This sermon addresses the "why" behind the Ten Plagues, asking "What's up with that?" regarding God's harsh judgment. The plagues are a revelation (Who is God?), a rescue (fulfilling His promises), and a recompense (judging oppression). They show God rules over humanity, nature, and all other gods. These were supernatural acts, and this message tackles the "why" of their severity.

Scripture References

• Acts 17:25
• Psalm 50:12
• Galatians 6:7-8
• Matthew 7:2
• Proverbs 1:24-33
• Exodus 34:6-7
• 2 Peter 3:9
• Ezekiel 33:11
• Exodus 8:25, 8:28, 10:11, 10:24

Key Points

1. God Is Not Insecure; His Glory Is Our Good God's commitment to His own glory isn't neediness; it's love. He seeks our worship not because it meets His need, but because it meets our need. When God exalts Himself, He draws us to the only thing that can satisfy our souls. We were designed to worship. Non-worship is not an option; you will worship something. God, in His kindness, offers Himself as the only object that leads to life.
2. God Will Not Be Mocked (Reaping What You Sow) The plagues are a terrifying picture of justice. Egypt is reaping what it has sown. Long before God turned the Nile red, the Egyptians turned it red with the blood of Hebrew infants. Long before God struck the firstborn son, Pharaoh had been killing Israel's sons. This principle is meant to drive us to the Gospel, to flee to God for mercy rather than face the just consequences of our own actions.
3. God's Patience Precedes His Judgment God is "slow to anger" (Ex. 34:6). He is not a short-fused, raging deity. These plagues come after centuries of oppression. He warns repeatedly because He is patient, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). His warnings are an act of love.
4. God Will Not Compromise on Freedom Pharaoh tries to negotiate, offering four compromises that are still schemes of the enemy today:
   • Deal 1: "Worship, but stay my slaves." (A faith with chains on).
   • Deal 2: "Worship, but don't go too far." (A private, comfortable faith).
   • Deal 3: "Let the men go, but leave the families." (A faith that doesn't include your household).
   • Deal 4: "Go, but leave your flocks." (A faith that costs you nothing). God refuses every deal. He is committed to total, costly, all-encompassing freedom.

Conclusion

God will not settle for a people who worship with chains on. He has not called us to a compromised faith. He is committed to our total freedom, and He paid the ultimate price for it. We must refuse to "play church" and settle for anything less than the complete freedom Christ has purchased for us.

Calls to Action

1. Refuse to Worship with Chains On: Renounce any bondage you've accepted as normal.
2. Reject Compromised Faith: Don't take the enemy's deals. Go as far as God calls.
3. Take Your Family With You: Commit to leading your entire household in worship.
4. Make Your Worship Costly: Refuse to offer God a faith that costs you nothing.

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