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Moses, Servant of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMoses, known as the servant of the Lord, stands as a remarkable figure whose life exemplifies submission and service to God. Frequently titled as God's servant, more than any other person, the term reflects his deep relationship with the Lord, indicating one who labors in submission through the conduct of his life. Though often seen as a position of low degree, serving the Lord is a place of great honor, and Moses embodies this honor through his extraordinary dedication. From the outset of his life, Moses displayed signs of being an exceptional leader across various capacities. His experiences offer valuable lessons, showcasing diverse types of leadership—submissive, realistic, constant, sacrificial, vulnerable, courageous, and bold. In every area, he utilized these qualities as a servant of God, standing out among other great biblical leaders, nearly in a class of his own due to the breadth and difficulty of his responsibilities. Humanly, Moses was the founder of a new nation of recalcitrant slave people, serving as prime minister, lead legislator, and chief judge, all while maintaining an unusually virtuous character. Described by God as very humble, he was aware of his flaws, which likely contributed to his humility and reliance on the Lord for assistance. He did not impose himself on others but served quietly and confidently with all his heart in whatever capacity God assigned. God enabled Moses in remarkable ways, granting him vigor even in old age to carry out his work. Despite initial doubts about his ability to speak, as seen when called from the burning bush, God provided the means for him to overcome this challenge, and soon Moses spoke directly to those who needed to hear. His life, preserved from infancy through divine intervention, was shaped by a spiritually stable family, a princely education in Egypt, and humbling experiences as a shepherd, all preparing him for leadership of a stubborn people. Moses' faithfulness in all circumstances, as a servant in the house of God, sets a powerful example. Though not perfect, as evidenced by his failure to enter the Promised Land due to a moment of temper, he remained a man of outstanding character. God's forgiveness was evident, and by allowing Moses to see the land, He assured him of a place in His kingdom, signifying a formal transfer of spiritual inheritance. Thus, Moses, the faithful servant, carried out his responsibilities with unwavering dedication, demonstrating that we too can be faithful within the gifts and responsibilities given to us by the Lord.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMoses, the servant of God, stands as a profound example of faithfulness and conviction in his relationship with God. He is recognized as one of the finest personalities in human history, with more written about him in the Bible than anyone else except Christ. His greatness is evident in the high tribute paid to him as faithful in all of God's house, a distinction that set him apart as without peer among the holy. God Himself defended Moses, declaring there was no one like him, speaking to him personally rather than through visions or dreams, and entrusting him with all of His estate, meaning His household and family. Moses' faithfulness allowed him to interpret God's will to Israel with full authority, a stark contrast to the unfaithfulness of the people he led. His intimate relationship with God placed him in a class by himself, and even the Messiah is compared to Moses, highlighting the immense praise bestowed upon him. As a steward of God's house, Moses exemplified the qualities of reliability, dependability, trustworthiness, and responsibility, carrying out his obligations with humility despite his great authority. He thought of himself as nothing more than a lowly servant, akin to a galley slave, in his service to God. Born into a time of oppression and hardship as part of an alien race in Egypt, Moses faced immense challenges from the start. His people were forced into labor, their male children ordered to be destroyed at birth, and many had forgotten God, adopting the pagan worship of Egypt. Yet, Moses was born into a family of faith, with parents Amram and Jochebed who risked their lives to save him, demonstrating unwavering conviction. Their faith laid the foundation for Moses during his formative years, guiding him down the right path. Raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moses received the best education and privileges Egypt could offer, becoming mighty in words and deeds as a statesman and soldier. Despite this, he never lost connection with his true family and the history of Israel. At the age of forty, in the prime of his manhood, Moses made the extraordinary choice to forsake the treasures and pleasures of Egypt, turning away from wealth, honor, and comfort to identify with his oppressed people. This decision, made in full maturity of his powers, reflected his deep conviction and faith in God's promise to deliver Israel in the fourth generation. Moses' faith was the foundation of his convictions, driving him to act with deliberate resolve despite scorn and pressure from his peers and Egyptian family. He believed fervently that God would raise up a deliverer from Israel and that a destiny awaited the chosen people far greater than the treasures of Egypt. His conviction, built through a long process of yielding to God's discipline, patience, and correction, enabled him to endure and become faithful, showing that such faith and conviction are within reach for all who are willing to follow God's way.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Among the vast history of humanity's relationship with God, Moses stands as a remarkable figure, handpicked by God to navigate a life of profound contrasts. From his early years in an Egyptian royal family, rescued from the Nile River, to a humble shepherd in exile after killing an Egyptian, and finally to a leader called by God at the burning bush to free the enslaved Israelites, Moses experienced a journey from bottom to top and back again. This journey shaped him into one of the humblest of all humans, a characteristic vital for a deep relationship with God. Moses faithfully waited on God, demonstrating submission and belief in Him. He did not push God for decisions, having gained wisdom from his varied life experiences, which he applied in his dealings with both God and the Israelites. Though he once lost his temper and struck the rock, an act that brought him trouble, Moses generally exemplified meekness, which does not equate to weakness but to a guided strength in leadership. His humility and patience in waiting on God were qualities God appreciated, as Moses extended these in his interactions with the Israelites. God Himself commended Moses, declaring him faithful in all His house, a powerful refutation of accusations against him by Miriam and Aaron. This faithfulness meant unwavering loyalty in all the responsibilities God entrusted to him, whether in Egypt or the wilderness. Moses acted on his faith personally, not rushing things but living out his belief in God through consistent actions. His leadership presented a reflection of God before the Israelites, and the wisdom he gained is preserved in the Word of God for guidance in glorifying Him. Moses, respected even in heaven, finished writing Deuteronomy and was buried by an archangel, a distinction fought for against demonic forces, underscoring his esteemed reputation. His life, marked by continuous faith and action, sets a standard of faithfulness in applying God's Word, a quality God seeks in His relationship with humanity.
Conviction, Moses, and Us
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMoses received the title servant of God because he consistently did according to all that the Lord had commanded him. This designation appears repeatedly in Scripture and stands as God's final evaluation of the man who received more revelation and wrote more of the Bible than any other except Jesus Christ. The title highlights Moses' role as a faithful steward who operated under the authority of the Owner, Jesus Christ, and who proved reliable in carrying out the instructions for building the tabernacle according to the pattern shown on the mount. Although Moses never performed his duties perfectly, what he did pleased God mightily. This reality encourages believers that acceptance rests on God's grace through Jesus Christ rather than flawless performance. The title therefore connects directly to the development of conviction, which arises as the fruit of an ongoing relationship with God. Conviction grows through day-to-day faithfulness in small matters and through experiences that place God at the center of life, shaping perception of His nature, discernment of right and wrong, and vision of His purpose. At age forty Moses possessed strong beliefs and acted heroically by forsaking Egypt's wealth, power, and status to identify with the oppressed Israelites. Yet those beliefs remained preferences rather than convictions because he acted without seeking God's direction, moved according to his own impetuous strength, and feared human reaction. Forty years later, after God humbled him in Midian, Moses returned with a transformed character. He now hesitated to accept the commission, acknowledged his weakness, and repeatedly sought assurance from God before acting. When resistance arose he turned to the Lord rather than relying on himself. He spoke and acted with the settled conviction that his words and deeds were God-ordered, demonstrating that he had come to know God personally rather than merely knowing about Him. This matured relationship placed Moses on God's timetable, enabling him to lead Israel at the appointed time and to produce the right fruit. The same principle applies to every believer: when knowledge of God's image is accurate and the mind is set on things above, energy expended in obedience is transformed into spiritual strength and genuine conviction. Moses thus exemplifies how day-to-day faithfulness in the little things forges the convictions that prove reliable in trial and earn the enduring title servant of God.
God Has Faith in You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod selected Moses for an immense responsibility, entrusting him with the deliverance of His people from Egypt and the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham centuries earlier. This task encompassed forming an entire nation, codifying civil and religious laws, establishing the priesthood, and leading millions through the wilderness amid constant complaints and hardships, all while performing extraordinary miracles under divine power. Despite Moses' repeated expressions of doubt and reluctance, including concerns over his speech and whether others would believe him, God remained confident in his ability to succeed. Through divine assistance Moses overcame these initial hesitations, emerging as a mighty and courageous leader, the most meek man on earth, and one who knew the Lord face to face. This outcome demonstrated that God's choice was sound and His trust well placed. Within the larger message, Moses' experience illustrates how God consistently places faith in those He calls, enabling them to fulfill their roles and advance His unfailing plan for humanity despite human frailty.
The Household of God and Truth
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMoses is presented as one who was faithful in all God's house, serving as a servant for a testimony of things that would be spoken afterward. This portrayal appears in the discussion of Hebrews 3, where Moses' faithfulness is set alongside the faithfulness of Christ to the One who appointed Him. The text notes that every house is built by someone, yet He who built all things is God, so that Christ, as the builder, receives more glory than the house itself. Moses, by contrast, is described as no more than a member of the house, essentially one with all others, while Christ holds innate superiority as Son over His own house. The household of God consists of those who hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. This depiction of Moses as servant reinforces the broader teaching that the church is the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as chief cornerstone. The same section connects Moses to earlier warnings in II Timothy 3, where Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses and thereby resisted the truth, illustrating how corrupt minds continue to oppose the truth within households of the church. Thus Moses' role as faithful servant in God's house serves as a type that underscores both the unity and the authority structure of the household of God under Christ.
Two Arks of Salvation
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingIn both the basket carrying Moses and the ark carrying Noah's family for over a year, God was in control, and guided both arks to safety.
Made His Wonderful Work to be Remembered (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must remember that God is working not only in the world, but in our personal lives as well, training us to lead, act, and believe with conviction.
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A prophet is one who carries a message from another. A true prophet's message will derive from existing Scripture, even if he is breaking new, unexplored ground.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
Matthew (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEntering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.