We might think a great faith will lead to great and mighty deeds, such as miracles or wonders. If we look at what deed is noted in Moses’ faith, we find that it was a self-denial. From this we learn, faith is something practical and real (Eph 1:17). Faith must be real, for it is only through faith Christ exists in your heart (Eph 3:17).
Exodus 2 is the background of Hebrews 11:25. From Moses we learn, Faith is a choice, faith is love and faith is holiness. We will learn about holiness next week.
Faith is an act of choice
Faith has freedom to choose, to say yes or no. Faith is about decisions. We are what we are now because of the choices we make (Phil 1:21-22). Moses chose rather to be with his brothers. We make decisions by faith, because we see who God is (Hebrews 11:1). God is the Creator, the Lord, truly God and we have assurance in His promises (Mark 4:37, Matthew 8:5-10).
When it comes to choice, God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility is often misunderstood. It is a bad doctrine to say God is sovereign and we have no choices. In today’s lesson, because we focus on faith’s choice does not mean we ignore or deny God’s sovereignty. John Frame says “The Bible makes it very clear that we are morally responsible agents. God rewards and punishes our actions according to whether they please or displease Him. There is really no tension or paradox between moral responsibility and divine sovereignty, God’s lordship, includes not only the lordship attribute of control but also the lordship attribute of authority.” It is true that God does not send people to hell. There are many who might blame God but God didn’t send them, it was by their choice of unbelief. They have no desire for Christ.
Jesus decided by faith to enter Jerusalem and die for the sinner. We also must choose based on the will of God. Every choice in our lives is between our will or God’s will. Martyn Lloyd Jones says that faith is not just decent living but being confirmed to the will of God. We must choose to not be influenced by the world (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:16). We cannot expect to be faithful naturally. Our minds must be trained by the Word of God through reading, meditating and memorizing (Collossians 3:1, Philippians 3:20).
Faith is an act of love
Faith is love of God and love of people. We fail to love God because we lack faith. Instead our love is based on emotions, which is neither faith nor love. Moses didn’t have to love the Israelites yet he did. Faith and love are often mentioned together in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 13:2,13, Galatians 5:6, Ephesians 5:2)
Why is love created by faith? The verse says Moses endured. Love is also patient (enduring) (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Who do we love?
Moses had to endure suffering with his people. They were slaves seemingly not worth loving, yet they were the people of God. By faith we love the people of God (Galatians 6:10). We love sacrificially and practically (1 John 3:16-18). We love those who do the will of God (Luke 8:19-21). Even though we might think they are undeserving of our love, by faith we love. In loving others, we benefit ourselves (Ephesians 5:28).
Why do we fail to love our brothers and sisters? It is because we fail to love God first. The test says ‘the people of God’. They weren’t Moses’ people but God’s, and that is why Moses loved them. We must love God above all else (Psalm 63:1-2). If we love something other than God, our love is sick. Only God can fully satisfy. When we love God first, we have faith despite our changing circumstances. A true love of God leads to a love of God’s word (Psalm 43:1-2). Love is not a sentiment but a virtue is God’s character (1 Corinthians 13).
Conclusion
We have learned from the life of Moses, that faith is choice and faith is an act of love. Pray for the growth of love in your life. If there is little love present in your life, the question we must ask is, where is your faith? Remember, faith and love go together.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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