What's Your Excuse?
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Exodus 3-4:17
Introduction
Introduction
Today we take a closer look at one of the most famous prophets in the Old Testament. God certainly used Moses in a mighty way, but as we see, Moses had his faults just as well. Today, we examine some of the common excuses that Christians use when asked to serve God.
I. “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (vs. 11)
I. “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (vs. 11)
A. You are the person God has chosen for the task.
A. You are the person God has chosen for the task.
1. God has a plan, and no one else is given the exact task that you have been given.
(a) Who was Moses?
(b) If he had not accepted God’s calling, Moses would be no more than another bad example in the Bible. (eg—Jonah)
2. If Moses had not been obedient, the Israelites would have suffered in bondage longer, possibly even years until someone was willing to accept their duty of obedience.
B. Humility in God’s presence is good, but can be applied incorrectly.
B. Humility in God’s presence is good, but can be applied incorrectly.
1. Did Moses exhibit humility?
a) Yes, but not correctly.
b) God desires that we be humble, which includes submissiveness to his will and desires.
c) Moses simply exhibited an unwilling heart and low self-esteem.
d) Whom God calls, he qualifies.
II. “What is your name?”
II. “What is your name?”
A. Moses was so desperate for an excuse that he resorts to asking God’s name.
A. Moses was so desperate for an excuse that he resorts to asking God’s name.
1. This is probably the lamest excuse that Moses presents the whole argument.
2. Some of the excuses that we use not to serve God have to sound about that ridiculous.
3. “I died and suffered to give you eternal life, and that’s the best excuse you can come up with?”
III. “They will not believe me or listen to me”
III. “They will not believe me or listen to me”
A. How often does God send us to witness for absolutely no reason?
A. How often does God send us to witness for absolutely no reason?
1. I’m not sure about you, but every time God has asked me to do something, it generally had a reason, and it was to further his plan.
2. Why would God waste his time giving senseless orders?
3. What was the real issue?
a. Moses did not believe.
b. It was not an issue of whether or not the Egyptians would believe, if they wouldn’t, God wouldn’t waste his time. Moses lacked faith that God would take care of him.
C. To satisfy Moses, God showed him two signs.
C. To satisfy Moses, God showed him two signs.
1. Rod turns into a snake that was so real, Moses ran from it.
2. Leprosy of the hand.
IV. “I’m not a good speaker.”
IV. “I’m not a good speaker.”
A. I’m personally grateful that being eloquent is not a requirement!
A. I’m personally grateful that being eloquent is not a requirement!
1. From mixing up famous quotes and presidents to misreading half of a passage, I’ve done it all!
2. God provides the words and the strength to witness
3. Not everyone is called to stand in a pulpit.
a) Imagine if everyone had the same job. Nothing would ever be accomplished.
b) Romans 12:4-8; Everyone has a different job.
B. Look at God’s response in vs. 11.
B. Look at God’s response in vs. 11.
1. You would think that this would be enough to shut Moses up, but not so.
2. Moses finally comes out with his last excuse, for now at least.
V. “Send some other person to do it, I DON’T WANT TO.”
V. “Send some other person to do it, I DON’T WANT TO.”
A. Moses’ apathy would have been paid at the price of thousands, millions of ruined lives, yet he didn’t care.
A. Moses’ apathy would have been paid at the price of thousands, millions of ruined lives, yet he didn’t care.
1. You never know what kind of influence God has in store for your life.
2. You will never know, unless you submit.
B. Before we criticize Moses for his apathy towards human life, consider our own towards their eternal souls.
B. Before we criticize Moses for his apathy towards human life, consider our own towards their eternal souls.
1. How many times do we make the same lame excuses of why not to serve him?
2. How many times do we miss out on a blessing and the true joy that comes only by serving God?
Conclusion
Conclusion
What’s your excuse? What is keeping you from serving God and doing his will today? Is it fear of other people? Fear of failure? Lack of self-worth? Or is it something or someone that diverts your attention? I pray that God will remove your stumblingblock today, so you can serve him. Will you accept?