PERSEVERING IN A PLEASURE CRAZED SOCIETY
Hebrews 11:23-29
INTRODUCTION: We are living in a pleasure crazed society and people cannot see the danger they are in because of it. Our God has dropped us a note from heaven to alert us to the danger we are in as a society. Not only physical danger but spiritual danger as well. Here is the note: 1 John 2:15-17. Moses was a man who lived 3,400 years ago and his parents saw the danger and they took action in faith: Hebrews 11:23. It was Moses parent’s faith that made the difference here: Exodus 2:1-4 and that faith came from God. Also Moses’ older sister got a note from above and acted on her faith: Exodus 2:5-10. The note of faith of his mother and father and older sister were given to Moses and it affected his life choices: Hebrews 11:24. Moses, his sister and his parents had victory in a pleasure fill society for three reasons and if we will live by faith as they did we also will persevere in our pleasure filled society.
I. MOSES MADE FIRM DECISIONS!
Moses made a firm decision and refused to be called the grandson of Pharaoh: Hebrews 11:24. Moses was a prince in Egypt because he was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and possibly the next Pharaoh of Egypt but he turned his back on it all because of the note. Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: Hebrews 11:25. Most of those who say today they are trusting in God don’t want to suffer for Christ: Philippians 1:29. Why would anyone count it joy to suffer for Christ? Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches that all the treasures of Egypt: Hebrews 11:26; 1 Timothy 6:6-8. The word esteemed is a book keeping term and God’s note tells us the bottom line: Matthew 5:5; Matthew 7:13-14; Hebrews 11:25.
II. MOSES FORSOOK EGYPT!
Not only did Moses make a firm decision, he made a full departure! Hebrews 11:27. Pharaoh tried to convince Moses to compromise and stay in Egypt. Satan tries to convince us to not go too far in obedience to God, just to compromise a little with the world. “Don’t leave Egypt: Just be religious right here! Exodus 8:25: Moses forsook Egypt! “Don’t go very far away!” Exodus 8:28; Exodus 11:7; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Revelation 3:16. “Who all will be going?” Exodus 10:8; Acts 16:31; Genesis 7:1; Joshua 24:15; Acts 11:13-14. Moses made a firm decision, he made a full departure, but Pharaoh isn’t finished yet. “Don’t take the herds.” Exodus 10:24-26. If your faith does not affect your finances your faith will remain weak: Matthew 6:19-21. Isn’t it about time we make a full departure from this world’s ways and follow our Lord?
III. THE LORD GAVE MOSES A FAITHFUL DELIVERANCE!
Moses did make a firm decision and he made a full departure, but only the Lord could give Moses the power to carry it out! Hebrews 11:27-29. None of us alone have what it takes to desire to leave this world and its ways behind or the power it takes to actually forsake the world and its ways? Philippians 2:13; 1 John 4:4. By faith, Moses took the Passover lamb and placed its blood on the door post and lintel of each Hebrew home. Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb: 1 Corinthians 5:7. The religions of this world will leave you out of heaven: John 14:6. How can you have victory over the world, the flesh and the devil? Only one way: A firm decision; a full departure; and God’s faithful deliverance!