Liberty to the Captives: Part 2

Liberty to the Captives, Part 2 Exodus 1 Sermon Recap   I. Social Two childless slave women were more powerful than the richest, most politically powerful man in the world. It seems that Moses intentionally does not give us Pharaoh’s name, but he does give us the names of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. They disobeyed Pharaoh’s order because they “feared God.” These two women were so convinced of God’s infinite goodness, grace and love—even as slaves—they could not be intimidated by Pharaoh.   II. Spiritual Every political, economic, and social system which oppresses human beings created in God’s image is directly inspired and controlled by Satan. Therefore, nothing is purely political, economic or social—it is spiritually directed by Satan or God. Therefore, we who have been made “more than conquerors” resting on the truth that “we are from God” and therefore “greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world” so that the “evil one does not touch” us as we participate with God in “reconciling all things” to Christ. Discussion Questions What encouragement can you find in the story of Shiphrah and Puah? What does this story tell us about the way God works to accomplish his purposes? How does being a child of God give you confidence when you feel oppressed by spiritual powers? How does this encourage you to live in his strength rather than your own?   Going Deeper Are you sometimes tempted to only believe that God can liberate you from oppression but cannot use you to liberate others? What hope does this passage give you? Is there anyone you know who may be living in spiritual bondage? How do you see this in their lives? What good news can you share with them?   Recommended Mission Partner Resources Adoption/Foster Care Bethany Christian Services Life Choices Agape: Memphis Family Connection Center Palmer Home for Children Human Trafficking Citizens for Community Values Restore Corps Homicide Victims to Victory