God Calls & Equips

Out Of Darkness:Journey Through Exodus • Sermon • Submitted a year ago • Presented a year ago

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Good morning! Glad each of one of you are here with us this morning. Make sure if today is your first time with us or if you haven't done so yet you fill out a connect card or scan the QR code on the back of the chair in front of you so we can stay connected with you.

Why Exodus:

Revelation of God's Nature: Exodus reveals God's character and attributes through His interactions with the Israelites. It showcases God's faithfulness, compassion, justice, and power.

Spiritual Liberation and Redemption: Exodus portrays the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt as a powerful metaphor for spiritual liberation and redemption in Christ. Christians can see parallels between their own deliverance from the bondage of sin through Jesus' sacrifice and the Israelites' freedom from Egyptian oppression. Studying Exodus can deepen appreciation for the spiritual journey from slavery to freedom in Christ.

Moral and Ethical Teachings: The book of Exodus contains the Ten Commandments, which form a foundational moral code for Christians. These commandments, along with various laws and regulations in Exodus, provide ethical guidelines for believers and insight into God's desire for righteous living. Christians can study Exodus to understand how these principles relate to their own lives and the ethical teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.

Historical Context of the Old Testament: The events and themes in Exodus set the stage for subsequent books of the Old Testament. Understanding the historical context, traditions, and laws established in Exodus can provide Christians with a deeper understanding of the narratives, prophecies, and teachings found throughout the rest of the Old Testament.

Deepening Faith and Trust: The stories of Moses, the Israelites, and their encounters with God in Exodus can inspire and strengthen Christians in their faith and trust in God. The book highlights the challenges, doubts, and moments of faith exhibited by the characters, offering lessons on perseverance, obedience, and reliance on God's guidance. By studying Exodus, Christians can find encouragement and inspiration for their own spiritual journey.

Today we will be walking through Exodus 4:1-17.

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 CSB

Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one may boast in his presence. It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption —in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

PRAY!

The Power Of God Section:

In Exodus 4:1-17 This passage is the continuation of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush (Pastor Brandon got us here last week) and his calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It is a story that teaches us valuable lessons about obedience, trust, and the power of God's presence in our lives.

In this passage, we find Moses, a man who had fled from Egypt and was leading a humble life as a shepherd. While tending to his flock, Moses comes across a remarkable sight—a bush that is burning but not consumed by the fire. As he draws near, God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, revealing His divine presence.

God then proceeds to commission Moses for a monumental task—to go before Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. However, Moses is hesitant and full of doubts. He questions his own abilities, asking, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11).

Read Exodus 4:1-9

God is the one with the power! and it is by His power that we can do anything. For us today who haven given our lives over to Jesus we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and empowering and enabling us to do task that would be impossible apart from God.

God showing Moses His power here is amazing to me, because it show how patient our God turly is with us and our doubt, insecurities and fears.

God Call’s & Equips Section:

Read Exodus 10-17

Moses pleaded with God to let him out of his mission. After all, he was not a good speaker and would probably embarrass both himself and God. But God looked at Moses' problem quite differently.

All Moses needed was some help, and who better than God could help him say and do the right things. God made his mouth and would give him the words to say.

It is easy for us to focus on our weaknesses, but if God asks us to do something, then he will help us get the job done. If the job involves some of our weak areas, then we can trust that he will provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed.

You may have heard the phrase “God doesn’t call the equipped — he equips the called.” I am not sure who first coined this phrase. This truth encourages me often when I feel inadequate to face challenges or when someone assigns me something that overwhelms me.

Followers of Jesus have experienced this truth through the centuries, since the calling of the first disciples. The disciples were ordinary people like you and me. They weren’t the most highly educated, charismatic, or influential people of their day. They didn’t hold the highest positions with the best pedigree or resume filled with accomplishments and awards. Jesus called the ordinary and then did extraordinary things through them. He changed the world and continues to change the world!

If you are feeling weak and inadequate, ill-equipped for your assignment from God, you are in good company. All through the ages, your brothers and sisters have struggled with the same feelings. But what great hope we have! He promises to equip us with everything we need for doing his will — everything we need within and without.

First, we have to be willing to surrender ourselves to his will. Jesus said that he loves the Father and he does exactly what the Father says. We follow his example. We have to allow him to work in us and equip us. Cooperate with him. Believe him. Listen to him. Obey him. Follow his instructions. We don’t have to do these things in our own strength — he works within us by his Spirit. His is the power. He raised Jesus from the dead. His will originates with him and he is working within us to bring it to fruition.

God has given each of us gifts, talents, and abilities....Lets look at those real quick

Prophecy: The gift of prophecy involves Prophets speak forth God's word, often with insights into the present or future, for the purpose of encouragement, edification, or warning. This is not fortune telliging/trying to predict the future!

Serving: This gift involves a strong desire and ability to meet practical needs and support others in tangible ways. Those with the gift of serving have a servant's heart and willingly lend a hand wherever needed.

Teaching: Individuals with the gift of teaching possess a deep understanding of the Scriptures and have the ability to effectively communicate and explain biblical truths. They help others grow in knowledge and understanding of God's Word.

Exhortation: The gift of exhortation involves encouraging and motivating others to live out their faith. People with this gift are skilled at offering words of comfort, challenge, and inspiration, often bringing clarity and direction to others' lives.

Giving: Those with the gift of giving have a generous and sacrificial nature, freely sharing their resources, time, and possessions for the benefit of others. They contribute to the needs of the church and the broader community.

Leadership: Individuals with the gift of leadership have the ability to guide and influence others towards a common goal. They provide vision, organization, and direction, serving as examples and empowering others to fulfill their potential.

Mercy: This gift involves showing compassion and empathy to those who are hurting, suffering, or in need. People with the gift of mercy extend kindness, forgiveness, and practical assistance to others, demonstrating God's love in tangible ways.

Wisdom: Those with the gift of wisdom have insight and discernment in making decisions and providing guidance. They have a deep understanding of God's ways and offer practical advice based on biblical principles.

Knowledge: This gift involves a deep understanding and insight into the truths of God's Word. People with the gift of knowledge have an exceptional ability to study, retain, and communicate biblical information to others.

Faith: The gift of faith is a supernatural ability to trust God and believe in His promises, even in challenging circumstances. Individuals with this gift have unwavering confidence in God's power and His faithfulness.

The Fear That Overwhelms Us Section:

When God called Moses to approach Pharaoh and insist that he set the nation of Israel free from slavery, Moses was reluctant and full of arguments. and we can be the same way!

There are several reasons why Moses may have exhibited reluctance: Which can also be very similar for us

Inadequacy: Moses felt inadequate for the task. He doubted his own abilities and questioned whether he would be able to convince the Israelites or Pharaoh to follow him.

Fear of Failure: Moses had a fear of failure, which contributed to his reluctance. He was aware of the challenges and risks involved in confronting Pharaoh, a powerful ruler, and leading the Israelites through the wilderness. The fear of not being successful or facing rejection may have held him back initially.

Lack of Eloquence: Moses believed that he lacked the ability to speak eloquently, which made him reluctant to assume a leadership role. He expressed his concern to God, saying, "I am slow of speech and tongue." He felt that he would not be persuasive enough to convince others to follow him.

Personal Circumstances: Moses had spent several decades in the land of Midian, living as a shepherd after fleeing from Egypt. He had a family and a settled life there. The prospect of leaving behind his comfortable life and taking on the responsibility of leading a nation would naturally cause hesitation.

Who am I? What shall I say? What if they do not believe me? Moses wasn’t the only one who doubted God’s call. Many who were chosen to do hard things questioned the Lord, argued with Him, and even ran away.

In Judges Gideon doubted God’s call to deliver Israel from the Midianites, insisting he was the least of the least.

Jonah ran from God when he was commanded to warn Nineveh of impending judgment.

Jeremiah argued with God’s direction, stating he was only a youth and could not speak to the rebellious nation of Israel.

Most of us are happy to step up to the plate when the task is easy. But when the Lord draws us out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, that is when we wrestle with His assignment.

We may not feel worthy of God’s call, but nevertheless, He makes us complete in every good work that aligns with His will and equips us with whatever is needed to carry out His divine purpose.

I think one of the biggest issues we have is we are to comfortable as Christians. Using our gifts may make us uncomfortable and put us in uncomfortable situations or the far that we are inadequate …so we would rater be inactive in the Church (Big C church) and be a consumer then pass all responsibilities off to a select few super spiritual people…This is all backwards!

TALK ABOUT WHAT THIS COULD ALL LOOK LKE AT AVERT WHEN PEOPLE WALK INTO THIER CALLINGS! FAMILY GATHERINGS?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 again

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 CSB

WEEK 4 Questions:

1.Since God has given us mouths and helps us to speak. How will this change the way you think about sharing your faith, and how often you will actually do it?

2.What talents, gifts, abilities has God given you to use to further His kingdom? Would others agree with your self assessment? How do you think God is calling you to use them?

3.Has God called you to step up into something specific that you have been fearful of doing? What is it and what fears do you have?