Message Notes

26 January 2014

Text: Psalm 105:23-25; Genesis 15:5; Exodus 1

“HE INCREASED HIS PEOPLE GREATLY”

(I) GOD’S PROMISE OF BLESSING OF COUNTLESS DESCENDANTS

1. Promise given to Abraham

a) His descendants would be as numerous as the stars

b) This word was given to Abraham when he was still childless

2. Abraham believed that God would keep His promise

a) Even though he was childless (Genesis 17)

b) Even when he had only one son called Isaac (Genesis 21)

c) Even when he was asked to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22)

d) His faith in God was accounted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)

(II) THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S PROMISE

“He increased His people greatly” Psalm 105:24

1. Number of people who went to Egypt

70 people (Genesis 46:7; Exodus 1:5)

2. Four hundred years later

“But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.” Exodus 1:7

(III) OPPOSITION FACED

1. Pharaoh opposed Israel

a) Began to tyrannize the children of Israel

b) He enslaved them

c) They were cruelly treated

2. Pharaoh’s objectives

a) Control of the nation through slavery

b) Control of the population of Israel through hardship

c) Cruel orders to slay all male babies

3. All his plans and policies failed

(IV) GOD’S PLAN AND POWER WERE AT WORK

1. God’s plan would be fulfilled

2. His power would ensure the fulfilment of His plan

(V) OUR CHALLENGE

1. To believe in God’s power to keep us

2. To hold fast to our faith when we face hardship

3. To believe in His word even more deeply