Today’s Scripture Reading Genesis 12:31-32

You Can’t Fight God and Win If I could learn just one thing from: Pharaoh Exodus 1-15

Fighting Against God?  Why do we constantly see folks fighting against God?  Haven’t they learned enough to know that it is futile to resist the will of God?  Apparently not.  Congressman suing God – extreme disrespect for God from a person who is a professed athiest.

Psalm 2:1-4 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

Acts 5:38-39 Consider the wise words of Gamaliel: “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

What Happens When Someone Decides to Fight Against God? Let’s examine the life of Pharaoh and see what happened when he thought he could refuse the will of God.

The Rise of a Brutal Oppressor Exodus 1 A new Pharaoh with a new attitude – all rotten Fear of Israel’s numbers Decision to force slavery upon them to subjugate them Rule through fear and oppression Attempted infanticide

God Protects His People Made them fruitful in spite of the severe oppression Blessed the midwives who refused to kill Israel’s children Thwarted the plans of Pharaoh

Why Did God Allow Oppression For So Long? He was building a strong and mighty nation He was preparing the nation to conquer wicked Canaan – the promised land. Genesis 15:12-13 – God told Abraham his descendants would be mistreated 400 years but would be delivered along with great possessions.

The Calling of a Reluctant Deliverer Exodus 2:1-8 – Moses the infant delivered from death in the Nile. Exodus 2:11-15 – Moses develops into a volatile young man – killing an Egyptian

Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

Moses The Fugitive Exodus 2:16-25 Flees from the presence of Pharaoh Travels to Midian Marries a Midianite woman and has children

Moses the Called – Resisting the will of God Exodus 3: Moses called by God from a burning bush Moses makes excuses Moses refuses to go God becomes angry and Moses has no choice but to go.

The Battle Belongs To The Lord God’s command and Pharaoh’s refusal Exodus 5: Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert.' " Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go."

The Owning of Egypt’s Gods (or 10 Step Plan to Total Destruction) Before even the first plague falls on Egypt:

Plague 1: Nile to blood – against Hapi – Nile god

Plague 2: Frogs – against Keket – frog-headed goddess of childbirth

Plague 3 & 4: Gnats and flies – against Kepher, represented by the scarab beetle

Plague 5: Muraine – against Hathor – sky goddess whose symbol was the cow and Apis – the bull god.

Plague 6: Boils – against Imhotep – the god of healing

Plague 7: Hail – against Nut – goddess of the sky

Plague 8: Locusts – against Seth – farming god

Plague 9: Darkness – against Amon-Ra – the god of the sun

Plague 10: Death of First Born – against Pharaoh himself – “Great House” – viewed as a god.

Reflections From the Red Sea  Pharaoh’s “oops” moment – Sometimes we don’t see the danger of fighting God until it’s too late.

Israel’s Victory Song Exodus 15: The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name. Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea. [a] Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea. [a]a The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. "Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. "Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.

The Red Sea Place When you come to the Red Sea place in your life, When in spite of all you can do There is no way back, there is no way ‘round, There is no other way but through… Then trust in the Lord with a faith supreme ‘Till the night and the storms are gone. He will still the winds. He will part the waves when He says to your soul, ‘Go on!’