The One With The Golden Calf.

The One with the Golden Calf- Exodus 32:1-14

Pardon the Interruption: The People Stand out. (v. 1-6)

Instant Gratification- We know that Moses was up there for 40 days and 40 nights but we do not know on what day the people grew impatient. Regardless, the people didn’t want to wait to see what God has in store for them. Instead they take matters into their own hands.

Old Habits are Hard To Break- With a fresh start to build a new community with God as their leader, Israel falls back into the habits they adopted from the Egyptians. In order to move on from the old and into something new, you have to replace old habits with new ones.

Easily Influenced- Instead of taking on their true identity, they strive to be someone they are never meant to be. They do what others do. They follow those they are surrounded by and are easily influence by the wrong crowd. They are also surrounded by God himself and they just reject it because it is something that does not register with what they are used to. We are being remade and we should looking to the newness of who we are becoming and not to the person that is being left behind.

Like a moth to the flame or a dog to its vomit- We desire the things that are not good for us. That make us sick but we feast upon it again until we are sick again, maintaining a vicious cycle. We are draw to that which will destroy us.

Ignorance is Bliss- In reading this account, none of it makes sense. God is upon the mountain in flame and smoke. The people, take their ear rings and make a god. Ultimately, because they believed that true joy comes from doing things the way they want instead of how God wants. They exchanged truth for ignorance believing that that is how you receive bliss. Joy only comes from the Holy Spirit which only comes through believing in Jesus (Eph 1:13)

Things Just Got Awkward: God Stands Up. (v. 7-10)

God knows all- God takes notice of everything.

God takes covenant seriously- It is comforting how seriously God takes his relationships. There is a sense of security that is unmatched when someone is fully committed and devoted to the relationship.

God is Good- In him there is no evil or wrong. So if the people do wrong, want ignorance he will not follow. In fact, His goodness leads Him to destroy all that is not good. For what is not good is bad and therefore causes a disease. Because God is good, he not only cures the disease but will complete get rid of it so that only Goodness will dwell.

God tests the genuineness of your faith- God says he will start over with Moses. This is a challenge to see if Moses will serve himself or be a leader for the people and stand in.

That escalated quickly: Moses stands in. (v. 11-14)

Confession of Truth- Moses confession to the Lord the truth of the matter that He delivered them not this golden calf.

Confession of Reality- The enemy will win not you.

Confession of Covenant- Moses reminds God of the covenant not just made to these people a few chapters ago but to Abraham. It is not that God forgot but more that Moses, in faith, is demonstrating to God that He remains faithful to the relationship and promises; and has the leader of the people, I represent what we will become if you withhold your anger.

Application:

Knowing your Audience.

Who/What influences your life?

Who/What do you give yourself to (worship)?

Are you the influencer or being influenced? This determines your belief in advancing the Kingdom.

Association determines how you stand.

Who Impacts your life?

You will either stand out or Stand in.

You can either be guilt or made not guilty.

Great is Thy Faithfulness.

Characteristics of faithlessness.

impatient

easily sidetracked

seeks its own

isn’t true to their word

Characteristics of Faithfulness.

patient

endures

Consistent- not changing with emotion.

Commits.

Motivated by remaining faithful.

Seeks the interest of the other above self.

The testing for genuine faith.

Your response to challenges reflects which one you are: Faithless or Faithful.

Your consistent action demonstrates the level of your faith.

Faithfulness is determined by what others do but by what you believe.

New Beginnings Begin With Jesus.

Are you like Israel?

Do you lack the boldness?

Lack Faithfulness?

Are you prone to stand out or to stand in?

Is your faith weak?

JESUS is the better Moses.

He makes all things New today.

He give the Holy Spirit to Empower you to grow in your faith, be bold, and advance the Kingdom.

We see this reality at another time when God stood up.