THOSE TIRED EXCUSES

“THOSE TIRED EXCUSES”
Matt 9: 37-38

Intro: (The Excuse Test) ‘
When the Lord called Moses to go down into Egypt, Moses came up with just about every excuse he could in order to get out of going. Today, you and I have received a calling. This is not a calling to go and free a group of people from slavery to man, but rather to help the world experience freedom from sin. However, there are times when we react just as Moses did, and we give God every excuse in the world in order to get out of fulfilling our responsibilities.
Let’s examine the excuses that Moses used, and study God’s answer to them. Hopefully, we can learn from this, and stop making excuses, and just do what is asked of us.

I WHO AM I? (Exo 3: 11)

1. Having been adopted into the house of Pharaoh, Moses was at one time in a position of power.
A. However, at this time, he was but a lowly shepherd.
B. It had been 40 years since he had been in Egypt, and he was now 80 years old.
C. He wonders if he is the right man for the job.
2. But God answered him without hesitation.
A. Exo 3: 12, “Certainly I will be with thee;”
B. This should have been enough for Moses.
C. Rom 8: 31, If God be for us, who can be against us?
3. This excuse is still used by many today.
A. Many of us claim to be insufficient for the task at hand.
B. 2Cor 3: 5-6, Tells us that our sufficiency comes from God.
C. Act 4: 13, Consider what he did with the uneducated and untrained men that came to be known as apostles.

II WHAT SHALL I SAY? (Exo 3: 13)

1. Moses feared the questions that he was sure would come.
A. Who is this God that has sent you?
B. Why should we leave this land that has been our home for over 400 years?
C. Moses did not know how to answer these questions.
2. Once again, God showed no hesitation.
A. Exo 3: 14-15, Thus ye shall say..
B. God told him just what to say.
3. Though the tune has changed, the melody is still the same.
A. Many today say that they do not have enough knowledge.
B. God has once again provided a way.
C. 1Cor 2:2

III SUPPOSE THEY WILL NOT BELIEVE ME? (Exo 4: 1)

1. Now that he has been told what to say, he worries that they will not believe him.
A. Is Moses afraid of failing?
B. Does he not understand that God will be with him?
2. God gives him several means by which to prove what he says.
A. Exo 4: 2-5 Rod into Serpent
B. Exo 4: 6-8 Hand displaying leprosy.
C. Exo 4: 9 Water into Blood.
3. Fear of failing also holds many of us back today.
A. God has also given you and I the proof we need to convince those around us.
B. Rom 10: 17, The word of God is able to produce faith.

IV I AM SLOW OF SPEECH AND SLOW OF TONGUE. (Exo 4: 10)

1. Moses says that he is not a eloquent speaker.
2. This excuse fails to move God.
A. Exo 4: 11God knows our limitations.
B. god provided a way.
3. Many believe the way Moses believed.
A. In order to teach and preach the gospel, one doesn’t have to be the best speaker.
B. It only takes an enthusiastic heart.

V PLEASE SEND WHOMEVER ELSE YOU MAY SEND. (Exo 4: 13)

1. Moses did not want to go.
A. All of the other excuses were just smokescreens.
2. God becomes impatient with Moses.
A. Exo 4: 14, He begins to become angry.
B. Exo 4: 15-17, Notice the word “SHALL.”
3. This is still true of you and I today.
A. We are still saying god send someone else.
B. We should bear in mind, that the same anger that was kindled against Moses, is still directed at those who do not answer the call today.