Leading God’s People God’s Way Lesson 20 – The Law of Sacrifice

The Law of Sacrifice A leader must give up to go up Philippians 3:7-8 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Paul said that he counted the things of this world, and the things of the flesh, as rubbish when compared to knowing Christ. What is more important to you; knowing Christ, or the things of this world? b)Paul was willing to make the sacrifice that he needed to in order to accomplish God’s plan for his life. He was willing to give up in order to go up. How about you?

Our Story in History Joshua leads the Nation of Israel into the Promised Land c BC Moses is born c BC Moses leads the Children of Israel out of Egypt c BC Moses (120 years) Moses dies at age 120 c BC Children of Israel living in Egypt Moses kills Egyptian and flees to Midian c BC AbrahamDavid c. = circa (about) 40 years in Egypt40 years in Midian 40 years in Desert Moses called to deliver Israel c BC

Scriptures to Read Exodus 2:1-25 Exodus 2:1-25 Exodus 3:1-22 Exodus 3:1-22 Exodus 4:1-31 Exodus 4:1-31 Exodus 12:31-42 Exodus 12:31-42 Hebrews 11:23-29 Hebrews 11:23-29

Mediterranean Sea EGYPT Land of Goshen MIDIAN Israel in Egypt Red Sea The nation of Israel lived as slaves in Egypt in an area called the Land of Goshen CANAAN

Mediterranean Sea EGYPT MIDIAN Moses Flees to Midian Moses kills an Egyptian for beating an Israelite. Moses flees for his life to the Land of Midian. Moses encounters God in a burning bush on Mt. Horeb (Mt. Sinai) CANAAN Mt. Horeb Land of Goshen

Mediterranean Sea EGYPT MIDIAN Moses Returns to Egypt The Lord told Aaron to go and meet Moses in the desert. They met at Mt. Horeb and then returned to Egypt together. CANAAN Mt. Horeb Land of Goshen

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Moses grew up in Egypt and possessed power, privilege and wealth. But, he gave it all up to follow the call on his life. What have you sacrificed to follow God’s call on your life? b)When God called him, at first Moses was hesitant and resisted the call. But, in the end, he obeyed what God called him to do. Have you ever resisted God in your life? In the end, did you obey or disobey what He asked you to do?

Mediterranean Sea EGYPT MIDIAN Moses Leads Israel out of Egypt Red Sea Moses leads Israel out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. CANAAN Mt. Sinai Land of Goshen

Mediterranean Sea EGYPT MIDIAN Moses Leads Israel out of Egypt Red Sea Moses and Israel camp at Mt. Sinai where Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God. CANAAN Mt. Sinai Land of Goshen

What Do We Learn From Moses? 1. There is no success without sacrifice. 2. Nothing is a sacrifice unless it costs you something. 3. Effective leaders know the value of sacrifice. 4. For everything you gain, you lose something.

There is no success without sacrifice Leadership always requires sacrifice. Here are some example of leaders who sacrificed to succeed with God: 1. Noah 2. Abraham 3. Joseph 4. Nehemiah 5. Paul 6. Moses

Nothing is a sacrifice unless it costs you something A sacrifice is only a sacrifice if it costs you something. Here are four things about Moses that enabled him to sacrifice: 1. Moses was alone with God 2. Moses was honest with God 3. Moses was hungry for God 4. Moses was broken by God

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)There is not success without sacrifice. Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Nehemiah, Paul, and Moses all sacrificed to successfully fulfill God’s call on their lives. Are you willing to sacrifice to succeed? b)Moses was alone with God, honest with God, hungry for God, and broken by God. What enables you to make the needed sacrifices for success in your life?

Effective leaders know the value of sacrifice The true essence of leadership is sacrifice. Here are three things Moses learned about the value of sacrifice: 1. Leaders have to give up to go up 2. Leaders have to give up to grow up 3. Leaders have to give up to stay up

For everything you gain, you lose something How can a leader cultivate a willingness to sacrifice? Here are six habits to start with: 1. Appreciate timing 2. Put people first 3. Develop the habit of giving 4. Learn to enjoy things without ownership

For everything you gain, you lose something How can a leader cultivate a willingness to sacrifice? Here are six habits to start with: 5. Express gratitude for your blessings 6. Maintain an eternal perspective

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Leadership is about sacrifice. Leaders must give up to go up, to grow up, and to stay up. What are you willing to give up to become a more effective leader? b)Every leader must cultivate the willingness to sacrifice. We learned six habits which can help us to do that. Which habit do you need to work on the most?

Homework – Scriptures to Read Esther 2:1-23 Esther 2:1-23 Esther 4:1-17 Esther 4:1-17 Esther 5:1-7 Esther 5:1-7 Esther 7:1-10 Esther 7:1-10 Esther 8:1-8 Esther 8:1-8