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PERSONAL EVANGELISM. The Excuses of Moses (and us) Exodus 3:10-4:17. Moses at the burning bush. Exodus 3:10-4:17 Moses is 80 years old ( Ex. 7:7, Acts 7:30 ) and tending the sheep of Jethro He sees a burning bush that is not consumed The Lord commissions Moses to deliver His people.
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PERSONAL EVANGELISM The Excuses of Moses (and us) Exodus 3:10-4:17
Moses at the burning bush • Exodus 3:10-4:17 • Moses is 80 years old (Ex. 7:7, Acts 7:30) and tending the sheep of Jethro • He sees a burning bush that is not consumed • The Lord commissions Moses to deliver His people
Moses at the burning bush • Moses begins making excuses • Who am I? (Ex. 3:11-12) • What shall I say? (Ex. 3:13-22) • What if they don’t believe (Ex. 4:1-9) • I am not eloquent (Ex. 4:10-12) • Please send someone else (Ex. 4:13-17)
Moses at the burning bush • Excuses and evangelism. • Some of the excuses we make to keep us from reaching others are similar to those of Moses on that occasion.
Excuses and Evangelism • Who am I? • Moses lacked confidence. • Many today lack confidence • You can do something! • “I will be with you” – 1 Pet. 2:9-10, Matt. 28:20, 2 Cor. 3:5-6, Phil. 4:13
Excuses and Evangelism • What shall I say? • Many today fear questions they cannot answer. Don’t know what to say • Let the word of God speak – 2 Pet. 1:3, Jude 3 • Know and speak first principles – 1 Cor. 15:1-4
Excuses and Evangelism • What shall I say? • In my experience, most people do not know much of scripture. • Find the answer! • How long is this excuse valid? • Will we work to be more proficient? 2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15
Excuses and Evangelism • What if they don’t believe me? • While we don’t have miracles like Moses, we have the word • Let it speak! Rom. 1:16, 10:17, John 20:30-31 • There are resources available “What is that in your hand?” • Don’t take rejection personal! Just move on - Luke 9:3-5, John 15:20 • Your job – Ezek. 3:16-21, 1 Cor. 3:5-8
Excuses and Evangelism • I am slow of speech • Some don’t think they are good orators. Can’t defend the truth! • Again, let God’s word speak! 1 Cor. 2:1-5 • Moses was given Aaron. We have seasoned brethren who can help! Just ask! Cf. Acts 10:24, 33
Excuses and Evangelism • I don’t want to go • Closer to the real reason. • This angered God. It did not excuse Moses. He still had to go! • So do we. We have responsibilities Eph. 4:16, Titus 2:14 • We will stand before God and answer!