In "Lessons From Moses’ Faith," Don Fortner explores the profound theological theme of faith as exemplified in the life of Moses. The article emphasizes that true faith requires self-denial and the willingness to embrace hardship alongside the people of God, mirroring Moses' choice to forsake the comforts of Egypt for eternal riches in Christ (Hebrews 11:24-26). Fortner argues that genuine faith in Christ necessitates discipleship, as demonstrated in Luke 14:25-33, asserting that there cannot be salvation without a commitment to follow Christ, which includes taking up one's own cross. He further illustrates that faith demands a total surrender to God's will, warning against the dangers of living for self and the world, supported by Mark 8:34-38. The practical application of these reflections highlights that believers should trust in God for their material and spiritual needs (Matthew 6:33), reinforcing the Reformed concept of God's providence and sovereignty in the life of the faithful.
Key Quotes
“There is no such thing as salvation separated from discipleship.”
“Where there is no cross there is no crown.”
“No man can serve two masters. You will either serve self or serve Christ.”
“The righteous shall never be forsaken; His seed will never go begging for bread.”
What does the Bible say about Moses' faith?
Moses' faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11:24-26, where he chooses the affliction with God's people over the pleasures of sin.
Hebrews 11:24-26
Why is faith important for Christians?
Faith is essential as it requires self-denial and taking up one's cross to follow Christ, ensuring genuine discipleship.
Luke 14:25-33
How do we know that eternal life requires self-denial?
Eternal life requires self-denial as taught in Mark 8:34-38, emphasizing the necessity of forsaking the world.
Mark 8:34-38
What does it mean to follow Christ according to Moses' example?
Following Christ means denying oneself and choosing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, as exemplified by Moses.
Hebrews 11:24-26
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, 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 unto the recompence of the reward. of Christ...: Or, for Christ - Hebrews 11:24-26Lessons From Moses’ Faith
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, 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 unto the recompense of the reward." Hebrews 11:24-26
What lessons are we to learn from this man who believed God? We have seen what Moses did. He denied himself, took up his cross, and followed Christ. And we have seen why he did it. He believed God. But what does all of this have to do with us?What does the Spirit of God intend for us to learn from Moses’ example?
•First, if I would be an heir of eternal life, I must deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Christ. This is clearly the doctrine of Christ (Lk. 14:25-33). There is no such thing as salvation separated from discipleship. There is no such thing as faith without consecration. Where there is no cross, there is no crown. Where there is no sowing, there is no reaping. Where there is no battle, there is no victory. Where there is no struggle, there is no triumph. Faith in Christ requires a denial of self. Faith in Christ willingly, deliberately takes up the cross, the way of offense and difficulty for the glory of Christ. Faith in Christ follows Christ. Nothing will cause a man in his heart to truly deny himself and forsake this world, except faith in Christ. If I believe Christ, I can and will follow him, regardless of cost or consequence.
•Second, if I live for myself and refuse to forsake this world, I cannot have faith, I cannot have Christ, I cannot have eternal life (Mk. 8:34-38). The issue between God and man, since the fall of our father Adam, has always been God’s right to be God, God’s right to exercise dominion everywhere and rule all things as he will. Faith voluntarily surrenders to Christ’s dominion as Lord and King. Faith bows to God’s throne. This is the very first act of faith. Wherever Christ comes in saving grace he comes with a royal crown upon his head. If I prefer my will to God’s will, if I seek my way rather than my Lord’s way, if I prefer the world to Christ, if I place the things of time before the things of eternity, if I live for the comfort of my body, rather than for the welfare of my soul, if in my heart I prefer myself to Christ, I do not know Christ and I have no faith. No man can serve two masters. You will either serve self, or serve Christ. You will either deny self, or deny Christ. You will either live for the world, or live for Christ. Choose you this day whom you will serve.
•Third, if I believe Christ, follow Christ, and seek the will of and glory of Christ, my God will take care of all my earthly and eternal interests (Matt. 6:33; 10:28-33). The righteous shall never be forsaken. His seed will never go begging for bread. The God of glory provides for his own. His children ought never give the slightest concern to such matters. Our only concern ought to be the will and glory of our God, the good of his people, and the interests of his kingdom.
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