Text: Exodus 3:7-17; 4:1-13

In my previous sermon I spoke about “The Great Commission”. Though I am not ‘omniscient’ (a special ability attributed only to God, meaning He knows everything including our deepest thoughts) I know about 5 excuses you conceived for not being a witness.

Today I want you to know God’s response to our excuses so that we will know that God has promised his assurance if we obey His call. I learned these from the life of Moses.

Excuses for not preaching the Gospel #1 – Who am I? (Exodus 3:11)

I. Like Moses we all struggle with our identity at some point. We don’t feel qualified for the task. We think God has made a mistake by calling us to be a witness.

II. Moses was comparing his present status with those of past. 40 years ago he was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, now he is just a Shepherd.

III. God says your identity doesn’t matter. But he calls you. He is with you. You will be accompanied by signs and wanders just like it happened with Moses (Exodus 4:1-9; Mark 16:15-18).

IV. Then take a step in faith.

V. Witnessing is a process and it must be completed. Moses had to deliver the Israelites and guide them to worship God (Exodus 3:12). Likewise we are responsible for turning followers into disciples.

VI. God said he will be with Moses. Jesus promised the same (Matthew 28:20b)

Excuses for not preaching the Gospel #2 – Who are you? (Exodus 3:13)

I. Like Moses we all struggle with intimacy at some point. He did not know God well enough to describe Him to the people. His relationship with God was weak.

II. God says I am who I am. Meaning I will be with you…

III. I must know God personally before I can tell some one else. Therefore get to know Him in an intimate way.

IV. Isaiah had a personal encounter with God and he volunteered to go on behalf of God, (Isaiah 6:5-8)

Excuses for not preaching the Gospel #3 – What if they don’t listen? (Exodus 4:1)

I. Like Moses we all struggle with intimidation at some point. We are worried about people’s reaction towards us.

II. God warned Moses in advance that ‘Pharaohs’ heart will be hardened so that Moses won’t be discouraged. People’s response to the Gospel would not be pleasant all the time. But it doesn’t mean God hasn’t called you.

III. God says when I am done they’ll listen. Trust me.

IV. We do the possible and God will do the impossible. (Ezekiel 33:8)

Excuses for not preaching the Gospel #4 – I have never been a good speaker. (Exodus 4:10)

I. Like Moses we all struggle with inadequacy at some point. Who would listen to him if he could not speak well?

II. God says I made your mouth. I am the source of your gifts.

III. Anointing comes upon what you already have. So use it. (Acts 7:22)

Excuses for not preaching the Gospel #5 – I know you can find some one else. (Exodus 4:13)

I. Like Moses we all struggle with inferiority at some point. He compared himself with other more competent people, and he felt inferior.

II. God said ok I will let Aaron go with you… but I am still calling you.

Conclusion

I. When Moses killed the Egyptian 40 years ago before he had an encounter with God, he wanted to be the self-styled deliverer of Israelites (Exodus 2:11-12).

II. Now the excitement was gone and he wasn’t bothered. Same is true about modern Christians. While the years pass by our passion for witnessing fades. We become preoccupied with worries of life and grow excuses for not witnessing.

III. Every born again Christian must share the good news about Jesus’ salvation.

IV. Today God is talking to you from the burning bush. Yesterday He sent Moses to the slaves of Egypt. Today God wants to send you to the slaves of Satan, sin and spiritual bondage.