Forward Faith - 1 ( Nick Champlin )

Forward Faith-1 (series)                                                                                                           June 4, 2017

By faith Moses, when he was come to years (grew up), refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect for the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as if by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do were drowned. —Heb. 11:24-29

This great story of how the Forward Faith of one man advanced an entire race of people, contains a series of steps that we all must take to advance ourselves and others into GOD’s promises.

Use this message as a tool to gauge yourself.

 

1. By faith Moses, when he was come to years…

 

Entering the path of Forward Faith begins with a decision to grow up...

 

There’s a time in life when you come to years...

 

Whether you grow up at 18, 28, or 58, coming to years isn't a numerical destination.  It's a moral destination. 

 

...and growing up means deciding to Change.

 

The 1^st thing Moses had to learn was that being desperate for change isn’t Faith.  Surrender to God is Faith!  Because Changing what’s wrong starts with Joining what’s Right.

 

James 4:7-8 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

 

When you come to years and grow up, you  realize that the world isn't going to change itself.  So the first steps of Forward Faith begin as a commitment to Change Yourself.

 

 

2. Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter

 

The first step on the path of Forward Faith is a Negative Decision.  Moses’ Forward Progress began when he REFUSED to continue in his present condition. 

 

This critical 1^st step has to be complete.  If not, your Forward Faith will become Frustrated Faith, because it's constantly being undermined by double-mindedness, and the claims of your old life. 

 

Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Heb. 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

Heb. 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from where they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

Heb. 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

Pilgrims of Forward Faith REFUSE compromise, before they ever really see the fruits of their commitment.

 

 

3. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season

 

The most important choices in life, especially when it comes to moving Forward In Faith, are often unappealing.  But we know they have to be made in order to move forward. 

 

Wise people know how to CHOOSE what is best rather than simply drift toward what’s naturally appealing or EZ. 

 

Jesus chose the cross. And so must we.   If we avoid the cross, we miss the resurrection also.  The greatest blessings come from CHOOSING what we need over what we want. 

 

 

4. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect for the recompense of the reward.

 

To move ahead in Forward Faith you must learn GOD’s value system.

 

You calculate the value of the things of GOD, and obedience to Him.  And then weigh them against the offers of the world.

 

Phil. 3:7-8 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,

 

Moses changed the Reward he sought because he made the ESTIMATION that the worth of God’s favor made the wealth & power of Egypt worthless! 

 

 

5. FORESAKing Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king

 

We begin the journey in Forward Faith by growing up and embracing the need to change.

 

But real change cannot come without Forsaking the things that oppose what God is changing you into.

 

Phil. 3:8  ...for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,

 

FORSAKE unforgiveness so that Forward Faith can bring you into Mercy & Blessing. 

FORSAKE corruption so that Forward Faith can bring you into Divine Favor.

 

FORSAKE all plans that oppose your Forward Faith