Living by Faith: Lessons from Moses' Journey

In reflecting on the lives of godly individuals from the Old Testament, we find a profound challenge in how they lived by New Covenant standards despite not having the resources we have today, such as the Holy Spirit dwelling within, the example of Christ, or the Bible. This demonstrates that God looks at the heart and honors those who seek to honor Him. Moses is a prime example of someone who rose above the Old Covenant to live by New Covenant standards. God spoke to Moses face to face, a privilege not granted to other prophets, because of his faithfulness in God's house. This should inspire us to seek a deeper relationship with God, beyond dreams and visions, to a face-to-face communion.

Moses made significant choices by faith, rejecting the honor, pleasures, and treasures of Egypt, which represent the pride of life, lust of the flesh, and lust of the eyes. Instead, he chose to suffer with God's people and bear the reproach of Christ, looking forward to the eternal reward. This teaches us the importance of prioritizing God's calling over worldly gains. Moses' life also illustrates the necessity of being broken and humbled before God can use us effectively. Despite his eloquence and education, God took Moses through a process of breaking in the wilderness to prepare him for leadership.

Moses' humility and selflessness are further highlighted when God offered to make him the head of a new nation, and he declined, interceding for the people instead. This reflects a heart that seeks God's glory over personal gain. However, Moses' life also serves as a warning about the severity of God. Despite his faithfulness, a moment of disobedience prevented him from entering the Promised Land, illustrating that to whom much is given, much is required. Yet, God's goodness is evident as He later allowed Moses to stand with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faithfulness in Little Things: Moses' life shows that God grants extraordinary privileges to those who are faithful in the little things. This faithfulness is not about grand gestures but about consistent obedience and integrity in everyday life. It challenges us to examine our own faithfulness in the seemingly small areas of our lives. [02:59]
• 2. Rejecting Worldly Temptations: Moses rejected the honor, pleasures, and treasures of Egypt, choosing instead to suffer with God's people. This decision reflects a profound understanding of eternal values over temporary gains. It encourages us to evaluate what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of God's calling. [10:53]
• 3. The Process of Breaking: Before God could use Moses, He took him through a process of breaking in the wilderness. This breaking was necessary to remove the wisdom of Egypt and instill God's ways. It reminds us that God's preparation often involves humbling experiences that shape our character for His purposes. [16:49]
• 4. Humility and Intercession: Moses' humility is evident when he intercedes for the people, even when offered personal elevation. This selflessness is a hallmark of true godliness, teaching us to prioritize God's glory and the well-being of others over personal advancement. [27:15]
• 5. The Severity and Goodness of God: Moses' exclusion from the Promised Land due to disobedience highlights God's severity, while his later appearance on the Mount of Transfiguration shows God's goodness. This duality serves as a sobering reminder of the high standards God holds for His servants and the grace He extends. [49:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:22] - Old Testament Saints and New Covenant Standards
• [01:38] - Moses: A Unique Prophet
• [03:22] - Speaking Face to Face with God
• [07:15] - Moses' Early Life and Faith Decisions
• [10:23] - Rejecting Egypt's Temptations
• [14:06] - The Wilderness Preparation
• [19:02] - Moses' Reluctance and Humility
• [21:02] - God's Severe Test of Obedience
• [25:10] - Moses' Leadership and Intercession
• [32:44] - The Danger of Seeking Personal Glory
• [38:09] - Moses' Reaction to Criticism
• [45:16] - Lessons from Korah's Rebellion
• [49:42] - The Severity and Goodness of God
• [54:10] - New Covenant Life in an Old Covenant Man
• [55:14] - Paul's Warning and Personal Discipline

1. Numbers 12:6-8
2. Hebrews 11:24-26
3. Deuteronomy 34:10

1. What distinguished Moses from other prophets according to Numbers 12:6-8? How did God communicate with him differently? [01:52]
2. In Hebrews 11:24-26, what three major decisions did Moses make by faith, and what did he choose instead? [10:23]
3. According to Deuteronomy 34:10, what unique relationship did Moses have with God that no other prophet had? [05:50]
4. How did Moses' early life and education in Egypt prepare him for his future role, and what process did God take him through to prepare him for leadership? [14:06]

1. What does Moses' choice to reject the treasures and pleasures of Egypt teach us about the values of the world versus eternal values? How might this apply to modern-day temptations? [10:23]
2. How does the process of breaking and humbling Moses in the wilderness illustrate God's method of preparation for leadership? What might this suggest about the experiences God uses to shape us? [16:49]
3. Moses interceded for the Israelites even when God offered to make him the head of a new nation. What does this reveal about his character and priorities? How does this compare to the concept of selflessness in leadership today? [27:15]
4. The severity of God is highlighted when Moses is not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to disobedience. How does this balance with the goodness of God, as seen in Moses' later appearance on the Mount of Transfiguration? [49:42]

1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between worldly gains and spiritual integrity. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently in the future? [10:23]
2. Consider a situation where you felt God was breaking or humbling you. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply this lesson to current challenges? [16:49]
3. Moses prioritized God's glory over personal gain. In what areas of your life can you practice this kind of selflessness, especially in your relationships or leadership roles? [27:15]
4. How do you balance the fear of God's severity with the comfort of His goodness in your daily walk with Him? What steps can you take to ensure you are living in obedience to His standards? [49:42]
5. Moses' humility was evident in his willingness to intercede for others. How can you cultivate a heart of intercession for those around you, especially those who may have wronged you? [27:15]
6. Reflect on the privileges and responsibilities you have as a believer. How can you be more faithful in the "little things" in your life, and what changes can you make to ensure consistent obedience? [02:59]
7. Identify a specific area where you feel God is calling you to reject worldly temptations. What practical steps can you take this week to align your choices with God's calling? [10:23]