Trusting God's Plan: Letting Go of Idols
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, church family. Today, we delve into the life of Moses, focusing on Exodus chapter 7. As we reflect on Moses' journey, we are reminded of the importance of praising God, as highlighted in Psalm 113. The psalmist calls us to praise the Lord from the rising of the sun to its setting, for He is high above all nations and His glory is above the heavens. This sets the stage for our exploration of Moses' story, where we see God's purpose unfold through trials and tribulations.
Moses, feeling discouraged, questions God about the hardships he faces. God reassures Moses, declaring His purpose and plan. He tells Moses that Pharaoh will not listen, but through great acts of judgment, God will bring the Israelites out of Egypt. This declaration encourages Moses and Aaron, who faithfully follow God's commands despite their advanced age. This moment underscores the theme of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when the path is difficult.
As we continue, we see that God is making a statement through the plagues. He is declaring His superiority over the gods of Egypt and affirming His identity as the one true God. The Israelites, having been in slavery for 400 years, struggled with doubts about God's power and worthiness. Some even turned to the gods of Egypt. Yet, through the plagues, God demonstrates His power and sovereignty, proving that He alone is worthy of worship.
Reflecting on the plagues, we are prompted to examine our own lives. What are the false gods we hold onto? Anything we place before God is an idol. We must be willing to let go of these idols and allow God to reign supreme in our lives. The plagues also highlight the distinction between God's people and the Egyptians. God's people were protected, emphasizing the importance of living in the power of the Spirit and being distinguished by our faith.
By the seventh plague, even some Egyptians recognized the futility of their gods and turned to the one true God. This serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is available to all who trust in God's word. In John 1, we learn that the Word became flesh in Jesus, who offers salvation through His death and resurrection. We are invited to lay down our false gods and trust in Jesus, allowing Him to reign supreme in our lives.
As we conclude, we are reminded of the importance of obedience. Moses' unwavering obedience, despite repeated rejections by Pharaoh, is a testament to his faith in God's promises. God did not reveal the exact number of plagues to Moses, yet Moses continued to trust and obey. This teaches us to walk in obedience, trusting God's purpose even when we cannot see the full picture.
The plagues also reveal God's superiority over the Egyptian gods. Each plague corresponds to a specific Egyptian deity, demonstrating that these gods are powerless before the one true God. The magicians' attempts to counterfeit God's miracles further highlight the futility of false gods. True joy and fulfillment come only from a genuine relationship with God.
In summary, we are called to trust in God's plan, let go of our idols, live in the power of the Spirit, and walk in obedience. God is the one true God, and there is no other. Let us commit to following Him wholeheartedly, proclaiming His glory to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Worthiness of Praise: Psalm 113 reminds us to praise the Lord from the rising of the sun to its setting. God is high above all nations, and His glory is above the heavens. This call to praise sets the foundation for understanding God's actions in Moses' life. Despite the trials Moses faced, he was encouraged by God's declaration of His purpose and plan. We too must remember to praise God in all circumstances, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. [48:29]
2. Obedience in the Face of Trials: Moses' journey teaches us the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when the path is difficult. Despite feeling discouraged and facing repeated rejections from Pharaoh, Moses continued to follow God's commands. This unwavering obedience is a testament to his faith in God's promises. We are called to walk in obedience, trusting that God will see us through to the other side, even when we cannot see the full picture. [50:41]
3. Identifying and Letting Go of Idols: The plagues serve as a powerful reminder to examine our own lives for false gods. Anything we place before God is an idol. We must be willing to let go of these idols and allow God to reign supreme in our lives. This process may be challenging, but it is essential for living a life that honors God. Let us pray for the strength to identify and remove anything that hinders our relationship with Him. [01:22:59]
4. Living in the Power of the Spirit: The distinction between God's people and the Egyptians during the plagues highlights the importance of living in the power of the Spirit. As believers, we are called to be distinguished by our faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. Galatians 5 reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit, which should be evident in our lives. Let us strive to live in the Spirit, reflecting God's love, joy, peace, and other virtues in all we do. [01:25:13]
5. Salvation Through Trust in God's Word: By the seventh plague, even some Egyptians recognized the futility of their gods and turned to the one true God. This serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is available to all who trust in God's word. John 1 tells us that the Word became flesh in Jesus, who offers salvation through His death and resurrection. We are invited to lay down our false gods and trust in Jesus, allowing Him to reign supreme in our lives. [01:26:56]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:29] - God's Worthiness of Praise
[50:41] - Obedience in the Face of Trials
[01:22:59] - Identifying and Letting Go of Idols
[01:25:13] - Living in the Power of the Spirit
[01:26:56] - Salvation Through Trust in God's Word
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 7:1-5: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.'"
2. Psalm 113:1-9: "Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!"
3. John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific command did God give to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7:1-5?
2. According to Psalm 113, why is God worthy of our praise? [48:29]
3. How did God demonstrate His superiority over the Egyptian gods through the plagues? [54:33]
4. What was the reaction of some Egyptians by the seventh plague, and what does this signify? [01:26:56]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' obedience in the face of repeated rejections by Pharaoh reflect his faith in God's promises? [50:41]
2. What does the distinction between the Israelites and Egyptians during the plagues teach us about living in the power of the Spirit? [01:25:13]
3. How do the plagues serve as a reminder to examine our own lives for false gods? [01:22:59]
4. What does John 1:14 reveal about the nature of Jesus and His role in offering salvation?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged in your faith journey. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' unwavering obedience? [50:41]
2. Identify any "false gods" or idols in your life. What steps can you take to let go of these idols and allow God to reign supreme? [01:22:59]
3. How can you live more distinctly in the power of the Spirit this week? Consider specific actions that reflect the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. [01:25:13]
4. Think about a situation where you need to trust in God's plan despite not seeing the full picture. How can you practice obedience and trust in this situation? [50:41]
5. How can you incorporate more praise into your daily routine, remembering God's worthiness as described in Psalm 113? [48:29]
6. Reflect on the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14). How does this truth impact your daily life and faith?
7. Consider the example of the Egyptians who turned to God by the seventh plague. How can you share the message of salvation with someone in your life who may be holding onto "false gods"? [01:26:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Praising God in All Circumstances
Description: Psalm 113 calls us to praise the Lord from the rising of the sun to its setting, emphasizing that God is high above all nations and His glory is above the heavens. This foundational truth reminds us of God's worthiness of praise, regardless of our circumstances. Moses, despite facing numerous trials and feeling discouraged, was encouraged by God's declaration of His purpose and plan. We too must remember to praise God in all circumstances, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. This act of praise not only honors God but also strengthens our faith and trust in Him. [48:29]
Psalm 113:3-4 (ESV): "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you incorporate praise into your daily routine, especially during challenging times? How can this practice transform your perspective on your current circumstances?
Day 2: Obedience in the Face of Trials
Description: Moses' journey teaches us the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when the path is difficult. Despite feeling discouraged and facing repeated rejections from Pharaoh, Moses continued to follow God's commands. This unwavering obedience is a testament to his faith in God's promises. We are called to walk in obedience, trusting that God will see us through to the other side, even when we cannot see the full picture. Obedience in the face of trials is not easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [50:41]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you demonstrate obedience to God in this situation, even if the outcome is uncertain?
Day 3: Identifying and Letting Go of Idols
Description: The plagues serve as a powerful reminder to examine our own lives for false gods. Anything we place before God is an idol. We must be willing to let go of these idols and allow God to reign supreme in our lives. This process may be challenging, but it is essential for living a life that honors God. Let us pray for the strength to identify and remove anything that hinders our relationship with Him. The Israelites struggled with doubts about God's power and worthiness, and some even turned to the gods of Egypt. Yet, through the plagues, God demonstrated His power and sovereignty, proving that He alone is worthy of worship. [01:22:59]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What are some things in your life that you may be placing before God? How can you begin to let go of these idols and allow God to take His rightful place in your heart?
Day 4: Living in the Power of the Spirit
Description: The distinction between God's people and the Egyptians during the plagues highlights the importance of living in the power of the Spirit. As believers, we are called to be distinguished by our faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. Galatians 5 reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit, which should be evident in our lives. Let us strive to live in the Spirit, reflecting God's love, joy, peace, and other virtues in all we do. This distinction is not just for our benefit but also serves as a testimony to others of God's transformative power in our lives. [01:25:13]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this area?
Day 5: Salvation Through Trust in God's Word
Description: By the seventh plague, even some Egyptians recognized the futility of their gods and turned to the one true God. This serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is available to all who trust in God's word. John 1 tells us that the Word became flesh in Jesus, who offers salvation through His death and resurrection. We are invited to lay down our false gods and trust in Jesus, allowing Him to reign supreme in our lives. This act of trust is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His word. [01:26:56]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: What false gods or distractions are preventing you from fully trusting in Jesus? How can you make a daily commitment to let Jesus reign supreme in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What are the false gods in your life? Remember that anything we put before God is an idol. What are the false gods in your life? Sometimes it's really easy to be like, well God, you have all this over here. But I want to hold on to this little thing over here. And I want to hold on to this little thing over here. This is mine. You can't have it. Do I really realize how putrid and offensive my false gods are to the one true God?" [01:22:59]
2. "The world might try to counterfeit the things of God in every possible way, but there is nothing that compares to the real thing. Let me just go ahead and sometimes I am a counterfeit. Concrete learner. All right. Maybe you guys are concrete learners as well. You need like a word picture. There are things in my house and we shop at Walmart. We're Walmart people, but there are things that we purchase that great value does not compare to the brands like Oreos. There's no comparison to the real thing." [01:15:36]
3. "In this world you're going to have what? Many trials. Tribulation. Trouble. And yet in the midst of that, we can take heart because Jesus declares, I have overcome the world. And so Moses goes to God and he begins to ask God some questions. And God responds to Moses declaring his purpose through all that had happened and through all that was getting ready to happen." [50:41]
4. "You shall know with certainty. You shall know without a shadow of a doubt. You shall know with no question and resolve in your mind, in your heart that I am the Lord. And behold, with the staff that is in my hand, I will strike the water that is the Nile and it shall turn into blood. And this was going to be the first of the plagues that would be executed by God through Moses upon the land of Egypt." [58:43]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Are there false gods? Are there things you're putting before God? And are you willing to pray? God, put that thing to death that you might reign supreme in my life. As the plagues progressed, God's people were protected. By the fourth plagues, God's people were protected while the Egyptians suffered. And the question that sprung up in my mind was, what distinguishes us today, as God's people? Is it not God's spirit which empowers us to live differently, to be distinguished among all the people of the earth?" [01:25:13]
2. "By the seventh plague, there were Egyptians that said, I had enough. I had enough. These other gods, they're not gods at all. And I want to worship the one true God. I want to follow the one true God. And this is what it says in the seventh plague in chapter nine, verse 20. Then whoever, the Egyptians among that whoever, feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh, hurried his slaves and his livestock, and his livestock into the houses. But whoever did not pay attention to the word of the Lord, left his slaves and his livestock out in the field, and they died by hell. But the ones who trust in the word of the Lord are saved." [01:26:56]
3. "Moses is obedient, even when things don't change. It's really interesting because we know the whole story. I was looking back and I was really trying to look for it, right? I was looking for God to tell Moses exactly how many times he was going to have to do this. So like Moses was checking off. I'm like, all right, God, there's one. Got it down. You got nine more. All right, God, here's two. Got that down. You got eight more. All right, God, here's three. It strikes me as interesting. God doesn't tell Moses at the very beginning how many plagues are going to come." [01:10:07]
4. "What we find in the 10 plagues is that every single one of the plagues correlates to a number of Egyptian gods. That God was showing himself not just powerful over nature, but he was showing himself powerful. He was answering the question that Pharaoh had already asked. Who is your God that I should obey him? And that God had already declared his purpose, that you, that the Egyptians, that the Israelites will know that I am God." [01:11:57]
5. "I have done these things so that you might know me, believe me, trust me, follow me, worship me, give me the glory, honor, and praise that I deserve, that the world might know that there is one true God. And yet this was something that Israel would struggle with. They struggle with this throughout their history. Joshua, at the very end, of the book of Joshua in chapter 24 verse 14, this is in that similar passage where he would say, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." [01:02:57]
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