FAITH REFUSES TO BOAST IN OUR NATURAL PRIVILEGES
v.24:
- the story of his upbringing in Egypt
- the honour he might have enjoyed
- the refusal to set store by it
APPLICATION: Worldly honour is of no account to those who have faith - Moses valued rather the spiritual privilege of being born a Jew.
OBSERVE: "come to years": Children's professions of faith must be tended by time.
FAITH PREFERS TO SUFFER WITH GOD'S PEOPLE RATHER THAN TO BE AT EASE IN THIS WORLD
V.25:
- the story in Exodus - very remarkable
- it identifies with the Lord's people
- the Christian life involves suffering
- the pleasures of sin are soon over
APPLICATION: There is no getting to glory without some suffering - never choose the "easy way out" but do what is right.
FAITH IS NOT OFFENDED BY THE CRITICISM OR SCORN WHICH COME ON US IN THIS LIFE
v.26:
- "the reproach of Christ" (in the OT!)
- an amazing choice (the riches of Egypt are proverbial: example: H. Carter)
- the world criticises us for what we believe and for being different
APPLICATION: It is a mark of grace to suffer this scorn
FAITH BELIEVES IN THE HEAVENLY REWARD AND HAS INWARD CERTAINTY THAT IS SUPERIOR TO ALL EARTHLY RICHES
v.26:
- "reward" to be given as "recompense".
- the earthly good does not compare
APPLICATION: When the gospel declines people get their priorities all wrong.
ILLUSTRATION: The way this has happened in Highlands.
FAITH POSSESSES A STRANGE COURAGE IN THE FACE OF GREAT DANGERS BECAUSE IT SEES BEYOND WHAT IS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE
v.27: - the story is amazing: 10 plagues...
- See Exodus 10:28-29
- The hardness of Pharaoh's heart is in contrast with the courage and faith of Moses
- Faith is an eye that sees God
APPLICATION: The remedy for fear of man is here.
ILLUSTRATION: The tribute paid to John Knox.
FAITH IN ALL AGES, HAS AN EYE TO CHRIST AND TO THE SPRINKLING OF HIS BLOOD AS OUR SURE PROTECTION FROM THE WRATH OF GOD
v.28: - The Passover was a figure of Christ.
- This can be proved from many scriptures,
- The Passover was the OT equivalent to the Lord's Supper. One replaces the other.
- See how God pays men in their own coin: Egypt killed the Israelite children.
APPLICATION: We are safe only when sprinkled.
ILLUSTRATION: The girl who feared.
FAITH WILL CARRY US THROUGH EVERY DIFFICULTY AND OPEN UP A WAY OF ESCAPE ALL THROUGH LIFE
v.29:
- Exodus 14: an amazing event!
- Take the Judgement Day (Matthew 25)
- So too in the day of death.
OBSERVE: When religion declines, this distinction is blurred.
ILLUSTRATION: funeral services (Mr. MacDonald)