Introduction to the Life of Moses

Why should we study the Bible?  It is the most valuable book in the world and of all time.  It's God's gift to us.  He has protected it down through the ages.  It is truth and its author is God.  "All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  - 2 Tim. 3:16.  In other words it is the speaking of God.  God uses the Bible to reveal Himself to us.  The thread of how to be saved is in every single book.  God spoke through several men as they wrote different books of the Bible.  "For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." - 2 Peter 1:21.

Its purpose is to lead us to belief in Jesus Christ.  Jesus is all through the Bible not just in the New Testament.  As we read and study the Bible, we need to apply it to our lives.  The Holy Spirit helps us to understand it.  We can't do it by ourselves.  Stop and ask God to give you the Holy Spirit to help you understand and hear God speak to you.

Are you willing to let the Bible influence your life?

Do you base decisions on what others tell you or do you seek God for answers?

Principles: 

God's Word reveals His character, His purposes, and His plans.
God's Word reveals His promises and His path to our redemption.
God's Word reveals His power in those who put their faith in Him alone.

Moses is a very important person in the OT.  His name is used 804 times in both the OT and the NT.  He was a humble, courageous, and a great leader.  God used Moses to lead Israel, establish the Hebrew people into a nation, and to lead them to the Promise Land.  Moses wrote the first 5 books.  The books of Exodus - Deuteronomy show the life of Moses.  Exodus means "to go out" or "exit".  God helped the Israelites to go out from Egypt. 

Moses was raised in the court of Egypt. He had the best of privileges and prestige and was exposed to the best educations and to the arts. This was all on the outside, but God knew his heart.  God put compassion in his heart for his people and used him to fulfill His plan in Egypt.  He had a heart full of faith.  Moses obeyed God though he did not know it all.  True faith recognizes its helplessness and has complete assurance of God's power.  God has something to teach you in the life of Moses.

Do you have a past you are ashamed of?  Moses had murder in his past.  God used Moses and He can use you, too.

Outline of Exodus - Deuteronomy

I.  Exodus - the first part of Moses' life; the Israelites trouble in Egypt; the events     and the plagues that led to the Israelites to leave Egypt; how God gave the Law to   Moses (the Ten Commandments); how the Israelites built the special holy   tabernacle; rules of worship.
II. Leviticus - laws and instructions for offerings, rules for holy living, the Sabbath, feast and seasons; conditions for God's blessings.
III. Numbers - Israel's year while camped at the foot of Mount Sinai; the journey from       Israel from Mount Sinai to the east side of the Dead Sea; the preparations for           entering and conquering Canaan (the Promise Land).
IV.  Deuteronomy - Israel about to enter the Promise Land, Moses reminded them of    their history of being God's chosen people; Moses reminded them of God's laws        including the Ten Commandments; Moses reminded them of the covenant with       God.

Principles:

Exodus - God is redeemer of His people.  He dwells in our mists.
Leviticus - God is the Holy One and sets the standards for worship and how to live.
Numbers - God organizes and guides His people.
Deuteronomy - God is the Faithful Keeper.  He is Lord and is to be obeyed.

We will begin with the study of Exodus.  The book of Exodus emphasizes that God is holy and that He looks after His people.  God is Lord.  His Hebrew name is Yahweh.  His name means "the Person who lives for all time".  He called Himself "I Am" in Exodus 3:1-4.  We cannot understand His nature completely, but He shows Himself by His acts and commandments.  He loves and He forgives and He also punishes sin.  We gain more knowledge of Him through the His Word and through His Son, Jesus.

Follow my weekly posts for insights on the study of the Life of Moses.  We will begin with the book Exodus next week. 

Note:  Most of my posts will be a result of my studies through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).