Introduction
Moses spent the previous forty years separated from his people as a shepherd in the land of Midian. God called Moses miraculously through the burning bush to lead his people out of Egypt and into the promised land. Despite many trials, Moses endured to lead God’s people out of Egypt, bring down God’s law for the Israelites from Mount Sinai and guide them through the wilderness. In the end, we see that even a great servant such as Moses is subject to the righteous judgment of God.
I. Exodus From Egypt
A. Moses appeared before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-13).
B. God sent the plagues (Exodus 7:14-12:30).
C. The passover feast was instituted (Exodus 12:3-11).
D. The pillar of cloud and fire was given for guidance (Exodus 13:21).
E. The Israelites crossed the Red Sea and the Egyptians were drowned (Exodus 14:21, 28).
F. Appropriate principles.
- God is all-powerful and He cares for His children.
- God establishes ways for us to remember our deliverance (1 Corinthians 11:26).
- God guides us and will destroy those who oppose Him (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
- Some people give up at the first sign of resistance (Exodus 14:10-12).
II. The Law Of God Established
A. Moses went up on Mount Sinai.
B. Civil, judicial and ceremonial laws were given.
- The Ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).
- Other laws (Exodus 21; Leviticus 27; Numbers 34-36; Deuteronomy 12-28).
C. The establishment of the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27).
D. Appropriate principles.
- God has given a lawgiver (Hebrews 10:9).
- God has established a law for us to follow (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2).
III. The Rebellion Of The People
A. Aaron submitted to the people’s desire (Exodus 32:1-6).
B. God’s anger and Moses intercession (Exodus 32:7-14).
C. Moses’ reaction to the people’s idolatry (Exodus 32:19-35).
D. Appropriate principles.
- We can be tempted to forsake God (1 Peter 5:8).
- We will be punished for disobedience (Romans 1:18).
- We always have a way to escape temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
IV. Wandering In The Wilderness
A. The twelve spies were sent to search the land (Numbers 13:1-25).
- Their report (Numbers 13:26-33).
- The faith of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:6-10).
B. God’s anger at the Israelites’ lack of faith (Numbers 14:11-12).
C. Moses’ intercession and God’s punishment (Numbers 14:13-39).
D. Appropriate principles.
- God has reserved a great promised land for us (Hebrews 4:9-10).
- We must have faith to follow (Matthew 21:21).
- We will miss the joy of heaven if we are not faithful (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
V. Moses’ Disobedience
A. Moses rebuked the people and struck the rock (Numbers 20:11; Psalm 106:33).
B. God punished Moses (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 34:1-5).
C. Appropriate principles.
- We must follow God (2 Timothy 2:5).
- God is just and is not a respecter of persons (Revelation 15:3; Acts 10:35).
Conclusion
Moses was a critical character in Old Testament history. Not only did he pen the first five books of the Bible, but his life is traced through all of them except Genesis and Leviticus. He was a wonderful man of faith, and though not perfect, he is a good example for us to follow.
Questions:
- Name the plagues.
- What is a New Testament antitype of the lamb’s blood applied to the door frame during the passover?
- What serves as our “pillar of cloud and fire” today?
- Are Christians to follow the Law of Moses? Give reasons for your answer.
- Who is our lawgiver?
- Do we have a tabernacle today?
- Moses was angry at the idolatry of the people. Was his anger wrong? Give other examples of righteous anger.
- What was the basic problem the Israelites had upon hearing of the giants in the land of Canaan?
- Do we have giants in our land today (spiritually speaking)? How do we overcome them?
- Why would God punish Moses, a great man, for such a seemingly small
indiscretion? Does this mean that God is unfair?
