January 26th – God gives purpose (Gen. 34-Ex. 6)
EXCAVATE: Commencement – Week 3 God gives purpose
Genesis 34- Exodus 6
Background on Exodus
- Author: Moses (traditional view, based on John 5:46)
- Title: from the Greek word exodus, which means “going out, or departure”
- Date: roughly around 1260 BC
- Purpose: To explain the purpose, rescue, and revival of God’s people
God’s purpose is to exercise His sovereign glory over His creation; through redemption in His grace and revival in His love.
God’s purpose is to display His glory in our lives.
- Genesis 35:9-12
- God means Jacob and blessed him. This blessed union was to display His glory in bringing about His plan of redemption for us.
- His name is changed (Israel, to strive with God from Genesis 32:25-28), to display God’s glory.
- Jacob was once a liar, deceiver, SINNER, who lived for himself. He wrestled with God over His rebellion…GOD WON, changed his name.
- Now, his purpose is to shine God’s glory in the continuation of God’s divine promises; from Abraham, to Isaac…and now to Jacob (Israel)
- “kings shall come from your own body” – a reference beginning with Joseph…and then to Jesus (Matthew 1:2)
- God’s purpose in your life is to display His glory. It’s time we avoid the fallacy that God’s purpose is to fulfill our selfish dreams and goals.
God’s purpose is to rescue us according to His grace.
- Genesis 37, Joseph sold by his brothers.
- Rescued from His brothers (Genesis 37:12-24)
- Rescued from the death of sin (Genesis 39). 39:23…great truth.
- Rescued from prison (Genesis 41)
- God, in His sovereign glory exercised control over the life of Joseph.
- Every event, every pain and every tear was under the conducting arm of God Almighty; for the purpose of displaying His infinite glory.
- Joseph wanted favor with his family…God gave him favor with a nation.
- Look to His sovereign glory over what you are dealing with today.
- Jesus is the better Joseph who endured the suffering, temptation, betrayal, and death our sins deserved…only to give us favor in the eyes of the King of glory. In Christ, we are rescued; not by our own doing or merit…but by the mercy of God.
- “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” – Psalm 40:2
- Joseph was thrown into a pit and rescued. We are rescued out of the pit of our own sinful decay by Christ, the Lion of Judah.
God’s purpose is to revive our hearts in His promises.
- Genesis 42 – Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt for much needed revival from their suffering.
- Genesis 43 – Return to Egypt…Joseph plays some games with them
- Genesis 45 – Joseph provides for His family. Revives their hope.
- Famine hits, people are provided for.
- Genesis 50:20 – Joseph gives glory to God…who revived his heart according to His promises.
- God’s purpose is to revive our hearts in His promise (Jesus came to save sinners, 1 Timothy 1:15)
- God’s purpose in Joseph’s life was to use him to display His glory, to rescue him from death, and to revive a nation in a way that amazed the lost.
God’s purpose is to draw us to daily trust in His greatness
- Exodus 1 – the nation that once was experiencing revival was now experiencing persecution and suffering.
- Exodus 2 – The birth of Moses. Moses, “to draw out” – Moses was rescued from the dangerous water. Like Joseph, Moses was hidden with great risk…in order for an outcome that only God can control.
- Moses was brought into the place of the king (like Joseph), and was given great favor in the eyes of many.
- Moses experiences compassion/hatred toward oppression (Exodus 2:11-15)
- Moses meets his suga mama (v.21), and remains happy in the wilderness.
- God draws out Moses on the Mountain Horeb or Sinai.
- Exodus 3:14 -POWERFUL VERSE. God’s greatness will be displayed in the purpose of Moses’ life.
- God would use Moses to draw the oppressed people out of slavery.
- God would use Moses to rescue a nation.
God’s purpose is to be glorified. God’s purpose is to rescue sinners. God’s purpose is to revive our hearts. God’s purpose is to draw us to a daily and joyful trust in His care.
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