“We Must Learn that Our Pathway is a Gift from God”

Introduction:

(1)    As Christians, we are on a journey to Heaven.

(2)    Think of our earthly journeys (getting lost, doubting the directions, etc.).

Discussion:

I.                   The Story (Exod. 14.10-31):

A.    The Israelites were fleeing from Egypt only to encounter a seemingly impossible obstacle.

1.      They begin complaining despite having just seen 10 examples of God’s power.

2.      Nevertheless, God parts the Red Sea.

a.       As Moses lifts up his rod, the sea parts allowing God’s chosen people to pass over on dry land.

b.      The purpose of this was 2-fold:

(1)    To bring glory for God for all to see.

(2)    To destroy the Egyptians.

B.     The Israelites then continued on their journey to the Promised Land.

II.                The Application:

A.    We are on a journey and we often get discouraged.

1.      We need guidance:

a.       “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”

(Prov. 14.12).

b.      “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10.23).

c.       “A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way” (Prov. 20.24).

2.      The Bible is our guide book:

a.       “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”

(2 Tim. 3.16-17).

b.      “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1.3).

3.      Sometimes the guidance doesn’t make sense to us.

a.       2 Kings 5 – Namaan – “Behold I thought”

b.      We must come to learn that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways (cf. Isa. 55.8).

c.       We must “trust in the LORD with all of our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding” (Prov. 3.5).

4.      We must learn to “trust and obey.”

B.     Other Lessons:

1.      God can make the “impossible” possible.

a.       Matt. 19.26 – With God, all things are possible

b.      Phil. 4.13- We can do all things through Christ

c.       Think of:

(1)    David and Goliath (1 Sam. 17)

(2)    Gideon’s army of 300 versus the Midianite army (Judges 7-8).

2.      God alone can deliver us from the bondage of sin.

a.       “But God” – Eph. 2.4

b.      John 3.16

3.      We must not forget God’s power.

a.       “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3.12).

b.      We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (cf. Heb. 12.2).

Conclusion:

(1)    Let us walk on God’s path even when things are difficult.

(2)    The path will lead us to the Promised Land!