: Experiencing God's Power in Our Lives

The plagues in Egypt demonstrate God's unmatched power, a power that is available to us today. This power can remove obstacles or provide the grace to endure them, offering strength and hope as we navigate life's challenges. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to work in their lives in ways that surpass human understanding. By relying on God's power, we can face difficulties with confidence, knowing that He is with us and for us. This divine power is a source of comfort and assurance, reminding us that nothing is impossible for God. [54:27]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you need to rely on God's power? How can you actively seek His strength and guidance in this situation today?

Day 3: Guarding God's Glory

God's jealousy for His glory is evident in the plagues, which were a direct attack on the Egyptian gods. This demonstrates that God alone is worthy of worship and that He will not share His glory with another. Believers are called to be vigilant in ensuring that they do not rob God of His glory by taking credit for themselves or worshiping the idols of their hearts. Our lives should reflect God's glory, not our own achievements, and we must be careful to honor Him in all that we do. This requires a conscious effort to prioritize God's glory above all else. [59:20]

"I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols." (Isaiah 42:8, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek glory for yourself rather than giving it to God? How can you intentionally shift your focus to honor God in those areas today?

Day 4: Embracing God's Justice and Mercy

God is a God of justice and mercy, dealing with people according to their sin while also saving those who cry out for deliverance. The Israelites were saved not because they were better than the Egyptians, but because of their faith in God. This same faith is what saves us from God's wrath and judgment today. Believers are reminded of the importance of faith and the assurance that God is both just and merciful. This duality of God's character calls us to live lives of faith, trusting in His justice and mercy to guide us. [01:12:46]

"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate both justice and mercy in your interactions with others today? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect God's character?

Day 5: The Transformative Impact of Belief in God

What we believe about God shapes our lives and our eternal destiny. Our understanding of God's character influences our daily decisions and sets the trajectory for our future. It is crucial to have a correct understanding of who God is, as it will determine how we live our lives and where we spend eternity. Believers are encouraged to deepen their knowledge of God and to allow this understanding to transform their lives. By aligning our beliefs with the truth of God's character, we can live lives that are pleasing to Him and that reflect His love and grace to the world. [01:13:50]

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)

Reflection: What specific beliefs about God do you hold that influence your daily decisions? How can you deepen your understanding of God's character to ensure that your life aligns with His truth?

Sermon Summary

God is an unstoppable force whose purposes and plans will always prevail. This truth is evident in the story of the plagues in Egypt, where God demonstrated His power and sovereignty over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. The plagues were not just acts of judgment but also acts of mercy, revealing God's character and His desire for His name to be known throughout the earth. Our understanding of who God is shapes our lives and our eternal destiny.

In Exodus chapters 7 through 11, God uses the plagues to humble Pharaoh, who was stubborn and rebellious, refusing to let the Israelites go. The plagues served a dual purpose: to reveal God's unmatched power and to bring Pharaoh to a place of submission. This story highlights the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as both God and Pharaoh played roles in the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. This mystery is woven throughout the Bible and is a reminder of our limited understanding of God's ways.

God's power is evident in the supernatural events of the plagues, showing that nothing is impossible for Him. This power is available to us today, helping us navigate through life's challenges. Sometimes God removes obstacles, and other times He gives us the grace to endure them. His power is a source of strength and hope in our lives.

God is also a jealous God who will not share His glory with another. The plagues were a direct attack on the Egyptian gods, demonstrating that God alone is worthy of worship. We must be careful not to rob God of His glory by taking credit for ourselves or worshiping the idols of our hearts.

Finally, God is a God of justice and mercy. He deals with people according to their sin, but He also saves those who cry out for deliverance. The Israelites were saved not because they were better than the Egyptians, but because of their faith in God. This same faith is what saves us from God's wrath and judgment today.

Key Takeaways

1. God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The story of Pharaoh's hardened heart illustrates the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Both God and Pharaoh played roles in the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, reminding us of our limited understanding of God's ways. This mystery is woven throughout the Bible and is a testament to God's sovereignty and our free will. [50:26]
2. God's Power in Our Lives: God's power, as demonstrated in the plagues, is available to us today. He can remove obstacles or give us the grace to endure them. This power is a source of strength and hope, helping us navigate through life's challenges. We can trust in God's power to work in our lives in ways that are beyond our understanding. [54:27]
3. God's Jealousy for His Glory: God will not share His glory with another. The plagues were a direct attack on the Egyptian gods, showing that God alone is worthy of worship. We must be careful not to rob God of His glory by taking credit for ourselves or worshiping the idols of our hearts. Our lives should reflect God's glory, not our own achievements. [59:20]
4. God's Justice and Mercy: God is a God of justice and mercy. He deals with people according to their sin, but He also saves those who cry out for deliverance. The Israelites were saved because of their faith in God, not because they were better than the Egyptians. This same faith is what saves us from God's wrath and judgment today. [72:46]
5. The Impact of Our Belief in God: What we believe about God shapes our lives and our eternal destiny. Our understanding of God's character influences our daily decisions and sets the trajectory for our future. It is crucial to have a correct understanding of who God is, as it will determine how we live our lives and where we spend eternity. [01:13:50]
** [73:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:49] - Opening Prayer
[40:19] - Perceptions of God
[43:56] - Overview of the Plagues
[45:31] - Purpose of the Plagues
[47:24] - God's Revelation to Pharaoh
[48:32] - Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
[50:26] - Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
[52:26] - God's Power Demonstrated
[54:27] - Navigating Life with God's Power
[55:05] - God's Grace in Trials
[59:20] - God's Jealousy for His Glory
[63:17] - Resting in God's Sovereignty
[72:46] - God's Justice and Mercy
[73:50] - The Impact of Belief in God

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt, and what was their purpose according to Exodus 9:13-16? [45:31]
How does the story of Pharaoh's hardened heart illustrate the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility? [50:26]
In what ways did God demonstrate His power through the plagues, and how is this power available to us today? [54:27]
How did the plagues serve as both acts of judgment and acts of mercy? [01:12:46]

Interpretation Questions

How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart challenge our understanding of free will and God's sovereignty? [50:26]
What does it mean for God to be a jealous God, and how does this attribute affect our relationship with Him? [59:20]
How can the story of the plagues in Egypt help us understand the balance between God's justice and mercy? [01:12:46]
In what ways does our belief about God's character influence our daily decisions and eternal destiny? [01:13:50]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced God's power in your life. How did it help you navigate through a challenging situation? [54:27]
Are there any "idols" in your life that might be robbing God of His glory? How can you address these in your daily walk with God? [59:20]
How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing difficult circumstances? [01:03:17]
In what ways can you demonstrate faith in God, similar to the Israelites during the plagues, in your current life situation? [01:12:46]
How does understanding God's justice and mercy impact your view of salvation and your relationship with others? [01:12:46]
What steps can you take to ensure that your understanding of God is shaping your life in a positive and meaningful way? [01:13:50]
How can you share the truth of God's character and His works with others in your community? [47:24]

Sermon Clips

"Because our God is an unstoppable God, his purposes and plans will prevail. I'm Jeff. I'm one of the pastors here at Community Bible Church. You can have a seat and join with me in prayer." [00:37:50]

"So, dear Heavenly Father, we're thankful that you are sovereign, that your purposes and plans are unstoppable, that they will prevail in our world, in our country, that your purposes will prevail here at Community Bible Church, that your purposes and plans will be accomplished in our families and in our lives. Lord, I pray. That we would submit ourselves and surrender ourselves to you and to your plans." [00:38:05]

"What you and I believe about God is absolutely critical and here's why because what you and I believe about God shapes the way we live our lives every single day think this through with me if your belief and understanding is that there is no God that will shape how you live if you believe that God is the big Santa Claus in the sky that he's going to bless people for being good and withhold from those who aren't that will shape how you live what we believe about God shapes the way we live our lives every single day what we believe about God sets the trajectory for our lives and what we believe about God we'll go a long way to determining our eternal destiny so what you and I believe about God is absolutely critical" [00:41:30]

"Pharaoh's hard heart confronts us with the mystery. The mystery. Of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Both of the following statements are true. Pharaoh hardened his heart. God hardened Pharaoh's heart. This mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is woven through this whole story. And not only is it woven through the whole story of the Egyptians and the plagues, it's woven through the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation." [00:50:21]

"You're going to clearly see that the God of the Bible is a sovereign God who's working out his purposes and plans. And you also see in the Scripture that man has been given free will. That we make choices. And so it's a mystery because how does the free will of man and the sovereignty of God come together? And so it's simply a reminder this morning that we're limited in our understanding that God is so far beyond us." [00:51:01]

"God's power can help me navigate through any and every situation. You and I can see and experience. God's power in two different ways. One way is sometimes God uses his power to remove obstacles in our lives. Obstacles that we know, humanly speaking, couldn't have been resolved. I've seen God redeem and restore marriage relationships that when you looked at that marriage, you would have said, there's no way." [00:54:13]

"God sovereignly intervened, used his power to remove an obstacle in their life. But sometimes God chooses not to remove the obstacles in our lives, right? But God demonstrates his power in giving us his grace to navigate through any and every situation. God's grace is sufficient. What do I mean by God's grace is sufficient? That he gives us divine supernatural enablement to navigate through what he calls us to walk through." [00:55:20]

"God is powerful sometimes he removes the obstacle sometimes he uses that power to give us his divine grace who is god god is a jealous god he will not share his glory with another god was not about to share his glory with pharaoh god was not about to share his glory with the egyptian gods god is a jealous god god exodus 9 we read this god says to pharaoh pharaoh you are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go draw your phrase to pharaoh you're still exalting yourself you're setting yourself up like a god the the egyptians worshiped pharaoh they worshiped the ground he walked on and he loved every minute of it the egyptians believed that pharaoh's heart was the foundation of their society and the source of all human progress thus they considered pharaoh to be their god and pharaoh agreed you and i need to recognize this morning that god was not about to share his glory with pharaoh or the egyptian gods and so the implication for you and i this morning is that pharaoh is not about to morning is that we must not rob God of his glory by taking it for ourselves or worshiping the idols of our hearts" [00:56:40]

"God is not going to share His glory with another. And we must not rob God of His glory by taking credit for ourselves. Human nature is, God works in and through us, and we want to say, ooh, look what I did. After all, it was my effort, my energy, my hard work, my plans, look what I did. That was the heart of Pharaoh. Look at what I've accomplished." [01:00:36]

"So what else do we learn from God in Exodus 7 -11? We see that God is sovereign, that he's working out his purposes and his plans. Exodus 6, 6 -8, we read this. Say therefore to the people of Israel, I am the Lord and I will bring you out from under the burden of the Egyptians. And I will deliver you from slavery to them and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with the great acts of judgment." [01:03:03]

"moral indifference would be an imperfection in god not perfection but not to judge the world would be to show moral indifference the final proof that god is a perfect moral being not indifferent to questions or right and wrong is the fact that he has committed himself to judge the world god is a god of justice he's a god of judgment the implication for you and i this morning is since god will judge sinners i must trust in jesus to avoid his wrath and judgment romans 5 8 9 says this but god shows his love for us and that while we were still sinners christ died for us since therefore we have now been justified by his blood much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of god you and i can be saved from god's wrath from god's judgment not through being good but because jesus christ died before us because jesus christ paid the penalty for our sins justice was served for my sins and your sins through the death of jesus christ two thousand years ago jesus paid the penalty that you and i could never impeccable" [01:08:19]

"the last thing i want you to see that god is a god of mercy he saves the needy when they cry out for deliverance we see that the israelites were crying out for deliverance for god's mercy in exodus 2 during the many days the kings of egypt died and the people of israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help their cry for rescue from slavery and the people of israel came up to god and god heard their groaning and god remembered his covenant with abraham with isaac and with jacob god saw the people of israel god knew god responded out of his mercy think about this the same plagues that were the acts of judgment on the egyptians were the same plagues that were the acts of mercy for the israelites think this through with me why did god bring his judgment on the egyptians and why did god bring his mercy to the israelites the natural answer we tend to think is all the egyptians were bad the egyptians were evil the egyptians were rebellious and prideful and the israelites were good and righteous the only problem is that's not true that's not accurate the israelites were sinful rebellious individuals like you and me like the egyptians like pharaoh so what was the difference the difference is one word in faith the egyptians did not have faith in god the israelites did and their faith was demonstrated with the tenth plague god warned that death was coming when the firstborn and if you're going to avoid that you need to take a lamb and sacrifice it and put the blood on the door above your door so that the angel of death would pass over those who put their faith in god were rescued it's the same for you and i this morning you and i should praise god daily for the mercy we have been shown through faith in jesus titus chapter 3 5 and 6 says this he saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness let me just pause right there you see what this says he saved us god saved us from his condemnation from his judgment from his wrath why because we were good because we were better than others because we deserved it he saved us not because of our works done by us in righteousness but because we did in purpose according to his own mercy by the washing of regeneration renewal the holy spirit in the spring of the hour" [01:09:59]

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