The Faith of Moses, Part 4

Jesus clearly described the steps to biblical discipleship- deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him. Although Moses was born before Jesus came into the world, Moses’ faith exemplified this biblical salvation. He practiced self-denial, obeyed the Will of God, and followed Christ in His suffering. True faith is multi-faceted and practical in everyday living. We conclude this series on the faith of Moses as we look into the last two aspects of faith- holiness and wisdom.

True faith is an act of holiness. Believers live holy lives because they are justified by faith. Faith begets holiness. Just as a plant and its root are inseparable, faith is the root of holiness. By faith, Moses gave up the fleeting pleasures of the world and chose to be holy.

What is holiness? Holiness is to be without sin. In other words, holiness is to be like Christ. It is not a list of dos and don’ts, but it is a whole life set apart for Jesus Christ. Holiness results in having a saving relationship with Jesus.

Why is holiness and faith inseparable? Holiness is the walk of faith. Jesus calls us to be different and set apart from the world- this is what holiness is about.

Why did Moses live a holy life? By faith, Moses saw that the world is passing away. (1Jn 2:17) Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived- apart from Jesus-summed it up this way: all is vanity. By faith, Moses knew that the pleasures of the world were in vain. He saw the loveliness of following Christ, and therefore chose the way of suffering and holiness.

How is holiness possible to those who have faith? Believers have the perfect object of faith- Jesus Christ. Jesus gives us everything we need to live holy lives. We have been endowed with God’s holy nature as Jesus abides in our hearts. He is Lord, and so we follow and obey Him. Holiness is natural to those who have saving faith. If you are not holy, you must examine whether you have real faith.

True faith is an act of wisdom. Christians are wise people. They know how to live. By faith, Moses considered- that is, he calculated- the value of suffering with Christ. This takes the wisdom of God. Biblical wisdom is strange and paradoxical to the world. It is to go through the narrow gate, choosing the suffering of Christ over the pleasures of the world. Biblical wisdom says losing all for Christ is to gain. By this understanding, Paul wanted to experience Jesus’ suffering in order to experience His resurrection.

Although Moses lived before Jesus came into the world, Moses knew about the reproach of the Messiah. All who believe in Jesus has the wisdom to follow Him in His suffering. Man naturally tends to try to avoid suffering, but by faith in Jesus, believers have wisdom to know that suffering with Christ is gain.

What happens when you suffer? Why is suffering gain?

Because of these things, we must not resist suffering, but we must pray when we suffer. Prayer helps you understand suffering rightly. By faith, you will see that God allows suffering because He loves you.

Why did Moses prefer Christ’s reproach? Moses was looking forward to the reward. Genuine faith is an act of anticipating God’s reward. Moses saw that at the end of suffering is everlasting joy. This is a mark of true faith. Even though we live in the world, our eyes are set on heaven. Moses looked forward to the glory of Christ in heaven. In all, Christians are wise because they are preparing themselves for heaven. The glory of Christ is our salvation.