B-Group Lesson Part 5 of 10
Moses’ life was made up of three forty-year periods: His life at the palace of Pharaoh (age 1–40), his life in exile at Jethro’s house (age 40–80), and his return to Egypt for the exodus of the people of Israel (age 80–120). All of us go through seasons of disappointment and shame.
Moses’ greatest years only came in the final third of his life. In the first 80 years, he learned the main lesson of all life and ministry: “faithfulness.” Today we will look at what it means to be “faithful.”
Moses stood up to the most powerful man on earth (Pharaoh), demanding that he release the two million slaves. Only his brother Aaron stood with him as even the Israelite leadership chastised him when Pharaoh disapproved and made their work harder!
Leaders lead with or without followers. They do not lead based on opinion polls. They have deep convictions and faith and move toward their vision regardless of the support of others.
Question: Are you the kind of leader who needs everyone to approve of you or can lead even when others disagree?
Moses brought the people of Israel to the shore of the Red Sea. With Egypt closing in from the rear with their powerful chariots, God told Moses to “go forward.” He ordered the people to go THROUGH the sea, and Egypt was finally defeated when the waters closed upon them.
We are best defined as a leader by how we hold “steady,” giving clear direction to those who are in panic.
Question: What crisis are you going through right now that demands more of your leadership skills than anything you have ever faced?
Moses spent forty days on Mt. Sinai, fasting and waiting upon the Lord. He received the “Ten Commandments,” God’s law that convicts the entire world of sin and accountability before God. He built the “Tabernacle” and went daily before God to hear His Word of direction. Every great leader must be consistent and faithful in his prayer and devotional life to hear God’s voice for direction.
Question: How is your prayer life? What are some changes you could make to step it up?
Moses’ sister, Miriam, and brother, Aaron, rose up to challenge his leadership. Korah challenged his authority. Throughout the 40-year journey in the wilderness, Moses faced one rebellion after another. Through it all, “Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth” (Num. 12: 3). When you are humble, you don’t have to defend yourself, but you let God take care of your enemies.
Question: It’s not easy to be humble during criticism. Who has become your worst critic that God is using to help your humility?
Before Moses died, he appointed Joshua, his longtime assistant, to his position. The greatest test of a man’s success is his “successor.”
Question: If you were not around tomorrow, who is the one person ready to take your place?
Action Point: If any group members have not read Life 01, now would be a great time to learn more about Jesus, our greatest Hero, and what He did for you.
The Freedom Encounter: So many men have been exposed to, and even participated in, immoral practices and need a time of cleansing. The Freedom Encounter is a great place to receive healing and deliverance from your past. Ask your B-Group Leader about attending at the end of this semester. Do you have another man with whom you are accountable? If not, would you like one, or is that a future step for you?
Leader: Take a few minutes and ask if any men need specific prayer over a need they may be facing. As you speak with the men in your group, find out the next step for them in the Bethany Growth Track.