EXODUS: Highway Through The Sea
Pastor Brian Schafer
October 6, 2024
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Exodus 7:3-5
I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”
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God opposes the
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This saying is found explicitly in several different places in the Bible, with different variations: Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 3:34 & 29:23, Matthew 23:12, Luke 1:52, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5
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But this idea is also woven implicitly throughout the entire narrative of scripture.
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This is true on a PERSONAL level, but also on a GLOBAL level. Read the bible cover to cover, and you will see a theme emerge: God LOVES the nations! But God is opposed to
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Direct Notes from The Message:
A biblical definition of an empire: Kingdoms who believe THEY UNIQUELY have a GOD-MANDATED DESTINY to rule OTHER NATIONS and to SHAPE HISTORY according THEIR AGENDA.
The reason God opposes this behavior is because ruling the nations and shaping history is the very task that the Father has given to the Son. So, empires are a direct rival to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
Egypt = Pride on an International Scale
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Take your own notes here…
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THE PLAGUES & THE DECREATION OF GOD’S GOOD CREATION
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Why does this matter? Because sin has consequences. The wages of sin is death.
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What are impacts of sin that you see in your life or in the world?
Take your own notes here…
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Why is Pi-Hahiroth a bad place to be for the Israelites?
Take your own notes here…
Exodus 14:13-14
Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; just stay calm.”
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All of us wants a miracle, none of us wants to be in a situation that necessitates one. But you can’t have one without the other.
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4 BIBLICAL AND PRACTICAL TIPS FOR FACING A RED SEA/EGYPTIAN ARMY MOMENT:
(1) Do not panic
Take your own notes here…
(2) Keep it in perspective.
Take your own notes here…
(3) This to shall pass.
Take your own notes here…
(4) Trust the Engineer.
Take your own notes here…
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(1) Read Exodus 7:1-5. Why is the Lord’s hand against the Egyptians? What do you think about God’s opposition to the proud, but His giving grace to the humble? How does this apply on a global or national level?
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(2) In Exodus 7-12, God strikes Egypt with 10 Acts of De-Creation (commonly called 10 Plagues). Why is God choosing these particular acts to show His authority and power? How is this related to the natural consequences of sin?
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(3) Read Exodus 14:10-14. Put yourself in the Israelites’ sandals. What must it have felt like to hear the Egyptian Army behind them and a big body of water in front of them? Compare the way the Israelites responded (vv.11-12) with Moses’ response (vv.13-14). Which response is more natural for you? What does it look like to not be afraid and stand firm in the middle of that?
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(4) Talk about any difficulty that you are facing right now. Physical or Medical struggle? Relational issues? Stress related to job or family? A big decisions to make? What does it look like to approach that struggle with faith in God?
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(5) Think about the 4 biblical and practical tips for facing a Red Sea/Egyptian Army moment. (Do not panic, keep it in perspective, this too shall pass, trust the engineer) Which one of these is hardest for you to practice? How can the Holy Spirit help you?
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(6) Prayer together.