The First Obstacle: Part II

Living By Faith

Last time we began to look at the first obstacle (Exodus 14). We said that we would divide our study into four phases. In the first phase, we observed the circumstances leading up to the Red Sea problem. Israel was deliberately led by God into a situation where the Egyptians would be pressing down on them, with no apparent way of escape. They actually had to turn and change directions to get there, but God had a purpose. He wanted Israel to learn dependence upon Him and Pharaoh to think they were trapped. God set a trap for Pharaoh. He would have glory over the final Egyptian god—Pharaoh himself.

II.) The Responses:

The second phase of this miraculous episode deals with the responses of both Israel and Moses. How did they handle the stress of an army of angry Pharaoh-worshipers hotly pursuing after them? Perhaps they should all get appointments with a therapist or shrink.

The modern tendency to “psychologize” Christianity breeds numerous seminars to teach us how to “cope”. This has even crept into so many pastors' sermons that are more about "self-help" than God’s Word. Unfortunately, they omit the one ingredient that can really help. That is relationship. The Word of God is about building a strong relationship of faith in God and His promises that will withstand, endure, and gain victory over the deep water situations of life.

Scripture: John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Observe that Christ says that those who love Him pay attention to the commandments of God and try to keep them. He then adds that if we love Him, we will be loved by God the Father and Christ will reveal Himself to us. Therein lies the problem. We do not want to spend the time in God’s Word that is necessary to demonstrate our love for Christ. He does not reveal himself, and we turn to man for help, thinking God failed. In fact, we are the failures.

It is our relationship with God that makes all the difference in how we respond to difficult times. Those seeking "stress relief" should consider Bible belief. Let us begin with Israel’s response.

A.) Israel’s Fear:

Scripture: Exodus 14:10

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

The first response is Israel’s fear.

The New Scofield Bible and some of the modern translations say, “they were in great fear”, but I like the old KJV. It says simply, “they were sore afraid.” In other words they were so utterly terrified that they literally ached with fright! That is an apt description.

Imagine the scene! Here they were camped by the Sea without a care in the world. No one is listening to God’s plan and purpose. They do not really believe Pharaoh will come. Then, someone notices something in the distance.

3500 years later, with the ending firmly in grasp, it is easy for us to look down our spiritual noses and be very judgmental about Israel. But, how often do we do the same thing? How often do we think we have a handle on everything? How often do we ignore God’s plan and direction? How often do we think we have everything managed? Then something happens. Suddenly, we have circumstances beyond our control. What then? Is it sheer terror? Do we panic and frantically scramble everywhere looking for help? Do we respond as Israel?

B.) Israel’s Complaint:

Scripture: Exodus 14:11-12

11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

The first response was one of fear, but the second translated fear into action. They began to complain. There are two ways to cry aloud to God. One is godly and the other is not. One is the cry of faith and the other is one of complaint. Israel began to complain.

Instead of asking God for help, they began to make accusations. They accused Him of leading them to slaughter. They said that it would have been better for them to remain in Egypt as slaves. They forgot what God did for them. Many Christians do the same.

When we find ourselves with our backs against the wall and the Egyptians pressing down, our first tendency is to make accusations. We want to accuse Moses or God. It is their fault and they do not care about us. “We had it so good in the world. Now look how hard it is.”

We forget that we were slaves to a master who could care less whether we lived or died. We existed only for his service and it was hard labor. He did absolutely nothing for us. On the other hand, Christ gave His life for us. He demonstrated His love by sacrificing all. Who is the better master? Christ is by far! He has nothing more to prove. We just need to trust Him.

C.) Moses’ Faith:

Scripture: Exodus 14:13-14

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

In contrast to the first two negatives, Moses responded in faith. Ezekiel 22:30 says that God looked for a man to stand in the gap.

It concludes, “...but I found none.” God constantly searches for a man to stand in the gap. This time He found one. In spite of his fear, Moses responded with faith. He said, “...stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord…” In II Chronicles 20:17 God said to Jehoshaphat, “...stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” A similar thought is found in I Corinthians 16:13 where it says, “...quit ye like men.”

God looks for courageous people who will stand in the gap to make up the hedge. Moses was such a man. He stood against the tide of humanity and said, “We are not moving!” God wants us to stand fast and wait for His salvation. God did not save us from the fire of hell just so that we could freeze in the cold, cruel trials of life. He knows how to deliver the godly and reserve the ungodly for the day of judgment (II Peter 2:9). We just need to trust Him.

D.) Moses' Cry:

Scripture: Exodus 14:15-16

15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

The fourth response we see is Moses’ cry. Moses was a man of faith who stilled the voices of the murmurers. But even the faithful have doubts. The difference is what they do with them. Moses took his straight to the Lord and so should we.

Notice God’s answer. He said, “Why do you cry unto me?” Moses made a bold statement of faith and then pleaded with God for a confirmation of what he did. I get the impression that he was hoping and praying that God would back up what he said. Sometimes we do that. We make a bold statement of faith and then wonder if we are foolish to do so.

But God did back up Moses. He always supports those who would live by faith. It is only when we live by faith that we can truly please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

God stood with him and said, “take the rod.” Why the rod? It represents authority. Often we fail to recognize the authority that we have when we go out in the name of the Lord to do the work of the Lord. God told Moses to use the rod of authority that He already gave him. Moses did not need additional power. He only needed to exercise that which he already had.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, God has given us the sword of His Word (Hebrews 4:12). It is our authority for life and godliness. We just need to utilize it in our day to day lives. Jeremiah 48:10 says, “Cursed is he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed is he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” God has given us the sword. He expects us to use it.

The First Obstacle: Part I

Living By Faith

Having seen the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the cloud and pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21-22), we now want to move on to the first obstacle, but before we do, let us review. Israel’s deliverance in bondage to Egypt is a picture of our salvation experience. When we received Christ as Savior, we were freed from the bondage of sin. As He died for us, we through faith in Him died to sin that henceforth we should not serve it (Romans 6:6). Instead, we are to live in Christ in newness of life (Romans 6:4). God, the Holy Spirit, began the process of freeing us the moment we received Christ.

Scripture: II Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Sanctification—that fifty-cent word which refers to the process of being set apart to God—for the believer is past, present, and future. Positionally, we were delivered from bondage to sin and the world at the very moment of salvation. Practically, we are being delivered on a daily basis from the mindset that makes us think the chains are still there. Perfectly and prophetically, we will be once and for all delivered from our sinful nature at the rapture of the church. Then, we will no longer struggle to do right.

What this means in practice is this: when we received Christ and began to speak of Him to our friends, they began to disassociate themselves from us. They no longer wanted to be in our company. We found ourselves developing new friends among those who share our faith. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit who indwelt us at the very moment of salvation began to convict of sin. We began putting off old habits and putting on new. We started to be different.

Unfortunately though, there is a fork in the road at the very edge of Egypt (Exodus 13:17-18). Everyone confronted by the gospel faces this choice point in life. The left path, or easy way, seems like a shortcut to happiness, but is the way to disaster (Proverbs 16:25). Many people choke at this point on the cross. They do not want to take up their cross and follow Christ. They want an easier way. But God leads the right way! Every, truly, born again believer sets out on that path.

The paved road ends abruptly. The path becomes strewn with boulders and obstacles. But this is the way of God! The cloud and pillar of fire are there to comfort and help us along the way.

That brings us to the first obstacle. How will we deal with this situation? To enhance our study, we will divide it into four phases.

Four Phases:

I.) The Circumstances:

In the first phase, we want to observe the circumstances that lead up to the obstacle. If we do not carefully note these, we will miss much that is important to our understanding. So, let us walk circumspectly through our text, noting three crucial facts.

A.) Deliberately led:

Scripture: Exodus 14:1-2

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Israel was deliberately led by God. Notice that God was in control of this march. He spoke to Moses and told him what to do. Israel was to go down to Pihahiroth. In other words, they did not just "happen" to be there. This was not a navigational error on the part of Moses. The truth is that God directed them to this place! In fact, to get there, they actually had to turn and change directions!

Observe the words of verse 2, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn…” God, using the cloud and his instruction to Moses, said, “Change directions and go down to Pihahiroth.” We are intentionally belaboring this point, because it is so vital. God leads His people today, and it is not always where we think. The direct route was not the right route. God would have them to go by way of the Red Sea. He would have us do the same.

Scripture: I Corinthians 10:2

And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

Observe that the baptism in the cloud pictures Holy Spirit baptism, and the baptism in the sea pictures water baptism. We may think we know a better way to victorious living, but God’s way passes through the water. The first step of faith for the child of God after salvation ought to be believer’s baptism, an act of obedience to Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19-20). If we are not going to obey this simple command, how will we obey the more difficult ones that come later? This is a tiny little baby step of faith, but we must walk before we can run.

B.) God’s purpose:

Scripture: Exodus 14:3-4

3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. 4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.

God had a purpose for taking Israel to this place. They were to veer from a straight direction across the wilderness to a campsite somewhat out of the way alongside the Red Sea. From a human standpoint, this was a tactical blunder of colossal proportions. It was like being in a boxed canyon with no way out. But God had a reason.

First, God wanted them to be in a position where they would be totally dependent upon Him for victory. Early on, God wants to teach us that we are helpless without Him (John 15:5). What could Israel do?

Second, God wanted Pharaoh to think that they were trapped, because He was setting a trap. This is a military maneuver popularized by Julius Caesar in his writing concerning the conquest of the Gaul's more than 1500 years later. The idea is to place the weakest troops in the center and the strongest on either side. When the enemy attacks, the weaker give way and the stronger troops turn in, leaving the enemy in a crossfire.

In a sense, the weak become the bait that lures the foe. Becoming proud and puffed up, the overconfident and gullible adversary destroys himself. In football this tactic is called the draw play.

Israel was God’s bait. God was going to judge the only Egyptian god left standing. He would judge Pharaoh himself.

C.) Pharaoh’s hardness:

Scripture: Exodus 14:5-9

5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? 6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: 7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. 8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

Lastly, observe Pharaoh’s hardness. Pharaoh was in mourning. He lost everything he had, including his first born son. He fell from being the most powerful monarch on earth to the bottom in just a brief time. Most likely, he was in a state of shock.

Then, a lowly minion dared to interrupt his grief with the announcement that Israel had left Egypt. Suddenly, he realized what he had done. He was so determined not to let Israel go, but in a moment of weakness he let them slip through his grasp.

In a rage and fury, he called for the chariots. Verse 7 says that he took 600 of the most elite to be his personal command and then gathered all the rest for the chase.

Chariots were the most feared weapon of the ancient world. They were a relatively new invention and were treated much like tanks would be today. One advantage was speed. Israel was slowed by livestock and children, but even that was not slow enough. So God had them set up camp. He wanted them to wait for the Egyptians to catch up.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Christian life is like this. At first we are all excited and rejoicing in our new-found salvation. Then, God sets us in a place where Satan can catch up. Like a raging roaring lion he bears down. What will we do? God says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The true believer will persevere. He may quake and fear and tremble, but God will bring him through (I Thessalonians 5:24).

The Cloud and Pillar of Fire: Part II

Living By Faith

Last time, we began looking at “The Cloud and Pillar of Fire” (Exodus 13:21-22).” In the biblical study of Old Testament types and patterns, we find that the cloud and fire represent the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 10:1-13 indicates that Israel’s wilderness experience is a complete picture of our Christian life. That means that the appearance of the cloud and fire at the very moment Israel left Egypt is significant. It demonstrates that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an event that occurs at the instant we are saved. Then, some time later, after salvation, we are led by the Holy Spirit to water baptism.

Today we want to focus in on the ministry of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Exodus. There are three services disclosed:

I.) God goes before us to lead us (Exodus 13:21a):

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;

One of the principal ministries of the Holy Spirit in the lives of born again believers is to provide us with direction in life. For many Christians this is a real mystery. How does He guide us? For some, it is nothing more than a feeling, whim, or hunch. For others it is more mystical—sort of like waving hands over a crystal ball. Still others see it as just a big unknown where God gave us our heads and expects us to use them to figure out our own way. This should not be, because God plainly says that He will guide us (Psalm 32:8). So, how does this work?

Scripture: John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Notice that a man must be born of both water and Spirit. Water and Spirit work together in the process of salvation. The question here is whether this water is merely H2O or something more. Once again, typology comes into play.

Scripture: Psalm 119:9

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Water represents the Word of God. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again of both the Word of God (I Peter 1:23) and the Holy Spirit to be saved. One without the other does not work.

Scripture: John 7:38-39

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Notice that while water represents the Word, flowing water pictures the Holy Spirit. Do you see the connection? Water which stands still is dead and lifeless; whereas, flowing water is alive. This principle is taught in survival courses.

When possible, we should use iodine tablets or some filtration device to purify drinking water in the field. But when no means of purification are available, the safest water to drink is found in the rapids. The flowing action acts as a natural cleanser, inserting oxygen and washing away impurities.

The lesson is this: God, the Holy Spirit, works in union with the written Word to bring it alive to us. Instead of mere words on paper, the Bible becomes a living book, able to speak to our need - whether that be doctrine, conviction, exhortation, or direction (II Timothy 3:16-17). God uses His Word to lead us the way (Psalm 119:105).

II.) God lights our path and comforts us (Exodus 13:21b):

...and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

The second ministry of the Holy Spirit is that of giving light in the night. The New Testament refers to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter (John 16:7). In those dark nights of life when we fearful human beings quake, tremble, and cower, the Spirit lights our path with the Scriptures to comfort and show the way.

Many are the times that I have experienced that sudden remembrance of a verse at just the right moment to provide peace in the midst of turmoil. One strange incident should suffice to demonstrate this.

Years ago at a crisis point in my life when God was beginning to take over the reins of my heart, I had a very unusual experience. I am not quite sure what to think of it, but will simply share it to make my point.

I was fast asleep in the night season, when I seemed to abruptly awake with an intense fear that I have never known before or since. In the instant of my apparent wakefulness with my eyes seemingly open, the room looked to be filled with demonic forms and shadows that I somehow perceived to be wrestling for my soul.

Then just as suddenly as I awoke, the thought popped into my head, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5).” This was accompanied by such peace and calm that I am reminded of Christ stilling the winds and sea (Luke 8:24).

All of this took but a moment and to this day, I do not know what to make of it. Was it a mere nightmare or was it a glimpse of the spiritual conflict that goes on unseen around us (Ephesians 6:12)? I do not know. One thing is sure—God’s Word calmed the howling winds of fear so fast and so completely that I lay for a time in a state of wonder and amazement.

If there is a lesson in all of this (and I believe there is), it is that experiences can often be very unsettling to us, but the Word of God is sure and steadfast (I Peter 1:25). Many today look for experiences, when they ought to look at their Bibles.

The Spirit knows just how to bring Scripture to bear at just the right moment in our lives. The Greek word for comforter is parakletos which literally means "called to one’s side". It implies the capability of giving aid. That is what the Holy Spirit does.

When we think of the desert, we often think of blazing heat from the scorching sun, but night time is just the opposite. It can get very cold. The extreme is so great that even 80 degrees seems cold. God knew just how to care for His people. He provided the cloud by day to shade them, and the fire by night to light and warm them.

III.) God never leaves nor forsakes us (Exodus 13:22):

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

The third ministry of the Holy Sprit is that of being our constant companion. Those words of consolation in Hebrews 13:5 calmed my fearful heart. They ought to encourage each of us who know Christ as Savior, because our text says that He did not take away the cloud.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:13-14

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The Holy Spirit is the earnest, or down payment, of our inheritance. Think of that! When we grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30), it is like trying to throw away our inheritance. How foolish! Fortunately, we cannot succeed, because He is also the almighty God who seals us until the day of redemption.

In ancient times, a letter was sealed by placing a drop of hot wax over the opening and imprinting it with an ornate seal. This security was not perfect. Occasionally, someone would manage to break it by counterfeiting or stealing the seal. But suppose that instead of wax, the seal consisted of an omnipotent bond that could never be broken. Such is the Holy Spirit. We are signed, sealed, and waiting to be delivered (II Corinthians 1:10). The Spirit is all of the assurance we need. He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us.

The real question is “how often do we forsake Him?” How often do we grieve or quench (I Thessalonians 5:19) Him? We forsake Him, but He never does us. He seals us to the day of redemption and that day is fast drawing nigh (Luke 21:28).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the ministry of the cloud and pillar of fire to Israel was the same as the Holy Spirit’s ministry to us. He led them, comforted them, and abode with them through thick or thin. Even when they failed miserably and utterly, He was still there. He does the same for us—only better. For them He hovered over the camp. For us, He indwells our bodies. They become His temple.

The Cloud and Pillar of Fire: Part I

Living By Faith

In our last message, we learned that God deliberately led Israel from slavery in Egypt to a barren desert. At a place called Succoth (Exodus 13:20), there was a fork in the road (Exodus 13:17-18). The left way was well-watered and had plenty of food. It was an easy paved route to the Promised Land. But God led Israel the right way for a reason. They were not prepared for war. So he took them to boot camp.

We live in a culture of “ease”. We do not like nor want anything that involves discomfort, sacrifice, or trouble. Unfortunately, this plague afflicts the 21st century church and to some extent may actually be a product of the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel proclaimed by false teachers who have crept into the church. They promote this line of thinking and encourage the hedonistic philosophy of the world that comfort is the ultimate goal of life.

In reality, nothing ever achieves its potential without some struggle. The least happy are those born with a silver spoon, or those who find life so easy that there is no challenge. Such individuals waste away in boredom, unable to find purpose or meaning to their existence.

On the other hand, when we must work and toil to achieve a goal, there is a deep seated satisfaction at attainment. This satisfaction then translates to happiness. The struggle is necessary to that end.

Some fear that too much struggle will lead to failure and discouragement at our effort. They say that this will irreparably harm our self–esteem. We will be branded or will brand ourselves as incompetent losers. Therefore, we should never try ourselves beyond what some test assures us that we can do.

This fatalistic philosophy dooms us to mediocrity and fails to account for the growth that occurs through struggle. Little Johnny’s IQ may seem to be inadequate in grade school for him to become a doctor. Should we then discourage his desire or should we encourage him to work harder? Through hard work he may sufficiently develop his mind for the rigors of med school, but he will never know without trying. Even if he fails in that goal, there is no doubt he will be far more capable for whatever he does do.

Studies have shown that birds that are helped from the egg are far more prone to disease and are far weaker than those that must struggle to exit the eggshell.

God fully understands this principle and takes us to the wilderness to allow our struggles to fully develop us. This is the direction that He led Israel and it is the course He wants to lead us. The real question is “How did He lead them, and how will He lead us?”

I.) God’s Leading:

Scripture: Exodus 13:21-22

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

God led Israel via a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Typology is the study of biblical types, or pictures. The Old Testament is filled with activities and occurrences which picture some aspect of Christ, His ministry, or the Christian life. There are also pictures which represent the Holy Spirit, such as the cloud and pillar of fire (See Acts 2:2-3). The service provided is the same. What the cloud and fire did for Israel, the Holy Spirit does for us today. One aspect of that ministry is His leading.

Before we move on and look at this ministry, though, we want to point out an important truth revealed in the wilderness. The cloud and pillar of fire first appeared at the very moment that Israel left Egypt. This is not chance, but inspiration (II Timothy 3:16).

II.) Two Baptisms:

Scripture: I Corinthians 10:1-2

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

Notice that there are two baptisms in this verse. First, there is the baptism in the cloud. Secondly, there is that in the sea. The former pictures the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the latter pictures water baptism, or what we refer to as believer’s baptism.

Many people are confused about both. Some think that being baptized in water is a means of salvation. Others believe that the Holy Spirit is some “second blessing” kind of experience, where we are supposed to receive Him after salvation and become sinless. The Wilderness clarifies these issues. We have already established that Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt is a picture of our salvation experience. Now notice that as soon as they leave, they immediately receive the cloud and fire. This agrees with the New Testament.

III.) Old and New Agree:

Scripture: Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Our text, speaking of and to Christians, says that we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit. It adds, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” We are not saved without the Holy Spirit. If we are saved, we have Him. We receive Him instantaneously at our new birth.

IV.) Holy Spirit Baptism:

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

This verse is addressed to believers (I Corinthians 1:2). It says that we are all baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit. This is the baptism of the Spirit. It occurs at the very moment of salvation, when the Holy Spirit comes to indwell and seal us (Ephesians 1:13-14). At the same time, we become part of the body of Christ—baptized into Him.

V.) Baptism vs. Filling:

Part of the difficulty here stems from a muddling of baptism with filling. There is a difference between the two. We are baptized into Christ at the moment of salvation. We receive the Spirit then. He indwells us and assures us of our eternal destiny with an unbreakable seal. The command after salvation is not “be baptized with the Spirit” but “be filled.”

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

In Ephesians chapter one, we trust in Christ after hearing the gospel. We receive the Spirit, who becomes the down payment on our inheritance in Christ. Then in chapter five we are told to “be filled.” These are two separate and distinct occurrences. Spirit baptism makes us part of the body. Filling has to do with our walk (Ephesians 4:1, 17: 5:1-2, 8, 15). We are to walk like we belong to Christ and are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, instead of being under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating influence of this world.

VI.) Spirit vs. Water:

At the moment of salvation from Egypt, Israel was baptized in the cloud and fire. Days later, they were baptized in the sea, which pictures water baptism. Again, this agrees with the New Testament. We are baptized into the body of Christ as the instant of salvation. Later as our first feeble step of faith, we go through the waters of baptism as believers already born again. Water baptism expresses our wish to obey Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19-20) and tells the world of our desire to identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).

If water baptism was the means of salvation, the Red Sea would have to be moved miles inland. The Jews would step from slavery to beachfront condos.

VII.) Instant vs. Second:

By the same token, if Holy Spirit baptism was a “second blessing” or sanctification experience, the cloud and fire would not occur for days, weeks, months, and perhaps years. The Red Sea would occur first. Based upon Israel’s experience, the cloud and fire would never appear, because they never became sinless, and neither do we.

Scripture: Compare I John 1:8 and John 17:17

If we say we are sinless, then we cannot be sanctified. Why? Because the truth is not in us, and it is the truth which sanctifies.

Conclusion:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost (II Timothy 3:16). There are no mistakes. All Scripture must be considered within the context of the whole (II Peter 1:20). I Corinthians 10:1-13 indicates that the Wilderness is a complete type or pattern of our Christian experience.

Thus there is agreement between the old and new. Holy Spirit baptism occurs at the very moment of salvation.

Next time: The Cloud and Pillar of Fire: Part II

What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to Israel and to us? Next time, we will look at three ministries.

The Fork in the Road

Living By Faith

Several weeks ago, we observed the Passover Feast found in Exodus 12 and pointed out ten observations that picture our salvation experience. The tenth and final plague, which occurred in connection with the feast, resulted in Israel’s deliverance. The slaves were free at last! Prior to our new birth experience we were dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). We were enslaved by this world system. But the day of our salvation marks the day of our emancipation from slavery (Romans 6:18). Christ, the Passover Lamb, died to save and set us free from the power of sin.

Scripture: Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

The very same day of the paschal (Passover) service, God brought Israel out of the land of the Pharaohs, and so He delivers us. In Christ, we are no longer bound to keep up with the Joneses. Life is not just a big rat race or mid-life crisis waiting to happen. Instead, we are on a journey that should take us to the promised land—that is, if we do not repeat the catastrophe of Israel.

Contrary to many hymn-writers, Beulah land is not heaven, but spiritual maturity. John Bunyan recognized this in his famous book, Pilgrim’s Progress. He said that it is the place of peace and rest near the end of life’s journey. It need not take that long though. In just two years, Israel was at the threshold of the promised land. We should be too. Victorious and spiritual living is for here and now. But to achieve the goal, we must set out in the right direction.

Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18

17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

Three Truths:

I) God Led Them:

First, we must understand that God led them. This is one of the most important facts in our study. God led Israel. Twice our text says as much. In verse 17, it says that He did not lead them one way. Verse 18 says that He instead led them another.

The songwriter knew exactly what he was saying when he penned, “some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood; God leads His dear children along.” I am not a deist. I do not believe that the Bible is merely a moral rulebook, nor that God set the world in motion and left it to run by itself.

Rather, I am a Christian. I believe that God is real and that he takes an active, personal interest in the affairs of men (Hebrews 11:6). I believe that He wants to lead, guide, and direct us (Psalm 32:8). Christ shed His precious blood (I Peter 1:17-18) to free us from bondage to this world, but we must follow His leading. He wants to lead us out, but many Christians want to stay put. We love the things of this world, but God says, “Set your affection on things above (Colossians 3:2).”
Colossians 3 is a very interesting chapter. It begins and ends with eternity. In between, it tells us to mortify our members upon earth (vs.5), and do everything as to the Lord (vs.17 and 23), including being in submission to those in authority over us (vs.18-22). That is not easy to do. The only thing that allows us to do that is a strong belief in the blessed hope of Christ’s return.

Scripture: Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

We serve the Lord Christ, and our inheritance is in eternity. We must put off the old man and put on the new. We must lay aside the world’s way of thinking and acting, because verse 25 warns, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

To be able to accomplish this living for the hereafter, we must live by faith. The Bible says so four times (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38). To sacrifice this world, we must trust the promises of God’s Word. We must unequivocally believe in the goodness of God. We must rest in the love that He demonstrated on the cross. Hebrews records that Moses did so.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:24-26

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

He placed his life by faith in God’s hand, and God led him. If we do the same, He will lead us, too.

II) The Fork in the Road:

Immediately upon leaving Egypt, Israel encountered a fork in the road. Exodus 13:20 calls the name of this place,Succoth. Most people read right over this without even noticing the fork, but it is crucial to our understanding.

Verse 17 says, “God led them not through the land of the Philistines. Verse 18 adds, “But God led the people about through the way of the wilderness.” So, there was a fork in the road.

To the left ran a well-marked path that followed the Mediterranean Sea coast through the land of Philistia straight to Canaan, the Promised Land. This path was well-watered with oases. Thus it became the trade route.

Even as far back as Moses' time, it was a paved highway with rest stops in villages and plenty of food available. Bible scholars indicate that it would only have taken Israel eight to ten days to reach Canaan via this route.

By contrast, the road to the right ended abruptly. Much of the trail was unfamiliar, even to Moses. It led directly into a bleak, desert environment with little food or water available. Besides that, it would take Israel nearly two years to get to the threshold of the Promised Land. Furthermore, they would be totally dependent upon God for everything.

Which path would you choose? Most of us would take the easy one. Yet God chose to lead Israel the right way. Unfortunately, this is where many Christians fail, and the journey has barely begun.

Scripture: Matthew 16:24; 10:38

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

We have been indoctrinated by the world and by false teachers of the world who have crept into the church, that we should have it easy. Work has become a four letter word in our culture. The goal has become: Strike it rich and bathe in luxury and ease.

We have forgotten that Christ has called us to be soldiers in His army. There is a boot camp that we must endure to be equipped for battle, and there is a war to be fought. There will be plenty of time for ease after the victory is won. Christ is preparing a mansion for us right now (John 14:2-3), and we will be there soon enough. In the meantime, we need to take up our cross and get ready for battle.

III) God’s Reason:

We do not like the idea of grief and trouble, but God has a reason for taking us down the right fork. He took Israel the roundabout way because verse 17 says that they were not ready for war.

Scripture: Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

I like this verse. This is so like God. He does not dwell on our failures. He focuses on what we can be. We may be His army, but without training we are more like a giant mob than a disciplined fighting unit. We are not ready for war, particularly not with spirit beings of immense power. Yet God wants us to be ready and able.

The Jews were slaves all their lives. They knew nothing of war. The fighting was done by the Egyptians. They were the trained soldiers; the Israelites were merely civilians.

Illustration: I hated every minute that I spent in the Marine Corps. There was not a day in boot camp that I was not in pain. I hated everything about it. For years, I was mad at God over it. I could not understand why He allowed me to be there. Gradually, I comprehended.

He wanted me to know what it is to be a soldier.

Scripture: II Timothy 2:3-4

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

These words were written to a young pastor by an old soldier in God’s army. There is no doubt in my mind that I could not have done the things that I have done in the service of the Lord without that Marine Corps training. What I went through in boot camp is nothing compared to some of the things I have faced in my walk with the Lord. What boot camp taught me is that this is what you have to do to be a soldier and to fight the fight.

Very few churches today sing that great old Christian hymn that begins with the words, “Onward Christian soldiers…” Very few sing it and even fewer do it. Most of our national problems lie right there. Too many Christians are civilians, when there is a war to be fought—not the war on terror, but the war against our adversary the devil and his fallen angels. If we fail to go through God’s boot camp, we will be ill-equipped to deal with the ruthless terrorists of his satanic army. Remember, there are giants in the Promised Land.

Conclusion:

There is a fork in the road of life for every believer. The left fork is apparently easier, but the right fork is the right way! God never leads His children the wrong way. He always leads the right way. The songwriter said it very well:

In shady green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along,
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Some through the water,
Some through the flood,
Some through the fire,
But all through the blood.

Some through great sorrow,
But God gives a song,
In the night season
And all the day long.

~G. A. Young~

Next time: The Cloud and Pillar of Fire

Egypt (Exodus 1)

Living By Faith

Last lesson we saw that Israel's experience in the wilderness is a complete type or pattern of our Christian experience (I Corinthians 10:1-13). In light of that, we need to learn from their mistakes. If we do not, we will suffer the same consequences. Our wondrous journey in Christ will turn to catastrophe as did their march through the desert.

Our education begins with Israel in the land of Egypt. To properly understand the instruction we must know something about Egypt. In this lesson, we will view Egypt in three ways:

I.) Geographically:

--Geographically, Egypt is located on the continent of Africa in the northern part where the Nile River empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Noah's son Ham had four sons. The second was Mizraim (Genesis 10:6), who is the father of the Egyptians.

--The vast majority of the people, both in Bible times and now, reside in the valley formed by the River. This valley varies in width from 3-30 miles. It is bordered on both sides by a thousand foot high desert plateau.

Thus Egypt is a land of extremes--on either side, lifeless, inhospitable desert and in the valley, teeming life from fertile soil.

II.) Historically:

--Historically, fertile soil brought God's people to Egypt in the time of Jacob and his son Joseph. Out of jealousy, his brothers sold Joseph to Ishmaelite slave traders.

Scripture: Genesis 37:23-27

In Egypt, Joseph soon found favor with his new master, but was falsely accused by the master's wife.

Scripture: Genesis 39:7-9; 11-15

--Condemned to prison, he again found favor with the keeper of the prison.

Scripture: Genesis 39:21

--Later, Joseph came to prominence in the land by interpreting the Pharaoh's dream. This dream predicted seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-8

--Through God's providence Joseph came to the attention of Pharaoh. The interpretation of Pharaoh's dream led to Joseph's appointment over the affairs of Egypt.

Scripture: Genesis 41:38-43

--Eventually, he became God's provision for Israel. To escape the effects of the famine, Joseph brought his family to Egypt, where he wisely had stored up during the years of plenty for the years of famine.

--The life of Joseph reveals God's providential care for His people. He is the sovereign God. He rules the affairs of men.

Scripture: Genesis 15:13-16

--God forewarned Abraham that his descendents would not inherit the Promised Land for 400 years. The sins of the Amorites were not yet full.

--God predicted that their sojourn in Egypt would be as slaves. That was not true in Joseph's time. In his day, they were favored guests given the most fertile land.

Scripture: Genesis 47 :5-6

--The favor changed when Joseph passed from the scene.

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-13

The Israelites' fall from favor was due to two things:

1.) Prolific birth rate (Exodus 1:7)

--from seventy souls (vs. 5) to between two and three million in a little over two hundred years. By comparison, the Egyptians numbered about seven million.

--By comparison, consider a few hundred thousand boat people coming to this country after Viet Nam and the trouble that caused.

2.) Cultural differences

--Someone has said, "What the Egyptians worshipped, the Jews sacrificed."

--Because of the prolific birth rate and the cultural differences, the Egyptians began to fear Israel. The immigrants were becoming too numerous. So the Egyptians began their own brand of ethnic cleansing and enslavement. They would slay the Jewish male children and force the adults to serve with rigor. (Exodus 1:15-22).

III.) Spiritually:

--Spiritually, this slavery and hard labor pictures our slavery and bondage to sin prior to salvation

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-3

--Contrary to some ideas about election, we are not saved from birth. Every believer prior to salvation was dead in our trespasses and sins. Romans 6:16-17 goes even further. We were not just dead. We were servants or slaves of sin. We could not help but sin, because we were sinners by nature.

--Verse two of our text goes on to say that we walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, who is Satan.

--The Bible speaks of the world as a system or philosophy based upon man's efforts to obtain his own salvation. The true leader of this world system is the devil.

Scripture: I John 5:19

--The world is controlled and directed by the devil. It is, therefore, contrary to God and the things of God. It opposes faith and rejects grace. The world says that man can achieve by his own efforts. He does not have to trust and depend upon the favor of the Sovereign God.

--When this view creeps into Christianity, it is devastating. It leads to loss of security (Jude 24), easy-believism that requires no transforming power of the gospel (Romans 1:17), and mountains of wood, hay, and stubble.

--John warns us about this line of thinking.

Scripture: I John 2:15-17

--We are not to love the system nor the things (the gimmicks, the machinery, the methods, etc.) produced by it. Instead, we are to submit ourselves to God and depend upon the Lord (Romans 12:1-2) for everything.

Conclusion:

--Egypt is a type of this world system. Pharaoh represents the devil who wants to enslave us and keep us in bondage to this world. God wants to set us free by teaching us to live by faith.

--The book of Revelation predicts that one day God will judge both the philosophy and the prince of the power of the air. The judgment of Egypt and Pharaoh pictures that future judgment.

--Through this judgment of Egypt, God revealed His plan of redemption for Israel that pictures our salvation in Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from bondage to Egypt, He delivers us from bondage to this world (Romans 6:18). Just as God rescued Israel from the judgment of Egypt, so God will rescue us from the coming judgment of this world (I Thessalonians 1:10, literally, "rescued from the wrath to come").

--God's plan of salvation unfolds in the early chapters of the book of Exodus and begins with a man--the man Moses.

Next lesson: Moses

Introduction

Living By Faith

Today, we embark on a journey of faith, following Israel's march from Egypt to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses. This course of study deals with many topics, such as: excuses, self-image, personal separation, trials, salvation, choices, the Holy Spirit, baptism, bitter experiences, the Word of God, flesh vs. Spirit, godly counsel, legalism, God's will, submission, complaining, faith vs. sight, spiritual gifts, rebellion, unbelief, depression, and victorious Christian living.

The study is so exhaustive we could devote a lifetime to it. Obviously, we will skip lightly over some areas to finish in a timely fashion. The purpose, though, is to teach faith living. Hence we will take the time necessary to achieve that end.

To properly understand this Old Testament teaching, we must begin our investigation in the New Testament in I Corinthians 10. We will divide this first lesson into three parts: the four events, the five sins and the two applications.

I.) The Four Events (Vs. 1-5):

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

--In these first five verses, we find four events which took place in Israel's past: baptism in the cloud, baptism in the sea, eating of spiritual food, and drinking of spiritual drink. All four occurred during Israel's time in the wilderness (vs.5).

--Paul speaking to Gentile believers said, "I do not want you to be ignorant of these things."(vs.1) He then refers to the Israelites as" our fathers". The word "our" is plural. Paul did not just mean himself. They are the fathers of the Corinthians and even us in the sense that they represent a type of our Christian experience.

--Next, notice that the word "all" is used five times in five verses. Understand that a whole body of elect people were led by God.

--They were led, but were not pleasing to Him (vs.5). Many in the church today do not please God. Why? Two reasons:

1.) Mixed multitude--believer and unbeliever

2.) Compromise--saved but trying to straddle the fence

--Finally, the latter part of verse five closes in stark contrast to the first four verses. The four events are incredible and miraculous, but turn to disaster in verse five. The Greek word "overthrown" is the same from which we get our word "catastrophe." The amazing journey became what one man called "the world's longest funeral march."

--Paul was writing to a group of carnal (I Corinthians 3:3), self-indulging Christians who thought they were spiritual and he said, "I do not want you to be ignorant about this."

II.) The Five Sins (Vs. 6-10):

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

--Verse six tells us why these events are so important: "These things were our examples." "Examples" is the Greek word "tupos" from which we get our word "type". The things which happened to Israel were a type or pattern of our Christian experience. More importantly, they were recorded for an intent or purpose. God does not want us to repeat the sins of Israel. What were those sins? They are listed as:

1.) Lusting after evil things (vs.6)

--The reference is to Numbers 11:5-6, where Israel lusted after leeks and garlic. These are not inherently evil, but they become evil when we want what we do not need and God has not chosen to supply. Lust is simply a strong desire. We can have a strong desire for food, money, water, sex, power, etc. If we allow these desires to control our lives, they will lead to sin and death (James 1:15). Instead, we need to learn contentment and thanksgiving (I Timothy 6:6, I Thessalonians 5:18).

2.) Idolatry (vs.7)

--The quotation is found in Exodus 32:6, where Moses came down from the mount and found the golden calf. What does eating, drinking, and rising up to play have to do with idolatry?

--Basically, people invent their own gods so that they can do as they please. Many professing Christians have invented a god they call Jehovah that allows them to stay home and do whatever.

3.) Fornication (vs.8)

--The reference is to Numbers 25:1-9, where the daughters of Moab lured the young men of Israel into idolatry via sex. Sex is a strong lure used by the devil to corrupt and defile. In 1987, I read that there were 26 sexually transmitted diseases. In 1989, it was 37. The last count I heard was 66. The most significant diseases of our time are related to fornication.

4.) Testing Christ (vs.9)

--In Numbers 21:6-9, Israel tempted or tested Christ by loathing the manna that God provided. Christ is the Bread of life, and it was He that they despised (John 6:48).. Christians do the same thing when they say, "That Bible is just too boring to read." We should be careful, because those who did not respect the manna died by the serpent. Christians can fall prey to the serpent as well.

5.) Murmuring (vs.10)

--The text refers to Numbers 14:2, where Israel murmured. The consequence is found in Numbers 14:35, where God condemned a whole generation to die in the wilderness. Which of these sins is the worst? Murmuring is the worst. The other sins claimed thousands of lives, but this one condemned a whole generation. It is probably the singe most destructive sin that can infect a church.

--Notice the downward spiral: First, there is lust and the fleshly craving for wants, which leads to idolatry and a god who will say it is okay to fulfill our lusts. This results in fornication, which is the satisfaction of a physical lust. This, in turn, causes us to despise God's Word because it rebukes our sin. Finally, we murmur against God and His servants because they constantly remind us of the sin. Down, down, down we go until we die. "But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57)."

III.) The Two Applications (Vs. 11-13):

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

--In verse 11, Paul reiterates that "all these things happened unto them for examples." Furthermore, they are recorded for our admonition. This is verbal instruction. If we do not heed it, there remains corporal discipline. God want us to learn from their mistakes. There are two lessons:

1.) Humility (vs.12)

--We need to recognize that we are all too often like Israel. We have a sin nature just as they did. We fail much like they did. If we are anything at all, it is but by the grace of God.

2.) Faithfulness (vs.13)

--We must learn faithfulness, and the promises in this verse can help. There are four things to observe:

*Common to man--(Greek: anthropinos) human problems

-Our problems are just human in nature and not unique to us.

*God is faithful

-Israel murmured but God provided. The griping only brought consequences.

*We are able--(Greek: dunamai/ dynamite)

-God gives us the resources to face our problems. We just need to use them.

*God makes the way out--(escape is better translated way out)

-It is not flight, but might. He gives us the strength to endure, until the victory is ours.

Conclusion:

--Verse 13 teaches that Israel's experience in the wilderness is such a complete type or pattern of our Christian experience that there is no temptation that we can undergo that they did not already face in type. (see also I John 2:15-17 and Matthew 4:1-11; compare Hebrews 4:15).

--The only conclusion we can draw is this:

The wilderness is God's discipleship course.

--Next lesson: Egypt (Exodus 1)