Coming Out of Slavery: Trusting God in the Wilderness

Here’s a sermon outline for tomorrow, focusing on the theme of "Coming Out of Slavery: Trusting God in the Wilderness" based on the Israelites' complaints as they were being brought out of Egypt.

Sermon Title: "Coming Out of Slavery: Trusting God in the Wilderness"

Text: Exodus 14:10-12; Exodus 16:2-3; Numbers 14:1-4

Introduction

The Exodus is a powerful picture of God's redemption.

God had just demonstrated His power through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, yet Israel still doubted Him.

Like Israel, we can struggle with faith when leaving behind the bondage of sin.

The journey out of slavery (sin) is often met with fear, grumbling, and doubt, but God's faithfulness remains.

I. Fear in the Face of Deliverance (Exodus 14:10-12)

"As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, Egypt was marching after them, and they became very afraid. So the sons of Israel cried out to Yahweh. Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?” (Ex. 14:10-11, LSB)

A. Looking Back Instead of Forward

Israel saw the army of Egypt and feared, forgetting the God who had just shown His mighty hand.

When God brings us out of bondage, we often look back at what was "comfortable," even if it was slavery.

B. Complaining Against the One Who Saves

Instead of trusting Moses (God’s appointed deliverer), they accused him of leading them to death.

How often do we resist God's work because the path of freedom seems harder than bondage?

Jesus, our Deliverer, has called us out of the world, but do we trust Him in the process?

II. Complaining About Provision in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3)

"Then the whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of Yahweh in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to put this whole assembly to death with hunger!” (Ex. 16:2-3, LSB)

A. Romanticizing the Past

They forgot the harsh slavery of Egypt and only remembered the food.

We can be tempted to believe that sin was “better” because of fleeting pleasures (Hebrews 11:25).

B. Forgetting God’s Past Faithfulness

Israel had seen the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and yet doubted God’s ability to feed them.

God had already proven Himself faithful—yet they still grumbled.

How often do we question God's provision, even after He has already provided time and time again?

C. God’s Response: Grace and Provision

Despite their grumbling, God provided manna and quail.

God's mercy and provision continue even when we fail to trust Him.

III. Rejecting the Promise and Wanting to Return (Numbers 14:1-4)

"Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is Yahweh bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder! Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” (Num. 14:1-3, LSB)

A. Unbelief Leads to Disobedience

Israel was on the edge of the Promised Land, but fear and unbelief made them want to return to slavery.

Some even suggested appointing a new leader to take them back (Num. 14:4).

Many people start their journey with Christ but turn back when the road gets hard (Luke 9:62).

B. The Danger of a Hardened Heart

Hebrews 3:12-13 warns us not to harden our hearts as Israel did in the wilderness.

Rejecting God's promise and longing for the past can result in judgment—Israel’s entire generation, except Joshua and Caleb, perished in the wilderness.

IV. Application: How Do We Trust God in Our Own Journey?

A. Fix Our Eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The wilderness is not the destination—the Promised Land is!

Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the struggles of the journey.

B. Remember God’s Faithfulness

Recount the ways God has provided and delivered you in the past.

Gratitude defeats complaining.

C. Move Forward in Faith, Not Fear

Fear and doubt keep us in bondage, but faith moves us forward.

Trust in the promises of God, even when you can't see the outcome.

Conclusion

Israel complained because they did not trust God’s plan.

The wilderness was meant to refine them, not destroy them.

Christ has called us out of slavery to sin—do we trust Him in the journey?

Will we move forward in faith, or will we turn back?

Closing Challenge:

What areas of our lives are we tempted to “go back to Egypt”?

Do we truly trust God’s provision and guidance, or are we resisting Him?

Let us trust in the God who not only brings us out of slavery but also leads us safely to the Promised Land.

Would you like any refinements, additional passages, or specific applications for your congregation?