1.5. DELIVERANCE BY THE POWER OF GOD

So the believer is cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit is delivered from the world, the flesh and the devil (Titus 2:14. Ephesians 1:19 ). We are to know the exceeding greatness of His power in deliverance.

(Exodus 13:2, 12, 13 ). Sanctify means to consecrate to the Lord, to set apart from others for the Lord's possession, use and service. Israel's firstborn were delivered in a special way in Egypt. They were now to be sanctified unto the Lord. An exact picture of what God has done for the true church. The most common description of believers in the New Testament is that of saints. (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2 . etc.) The meaning is, one set apart for God's service - devoted to God's use - delivered by blood and power to be the Lord's. The church as a whole is for the Lord's service, and the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12 ). The church is called "the church of the firstborn" in Hebrews 12:23.

Israel, as part of their separation were to celebrate the seven day feast of unleavened bread in connection with the Passover (Exodus 13:1-10 ). We are to ever keep before us as saints, that the redemption which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24 ) is the beginning of our spiritual life, and availing ourselves of His power, put all the leaven from our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:22 ). The formal requirement of the setting apart of the firstborn is given in Exodus 13:11-16, both human and animal. It was to be a sign of their separation and service. The giving of their possessions was a token of the giving of themselves (2 Corinthians 8:5 ).

Israel was being led out of Pharaoh's power by the power of God. God, not Moses, was leading the people (Exodus 13:17-19 ). In the same way the sons of God are led by the Spirit in this day of grace (Romans 8:14 ). God did not take Israel the way "that was near". That way would be straight into armed conflict they were not ready for. Moreover, God was to break finally, Pharaoh's power. It is easy to follow the Lord led the near way, or the way expected, but faith is tested when He leads the roundabout way or through a wilderness experience. (Note Matthew 3:16 is followed by the leading of Matthew 4:1 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How was Israel delivered?
   • What does the hand of the Lord mean to you?
   • Their deliverance pictures your deliverance. What has the blood of Christ done for you?
   • What does the power of the Holy Spirit effect in your life (Galatians 5:16 )?

2. Why did God have a special claim on the firstborn of delivered Israel?
   • Do you know what it means to consecrate?
   • Do you believe that you belong to "the church of the firstborn" (Hebrews 12:23 )?
   • Are you then devoted to God's use?

3. Who was guiding Israel as to which way to go?
   • Are you led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14 )?
   • What does being led by the Holy Spirit demonstrate as to your relationship?
   • What recent experience of being led can you share?

4. Do you know that God will not always take you by the near or direct route?
   • Do you think God will take you into battles for which you are not ready?
   • Do you agree that God has good reason for your wilderness experience and plans your Red Sea?

5. How was the faith of Joseph vindicated (Hebrews 11:22 )?
   • What do you learn about Moses in performing Joseph's prophetic word?
   • Are you faithful to a trust given to you?
   • Do you assess Joseph's faith as more amazing in that it was utterly and helplessly dependent on the loyalty of others?
   • Should you be more trusting of fellow members of the family of God?

6. What are the wonderful truths revealed about the Lord in this chapter's closing verses?
   • Do you believe, as a follower, that the Lord is ahead of your every step?
   • Have you experienced how the Lord goes before you to prepare your way?
   • Would you exchange what Israel had - the cloud of His presence among them, for the abiding of the Holy Spirit in you?
   • How does the fire of the Holy Spirit affect your life and action?
   • Do you find the light of the Holy Spirit in you exposes the need for change, and the Lord Jesus as changer?
   • Are you enjoying the Holy Spirit's illumination of the written Word?

7. Are you finding that the Lord by His Spirit becomes to you all you need Him to be, both in your daytime and night?