LIFE LESSONS FROM PHARAOH

October 17, 1999 PM

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Sermon Outline

Exodus 5:1-4

INTRO: The lives and times of ancient Israel were often touched by Egypt. It was in fact, in Egypt that the immediate descendants of Jacob, sixty-six in number (Gen 46:27), became numerous as the stars of heaven (Deut 1:10). It is estimated that well over one million people of Israel left Egypt with Moses. Our thoughts tonight will focus on a man (or men) whom we simply know as Pharaoh. This pagan man teaches us some important life lessons.

I. HE HAD NO LOYALTY TO, INTEREST IN HISTORY

A. Ex 1:8 True, Joseph had been dead some years

1. and perhaps a new dynasty had come to power

2. but Joseph had saved Egypt from certain disaster while surrounding people were devastated

B. Prov 27:10 ... and thy fathers friend ...

1. lessons and relationships o the past need to be learned and cherished

2. loyalty is a rare quality - and makes such a real difference in the course of ones life

II. HE MADE ENEMIES RATHER THAN FRIENDS

A. Ex 1:9-11 Apparently, no reason for fear

1. but Prov 28:1 judge others by our selves!

2. potential enemies or allies ... but often it is we who make the choice

B. 1 Pet 3:9-11 How well is this instruction followed?

1. easier to make enemies than friends

2. the Pharaohs lived in fear because they trusted few people - considered anyone of stature a threat - do we?

III. HE THOUGHT TOO MUCH OF HIMSELF

A. Ex 5:1,2 Here is pride at its worst!

1. no counsel, no advice did he need or heed!

2. he would recognize no one as being greater, more important than he

B. Prov 16:18 We know the truth ...

1. but have we really learned the lesson?

2. pride is as much a problem for us common folks as for the rich and famous ... when we refuse to listen to Gods counsel, we are in the Pharaoh mode

IV. HE DID NOT KEEP HIS WORD

A. Ex 8:8,15 When Pharaoh saw that there was a respite ...

1. commitments, promises made in the furnace of adversity ...

2. but when relief came, promises forgotten

B. Mt 5:33-37 Be people of your word!

1. commitment in conversion; commitment in your marriage; commitment in agreements, contracts

2. this should be our characteristic in even the smallest of things

V. HE ACKNOWLEDGED SIN; BUT HE DID NOTHING ABOUT IT

A. Ex 9:27,34 The way of worldly people?

1. I believe Pharaoh knew he had offended God!

2. it was commendable that he acknowledged his sin and the Lords righteousness ... but!

B. Acts 17:30 Repentance is a real sticking point

1. I knew its wrong, but ...

2. here is where self-will and pride really cause fatal problems for us ... Eccl 8:11

VI. HE PAID A GREAT PRICE FOR STUBBORNNESS

A. Ex 12:29,30 Was the price worth it?

1. his stubbornness cost the death of his eldest child to say nothing of the people and animals of the nation

2. here is the destruction caused by pride

B. The price of stubborn pride and sin is too great!

1. and there will always be a price

2. far better is it for us to submit to the will and counsel of our loving God

CLOSE: Pharaoh thought he could fight against God and win. He couldnt ... and neither can we.

Cecil A. Hutson

17 October 1999