March 2, 2008 Summit AM

The Lord Is My Strength

Introduction

A. Text – Ex.15:1-18

B. Prayer

C. Picturing what Moses has been through

            1. Was a lonely shepherd in the Median wilderness

                        a. Saw a burning bush – went to check it out

                        b. God called him to deliver God’s people

                        c. Go face Pharaoh – most powerful king & nation of that time

                        d. Carry My message – Let My people go

            2. At 1st Moses looks fore excuses

                        a. Knew the power of Pharaoh & his army

                        b. What can I do?

                                    1) Not even know your name

                                    2) I’m not a man of eloquent speech

            3. All God gave him was His word & a few signs

                        a. No weapons – just His word & presence

                        b. Trust Me – I will be with you all the way

            4. Moses finally accepts God’s calling – goes to Pharaoh

                        a. Has an awesome experience – saw the power of God 1st hand

                        b. Pharaoh & all Egypt brought to their knees

                        c. People wanted them to leave – gave them anything they wanted to leave

                        d. Marched out triumphantly

            5. Suddenly Pharaoh changed his mind – pursues them

                        a. Catches them at the Red Sea – seem as if trapped

                        b. Moses encourages them to trust God – watch Him save them

                        c. Cross the sea on dry land – Pharaoh’s army drowned

D. This experience changes Moses for life

            1. Before he had been relying on his own strength

            2. From now on trusts God’s strength

 

I. We Too Are encouraged To Be Strong In The Lord

            A. OT

                        1. Prov.3:5,6 – trust in Lord with all your might

                        2. Ps.27:1 – Lord is my strength & salvation – whom shall I fear

                        3. 2 Chron.32 – Hezekiah encourages Israel when Assyria invades land

            B. NT

                        1. Jn.15 – without Me you can do nothing

                        2. Eph.6:10 – be strong in the Lord & the strength of His might

                        3. Phil4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

 

II. What’s Available For Those Who Are

            A. Heb.11 – see results of such faith

                        1. God was able to accomplish astounding things

                        2. They were blessed in spite of their difficulties

            B. Eph.3:20 – unlimited possibilities

                        1. God laughs at His enemies – like gnats (annoyances)

                        2. 2 Cor.12:8-10 – His grace is always sufficient

 

III. Who Does The Lord Strengthen?

            A. Those who are in Christ

                        1. Col.1:21 – outside Him we are alienated & enemies

                                    Eph.2:12 – without hope; excludes from the Promises

                        2. Eph.1:3 – all the spiritual blessings are in Christ

                        3. If we reject Jesus – will never walk in God’s strength – Jn.14:6

            B. Those who trust enough to wait on Him

                        1. Jn.11 – resurrection of Lazarus

                                    a. Challenges Martha to trust Him – I am the resurrection

                                    b. Knew what He was doing – in His timing

                        2. Isa.40:27-31

                                    a. Why do you allow yourself to get discouraged?

                                    b. God never gets tired – always conquering

                                    c. Everyone else will falter – grow weary – not God

                                    d. Wait patiently – your strength will be renewed

            C. Those who refuse to live in fear

                        1. Isa.41:8-10

                                    a. Israel My chosen

                                    b. Don’t fear or be dismayed – I am with you!

                        2. 2 Tim.1:7 – God not give us spirit of fear

                                    a. He gives power – strength; ability; possibilities

                                    b. Source of our fear is Satan

                                                1) Man never experience until started listening to Satan

                                                2) From that time on – stifled all who listen to him

                        3. Mk.9:23 – all things are possible to those who believe

                                    a. Eph.3:20 – possibilities are beyond our imagination

                                    b. Hard part is believing – trusting in spite of the obstacles

 

IV How Do We Tap Into God’s Strength?

            A. Like Moses we accept God’s calling

                        1. Step out in faith

                                    a. Fully trust Jesus – His word

                                    b. 2 Pet.1:5ff – add to faith

                        2. Accept His challenges

                                    a. 2 Cor.12:7-10 – rejoice in struggles & challenges

                                    b. James 1:2-4 – joyfully accept & trust

                                    c. Rom.8:28 – knowing God will work all things for our good

            B. Seek the encouragement of other believers

                        1. Imagine Moses’ struggle

                                    a. No one else was a believer

                                    b. Imagine how it hurt when Pharaoh turned on Israel

c. Only place could go was the Lord

                        2. We blessed with other believers – take advantage of opportunity

                                    a. Heb.3:12-15 – seek daily encouragement

                                    b. Heb.10:24,25 – don’t forsake assembly – look forward to

            C. Cry out to God in prayer

                        1. Look at Moses – always crying out to God

                                    a. Hardship after hardship was beyond his abilities

                                    b. No way he could ever be successful without the Lord

                        2. James 4:1-3 – have not because ask not

                                    a. Lack faith to cry out

                                    b. Focus is selfish – spend on self

                                    c. Mt.6:33 – His kingdom is to be 1st

3. Cry out & wait patiently

            a. Lk.18 – like the widow (keep crying out)

            b. Never lose faith & hope – will reap in due time Gal.5:9,10

            c. Moses lifted his rod & waited expectantly upon God (sea split)

            D. Put on the whole armor of the Lord

                        1. Eph.6:10-12

a. Enemy is not flesh & blood (can’t outwit or over power)

b. Only way to stand – with God’ armor

                        2. Notice emphasis is the whole armor – not just certain pieces

                                    a. Don’t just pick & choose – all is needed

                                    b. Fully surround yourself with His protection

                                    c. All need for life & godliness is in Jesus – 2 Pet.1:3,4

 

Conclusion

A. Will we learn what Moses learned?

            1. Our strength is the Lord

                        a. It is because of Him that we succeed

                        b. Without Him - our strength is never sufficient

            2. Bible Bowl challengers – learn lessons of Exodus

B. Pray