The Need to Know God - Exodus 4

Sermon OverviewIn this message from Exodus 4, we explore one of the strangest—and most revealing—passages in Scripture. As Moses is finally on his way to Egypt, God confronts him in a moment that forces us to wrestle with grace, obedience, holiness, and hate.This sermon challenges the false divide between the “Old Testament God” and the “New Testament God” and invites us to see a fuller picture of who God truly is—and what that means for how we live in a world shaped by empire, outrage, and dehumanization.Why Exodus MattersExodus is foundational to the entire biblical storyJesus’ death and resurrection are often described as a “second Exodus”Without the Old Testament, we miss the depth and nuance of the New TestamentGod is the same yesterday, today, and foreverMoses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3–4)God reveals his name: Yahweh – “I Am”God hears the cry of his enslaved peopleMoses is called to lead Israel out of EgyptMoses resists with fear, excuses, and self-doubt:“What if they don’t believe me?”“I’m not eloquent.”“Please send someone else.”Despite this, God patiently persists with Moses.The Signs: Power Over Life and DeathGod gives Moses signs to confirm his authority:Staff → Snake: Authority over what Egypt worshipsDiseased Hand → Healed: Power over sickness and restorationNile Water → Blood: Control over Egypt’s source of lifeThese signs reveal that Yahweh—not Pharaoh—is the true giver and taker of life.God’s Patience—and Then the Shock (Exodus 4:24–26)Just when Moses finally obeys, the story takes a disturbing turn:God confronts Moses and intends to kill himZipporah circumcises their son and Moses is sparedThis moment forces a deeper question: Why would God respond this way now?Covenant, Obedience, and HolinessCircumcision was the sign of God’s covenant with AbrahamMoses—God’s chosen leader—had neglected that covenant in his own familyGod’s grace does not eliminate God’s holinessCalling does not excuse disobedienceGod is gracious—but covenant faithfulness still matters.How to Read Old Testament NarrativesA crucial reminder:The first question is not “How does this apply to my life?”The better question is:“What does this teach me about God?”Only after understanding who God is do we apply that truth to our lives today.Cheap Grace vs. Costly GraceCheap grace says obedience doesn’t matterCostly grace transforms usGod’s grace demands something of us—not to earn it, but because it changes usEmpire, Hate, and the Kingdom of GodThe kingdom of empire:Treats life as expendableThrives on fear, outrage, and dehumanizationUses hate as its currencyThe kingdom of God (shalom):Is rooted in peace, love, and human dignityLeaves no room for hatred—even toward enemiesFollowing Jesus means resisting the temptation to justify our own hatred.A Call to RepentanceIt’s easy to condemn injusticeIt’s harder to notice when our anger turns into hateThe same God who rescued Israel is the God who died on the crossLove is costly—but it is the way of Jesus