Liberty to the Captives, Part 1
Exodus 1:1-17
Sermon Recap
Exodus shows us, in part, that the gospel is not only good news for our sin but for every part of our lives. Not only that, this good news turns us into liberators with God.
I. Political
The people of Israel were oppressed by Pharaoh and forced into harsh labor because he feared they would grow too strong as a nation and overthrow his rule. Exodus shows us that God is angered when people oppress his image-bearers. Despite any oppression we may face from others, we can have assurance that we have dignity and worth because Jesus thought us worthy enough to die for.
II. Economic
We discussed three things that contribute to keeping people locked in cyclical poverty (Michael Gerson, Unleashing Opportunity): 1) the word gap, 2) the graduation gap, and 3) predatory lending. Each of us has the good news of the gospel to encourage others with our words. Our church partners with multiple ministries to provide help in education. And we can provide merciful alternatives to the grossly unjust payday lending schemes that keep people locked in poverty. We can do these things, because we have been so abundantly blessed by God, we can afford to give away to others.
Discussion Questions
- How does God prove to us that he values us and will act on our behalf when we are oppressed by others?
- How does God dignify us in his mission to bring liberty to those in economic captivity?
Going Deeper
- Are there any ways in which you might inadvertently be communicating to others that they must meet certain standards in order to be accepted? Are there any ways in which you feel cut out from certain groups? What good news does the gospel have for you in either case?
- List some ways in which God has blessed you. List some ways in which God has used you to bless others and reflect on the joy it was to minister in that way. Are there any other ways you can be a blessing to others this week?