Excuses, Excuses - Exodus 3 - 2/25/07
In Exodus 3 Moses, as an 80 year old man, was tending a flock far from his former life in Egypt . God then appeared to him from a burning bush and called this elderly man to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.
When we think of Moses, we envision a man of great courage, humility and faithfulness. But in that wilderness scene in he had some very "human" concerns as to his ability to carry out the task given to him by Jehovah. Our lesson this morning is to examine those "excuses" and God's responses.
1) "Who Am I?" - 3:11
a. He was 80! - to God age would not be a problem - i.e. Abraham and Sarah Genesis 17 - 18
b. A shepherd! - sometimes we see our station in life compared to others and think we
aren't important.
c. God's response - 3: 12 - "I'll be with you" - He's with His children today! 2 Corinthians 3: 5 -6; was
with the apostles - they were uneducated - Acts 4: 13
d. How important am I as a Christian?
1. Child of the King - as Christianswe are redeemed through the blood of Christ, forgiven of sins and
riches of grace abound toward us, revealed His will to us, given us an inheritance - Ephesians 1: 7 - 12
2. Holy Spirit as a seal - Ephesians 1: 13 -14
3. 1 Peter 2: 5 - Look who we are!
4. The opportunity to reign eternally - Revelation 22: 14
e. We can do all things - Philipians 4: 13; He will be with us - Matthew 28: 20
2) "What Shall I Say?" - 3:13
a. Moses knew that he would be questioned extensively if he went back to the children of Israel
about who sent him.
b. Exodus 3: 14 - 15 - "Thus you shall say"
c. " I am" - Eternal - Job 36: 26; Revelation 1: 8; 4: 8 - 10, All Powerful - Genesis 17: 1; Job 42; 2,
Everywhere - Deuteronomy 4: 39, All Knowing - Job 26: 6; 31;4; Hebrews 4: 13 - Unchangeable
Psalm 33: 11; James 1:17
d. What shall we say today? I Corinthians 15: 1 - 4; 2:2; Mark 16: 15 - 16
3) "Suppose They Will Not Believe Me? - 4: 1
a. Moses continues to try come up with reasons why he shouldn't be the one to carry this out
b. God continues to have the answer - Exodus 4: 2 - 9
c. Do we fear talking to others? Why? God's Word is the answer. We just need to share it..
d. John 20: 30 - 31; Romans 10: 17; Hebrews 4: 12 - the Word is POWERFUL!
4) " I Am Slow Of Speech And Slow Of Tongue"- 4: 10
a. Moses thought about the task ahead, who he had to speak to, and worried about not being
a great speaker
b. Again, God had the answer - 4: 12 - 16 - Aaron would help
c. (Relate account in Miami)
d. Paul - I Corinthians 2: 1 - 4
e. So many are willing to help teach if you feel incapable - there is simply no excuse - get the Word out!
Cornelius - Acts 10: 24 - 33 - set up the class
5) "Oh My Lord, Please Send By The Hand Of Whomever ElseYou May Send"- 4: 13
a. Jehovah had answered every objection so Moses resorted to pleading to send another
b. 4: 14 - 17 - Moses was the one -
c. we can make excuses, but there might be someone out there who will only respond to YOU!
d. we can't make excuses for others either. Let them decide whether they will obey..
Conclusion