Waiting on God's Plan... Perfecting Patience and Abiding in Christ

Part I: Going it Alone Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Part I: Going it Alone What is the first recorded act of Moses’ adult life, as recorded in Exodus? Did he commit this act in brash ignorance, tainted by his paganistic upbringing? Did he commit this act, thinking somehow he was acting on God’s purpose for his life?

Part I: Going it Alone Did Moses even know who God was? The Case for Paganistic Action Read Exodus 2:11-16 Appears to be a crime of passion. Dealt with the situation much as an Egyptian would. Could have been motivated by an upbringing in a cruel environment. Ultimately flees his country to live as an alien.

Part I: Going it Alone The Case for Righteous Intent Read Acts 7:23-29 Moses apparently had it pretty good with his upbringing. Enter the words “defense” and “avenge.” Note the motive given here. (v.25) Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them… Why would Moses assume he was God’s man to deliver Israel from Egypt at this point in time?

Part I: Going it Alone The Case for Righteous Intent – Part II Read Hebrews 11:24-27 The plot thickens. Moses refuses to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated with his own people. He valued disgrace for the sake of Christ of greater value than the treasures of Egypt. He did not leave Egypt out of fear of the king.

Part I: Going it Alone So what went wrong? “God has a purpose for my life.” “No time like the present.” “I am ready for this mission as I am.” “I will make this happen.”

Application Questions Do you even know what God’s purpose is for your life? Do you feel you’ve been successful in accomplishing this purpose? How much of your own effort do you feel you’ve put into accomplishing your purpose?

Part II: Me and What Army? Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Part II: Me and What Army? Moses learned a lesson on his first attempt. Better to wait for directions from God Himself. In Exodus 3, Moses receives that commission. Moses resists. God answers. Read Exodus 3:18-22 God leaves little to mystery on His plan.

Part II: Me and What Army? Not a glowing success from Moses’ perspective: Read Exodus 5:1-21 What is Moses’ reaction to these events? Read Exodus 5:22-23 Were these reasonable questions to ask God?

Part II: Me and What Army? God’s response: Read Exodus 6:1-8 I AM THE LORD, I WILL What was Israel’s response? Note the excuse Moses gives for his reluctance to try again in verse 12.

Part II: Me and What Army? So what went wrong? “I will do this at God’s command and with the support of Israel.” “I will do this with God and. . .” “Following God’s commands = immediate success.”

Application Questions What crutch or prop do you tend to cling to when following God’s will? What is your reaction when things don’t pan out the way you expect, or on your timetable? Is your faith shaken or strengthened?

Part III: God and God Alone Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Part III: God and God Alone Read Exodus 7:1-6 We know the rest of the story. Moses becomes a compass, pointing to God’s awesome power. God’s perfect plan unfolds just as He foretold.

Part III: God and God Alone Moses becomes arguably the best leader of men God ever placed on this green earth. So, what went right? “God is all I need to make this happen.” “God is the only way this is going to happen.” “How can I best serve as God’s instrument?”

Application Questions How do you step aside and let the power of God work fully in your life? To what end does this all lead to in the first place? What is my purpose? What can we learn from Moses’ experience?

Getting 100% out of 33% According to Stephen’s account in Acts 7: Moses was 40 years old when he decided to turn his back on Egypt and identify with his people. Moses was 80 years old when God appeared to him in the burning bush. Moses spends 40 years in the wilderness as Israel’s leader and dies at the age of 120. God led Moses through equal periods of failure, preparation, and purpose.

Truths You are never too used up to be useful to God. God’s methods and timing do not always make sense in the here and now. God’s purpose for you is perfect, his plan complete, his provision total.

SO WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?

Abiding in Christ Abiding: Lasting for a long time; enduring Existing or remaining in the same state for an indefinitely long time

Abiding in Christ John 15:5-8 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Application Plug in. Stay in. Bear fruit. Glorify God.