Are You On The Lord's Side?

Are You On The Lord’s Side?

Text: Exodus 32:25-35

1) Who’s Side Are You On

Moses witnessed the most horrific sight; the people running wild in their sin and Aaron allow them to so.

To put it lightly, they were loose in their morals.

Their idolatry led to immorality.

This model of allowing the people to run wild in their sin must NEVER BE ALLOWED.

Many theologians regard discipline as an essential mark of the Christ church.

Without loving discipline, the church fades into looking like the world.

Another issue is this, this was making them a laughing stock to their enemies (v25)

Listen, unbelievers are ALWAYS WATCHING!

We must not fail to see how important it is to live godly.

Notice verse 26:

Moses knew he had to do something.

Moses gives a straightforward demand; WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?

Once again, they have been given an opportunity to escape the harsh judgement of God!

Here was the condition: WALK AWAY FROM SIN AND STAND WITH CHRIST.

APPLICATION:

You must answer the question: ARE YOU WITH JESUS?

What do you confess to believe about Jesus? Does your faith rest in Jesus alone?

You are either FOR or AGAINST Jesus! You are never NEUTRAL!

We must forsake our sin and rally to Jesus!!!

We must not be guilty of labeling this kind of question to the lost.

We are pictured here as the Israelites.

Quote: With every thought we think, every word we speak, and every action we take, we are making our stand. If we do not speak the truth, we are false. If we do not preserve our purity, we are unholy. If we do not promote justice, we are unrighteous. If we do not make sacrifices for others, we are selfish. If we do not walk in humility, we are proud. There is no spiritual neutrality. We must take sides. Every day we are taking a stand, either with God or against him. — Philip Ryken

TRUE STORY: In an article called “The Rise and Fall of Kirby Puckett,” journalist Frank Deford tried to explain what had led a Hall of Fame baseball player into violent and self-destructive sin. In commenting on the prevalence of sexual sin among professional athletes, Deford quoted a former batboy who said, “With the exception of guys who were devout Christians, virtually everybody had someone on the side.” [Ryken, P. G., & Hughes, R. K. (2005). Exodus: saved for God’s glory (p. 1010). Crossway Books.]

2) The Death Of Idolatry

Once they sided with God, it was time to be willing to do what he says.

All we know is that from now on, everything we are and have is at his disposal, to be used in whatever way he thinks best. [Ryken, P. G., & Hughes, R. K. (2005). Exodus: saved for God’s glory (pp. 1010–1011). Crossway Books.]

Notice verses 27-28

This had to be a shocking assignment!

We are prone to think, “How awful of this for God to command”

This mistake comes when we become “man-centered” and not “God-centered.”

FIRST — this was not Moses’ idea. The command came from God.

SECOND — Because it was God’s command, this cannot be concluded as INJUSTICE.

Remember, they had made a BLOOD COVENANT with God. Breaking this covenant was equal to them forfeiting their lives.

We have difficulty with this due to us not understanding how wicked worshiping other gods is.

Don’t forget the BIG PICTURE!

The whole plan of salvation was in jeopardy!

Israel was called to be a holy nation of which all nations would be blessed.

THIRDLY — God actually showed mercy! He didn’t kill EVERYONE.

About 3,000 people died that day.

Compared to the probable over 2 million, this was a small percent.

We are not sure exactly who was executed. We do know they were guilty of unrepentance.

APPLICATION:

Let us not forget what Jesus said — Matthew 10:37-38 “37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”

These truths should lead us to respond to God with a zealous pursuit of holiness.

This is also a lesson for pastors and elders: Love your people enough to interrupt their pursuit of sin.

3) A Plea For Forgiveness

God had promised not to destroy them, but what could atone for their sin?

Could Moses the mediator do anything?

Moses himself was unsure. (v30)

As Moses had done many times, Moses advocates for them people.

Notice the Christ-like offer Moses made on behalf of the people.

Whether he was talking about the book of the living or the book of life.

Either way, the point is really the same; Moses was willing to die for his people.

Moses was catching on!!!

He was beginning to understand the structure of salvation.

When people sin (we are all born sinners), they need an advocate.

In the covenant, sin could be forgiven through the sacrifice of God’s chosen representative.

If it was the right person, one man could die for the people’s sin.

With this in mind, Moses prayed a prayer that had never been prayed before!!! HE OFFERED HIMSELF!!!

John 10:11 “11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

John 15:13 “13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

God DENIED Moses’ request. Moses was not the right man.

Sin cannot be transferred on to a mere man.

The only sacrifice God is willing to accept is that of a PERFECT MAN; JESUS.

Everyone who comes to JESUS’ SIDE will be saved!