Sunday 10/15/17

Speaker: Pastor R.W. Barrion

Title: The Golden Calf

Scripture: Exodus 32: 2-4

Points:

1. Timetable
2. Items For Idolatry
3. Product Idol

Notes:

The people of God had been slaves of Egypt for around 400 years. They had received the promise that God would save them and deliver them into the promised land. These events took place a long time ago. As such, we tend to see the Word as just a “history lesson” and we attempt to exempt ourselves from operating the way the Word says to operate. In our lives, we have all been a slave to something. Be it our feelings, circumstances, thoughts, or situations. But like God delivered his people back then, he will do the same for us.

In the text, God introduces and defines the idea of a timetable. There are always two timetables. Ours and God’s. The people considered Moses late. Moses had left them to go talk to God. But by God’s timetable, Moses was right on time. Likewise with us. We want God on our timetable. We want Him to do things for us on our time. But it is in the assumed delay that God reveals things about us that we didn’t even know. It is amazing what delays reveal about how we handle things. In those delays, we tend to want to “help” God along. God doesn’t need our help.

Idolatry can become a pitfall that we fall into when we are waiting for God. Moses had not come back to the people yet. He was delayed. They were impatient. Moses was supposedly the guy who God put in place to lead the people. The people complained to Aaron who was second in charge. Instead of Aaron telling them what Moses said God would do, he commanded the men to gather the valuables and golden items from their wives and daughters. They did so and brought them unto Aaron. Now, these valuables were given to them by God but yet they were preparing to use them for ungodly purposes. Likewise with us. There are things that God has blessed us with in this life. From good jobs and abilities to nice houses and cars. But often times, because we do not seek God for his purpose pertaining the things we have, we use our gifts and possessions for things that do not represent God. And the amazing thing is, these were the people of GOD!!!! They had seen first hand what God was able to do when they left Egypt!! Aaron became a misaligned leader with resources without God’s directions. This is a dangerous position to be in. Aaron crafted a golden calf utilizing his God given abilities. This is what happens with us when we have God given talents and resources but lack Kingdom direction and instruction. We will fall for anything. We will misuse our gifts.

What is produced as a result is idolatry. And we become comfortable operating and living in idolatry. This is why it is vitally important to understand what the Word says about how we need to govern our resources and talents. The Word also teaches us how to wait on God knowing that God’s timetable is the only one that matters.

KINGDOM SERMONS