INTRODUCTION:

A.     Two important words need to be defined at the beginning of this lesson.
          1.  Valiance defined: "Possessing or exhibiting valor: courageous.
               Characterized by or performed with valor." 
          2.  Valor defined:  "Strength of mind or spirit that enables a man to encounter danger with firmness.  Personal bravery.  Heroism." 
B.     Moses clearly demonstrates these character traits in his life.
C.     God states that Moses was, "mighty in words and deeds."
D.     We live in an age where these traits are greatly needed in the Lord's church.
         1.  While many would work to restructure the church of our Lord, we must become like Moses in our opposition to error.
         2.  When correction is received, we need to have the humility of pride and selfishness.
E.     Moses' life was full of opportunities to exhibit valiance, and by his actions at those times, he showed that his true character was devoted to obedience and service to God.

DISCUSSION:

1.     MOSES' VALIANCE WAS DISPLAYED BY HIS DECISION TO
FOLLOW GOD INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING SIN.

       A.     Defended his countryman (Exodus 2:11,12; Acts 7:23-25)
                1.     He was forty at this time (Acts 7:23).
                2.     Understood his mission in life to deliver Israel (Acts 7:25). 
                3.     Saw the burden on his brethren.
                4.     Right attitude, but the wrong remedy, and the wrong time.
       B.     Desired to bring harmony among brethren (Exodus 2:13, 14).
                1.     A peacemaker among brethren is sometimes needed.
                2.     Blessed are the peacemakers (Mathew 5:9).
       C.     Had to flee from Egypt (Exodus 2:15; Hebrews 11:24-28).
                1.     Did not fear the king's wrath (Hebrews 11:27; Exodus 2:14).
                2.     Understood the immediate danger, but knew God was able to protect and defend him.
                3.     Suffered as a child of God.
                4.     Became a shepherd instead of a king's son (Exodus 3:1).
       D.     Defended the weak (Exodus 2:15-17).
                1.     Displayed valor in the face of strangers.
                2.     Began to exhibit leadership ability.

II.   MOSES WAS VALIANT BECAUSE HE OVERCAME RELUCTANCE AND RETURNED TO EGYPT AS GOD DIRECTED (Exodus 3).

       A.     Forty years has expired (Acts 7:30).
                1.     Gotten comfortable in his life.
                2.     Roots had been established.
       B.     Many logical reasons for his not going.
                1.     Now a man of lowly stature (Exodus 3:11).
                2.     Doubts Israelites will accept him (Exodus 3:13; 4:1; Acts 7:35).
                3.     Doubts his ability to communicate (Exodus 4:10,13).
       C.     Finally returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-23).
                1.     Has a difficult message to deliver to Pharaoh.
                2.     Took a valiant man to confront opponent of God.
 
 

III.   MOSES WAS VALIANT BECAUSE HE BOLDLY CONFRONTED  PHARAOH WITH GOD'S PLAN (Exodus5:1).

      A.     First went to the Israelites (Exodus 4:29-31).
      B.     Confronted Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-4).
               1.     Unsuccessful in the eyes of men.
               2.     God's purpose will be achieved.
      C.     God's power to be displayed (Exodus 5:22-6:1; 7:10-12).
               1.     Pharaoh's heart still hardened.
               2.     The ten plagues follow.
               3.     Moses confronted Pharaoh repeatedly with the same message.
      D.     Pharaoh finally relents and lets Israel go (Exodus 12:31ff).

IV. MOSES WAS VALIANT BECAUSE HE WITHSTOOD SIN IN THE CAMP.

      A.     People impatient (Exodus 32:1ff). 
               1.     Want to see God's deliverance now.
               2.     Want to have constant communication and signs.
      B.     Moses defends the people (Exodus 32:11-13).
               1.     Reminds God of His promise to the patriarchs.
               2.     Alerts God to the reproach that may follow if Israel is destroyed.
      C.     Moses confronts the people with their sin (Exodus 32:19-21ff).
               1.     His anger seen (Exodus 32:19).
               2.     Gives them the opportunity to serve the Lord (Exodus 32:25).
               3.     The wicked slain (Exodus 32:26-29).
               4.     God plagues the people for their unbelief (Exodus 32:30-35).

V.  MOSES WAS VALIANT BECAUSE HE HUMBLY ACCEPTED GOD'S REBUKE.

      A.     Failed to sanctify God (Numbers 20:7-13).
               1.     Understood the need to remember God's providence (Deuteronomy 8)/
               2.     Moses failed to humble himself before God.
      B.     The bitter waters.
               1.     Moses never allowed to enter the promised land.
               2.     Allowed to view them before his death (Deuteronomy 32:48-52).
      C.     While Moses suffered this disappointment, he did not rebel.
               1.     Did not attempt to make excuses for his actions.
               2.     Realized God's nature is just.

CONCLUSION:

A.  As Moses stood with God, he suffered at times.
B.  However, he is remembered unto this day while others, who lived for the pleasures of sin, are forgotten.
C.  Moses' faithfulness brought him to a special relationship with God.
     1.     Seen in permission granted to see the "back parts" of God.
     2.     Seen by his inclusion in the cavalcade of the faithful.
D.  Valiant men and women of God today will continue to ask, "Who is on the Lord's side?"
 

                                                                     Scott Richards
                                                                      1245 Grindenwald Drive
                                                                      Jonesboro, GA 30236