Jan 22
23

Morning Sermon: Exodus 17:1-7, Water From The Rock

New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-14

“For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:1–14, ESV)

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 17:1-7

“All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ And Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?’ But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?’ So Moses cried to the LORD, ‘What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.’ And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the LORD by saying, ‘Is the LORD among us or not?’” (Exodus 17:1–7, ESV)

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Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

Introduction

You know, as we consider this text I think it is right for us to sympathize with Israel a little. Obviously, we will eventually come to critique them for their grumbling and for their lack of faith, for the text does certainly draw our attention to their failings. The Apostle Paul does the same thing in his letter to the Corinthians. The failings of Israel are emphasized there and we are exhorted by the Apostle to not do as they did when they grumbled against the LORD.

When I say that we should sympathize with Israel I mean, we should acknowledge the difficulty of their situation. Life in Egypt was all they had known. They were slaves there, and now they were free. Everything was new to them. And when the LORD led them out of Egypt, he led them into a very challenging place. They did not go immediately into a land flowing with milk and honey. No, the LORD led them into the wilderness to be tested and trained there.

By the way, this was the mercy of God. That might sound like a strange thing to say, but it is true. God, in grace, led Israel into the wilderness to test them and to train them there. No testing is pleasant in the moment, but as you look back upon it, you can see the blessing in it, can’t you? You can see the grace of God in the trial. You can see the growth that came from it. You can see the refinement that took place. I’ve experienced this, and I trust that you have too.

Israel was tested by God in the wilderness, and I think it is right for us to acknowledge the severity of the test. They were sojourning in a desolate, dry, and thirsty land. Now, their claim in the previous passage that they were about to starve to death was a bit overblown. I addressed that in the previous sermon. They still had flocks. Really, they grumbled against God there, being driven by their cravings. It was not so much about needs but wants. But here we are told that Israel ran out of water again. I’m sure they carried water with them when they left the springs of Marah, but it was about gone, and there were no water sources in sight. That would be a terrifying experience, don’t you agree? A person can live without food for weeks. A person can go without water for only a short time – a couple of days, especially in a harsh environment such as the one the Israelites were in. And we should remember that there were not one or two men sojourning in the wilderness, but a great multitude of men, women, and children, along with their flocks. If water was not found quickly, there would be a tremendous loss of life. I don’t think we should not minimize the severity of their situation. This was a true test of Israel’s faith, and I think it is right for us to put ourselves there in their shoes, and even to attempt to think and to feel what they thought and felt.

Their error was not that they were deeply concerned, anxious about their situation, perplexed or afraid. No, their error was in their response. They grumbled and complained against God as they panicked. The people were so worked up about their situation that Moses felt as if they were about to stone him to death. So I am saying that their concerns were understandable. And rational human being would be concerned and even worried about the lack of water in a situation like that. The trouble was in the way they responded.

And they should have known better, don’t you agree? They should have known better, for the LORD had given these people his word. Promises were made to their forefathers, and more recently the LORD spoke to them through Moses. The declared will of the LORD was to bring them out of Egyot and to the land that was promised to them. More than this, the LORD had proven himself faithful. He proved himself faithful in the days of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and Joseph. He proved himself faithful during Israel’s stay in Egypt. And very recently had proven his faithfulness in the outpouring of the plagues on the Egyptians and by the deliverance of the Hebrews through the Red Sea.

So yes, the trial was severe. The situation seemed very dire. But Israel was called by the LORD to walk by faith. They were called to trust him. The LORD had proven himself faithful and able. And here Israel is found failing a test yet again. They were tested concerning the provision of water, food, and now water again. God supplied them with what they needed in the first two instances. But here they are grumbling again. Sometimes we are slow learners, wouldn’t you agree? But God is patient with his people.

What can we learn from this story that is before us today?

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Christian Sojourners Must Walk By Faith Not By Sight

First of all, we must see that Christian sojourners must learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

You’ve heard that expression before, haven’t you? It comes from 2 Corinthians 5:7 where Paul says, “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6–8, ESV)

When Paul speaks of walking he speaks metaphorically of the way in which a person lives their life. In particular, in this passage he is concerned to address the guiding force of one’s life. All who live do walk. The question is, what will inform our walking? What will motivate us to walk in the way that we do. Paul states that he and his Christian companions walk as they do because they walk by faith and not by sight.

To walk by sight is to have our thoughts, words, and actions, motivated only, or ultimalty, by what we see with your natural eyes and perceive with your natural reason. This is what Israel did when they were about out of water in the wilderness. The people looked at their empty water vessels. They looked out upon the barren landscape. And when they saw no green thing, their hearts were filled with terror. And so they looked at Moses with anger in their hearts, and they thought to do him harm as they began to grumble and complain with their lips. The people of Israel thought, spoke, and prepared to act being driven by what they saw with their natural eyes only.

To walk by faith does not mean that we must ignore what we see with our natural eyes and perceive with our natural reason. What we see with our eyes certainly does matter. God’s people must live in this world with eyes wide open. We, like all people, must perceive the world around us. We must then think and feel, speak, and act based upon what we see. If you are human, this experience of perceiving the world, processing what you see, and responding inwardly and outwardly cannot be avoided. But to walk by faith means that we take something else into consideration – something that cannot be perceived by our natural eyes or our natural reason alone – and we give that thing priority. And what is that thing? It is faith in God and his word.

The Hebrews perceived that they were in danger in the wilderness. Their water vessels were about empty and there was no water source in sight. All of that was true, and it was a big and serious problem that needed to be addressed. Where did they go wrong, then? They failed to bring God and his word into the equation. As I have already said, the LORD had spoken to them. He spoke to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He entrusted them with precious and very great promises. More than this, he recently spoke to them through Moses and he proved himself to be powerfully present with them through the plagues and by working their deliverance. Israel’s error was that they thought, felt, spoke and acted based only upon what they saw with their natural eyes. They walked by sight and not by faith.

Christian sojourners must walk by faith not by sight.

Brothers and sisters, are you walking by faith? Are you being driven to think, feel, speak and act, not only by what you see with your natural eyes, but by what you know to be true because God has spoken?

If we wish to walk faithfully in this world in a way that will count for all eternity and in a way that be to glory of God, then we must learn to walk by faith. We must learn to bring God’s word into the equation as we perceive and interpret the world around us. And when I say that we are to bring God’s word into the equation I do not mean that we are to set it alongside our natural perception and natural reason as if it were of equal weight and worth. No, God’s word is to permeate and inform our perception of the world around us and our lives in it.

I can hear the voices of our critics now. They say, if these Christains do what this man is saying then they will not live according to reality. They will be living in a fantasy land. If they do in fact perceive the world through the lenses of God’s revelation, then everything that they see in the world will be perceived as having an unnatural hue. Can you hear the voices of our critics, brothers and sisters?

And in response we say, no. God’s word – God’s revelation – does not distort our perception of reality, but enables us to see reality with greater vividness and clarity than can be enjoyed without it. Friends, in our natural and fallen state we are blind to the truth. In our natural and fallen state, our perception of reality is dim and distorted. When the Lord regenerates his people by his word and Spirit, he gives them eyes to see. To perceive the world through the lense of God’s word does not require the Chrisian to ignore or detach from reality. No, it enables us to see God, the world that he has made, and our lives in it, as they truly are.

Brothers and sisters, we must walk by faith not by sight. This is a choice that we must make. It will not happen automatically, nor will it also come easily. So how do we do it?

You know, it is not uncommon to hear pastors exhort Christians to be in church on the Lord’s Day, to pay careful attention to the reading and preaching of the word of God, and to read the scriptures for themselves to meditate upon them day by day. There is a reason for this. To live a life of faith one must hear, receive, and believe God’s word. You cannot walk by faith without it. Without God’s word the only thing you have to live by is sight – natural sight, and natural reason. But God’s word illuminates the reality of things. God’s allows us to see the world and our circumstances as they truly are.

For the Hebrews, they perceived with their natural eyes that their situation was dire. But they failed to perceive their situation with eyes of faith. They forgot God’s promises to them. They forgot God’s word. They lost sight of the reality of his presence, his power, and his faithfulness. And so they responded to their situation as they did with grumbling, complaining, and even rebelliousness.

How will it be for us, brothers and sisters? How will we do in the heat of the moment when faced with the trials and tribulations of life? How will we fair when tested? If we hope to walk by faith and not by sight, we better know God’s word and have treasured up in our hearts. We better learn to see the world and our lives in it through the lense of God’s revelation.

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Christian Sojourners Must Be Driven By The Word Of God And Spirit Of God, Not By Their Passions And Cravings

Christian sojourners must walk by faith not by sight. And somewhat connected to this, Christian sojourners must be driven by the Word of God and the Spirit of God, not by their passions and cravings.

I’ll spend less time developing this second point because it truly is a subset of the first. To walk by faith and not by sight requires that we learn to be moved, not by our worldly passions and cravings, but by God’s word and by God’s Spirit.

Passion is celebrated in our culture. And if by “passion” we mean that someone cares deeply about something, is devoted to that thing, works hard at that thing, and noticeably excited about that thing, I do not necessarily have a problem with that. In this sense, it is not wrong to “passionate” about your work, or “passionate” about your family.

But taken in another sense, “passion” can be a big problem. The word may also be used to describe a person who is driven by their cravings and emotions. Used in this way, passionate people lack self control. They are impetuous. They think little before speaking and acting. They may think of themself as being most free, for they will not allow their words or behavior to be constrained by the opinions of others or by the expectations of society – they are who they are, and everyone can take it or leave it! But in reality, passionate people are not free. They are slaves to their own emotions. They are driven this way and that by their cravings. The man who is given to the passion of anger is not free, but a slave, etc.

Using the word in this way, I say that Christian sojourners must not celebrate passion as if it were a virtue, but rather self control. The one who has self control will not be driven to think, speak and do by their appetites or by what they experience in the world around them. No, they will be drive instead by what they know to be right and true in their mind and heart.

Listen to what the scriptures have to say about self control.

Proverbs 25:28: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Think about that imagery for a moment. Again, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” In other words, a man without self control is constantly overrun, defeated, and exposed to danger. By what? By the enemy without and within.

Listen to Peter. He wrote to Christian sojourners, saying, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5–8, ESV)

Peter urges us to make every effort to add these qualities to the faith that we have. In other words, do you have sincere faith in Christ? Great! Indeed, that is the main thing. Indeed, that is the means by which we come to have the forgiveness of sins and the hope of life eternal. It is through faith in Christ that we come to be saved. But do not stop there. No, you must grow from there. You must now mature in the fath. Add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. We do not earn our salvation by obtaining these qualities. No, salvation is a gift from God. It is received by the grace of God alone, through faith in Christ alone. To quote Peter again, “if these qualities are [ours] and are increasing, they keep [us] from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5–8, ESV).

Self-control, Biblically speaking, is not only the ability to be calm, cool, and collected under pressure. Instead, it is the ability to think, speak, and act carefully according to the word of God, being led by the Spirit of God. In other words, we are not merely pursuing a calm and docile disposition. No, we are seeking to be governed – driven – by God’s word and by God’s Spirit in every circumstance.

Listen to Paul in Galations 5:19-24: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:19–24, ESV).

So then, you can see that to be self-controlled is not to be self-governed. Instead, to be self-controlled is to be governed, led, driven, not by the flesh, and the passions of the flesh, but by God’s word and Spirit.

You say, Ok , that’s all well and good. But what does this have to do with Exodus 17? Well, as we consider Israel in the wilderness we see that this people, generally speaking, was driven, not by faith, not by the word of God or the Spirit of God, but by their passions. They were moved to thing, speak, and act by their cravings, and by their emotions. I’ve already acknowledged that fear and anxiety was a very natural emotion for the Hebrews to experience. I’m not critiquing them for that! No, the problem was that they allowed themselves to be driven by those emotions. In other words, they lacked self-control.

I’d like to read a little portion from Psalm 106 to show you that this was the case. The Psalmist was reflecting on the history of Israel when he wrote, “Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry, and he led them through the deep as through a desert. So he saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy. And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. Then they believed his words; they sang his praise [a reference to the Song of Moses in Exodus 15]. But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel. But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them” (Psalm 106:6–15, ESV).

So you can see that this is the divinely inspired interpretation of the Exodus narrative. The people of Israel rebelled against God and against his servant Moses because they forgot the LORD’s steadfast love, his wondrous works, and word – they did not wait for his counsel – they were driven by their wanton or unholy cravings.

Brothers and sisters, this is the way of the natural man. What else will men and women be driven by if they are not born of God’s word and Spirit? The only thing that can drive them is their natural desire. And this would not be a problem if the desires of man were pure, but they are not, for we have fallen into sin. Instead of desiring the glory of God and obedience to his moral law, men and women do by nature seek their own glory and are drawn to that which is unholy and profane.

But those who have faith in Christ have been born of God’s word and Spirit. We are to be governed – driven – to think, feel, say, and do, not by our natural and sinful passion, but by the word of God and the Spirit of God.

Here’s the trouble. Those of faith who have been born again by God’s word and Spirit sojourn in a fallen and sinful world. There are temptations all around us. And though it is true that we have been born, it is also true that corruptions remain in us. The flesh wars against the Spirit. We are often tempted, even by the desires within us, to think, feel, say and do that which is evil. So it is a battle, then – a daily and momentary battle.

This is why Paul exhorts Christians, saying, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light… [Let us] put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:12–14, ESV)

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Christian Sojourners Must Find Their Satisfaction In God And In Christ

The third and final point of the sermon is this: Christian sojourners must find their satisfaction in God and in Christ. I have not left myself much time to develop this point – it deserves more, for it is key. Again I say, Christian sojourners must find their satisfaction in God and in Christ.

It is quite natural, and not at all evil, for humans to long for satisfaction. God made us this way in the beginning. We long to be satisfied, to be comforted, to be filled. The question is, where will we find this satisfaction? I suppose we may speak of man’s fall into sin in these terms. Adam was to find his satisfaction in God, in giving glory to God, and in obedience to God’s commands. But he listened to a lie. He listened to the voice of the Evil One who claimed that he would be more satisfied if he would live for his own glory and decide for himself what is right and wrong, good and evil. The Serpent is a liar. He was a liar in the beginning, and he is a liar to this present day. The lie that he tells is the same. Satisfaction is found, not in God, but in this world and in the things of this world. Pay no attention to what God has said. He’s a killjoy. Live for yourself. Live for your own glory. Decide for yourself what is right and wrong, good and evil. Indulge the passions of your flesh. That is where true satisfaction is found. And those who listen to will learn the same lesson that Adam learned. Truly, the wages of sin is death.

This impulse that we have within us to be satisfied is not evil. In fact, it is good, for it is meant to drive us to our Creator, and now to our Redeemer, in whom true satisfaction is found.

Pay careful attention to the lessons that the LORD taught to Israel in the wilderness. These lessons were for them, and they are also for us. There is a theme developing. Many within Israel had their eyes fixed only on the earth and on the things of this earth. They craved water and they craved food. And the LORD provided these things for them, for he is faithful. But notice that he provided these necessities of life for them in such a way so as to communicate to them that true satisfaction is to be found in him.

Are you following me, friends? Pay attention to the way in which the LORD provided for the natural needs of the Hebrews. He could have led them anywhere, and yet he led them into to the wilderness to test them and to teach them. And could have provided their needs in very natural ways. He could have led from spring to spring. He could have moved the surrounding nations to show kindness to them. But he led them into these situations where no natural solution was found. The LORD then provided for them supernatural so that it was abundantly clear that he, the LORD God of Israel, was the source of their life and of their satisfaction.

The bread that they ate in the wilderness was supernaturally from the LORD. It satisfied their physical hunger. But the LORD was also calling Israel (many of who disbelieve) to trust in him and be satisfied in him in the soul.

And so too the water that Israel drank was supernaturally from the LORD. Moses struck a rock with his staff at the command of the LORD and water gushed forth! The water satisfied their physical thirst. But the LORD was also calling Israel to trust in him and be satisfied in him in the soul.

More than this, the LORD was also communicating to Israel that he would provide for all of their needs – not only their immediate and physical needs, but also their eternal and spiritual needs – by sending the Christ.

This may sound far fetched, but you must remember the word of God and the promises of God that had been given to the Heberew. When the bread fell from heaven, and the water gushed from the rock, it came from the LORD who had spoken to the Hebrews previously. These were entrusted with the word of God. They knew what is now recorded for us in the pages of Genesis. They knew about creation, the fall, and God’s plan of redemption. They knew of the promises that were made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning a land, and nation. They also knew about the promises concerning the Christ. One would arise from amongst them who would bless the nations, who would deal with the problem of sin and death that came into the world through Adam. This word that we now have in writing in the pages of Genesis was entrusted to them. They knew this story (or at least they should have). They understood these promises (or at least some of them did). So they had at their disposal the information they needed to understand that the bread from heaven was not just to meet the need of their physical hunger, and the water from the rock was not just to meet their physical thirst. No, they were being called to run to God, their Creator and Redeemer, to trust in him for all things temporal and eternal, and to find their satisfaction in him now and for all eternity. They were called, as are we, to feast and to drink of God and of his Christ by faith.

Not all in Israel understood this. In fact, many must have remained ignorant. Look at how they responded! But some knew. The LORD always has a remnant. And when Christ and his Apostles looked back upon these Exodus event and the wilderness wanderings, they knew that this was their true meaning.

Listen to the interpretation that Jesus Christ gave of this passage. Jesus spoke to those who had followed him into the wilderness, who had eaten of the bread that was multiplied. “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:32–35, ESV)

And listen again to Paul in 1 Corinathians 10. “For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.”

Israel was being called by these external means to walk by faith and not by sight, to be driven, not by their passions and cravings, but by the word of God and by his Spirit, and to find their satisfaction, not in the things of this earth, but in God and the Christ who was promised to them. “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”

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Conclusion

Let us bow for prayer.

Father in heaven, help us to walk worthy before you in this world. Strengthen us to walk by faith and not by sight. Change us inwardly so that we are driven, not by sinful passions, but by your word and Spirit. Sanctify us further so that we find our satisfaction, not in earthly and temporal things, but in you, O God, and in Christ who has redeemed us by his shed blood. Amen.

Posted in Sermons, Joe Anady, Exodus 17:1-7, Posted by Joe. Comments Off

Jan 22
23

Week Of January 23rd, 2022

WEEKLY READINGS
SUNDAY > Gen 23, Matt 22, Neh 12, Acts 22
MONDAY > Gen 24, Matt 23, Neh 13, Acts 23
TUESDAY > Gen 25, Matt 24, Esther 1, Acts 24
WEDNESDAY > Gen 26, Matt 25, Esther 2, Acts 25
THURSDAY > Gen 27, Matt 26, Esther 3, Acts 26
FRIDAY > Gen 28, Matt 27, Esther 4, Acts 27
SATURDAY > Gen 29, Matt 28, Esther 5, Acts 28

MEMORY VERSE(S)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).

Baptist Catechism #4:
Q. What is the Word of God?
A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only certain rule of faith and obedience.

Posted in Weekly Passages, Posted by Mike. Comments Off

Jan 22
16

Afternoon Sermon: How May We Know There Is A God?, Baptist Catechism 3, Psalm 19

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Baptist Catechism 3

Q. 3. How may we know there is a God?

A. The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only do it fully and effectively for the salvation of sinners. (Rom. 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1,2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Cor. 1:21-24; 1 Cor. 2:9,10)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19

“TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19, ESV)

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Introduction

The first three questions of the catechism are very foundational.

If you remember, question one asked “Who is the first and chiefest being?” Answer: “God is the first and chiefest being.” Truly, there is no question more foundational than this. Here we confess that there is a being who is above all other beings and is the source of all other beings, both in nature and in grace.

Question two then asked, “Ought every one to believe there is a God?” Answer: “Everyone ought to believe there is a God, and it is their great sin and folly who do not.” Soon we will learn that belief in the existence of God is not the only important thing for us to believe. No, we must believe the right things about God, ourselves, and the Savior that God has provided for us now that we are fallen into sin. But belief in the existence of God is most foundational. It is impossible to please God if we do not first believe that he exists. And to deny his existence, either in the mind and heart or in practice, is the root of all foolishness.

Question three is also very foundational. It addresses, in brief, the question, how may we know? Have you ever thought about the question, how may we know? Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions about knowledge. How can we know things?, is a most fundamental question. In particular, our catechism is asking, “how may we know there is a God?” The answer that is given is brief but very profound. “The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only do it fully and effectively for the salvation of sinners.“

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Revelation

If I had to choose one word to sum up what is said in response to the question, “how may we know there is a God?”, it would be the word “revelation”. We may know that there is a God (along with many other true things about God, ourselves and this world that he has made) because of revelation. We may know true things because God has determined to reveal the truth to us.

And how has God revealed the truth to us? Three things are mentioned in this short little answer. One, God reveals the truth of his existence to us through the light of nature that is in man. Two, God reveals the truth of his existence to us through his works. And three, God reveals the truth of his existence to us (along with many other things) through his word.

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The Light Of Nature In Man

When our catechism speaks of the “light of nature in man” it refers to the fact that God has made man in such a way that he knows there is God who is to be worshipped. Have you noticed that all men do have this impulse to worship? It has been this way throughout the history of the world. Men and women everywhere feel compelled to honor a god. They pray, they observe holy days, they seek to order their lives in a way that honors their god. Humans have been made in such a way that they know inwardly that God exists.

You say, well what about the atheists? Two things: One, it is my observation that there are very few true and consistent atheists in the world. In my experience, you will often find even those who claim to be atheists praying to god in times of trouble. Two, those who are true and consistent atheists must work very hard to suppress the truth about the existence of God that is in them. This is what is described in Romans 1 where Paul writes, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18–20, ESV). If someone is an atheist, either intellectually or practically, they must “suppress the truth” regarding the existence of God continuously.

So what is it about the makeup of man that testifies to the existence of God? Well, we know that men and women are made in the image of God. God created man in such a way that man may relate to God. Man is able to reason. We have a conscience. We know right from wrong intuitively. All of this has been distorted by the fall, of course. And as I have said, men do suppress this truth that is within them. But there it remains nonetheless.

So God reveals the truth regarding his existence in man.

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The Works Of God

Secondly, the truth regarding the existence of God is also revealed in the works of God. Hear or catechism again: “The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare that there is a God.” So then, man inwardly knows that God exists. And he also knows that God exists as he observes the works of God in creation, providence, and for some, in redemption.

God reveals himself in his work of creation. Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1–2, ESV)

God also reveals himself in his works of providence. When we speak of God’s providence we are referring to his governing and upholding of the world that he has made. God created the heavens and the earth, and he does also maintain them.

My son was telling me about a childhood friend of his who said, I don’t believe in God. I believe in science. That sounds so silly to me. What is science except for the observation of the natural world? And if men would be honest about their observations I think they would confess that the created world screams that God exists. There is so much evidence for design. Where did this universe come from? How is it so orderly? How is it sustained? So much can be said about this, but I think you get the point. God’s works of creation and providence testify to his existence.

So too his works of redemption. All men may observe God’s works of creation and providence. Not all have observed God’s redemptive works. In fact, very few have. Think of the Exodus. Many Hebrews and Egyptians saw God’s mighty deeds. But their number was very few in comparison to the whole of the human race. Think also of the life of Christ, his death, and resurrection. Those who beheld his glory were relatively few. Nevertheless, God’s works of redemption do also testify to his existence.

But notice the limitations of these forms of revelation. What do they reveal? They reveal that God exists. Again, “The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare that there is a God”. This is why God’s works of creation and providence are called general revelation. They come to all men generally, and they reveal something general, namely that God exists, he is powerful and worthy of praise. But that is as far as we can go.

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Word And Spirit

Lastly, our catechism tells us where full and saving knowledge of God may be found: ‘but His Word and Spirit only do it fully and effectively for the salvation of sinners.”

How may we come to know God truly and unto the salvation of our souls?

One, we must listen to God’s Word. God has revealed himself, not only in nature, but he has spoken.

Hebrews 1:1 says, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1–2, ESV)

So then, God has spoken through the prophets. He has spoken supremely through his Son. And we have a record of these words in the Holy Scriptures, which are the written, inspired, and inerrant, Word of God.

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Conclusion

I hope you can see that the question, how may we know? Is truly foundational to all of life’s questions. And it is clearly foundational to a document that’s purpose is to teach us what to believe about God, man, and what it is that he requires of us.

Q. 3. How may we know there is a God?

Posted in Sermons, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. Comments Off

Jan 22
16

Discussion Questions: Exodus 16

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

Why must we have following the Lord as our highest aim, and not comfort and safety? What difference will this make in the Christian life?
Contentment does not equal complacency. Discuss.
Why is thoughtful and faithful Sabbath observance crucial for Christian sojourners?

Tags: Gospel Community Groups
Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. Comments Off

Jan 22
16

Morning Sermon: Exodus 16, Manna From Heaven

New Testament Reading: John 6:22-41

“On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do, to be doing the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’’ Jesus then said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’ So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’” (John 6:22–41, ESV)

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 16

“They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, ‘Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’ Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.’ So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, ‘At evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?’ And Moses said, ‘When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.’ Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, ‘Come near before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.’ And as soon as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’’ In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’’ And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, he said to them, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’’ So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. Moses said, ‘Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.’ On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. And the LORD said to Moses, ‘How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? See! The LORD has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.’ So the people rested on the seventh day. Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. Moses said, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’’ And Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations.’ As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the testimony to be kept. The people of Israel ate the manna forty years, till they came to a habitable land. They ate the manna till they came to the border of the land of Canaan. (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)” (Exodus 16, ESV)

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Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

Introduction

Stories are powerful, aren’t they? In the scriptures, we find many different genres of literature. There are books of history, books of wisdom and poetry, and books that contain straightforward teaching. We are to learn from all of these literary styles as they present truth to us, each in their own way. Here in the Exodus, we find wonderful narratives or stories.

I’ve tried to convince you in previous sermons that these stories are not ordinary stories. They are not mere history, nor are they myths or legends. No, these stories are divinely inspired stories. They contain true history. And the historical events they recount are a part of redemptive history. These stories tell of the mighty deeds of God that he worked in the accomplishment of our redemption. These stories are powerful. Not only do they tell us about what happened in the past, they also reveal the truth about God, his plans, and his purposes. These stories even teach us about living a life of faith, for these things that happened to Old Covenant Israel happened to them for our instruction. That is what the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:11. We would be wise to pay careful attention to these stories, therefore, so that we might learn to sojourn well.

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Christian Sojourners Must Have Following The Lord, Living For His Glory, And The Advancement Of His Kingdom As Their Highest Aim

The first principle that I wish to draw from our text for today is that Christian sojourners must have following the LORD, living for his glory, and for the advancement of his kingdom as their highest aim.

You will notice that Israel enjoyed the refreshment of the 12 springs of water and the 70 palm trees of Elim for a time, but soon the LORD led them off into the wilderness again. That is what verse 1 tells us. Israel “set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 16:1, ESV). So, they were refreshed for a time at the oasis of Elim, but they were not to remain there, for Elim was not their destination. The LORD’s will was to sanctify them further in the wilderness, to enter into a covenant with them, and to lead them on to the promised land.

I would imagine that some (perhaps many) within Israel were hesitant to leave Elim. They knew that they were surrounded by a wilderness that was vast, desolate, and harsh. Elim was a comfort to them. At Elim there was safety. But notice this: Israel was redeemed from Egyptian bondage, not to pursue a life of comfort and safety, but to follow the LORD wherever he led.

The same is true for you and me, brothers and sisters. Our highest aim must be to live for God, the glory of his name, and the furtherance of his kingdom. We cannot allow our natural desire for comfort and for safety to be the driving force of our lives. No, we must live for higher purposes. We must be willing to leave the comfort of the springs and shade of Elim if it is the will of the LORD to lead us into the wilderness again. Following him, living for his glory, and the advancement of his kingdom must be the thing that drives us.

Perhaps you have noticed that the Christian life has a rhythm to it. God, in his mercy and grace, does bless his people with times of refreshment and ease. But he does also lead us through times of testing. I’ve experienced this rhythm personally. I’ve experienced it in the family. And I’ve experienced it in the church. The Christian life ebbs and flows. There will be times of travail, and there will be times of refreshment. And it seems to me that the LORD knows just what we need at any given moment. We are tested by the trials and tribulations of life. And it is during those times of testing that God’s people grow. But the LORD knows our limitations. In his mercy, at just the right time, he leads us to the springs of Elim to be refreshed there by the water and the shade. And then, in his mercy, he leads us into the wilderness again to move us onward towards the promised land.

Are you ready for that journey, brothers and sisters? Are you prepared to follow the LORD wherever he leads? Are you ready to experience the rhythm of refreshment and testing through trial as we sojourn towards the promised land?

You know, one of the most important things for us to have on this journey is proper expectations and desires. If our expectations and desires are set on comfort and safety, then we will not sojourn well. It will be difficult for us to leave Elim to journey in the wilderness again. And while in the wilderness, we will likely grumble and complain. But if we are following the LORD, living for his glory, and the advancement of his kingdom is our highest aim, and if we properly expect to experience times of difficulty and times of refreshment in the LORD, then we will likely sojourn well, for our eyes and hearts will not be fixed on the transient things of this earth, but on things of lasting worth.

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Christian Sojourners Must Pursue Contentment As They Trust The LORD For Their Daily Bread

The second principle that I wish to draw from our passage today is this: Christian sojourners must pursue contentment as they trust the LORD for their daily bread. As we will soon see, Old Covenant Israel was called to do this in a very literal way, but the principle certainly applies to us too. Christian sojourners must pursue contentment as they trust the LORD for their daily bread.

In verse 2 we read, “And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness…” (Exodus 16:2, ESV). Grumbling or complaining was a major problem in Israel. You would think they would have been filled with gratitude given what the LORD did for them to rescue them from oppression in Egypt. But no, they grumbled and complained continuously. As I said last Sunday, the theme of grumbling ties the three stories of Exodus 15:22-17:7 together. Israel grumbled time and time and time again. One almost gets the impression that the LORD wishes to warn his people about this great sin! And no, it is not an overstatement to say that the sin of grumbling is a great sin. When a person grumbles and complains they reveal that their hearts are filled with ingratitude and discontentment to the point of overflowing.

And no, I am not saying that we are never allowed to talk about our troubles, heartaches, and disappointments with others. That is not grumbling, at least not necessarily. But it is a fine line, isn’t it? To grumble is to complain. Grumbling emanates from a discontent and ungrateful heart. And so I ask you friend, are you a grumbler? Are you a complainer? You may need to pause and reflect upon this question later today. Are you a grumbler before God? Is your heart filled with discontentment and ingratitude before God?

Notice that Israel did not grumble directly to God, but to Moses and Aaron. This is unusually how it goes. We grumble and complain to others. Or perhaps we grumble and complain against our leaders. But really our complaint is against God. Moses sets this straight with Israel in verse 8 where he says, “the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD” (Exodus 16:8, ESV). When we grumble about our circumstances to ourselves or to others, the LORD hears it and he knows that the complaint is against him.

It is a great sin to live in God’s world, to enjoy the blessings that he graciously provides, and to complain against him. This is true for all men, and it is even worse for the redeemed of God to grumble and complain, for we ought to see that in Christ we have our every need met.

So why did Israel grumble? Look at verse 3. They complained that they had no food, saying, “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger” (Exodus 16:3, ESV).

Notice two things:

One, Israel exaggerated the goodness of the past. As they reminisced about life as slaves in Egypt they said, do you remember how wonderful things used to be when Pharoah would roll out the all-you-can-eat buffet for us? Give me a break! Pharaoh was nowhere near this generous to them. And whatever he did feed them, he fed them so that he might work them to the point of exhaustion. But this is what ingrates do. They look to the past, or they look to others living afar off, and they say, do you remember when? Or, if only… And they fail to count their blessings in the moment.

Two, notice that Israel exaggerated the direness of their current situation. Oh, “that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt”, they said. Really, Israel? Things are so bad that it would have been better that you had died in Egypt? That seems a little dramatic to me.

You know, it’s interesting that in the next episode Israel grumbles against the LORD again because they have no water. Listen carefully now to 17:3: “But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3, ESV). Did you catch that? The Hebrews still have livestock. So they were not out of food, were they? They had flocks. They could drink the milk and eat the cheese and meat of their livestock. But here they claim to be near death from hunger.

Ingrates will exaggerate the goodness of the past or the goodness of others afar off and they simultaneously exaggerate the badness of their current situation. This is what Israel did.

Psalm 78 also helps us to see that this was what happened. Psalm 78 comments on the Exodus event and the wilderness wanderings and it says, among other things, that Israel “tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved” (Psalm 78:18, ESV). Did you hear that? They demanded, not the food that they needed, but the food they craved. And the same thing is said in verse 29: “And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved” (Psalm 78:29, ESV). In other words, Psalm 78 portrays Israel’s grumbling as being about their wants, not their needs. And perhaps you have noticed that most of our grumbling is about wants, not needs.

What are we to do concerning our needs, brothers and sisters? We are not to grumble and complain against the LORD, but in faith, we are to pray to the Lord saying, give us this day our daily bread.

And what are we to do concerning our wants? Well, we are to pursue contentment in life as we wait upon the Lord to give and to take away as he sees fit.

We are to pursue contentment, brothers and sisters. As the Apostle Paul says, “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:6–8, ESV).

Don’t confuse contentment with complacency, brothers and sisters. It is right for the people of God to work hard and to seek to advance or to improve their situation in life. This applies to work, to money, to housing, and to things political and cultural. Pursuing contentment does not mean that we must be complacent and inactive. No, contentment resides within the heart. To be content is to be grateful. To be content is to be satisfied. And it is the one who is content in the heart who is in the best position to speak and to act for the betterment of his position in life, or the betterment of society.

The one who is content in the heart before God will be filled with life and love, joy, hope, and peace. The one who is discontent in the heart will be filled with dourness, darkness, and depression. Compare and contrast the two, brothers and sisters. And tell me which soul is better positioned to improve their station in life or to impact society in a positive way? It should be clear to you that contentment does not mean complacency. To the contrary, those who maintain contentment in the heart are in a position of strength to speak and to act for their own good and the good of others. Not to mention the fact that a content heart – a heart filled with life and love, joy, hope, and peace –does glorify God, for true contentment is rooted in him and in our trust in him.

What I have just said can be applied to many things, but I think can sense what I am alluding to, brothers and sisters. The culture is rapidly changing. The politics can be maddening. This plague of authoritarianism that seems to be sweeping the world is concerning. But those in Christ must trust the LORD. We must pursue contentment even in these things. We must not grumble and complain, but sojourn on in trustful dependence upon God for our daily bread. It is so very crucial, brothers and sisters, for you have to have joy. And joy – true joy – cannot be manufactured. It will emanate from the heart that is full of faith and content in God.

Philippians 4:12 came to mind. There Paul says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12–13, ESV). Isn’t that beautiful? What is the “secret” to thriving in every season of life, in low times and in times of abounding, in plenty and in hunger, in abundance and need? The secret is having your roots sunk down deep into God and into the Christ that he sent. He is to be our source of satisfaction and of strength. That is what the words, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” mean.

So why did the LORD provide Israel with these game birds and this manna to eat? They were not truly starving (at least not yet). It was their cravings, not their needs, that drove them to grumble against LORD. Why did he bless them with this food? The birds were driven to them by a strong wind only once, but the manna was provided for them continuously, day by day, for 40 years! Why did the LORD give it?

Well, because he is merciful and kind. And also, to teach Israel (and us!) to live in trustful dependence upon the LORD for their daily needs. Whenever Israel would go out to gather the manna they would be reminded of the LORD’s daily provision. In fact, a jar of this manna was to be kept by the priests as a kind of memorial to God’s faithfulness for future generations.

Isn’t it interesting that this provision of manna was designed by God to function as daily bread? What was it? We don’t know for sure. The text says that “it was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey” (Exodus 16:31, ESV). Sounds good, doesn’t it? It may have been a natural substance, but it functioned in a supernatural way. The LORD provided it in great abundance. It was to be gathered daily. If too much was taken it would rot and stink. And it appeared daily, not for a week or two, but for 40 years. But here I am drawing your attention to the way in which the LORD designed the manna to function as daily bread. The LORD could have made the manna to last a week or a month. But he willed that it last a day. And so I am saying that the purpose of the manna was not only to feed Israel but to teach them about the faithfulness of the LORD and for them to live in daily dependence upon him.

What can we learn from Israel’s experience? One thing is this: Christian sojourners must pursue contentment as they trust the LORD for their daily bread.

*****

Christian Sojourners Must Rest In The LORD As They Honor The Sabbath Day And Keep It Holy

The third principle that I wish to draw from our passage today is that Christian sojourners must rest in the LORD as they honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

I said that the manna was daily dead bread. That is true, with the exception of the weekly Sabbath day. The Old Covenant people of God were to honor the Sabbath day on the seventh day of the week, which we call Saturday. According to this text, Israel was to gather double the manna on Friday so that they would have enough for Saturday, for on Saturday no manna would be provided. The people of Israel were to rest on the seventh day and they were to worship. If the people of Israel attempted to gather more than they needed for the day on the other days of the week, it would rot and stink, but not the bread for the Sabbath day. A double portion was to be gathered on Friday and it would last through Saturday.

So then, the LORD used the manna to feed Israel, to teach Israel to trust the LORD for daily provision, and to teach them to honor the Sabbath day to keep it holy. The manna was provided for them on days one through six. On day six, the Israelites were to gather a double portion, for on day seven no manna would be provided. That is quite a training program for Sabbath keeping, wouldn’t you say? Through the provision of manna on six days and the withholding of it on the seventh, God taught Israel to honor the Sabbath day.

It is interesting to note that Israel was expected to keep the Sabbath day before the law was given on Sinai and before the Mosaic Covenant was ratified. I mention this to counter those who would claim that weekly Sabbath keeping was unique to the Old Mosaic covenant. It was not. The Sabbath command was first given, not to Israel through Moses, but to Adam in the garden. Israel was to honor the Sabbath day before the law was given on Sinai, before the Old Mosaic covenant was ratified, and before Israel took possession of the land. Yes, the weekly seventh day Sabbath would play a very special role under the Old Mosaic economy. Many other holy days would be added to the weekly Sabbath through Moses. But it wrong to assume that the weekly Sabbath day was unique to Old Covenant Israel, and therefore not for us. In fact, Christ taught his disciple how to keep the Sabbath. He taught it’s true meaning. He changed the day when he rose from the grave. And the New Testament does explicitly say that “there remains a Sabbath rest [Sabbath-keeping] for the people of God…” (Hebrews 4:9, ESV).

This is why I have said that Christian sojourners must rest in the LORD as they honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Old Covenant Israel was to honor the Sabbath day as they sojourned in the wilderness. They were to cease from their labor, they were to rest and to worship. And New Covenant Israel is to do the same as we sojourn. Yes, the day has changed, for Christ, in whom we rest now and for all eternity, has lived, died, and risen from the grave. The day has changed for good reason, but the pattern of six and one remains. Christian sojourners must honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy. This they must do, not as a mindless ritual, but as a means of thoughtfully and faithfully resting in Christ.

The Sabbath day for Israel and for us is a day for physical rest, and it is also a day for spiritual rest. It is a day for drawing near to God. It is a day for listening to his Word. It is a day for reorienting our lives around him, for gathering with the faithful, for being reminded of the LORD precious and very great promises, and of the work that Christ has accomplished for us. The Sabbath day is a holy day uniquely suited for setting the mind and and the heart on God, on Christ, and on our eternal inheritance in him. The Sabbath day is essential for Christian sojourners.

Don’t neglect it, brothers and sisters. Set aside your work on this day. Set it aside for the whole day. And set aside your recreations too. Honor this day as holy. Set your mind on God and the things of God. Be refreshed by the assembly of God’s redeemed. Stop neglecting the fellowship, brothers and sisters. Prepare for the Lord’s Day Sabbath. Long for the Lord’s Day Sabbath. And then keep the Lord’s Day Sabbath holy.

You know, one thing that never ceases to amaze me is when Christians neglect the basic things that God has provided for them and then wonder why it is that they struggle in their sojourning. I see Christians struggling with sin, with anxiety, with anger, with discontentment, etc. but I notice that they often neglect the fellowship of the believers on the Lord’s Day, or are quick to leave after the benediction is read. Where are you off to, brothers and sisters? What’s the rush? What is keeping you from worship in the morning and in the afternoon? Have you not prepared for the Lord’s Day? Is there not six days of the week for work and for recreation, for chores, birthday parties, for watching football, and all the rest? Why not honor this day as holy as the Lord has commanded? Why not come to worship in the morning and in the afternoon? I trust that you will be refreshed if you do. More importantly, I trust that the Lord will be well pleased.

Stated a little differently, Christian sojourners must rest in the LORD, and one of the primary ways that we do this is through the observance of the Lord’s Day Sabbath. It is a day of rest for the soul.

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Conclusion

You know, one thing that has been implied throughout this semon but not yet stated explicitly is that Christian sojourners need Christ. We must be found in him by faith, living for the glory of God and the furtherance of God’s eternal kingdom through him. We must see that he is the true bread of life and the true drink for which every soul longs. We must know that he is our eternal Sabbath rest.

Christian sojourners need Christ. We must be found in him by faith, we must abide in him and cling to him. I have told you that Christ is pictured everywhere in the events of the Exodus, and it is true. As Israel gathered and ate the physical manna, Christ the bread of life was portrayed to them. As they honored the Sabbath on the seventh they were to look forward to the coming of Christ and the rest that would be earned by him. As Israel partake of these earthly blessings they were simultaneously compelled to partake of the Christ that was portrayed to and promised to them by faith. And you and I are to do the same. As we sojourn in this world and experience the rhythms of the trials and refreshments of life, we are to cling to Christ by faith as we honor the Sabbath day to keep it holy and partake of the manna and the drink which God has set before us, in which the broken body and shed blood of Christ is signified. May we be found content in him, brothers and sisters.

Posted in Sermons, Joe Anady, Exodus 16, Posted by Joe. Comments Off

Jan 22
16

Week Of January 16th, 2022

WEEKLY READINGS
SUNDAY > Gen 16, Matt 15, Neh 5, Acts 15
MONDAY > Gen 17, Matt 16, Neh 6, Acts 16
TUESDAY > Gen 18, Matt 17, Neh 7, Acts 17
WEDNESDAY > Gen 19, Matt 18, Neh 8, Acts 18
THURSDAY > Gen 20, Matt 19, Neh 9, Acts 19
FRIDAY > Gen 21, Matt 20, Neh 10, Acts 20
SATURDAY > Gen 22, Matt 21, Neh 11, Acts 21

MEMORY VERSE(S)
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9, ESV).

CATECHISM QUESTION(S)
Baptist Catechism #3:
Q. How may we know there is a God?
A. The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only do it fully and effectively for the salvation of sinners.

Posted in Weekly Passages, Posted by Mike. Comments Off

Jan 22
9

Afternoon Sermon: Who Is The First And Chiefest Being, And Ought Everyone Believe He Exists? Baptist Catechism 1 & 2, Isaiah 44:6–8

Baptist Catechism 1 & 2

Q. 1. Who is the first and chiefest being?

A. God is the first and chiefest being. (Isaiah 44:6; Psalm 8:1; 97:9)

Q. 2. Ought everyone to believe there is a God?

A. Everyone ought to believe there is a God; and it is their great sin and folly who do not. (Hebrews 11:6, Psalm 14:1)

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 44:6–8

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.’” (Isaiah 44:6–8, ESV)

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Introduction

You notice that we have now come full circle back to the beginning of our catechism. Our catechism provides us with a faithful summary of the core tenets of the Christian faith that are found in the pages of Holy Scripture. It should be no surprise to find that our catechism begins with the most foundational tenets of the Chritsian faith.

When learning to read one must start with the A-B-C’s. When learning math one must learn how to count and how to add. And when learning the great doctrines of the Christian faith one must begin with the most foundational principles of religion. And that is where our catechism begins, with the most foundational questions possible.

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Who Is The First And Chiefest Being?

Question 1 asks, who is the first and chiefest being? The answer is brief: God is the first and chiefest being.

When we say that God is the first being, what do we mean? Many things!

God is the first of all beings because he was before all others. “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” (Isaiah 44:6, ESV)

God is also the first cause of all beings. All other beings were brought into existence by him and for him. “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Corinthians 8:6, ESV)

God is the first in providence. He is the one who upholds the world. “In him we live and move and have our being… For we are indeed his offspring.” (Acts 17:28, ESV)

God is first in the world of grace. He is the source of every blessing that is ours in Christ Jesus. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:18, ESV)

God is the first to love. “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, ESV)

God is the first to give. “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” (Romans 11:35, ESV)

What is meant by “chiefest”?

So this little statement that God is the first being is very profound. When we think of the world and all that is we must remember that there is a being who is first before all. He is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all things. He is the source.

And what about this statement that God is the chiefest being? What do we mean by that?

When we say that God is chiefest we mean that no one out ranks God.

“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11, ESV)

God is above all so-called god.

“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3, ESV)

God is chief in heaven.

“For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?” (Psalm 89:6–8, ESV)

God is chief on earth.

“For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth…” (Psalm 97:9, ESV)

God alone is chief – he shares his supremacy with no one.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” (Psalm 57:2, ESV)

God will forever maintain his supremacy.

“The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; but you, O Lord, are on high forever.” (Psalm 92:6–8, ESV)

These are helpful observations, aren’t they? I believe I took these from a little commentary on the baptist catechism by a man named Benjamin Beddome.

Where should we begin when talking about the Christian faith? By acknowledging that God is the first being and the chiefest being.

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Ought Everyone To Believe There Is A God?

Question two then asks, ought everyone to believe there is a God? Answer: Everyone ought to believe there is a God; and it is their great sin and folly who do not.

Of course, our catechism, just like the Scriptures, will have a lot more to say regarding what men should believe about God. Also, our catechism will teach that men must put their faith in Jesus if they wish to know God truly, now that we have fallen into sin. But we start here with the declaration that men ought to believe that God exists. In fact, our catechism adds “it is their great sin and folly who do not.” It is a great sin to disbelieve that God exists, and it is great folly.

The scriptures say this.

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God…’” (Psalm 14:1a, ESV)

In order to please God it is first required to believe that he exists.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV)

Disbelief in the existence of God opens the door to all manner of immorality.

“They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1b, ESV)

Belief in the existence of God is foundational to all practical religion.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? (Romans 10:14, ESV)

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Conclusion

It should be clear to all that these questions and answers are the most foundational questions that one can ask.

What we say in response to these questions will have a tremendous impact upon the trajectory of our life here on earth.

And what we say in response to these questions will have a tremendous impact on our eternal destiny.

These fundamental questions might seem like they are below those who have been in the faith for a while, but I would challenge you to think otherwise. I believe it is good even for the seasoned believer to ask, am I living as if their is God? Am I honoring him as the first and cheifest being? I belive he exists, and know that he is the first and chiefest, but am I honoring him as such?

Brothers and sisters, is the Lord first in your thoughts and first in your esteem?

Have you given yourself first unto him? Is the Lord chiefly loved by you and chiefly feared?

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12, ESV).

Happy are those who worship God supremely, for he worthy and it is right.

Posted in Sermons, Posted by Joe. Comments Off

Jan 22
9

Discussion Questions: Exodus 15:22-27

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Sermon manuscript available at emmausrbc.org

Why does the Lord not take us immediately to glory after we believe upon Christ? Why must we endure this time of difficulty in this world?
What is sanctification?
How does God sanctify his people?
Why is it so important for us to maintain the perspective that we are sojourners?

Tags: Gospel Community Groups
Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Gospel Community Groups, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. Comments Off

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New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-14

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 17:1-7

*****

Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

Introduction

Christian Sojourners Must Walk By Faith Not By Sight

Christian Sojourners Must Be Driven By The Word Of God And Spirit Of God, Not By Their Passions And Cravings

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Christian Sojourners Must Find Their Satisfaction In God And In Christ

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Conclusion

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Baptist Catechism 3

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19

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Introduction

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Revelation

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The Light Of Nature In Man

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The Works Of God

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Word And Spirit

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Conclusion

New Testament Reading: John 6:22-41

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 16

*****

Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

Introduction

Christian Sojourners Must Have Following The Lord, Living For His Glory, And The Advancement Of His Kingdom As Their Highest Aim

Christian Sojourners Must Pursue Contentment As They Trust The LORD For Their Daily Bread

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Christian Sojourners Must Rest In The LORD As They Honor The Sabbath Day And Keep It Holy

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Conclusion

Baptist Catechism 1 & 2

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 44:6–8

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Introduction

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Who Is The First And Chiefest Being?

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Ought Everyone To Believe There Is A God?

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Conclusion