Series Details
Don’t miss Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s look at the life of Moses, who participated in some of God’s most epic actions ever witnessed on earth!
Moses went from a rescued infant to a prince to a fugitive to God’s chosen deliverer of Israel! This reluctant servant eventually became the leader of God’s chosen people.
Journey with Moses from the Nile, to the burning bush, to the Red Sea, and beyond. Gain new insights into this central figure and learn unforgettable applications for your own journey with God.
Moses participated in some of the most epic actions ever witnessed on earth. He went from a rescued infant to a privileged prince, then to a fugitive in the desert, and finally to God’s chosen deliverer of Israel. In this 20-part biographical study, Chuck Swindoll introduces us to a man whose life mirrors our own highs and lows. Through the Nile, the burning bush, and the Red Sea, we learn how to face impossible situations with selfless dedication. Moses’ story is a powerful reminder that God uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Message 1: Misery, Midwives, and Murder
Sermon Summary The story of Moses begins in a context of intense suffering. Despite brutal captivity and cruel conditions, the Israelites grew into a large nation, triggering a murderous decree from Pharaoh. This message recaps Israel’s difficult start in Egypt and the “God-sized” dilemma that set the stage for a deliverer. We see that even in the darkest seasons of misery, God is preparing a plan for rescue.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Providence of God: How the Lord protects His people even under the shadow of death.
- Resilience Under Pressure: The faithfulness of the Hebrew midwives in the face of evil.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 1
Message 2: Born after Midnight
Sermon Summary Moses was born at a time when his life was legally forfeit. This message explores the early days of Moses’ life—his miraculous preservation in a basket on the Nile and his adoption into the house of Pharaoh. Chuck discusses how God’s timing often seems “late” by human standards, but is always perfect for the unfolding of His sovereign will.
Key Facts & Themes
- Divine Protection: The irony of the future deliverer being raised in the enemy’s palace.
- Sovereign Timing: Trusting God’s plan when the circumstances look hopeless.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 2:1–10
Message 3: God’s Will, My Way
Sermon Summary Moses knew he was meant to help his people, but he tried to do it through his own strength and timing, resulting in murder and flight. This message addresses the danger of trying to accomplish God’s will through human methods. We learn that zeal without wisdom often leads to failure and that we must wait for God’s “how” as well as His “what.”
Key Facts & Themes
- The Pitfall of Impatience: Why human effort cannot produce divine results.
- The High Cost of Sin: The consequences of Moses’ impulsive decision to kill the Egyptian.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 2:11–15
Message 4: Lessons Learned from Failure
Sermon Summary Following his failure in Egypt, Moses became a fugitive in Midian. This message explores the “desert years” of Moses’ life. Failure is often God’s classroom for character development. We see how the former prince was humbled and prepared through the quiet life of a shepherd, learning the lessons that success could never teach him.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Value of Brokenness: How God uses our failures to refine us.
- Preparation in Obscurity: The importance of the long, quiet seasons of life.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 2:16–25
Message 5: The Desert: School of Self-Discovery
Sermon Summary The forty years Moses spent in the desert were not wasted; they were his “school of self-discovery.” Chuck discusses how the desert strips away our self-sufficiency and forces us to confront who we really are apart from our titles and achievements. It is in the wilderness that we often become most ready to hear the voice of God.
Key Facts & Themes
- Self-Discovery: Learning the difference between who the world says we are and who God says we are.
- The Discipline of Silence: How solitude prepares a leader’s heart.
Message 6: Burning Bushes and Second Chances
Sermon Summary God met Moses in a spectacular way through a bush that burned but was not consumed. This message focuses on the “second chance” God offered to His eighty-year-old servant. We learn that God’s call is often persistent and that He is the God of the burning bush—transforming ordinary things into holy ground through His presence.
Key Facts & Themes
- Holy Ground: Recognizing the presence of God in the ordinary moments of life.
- God’s Persistence: The Lord’s commitment to using Moses despite his past.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 3:1–10
Message 7: Who? Me, Lord?
Sermon Summary When God called, Moses responded with excuses. This message explores the dialogue of doubt between Moses and the Lord. Chuck addresses the common “Who am I?” objection and how God counters our insecurities with the promise of His presence: “I will be with you.”
Key Facts & Themes
- Overcoming Insecurity: Shifting focus from our weaknesses to God’s strength.
- The Power of God’s Name: Understanding the significance of “I AM WHO I AM.”
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 3:11–4:17
Message 8: God’s Will, God’s Way
Sermon Summary Moses finally obeyed, returning to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. This message highlights the shift from doing things “my way” to doing them “God’s way.” We see the importance of full obedience and the courage required to stand before earthly powers with a message from the King of Kings.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Courage of Obedience: Taking the first steps of faith despite fear.
- Confronting Power: The authority of the servant who speaks for God.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 4:18–5:1
Message 9: Going from Bad to Worse
Sermon Summary Obedience doesn’t always lead to immediate success; sometimes things get worse before they get better. Pharaoh responded to Moses’ request by increasing the Israelites’ workload. This message offers encouragement for those who feel that their situation has declined after following God, reminding us that the darkest hour is often just before the dawn.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Test of Adversity: Why God allows opposition to follow obedience.
- Perseverance: Staying the course when the results aren’t what we expected.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 5:2–6:13
Message 10: Plagues That Preach
Sermon Summary The ten plagues were not just displays of power; they were messages to both Pharaoh and Israel. This message explores how the plagues “preached” the supremacy of God over the idols of Egypt. We see that God uses even judgment to reveal His character and to break the grip of false gods on our hearts.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Sovereignty of God: Divine authority over nature and false religions.
- The Purpose of Judgment: Breaking the pride of man to make room for the glory of God.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 7–10
Message 11: The Night Nobody Slept
Sermon Summary The final plague—the death of the firstborn—led to the institution of the Passover. This message focuses on the night of the Exodus. We see the importance of the blood of the lamb and the “selfless dedication” required to follow God’s specific instructions for deliverance. This night marked the birth of a nation and a preview of our redemption in Christ.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Passover Lamb: The necessity of the blood for protection from judgment.
- Deliverance at Last: The final breaking of Pharaoh’s power.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 11–12
Message 12: Between the Devil and the Deep Red Sea
Sermon Summary With Pharaoh’s army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, the Israelites were trapped—or so they thought. This message explores the miraculous parting of the sea. Chuck discusses how God places us in “impossible” spots to show us that He alone is our deliverer. “Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.”
Key Facts & Themes
- The God of the Impossible: Divine power to make a way where there is none.
- Trusting in the Crisis: Learning to wait on God when there are no human options left.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 14
Message 13: A Heavenly Diet vs. an Earthly Appetite
Sermon Summary In the desert, the people began to grumble about their lack of food and water. God responded with manna and water from the rock. This message addresses the conflict between our earthly appetites and God’s heavenly provision. We learn that God provides what we need, even if it’s not always what we crave, and that His provision is intended to teach us daily dependence.
Key Facts & Themes
- Daily Dependence: The lesson of the manna—gathering just enough for today.
- Gratitude vs. Grumbling: Overcoming the temptation to complain about God’s provision.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 16–17
Message 14: Why Leaders Crack Up
Sermon Summary The burden of leading millions of people began to take a toll on Moses. This message explores the importance of delegation and shared leadership. Through the advice of Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, we learn that even the most dedicated leader has limits and that God intends for us to serve in community, not in isolation.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Danger of Burnout: Identifying the signs of emotional and spiritual exhaustion.
- The Wisdom of Delegation: Learning to share the load with other faithful servants.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 18
Message 15: Sinai: Where Moses Met God
Sermon Summary At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. This message focuses on the awe-inspiring encounter between the Creator and His servant. We learn that selfless dedication is fueled by a regular, personal meeting with God. Sinai was a place of law, but it was also a place of intimate communion.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Holiness of God: Approaching the Almighty with reverence and awe.
- The Foundation of Law: Understanding the moral framework for a redeemed people.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Exodus 19–20
Message 16: Grumblings against a Godly Leader
Sermon Summary Even a leader as great as Moses faced internal rebellion, including from those closest to him. This message addresses the pain of criticism and betrayal. Chuck discusses how Moses responded to the grumblings of Miriam and Aaron with humility, teaching us how to handle unjust criticism without becoming defensive.
Key Facts & Themes
- Handling Criticism: The importance of a meek and quiet spirit when attacked.
- Divine Vindication: Trusting God to defend our character and our calling.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Numbers 12
Message 17: A Moment of Rage
Sermon Summary In a moment of intense frustration, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, disobeying God’s direct command. This message explores the consequences of that “moment of rage.” We learn that even a lifetime of selfless dedication does not exempt us from the need for consistent obedience and that our leaders’ failures carry significant weight.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Danger of Anger: How a moment of lost control can alter our future.
- The Weight of Leadership: Why God holds His servants to a high standard of accountability.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Numbers 20:1–13
Message 18: Filling the Shoes of Moses
Sermon Summary As Moses’ life neared its end, God prepared Joshua to take his place. This message discusses the importance of mentorship and succession. Moses’ selfless dedication was seen in his willingness to empower the next generation, ensuring that God’s mission would continue even after he was gone.
Key Facts & Themes
- Investing in Others: The legacy of a leader who trains a successor.
- Transitioning with Grace: Passing the torch with humility and confidence in God.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Numbers 27:12–23
Message 19: Obituary of a Hero
Sermon Summary Moses died alone with God on Mount Nebo, looking into the Promised Land he could not enter. This message is a tribute to the “heroic” life of Moses. We explore his obituary as written by God Himself—a man who was “meek above all others” and with whom God spoke “face to face.”
Key Facts & Themes
- A Finished Race: Reflecting on the legacy of a life well-lived.
- The Favor of God: What it means to be called a “friend” of the Almighty.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Deuteronomy 34
Message 20: Moses’ Faith, Moses’ Choices . . . and Me
Sermon Summary The series concludes with a personal application of Moses’ life. Chuck summarizes the major choices Moses made—choosing ill-treatment with God’s people over the passing pleasures of sin. We are challenged to examine our own faith and our own choices, deciding today to live with the same selfless dedication that characterized the man of God.
Key Facts & Themes
- Choosing Wisely: The eternal impact of our daily decisions.
- Developing Faith: Following the model of Moses in our modern context.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Hebrews 11:23–29
