Humility and Revelation: Transforming Lives Through God
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking God's Ways Over His Actions
Moses' life exemplifies the profound difference between knowing God's actions and understanding His ways. While the Israelites were content with witnessing God's miracles, Moses sought a deeper relationship with God, desiring to understand His character and intentions. This pursuit of intimacy with God set Moses apart and allowed him to receive divine revelation. His life teaches us the importance of seeking a relationship with God that goes beyond surface-level experiences. By prioritizing God's ways, we open ourselves to a deeper spiritual journey and a more profound understanding of His will. [00:50]
Exodus 33:13 (ESV): "Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people."
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize seeking God's character and intentions over simply witnessing His actions in your life today?
Day 2: Humility as the Gateway to Revelation
Humility is a crucial trait for receiving divine revelation, as demonstrated by Moses, who was described as the most humble man on earth. This humility allowed him to receive insights from God that others could not. In today's world, many hear God's word but do not experience transformation because they lack the humility to truly receive it. By cultivating a humble heart, we open ourselves to God's guidance and the transformative power of His revelation. Humility remains a key factor in experiencing true spiritual transformation and aligning our lives with God's will. [02:19]
James 4:6 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where pride might be hindering your ability to receive God's revelation? How can you practice humility in that area today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Revelation
True revelation from God leads to immediate and profound life changes. Moses' life illustrates this as he made three pivotal decisions upon receiving revelation: rejecting worldly honor, the pleasures of sin, and the riches of Egypt. These decisions were not gradual but immediate, demonstrating the power of true revelation to transform our values and priorities. When we receive revelation from God, it realigns our lives with His purposes, leading to significant spiritual growth and transformation. [06:06]
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 worldly value or priority that you feel God is calling you to let go of? How can you take a step towards aligning your life with His purposes today?
Day 4: Revelation and the Thief's Transformation
The story of the repentant thief on the cross illustrates that revelation can come suddenly and transform a life. Initially mocking Jesus, one thief experienced a sudden revelation of who Jesus was, leading to his salvation. This change was not due to any external sermon but was a direct result of a humble heart that God chose to enlighten. This story underscores that revelation is available to all, but it requires a heart posture of humility. A humble heart is open to receiving God's truth, leading to salvation and transformation. [13:45]
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV): "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need a sudden revelation from God? How can you prepare your heart to be open and humble to receive it?
Day 5: Continual Pursuit of Revelation
Spiritual growth requires a continuous pursuit of revelation from God. As we seek to grow in our spiritual journey, we must remain humble and open to God's guidance, allowing His light to shine brighter in our lives. The more we humble ourselves, the more God can reveal His ways to us, leading to a life that is truly transformed by His presence. This continual pursuit of revelation deepens our relationship with God and aligns our lives with His purposes. [15:33]
Proverbs 2:3-5 (ESV): "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to continually seek God's revelation in your life? How can you ensure that your heart remains humble and open to His guidance?
Sermon Summary
In reflecting on the life of Moses, we see a profound example of someone who lived with a New Covenant mindset even in Old Covenant times. Moses was distinct from the Israelites because he sought to know God's ways, not just His actions. This desire for deeper understanding set him apart and allowed him to receive divine revelation. The key to this revelation was Moses' humility. Numbers 12:3 describes him as the most humble man on earth, and it was this humility that opened the door to greater spiritual insight.
Humility remains a crucial trait for receiving revelation today. Many people hear God's word but do not experience transformation because they lack the humility to truly receive it. Moses' life teaches us that revelation leads to significant life changes. When Moses received revelation, he made three pivotal decisions: he rejected worldly honor, the pleasures of sin, and the riches of Egypt. These decisions were not gradual but immediate, showing the power of true revelation to transform our values and priorities.
The story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus further illustrates the power of revelation. Both mocked Jesus initially, but one thief experienced a sudden revelation of who Jesus was, leading to his salvation. This change was not due to any external sermon but was a direct result of a humble heart that God chose to enlighten. This story underscores that revelation is available to all, but it requires a heart posture of humility.
As we seek to grow in our spiritual journey, we must continually seek revelation from God. This requires a humble heart, willing to let go of worldly desires and ambitions. The more we humble ourselves, the more God can reveal His ways to us, leading to a life that is truly transformed by His presence.
Key Takeaways
1. The Distinction of Moses: Moses' desire to know God's ways rather than just His actions set him apart. This deeper pursuit led to divine revelation, highlighting the importance of seeking a relationship with God beyond surface-level experiences. [00:50]
2. The Role of Humility: Humility is essential for receiving revelation. Moses' humility allowed him to receive insights from God that others could not. Today, humility remains a key factor in experiencing true spiritual transformation. [02:19]
3. Revelation Leads to Transformation: True revelation results in immediate and profound life changes. Moses' rejection of worldly honor, sin, and riches demonstrates how revelation can realign our values and priorities. [06:06]
4. The Thief's Revelation: The story of the repentant thief on the cross illustrates that revelation can come suddenly and transform a life. It emphasizes that a humble heart is open to receiving God's truth, leading to salvation. [13:45]
5. Continual Pursuit of Revelation: Spiritual growth requires a continuous pursuit of revelation. We must remain humble and open to God's guidance, allowing His light to shine brighter in our lives as we seek to know Him more deeply. [15:33] ** [15:33]
According to Numbers 12:3, what characteristic of Moses is highlighted, and how does this relate to his ability to receive revelation from God? [02:19]
In Hebrews 11:24-26, what three significant decisions did Moses make, and what motivated these decisions? [03:59]
How does the story of the two thieves in Matthew 27:42-44 illustrate the concept of revelation and transformation? [13:13]
What does Psalm 103:7 reveal about the difference between Moses and the Israelites in their relationship with God? [00:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does Moses' humility, as described in Numbers 12:3, serve as a model for receiving spiritual insight today? [02:19]
What does Moses' rejection of worldly honor, pleasures of sin, and riches of Egypt in Hebrews 11:24-26 suggest about the impact of divine revelation on personal values and priorities? [06:06]
In the story of the two thieves, what might have been the internal change that led one thief to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and how does this relate to the concept of humility? [13:45]
How does the distinction between knowing God's ways and His actions, as seen in Psalm 103:7, challenge believers to deepen their relationship with God? [00:50]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you sought to understand God's ways rather than just His actions. How did this pursuit affect your spiritual journey? [00:50]
Moses' humility was key to his spiritual insight. What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility in your own life to be more open to God's revelations? [02:19]
Consider the three decisions Moses made in Hebrews 11:24-26. Are there any worldly honors, pleasures, or riches that you feel called to let go of in order to align more closely with God's will? [06:06]
The repentant thief experienced a sudden revelation of Jesus' identity. How can you prepare your heart to be open to unexpected revelations from God in your daily life? [13:45]
In what ways can you continually seek revelation from God, and how might this pursuit transform your current values and priorities? [15:33]
How can you ensure that your spiritual growth is not just intellectual but also transformative, leading to real changes in your life? [01:50]
Reflect on the concept of suffering with God's people as Moses did. How can you support and stand with fellow believers in their struggles, even when it requires personal sacrifice? [07:17]
Sermon Clips
we read about Moses in Psalm 103 I often think Moses was like a New Covenant person living in Old Covenant times just like there are a lot of old Covenant people living today in New Covenant times and here is one proof of it Psalm 103:7 God made known his ways to Moses but only his actions to the sons of Israel see Moses was in an altogether different plane compared to the sons of Israel he wasn't just occupied with God's action splitting the Red Sea and Mana falling down these are all exciting things for the sons of Israel you know being healed from snake bites Moses was not taken up with all that he was living in another plane altogether he wanted to know God so God saw that in his heart and God showed him things which he could not show any of the the other children of Israel he got Revelation [00:18:48]
what we heard today is very very important I believe it's the thing that can make the difference in your life between knowledge of the Lord which is intellectual and a knowledge of the Lord which is spiritual where the eyes of your heart are enlightened is the difference between Moses and the children of Israel tremendous difference and and I believe the reason was this you see in numbers in chapter why does God give to some people even today why does God give some people Revelation and a lot of other people just sit along and hear it they know it doesn't seem to make much change in their life [00:96:39]
says in numbers 12:3 the man Moses was very humble more than any man on the face of the Earth that was the reason why he got Revelation more than any man on the face of the Earth throughout the ages God has always looked for humble people those who do not think highly of themselves those who don't think they are better than others those who are always willing to take the low Place were not interested in exalting themselves Moses was the humblest in all the earth now you know why it's written in brackets I don't know whether you know the reason because Moses wrote the book of numbers and he didn't write that about himself that was added later on by Joshua perhaps that's why it's written in Brackets just by the way Joshua says this man Moses was the humblest man on the face of the Earth [00:143:72]
and so God showed him things which nobody else could understand it's the same today we can hear messages and understand a lot of things but you know what the effect was on moses' life when he got Revelation and that's the way we can test whether we got Revelation as well in Hebrews in chapter 11 we read like this Moses had been in Pharaoh's Palace for 40 years and uh when he grew up means when he came to the age of 40 there were three decisions that he took one in relation to the honor of this world verse 24 Hebrews 11:24 I don't want to be known as as the next Pharaoh I am the son of Pharaoh's daughter I don't want to be known with any Earthly position of Honor [00:209:23]
I don't want anyone to know how qualified I am and what a big family I come from you know Pharaoh's family and a lot of Christians like that even today who want people to know they are high cost they're not the low cost people people they are Pharaoh's daughter son or the equivalent today they are educated not like other people you know why why he didn't care for that because he got Revelation on God's ways when people don't have Revelation on God's ways and just sit a church and listen to messages they still secretly think highly of their education and their family and their cost and their position even though they may outwardly act humble inwardly they think of these things and if you're one of those who thinking of these things I want to tell you in Jesus name my dear brother sister you don't have Revelation whatever else you may say you think you have [00:282:91]
the second thing is in verse 25 he rejected the pleasures of sin that's the other thing that happens to a man man who knows the ways of God Moses knew the ways of God he got Revelation and his whole attitude to sin changed completely did Moses know there was pleasure in sin sure it says is the pleasures of sin is one of the verses in the Bible who says there is pleasure in sin but he rejected it because he'd seen God now if you sit listen to messages here Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday and you can go and watch pornography you think you got Revelation not in a million years and the pleasures of sin the pleasure of fighting with your wife and getting angry and getting something off your chest you like it whatever you may have you don't have Revelation that's for sure you don't know God you know the Bible you know cfc's doctrines but you do not know God [00:351:12]
and it says instead of the pleasure of sin he suff he chose suffering with God's people that's amazing when you get Revelation you're willing to suffer with God's people to be misunderstood to be rejected despised Paul was called a false teacher in his day but people like Timothy and Titus and all were very happy to be associated with Paul Paul's teacher the true Servants of God are always called false teachers in their lifetime Jesus Paul Martin Luther John Wesley in their lifetime they're always called false teachers after they die people recognize oh he was a prophet not a false teacher [00:425:63]
I don't know whether you know there is a you know we heard about people studying for phds and all what unlearned fishermen wrote you know there's a Bible College on the outskirts of Bangalore where a man did a master's degree guess what the subject was his thesis was the false teaching of Zack punan who teaches that Jesus was tempted as we are and did not sin well he got his master's degree this is human theology I'm amused to hear that he Moses said I want to suffer with God's people I don't want any of this honor and then you see see another thing here another thing he rejected verse 26 The Riches of Egypt Egypt was the richest country in the whole world the treasures of Egypt I can't imagine what it was he he could have had it he was Pharaoh's daughter's son apparently he said I want it when our whole attitude to Money Changes and you say I'm not interested in making money you got Revelation [00:477:59]
but if you've only understood truth and these the honor of men the pleasures of sin and the riches of this world that still draw you inside I want to urge you don't miss out on God's best you have only one life my brother sister don't Rejoice that you belong to CFC seek for Revelation it really will change your life I know it changed my life I was a young man with great Ambitions in this world and when Christ gave me Revelation it completely it wasn't a gradual change suddenly I suddenly lost interest in honor sin and money it was not a gradual thing over 20 years when you get Revelation it goes like that that's what happened to Paul as well you know Paul says he was pursuing all the great things in the world but we read in Philippians 3 that one day he discovered Philippians 38 that everything was rubbish compared to Christ [00:578:56]
everything outside of Christ is rubbish Philippians 3:8 I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but rubbish that I may gain Christ all that the world considers important I've dumped it all in the garbage it's something like that in The Message Bible I've dumped it all in the garbage all that this world considers important it's all garbage to me like we sing in that chorus Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim honor sin money in the light of his glory and grace it's really true that is the test that's what the Holy Spirit does [00:663:48]
I give you one last example of Revelation Matthew chapter 27 I don't know whether you know that when Jesus was hanging on the cross two thieves on either side and both of them said if he is the Son of God let him deliver himself let's see if God can he trusts god let's see if God can deliver him both of them Matthew 27: 43 and 44 they said in verse 42 he saved others he cannot save himself let's see if he can come down from the cross verse 43 he trusts in God let him deliver him now and verse 44 the robbers also who had been crucified with them both of them were casting the same insult at him what were they saying both of them he saved others verse 42 he cannot save himself let him see if he can come down from the despising him and all of a sudden all of a sudden Revelation hit one of them he wasn't listening to a servant I don't know what it was I think in his heart God saw some humility despite his being a crook and a robber and he suddenly got Revelation and said boy this is the Messiah whom I've been speaking like this too and there must have been tears in his eyes when he said Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom how did he suddenly change this is revelation it made all the difference for that Thief between hell and Paradise [00:733:16]
why didn't the other Thief get it is there any partiality with God with all of us there's no partiality with God some people get it some people who sit in CFC for years don't get it it all depends on humility let's pray don't let those words fall to the ground don't push it away for someone else to take heed to however much you are advanced in the Christian Life my brother sister seek for more Revelation there's more that God has to give us if you're satisfied with what you have received you will not get anymore [00:850:88]