Studies in Exodus

Studies in Exodus Presentation 08

The Table of Contents Chapter 1v1-22 Introduction Chapter 2v1-25 Preparing a Deliverer Chapter 3v1-22 The Call of Moses [1] Chapter 4v1-17 The Call of Moses [2] Chapter 4v18-5v21 Final Preparations Chapter 5v22-6v27 Discouragement and Comfort Chapter 6v28-7v24 The Exposure of Evil Chapter 8-v1-10v29 Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Chapter 11v1-10 Corrective to Final Judgment Chapter 12v1-30 Blood on the Doorposts Chapter 12v31-42 God’s Faithfulness Chap.13v1-16 Consecration of The Redeemed Chap.13v17-14v18 God’s Dead Ends Chap.14v19-31 Power to Deliver Chap.15v1-21 The Exultation of God Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Chapter 8-10 Presentation 08

Introduction In order to break the stranglehold of the Egyptians over the Israelites God sent 10 plagues in all. Before their terrible ordeal was over the Egyptians would be afflicted by the pollution of their water, by frogs, lice and flies, and with the death of their livestock. They would be plagued with boils, killer hail with locusts and the death of every first born male. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Introduction These plagues were also designed to discredit the Egyptian gods. Again and again the Egyptians were plagued by the very things whose images they worshipped. And to drive the lesson home the Hebrews, who lived in the part of Egypt known as Goshen survived unscathed. In all of this God's purpose is published in 9.13 "that you may know there is none like me in all the earth.” Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods The plagues brought judgement on those who relied on gods of their own making. There are some today who argue, "It doesn't matter what you call God or how you worship him as long as you are sincere in your worship that is all that matters. God doesn't mind". But it does matter and God does mind! He cares about his reputation and does not want to be misrepresented. That’s the point of the first 2 commandments in the Law of Moses. Exod.20.3-4 Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods A personal illustration might help. Those of you who are married, how would you feel if someone began to spread the rumour that you were an adulterer? How would those who are students feel if someone told your teachers that your examination passes were the result of cheating and not due to hard work? Those of you involved in business, how would you feel if your competitors accused you of bribery and corruption? You wouldn't like it one bit. Why? You are rightly jealous of your reputation. How much more so is God? He does not want to be misrepresented any more than you do. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods Of course today we think of ourselves as much more sophisticated than primitive Egyptians. We no longer worship the moon, we walk on it. We no longer worship the sun, we study the storms on its surface. We no longer worship the stars, we use them to measure the expanding universe. We don't bow down before animals, we study their behaviour. Yes we have left primitive man far behind, or have we? Human nature has not changed. Names have changed but the principle of idolatry remains. We have become more sophisticated in our worship of things that are not gods at all. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods The N.T. warns against idol worship in a surprising way. In a discussion which is far removed from statues and icons, John ends his 1st epistle with the words, “Little children keep yourself from idols” 1John 5.21. Did this appear as an insult to his spiritually enlightened readership? Couldn't he have found a more inspiring and suitable conclusion to his epistle? Hadn't his readers come a long way from their pagan idol worshipping roots? Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods But idols are not restricted to religious statues. Paul writes in Col. 3.5 "Therefore put to death your members which are on earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness which is idolatry". What is covetousness? It is wrong desire or better, a controlling desire for something, which is not rightfully yours. A grasping desire for something the Lord has not given you. Covetousness is an expression of idolatry inasmuch as it involves giving something other than God the honour, which he alone deserves. This is what Pharaoh and the Egyptians and the surrounding nations did but it is also something modern man does. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods Paul writes to the church at Philippi about those whose “god was their belly“ Phil. 3.19. Those who followed the slogan, "live to eat" rather than "eat to live". That brings idolatry so close to home you can almost hear the doorbell ringing. Imagine a parade of the idol gods of the C20th. The stomach god, the sex god, the finance God, the work god, the sport god, the alcohol and drug god. The house, the party and the garden god. The god of science and of education followed by that great reigning monarch of television. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods Is this exaggeration? No - anything that keeps us from worshipping God is an idol. It is significant that as Israel waited at the foot of Mt. Sinai to discover how God wanted her to order her life that she might enjoy the fullness of his blessing was told to shun idolatry at the very beginning of the commandments she is reminded to put God first cf. Ex 20.1ff Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods How did God respond to the false gods of the Egyptians? He shows their inadequacy by causing these so-called gods to impoverish and disrupt the lives of those who worshipped them. God is so jealous for his reputation and for the worship of his creation that he acts in this way throughout history. Think of the havoc brought to western society by the god of sexual permissiveness. It promised liberation but is responsible for the disintegration of society and family life. More recently the world financial crisis has impoverished many who made money their god and the ground of their future security. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Discrediting False Gods Think too, of the effect which the god of alcohol and drug abuse is having upon many nations. We live in a violent generation and many sociologists point to what young people watch on T.V. And what of those who have made their business their whole life - bankruptcy has left them asking ‘what’s the point of life’? Often those things, which we set on pedestals and honour in place of God are transformed into plagues that sow seeds of destruction. God shows these things to be empty in order that we might see that he alone can fill our lives giving us a sense of purpose. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Reaction to the Plagues How did Pharaoh and the Egyptians react to God’s instruction? First, by adding to their own misery. The feeble best that Egypt’s magicians could do was to add to the early plagues. Turning the water into blood and increasing the frog population. Pharaoh is of the opinion that what does not personally and immediately affect him can be ignored no matter how afflicted the nation may be. Thus demonstrating that his prime concern was not the welfare of his people but to emerge victorious in a spiritual power struggle. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Reaction to the Plagues Secondly, we find only a grudging admission of God's power. Consider the repeated requests made to Moses to remove the various afflicting plagues. And the many occasions when God mercifully responds following Pharaoh’s promise to obey God. However, Pharaoh, like many others, interprets God's mercy and grace as weakness, which might still be overcome. What blindness! Not all Egyptians were blind to what was going on, It is important to note that when the Hebrews eventually left Egypt, others totally convinced by God’s activity, left with them Exod. 12.38. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Reaction to the Plagues Thirdly, we learn that when the judgements of God force a response from men that response seldom produces a change of heart. Immediately relief comes Pharaoh hardens his heart against God. He does not allow God’s dealings with him to make any impression upon him. Today, people in distress of heart cry out, “Oh God just get me out of this mess and I will do whatever you want”. But when deliverance comes they conveniently forget their promise. The chastening of God does not always melt and humble our hearts. Indeed the arrival of relief can produce a selective amnesia – “Did I really promise God that? Surely not!”. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Reaction to the Plagues Fourthly, we see the irrationality of evil. Pharaoh in hardening his heart against God blindly refuses to accept he is contributing to his downfall. It is hard to understand Pharaoh’s obstinacy when it was clear to all around him that he would lose. All his advisers are telling him God cannot be overthrown or thwarted but still he tries. Can you see Satan at work here? He encourages obstinacy so that even when it becomes clear that Pharaoh is on a broad road leading to destruction, he are unwilling to Turn back. They are determined to work out their enmity against God to its suicidal conclusion. Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Reaction to the Plagues The straw house of refuge into which many run is the belief that a God of love will not bring judgement. Indeed, some attempt to drive a wedge been the God of the OT and the God of the NT. But judgement and love belong together and cannot be separated. Prof James Torrance writes, "the only thing God can do with such rebellion and anarchy is to dip it in his love and burn it eternally. This is hell”. Who speaks of hell more than anyone else in the NT? Gentle and loving Jesus! Presentation 08

Idolatry: A Dangerous Refuge Conclusion Oh you say, “Scary stuff!” But if it drives us into the arms of God then it is no bad thing. If a child is told not to put their hand in a fire lest it be badly burned and they heed your warning, even although your words may have frightened them, do you regret your words? No their safety is your primary concern! Pharaoh was determined to keep his hand in the fire – to wilfully oppose the rule of God. That is the stupid terminus of idolatry. Paul having reminded his readers that all will appear before the judgement seat of Christ says this, “Since then we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men” 2 Cor. 5.11. Every believer should share that motivation. Presentation 08

Studies in Exodus