Godly values system (Sunday Sermon by Pastor Pioneer Kim)

Hebrew 11:23-28

"Hi, everyone. How are you? Deborah and I had a chance to visit Sarah and Calvin as students last Thursday (pictures). It was so sweet to have fellowship with them. Deborah and I seemed to revert to our teenage years during our time together, so we decided to have a retreat at Grand Rapids Millennium Park, which is about a 20-minute drive from Calvin College, this coming Saturday (Oct 7th) from 11 am to 3 pm. We can stay longer there. I would like to invite all of you to join us. I would also like to invite Han You, John Moon, and Steve Moon.

Today, we are going to study the true godly value system through the example of Moses' parents and Moses himself. The godly value system is crucial to live by faith. You know life is comprised of decisions. When you wake up in the morning, your first decision is to get out of bed, and the next decision may be what to wear or what to eat. You go through life constantly making decisions; in fact, life is nothing but a series of decisions. When we face crucial decisions, what is the most important factor? I believe it comes from our inner value system.

A value system is not formed by momentary impulses or emotions but by our lifelong experiences, education, influences, and more. In our modern times, the value system of children and young people tends to be shallow and unstable. People often focus on tangible and visible things like material possessions, careers, and fame. They also pass on their value system to their children without realizing that there is a much higher and deeper level—the world of God. Many people are unaware of the invisible God, who is the creator, sovereign ruler, and eternal being.

Today, we will study a beautiful story about a godly value system through the passage in Hebrews 11:23-28. Let's contemplate two main questions:

1. Where does the godly value system come from?

2. How much impact does the godly value system have on our practical and eternal lives?"

Part One - The Faith of Moses' Parents (Verse 23, Exodus 2:3)

Hebrews chapter 11 tells the stories of many heroes and heroines of faith, teaching us that each of their remarkable decisions was made "by faith." Faith in God is the fundamental factor behind their decisions and actions. Today's short story describes the faith of Moses' parents and Moses' own faith.

Let's focus on verse 23:

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict."

To fully understand verse 23, we need to consider the context of Moses' birth as described in Exodus 1-2.

The new Egyptian king, who had no knowledge of Joseph, observed that the Israelites were multiplying rapidly and became fearful. Consequently, he began oppressing them severely. He ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill male infants during childbirth on the delivery stool, but to let the girls live (Exodus 1:15-16). However, these midwives feared God more than Pharaoh and chose to spare the male babies, causing the Israelite population to grow even stronger. Pharaoh's command became even more dire in Exodus 1:22, where it was stated, "Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live."

When Moses was born, his destiny seemed to be immediate drowning in the Nile as king Pharaoh's decree. However, what did Moses' parents do when he was born? Let's revisit verse 23:

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict."

Moses' parents, driven by their faith, hid him for three months. They recognized the beauty of their child and, more importantly, were unafraid of Pharaoh's cruel command. Their faith in God gave them the strength to defy the king's order and protect their precious son.

Exodus 6:19-20 reveals the names of Moses' parents:

"These were the clans of Levi according to their records. Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years."

Moses' father is Amram, and his mother is Jochebed. They belonged to the clans of Levi. Recognizing that their child was no ordinary child, they hid him for three months. They displayed no fear of the king's edict because their trust in God outweighed their fear of the king. After three months, they could no longer conceal him, so they crafted a basket coated with tar and pitch, placed the baby inside, and set it adrift in the Nile River. Moses' sister watched from a distance to see what would become of him (Exodus 2:4).

When Pharaoh's daughter discovered the baby, she took pity on him. At that moment, Moses' sister approached Pharaoh's daughter and asked if she should find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. This arrangement allowed the baby to be cared for by his own mother until he grew older and could be educated by his own parents. We may not know precisely how long Moses was nursed by his mother, but Exodus 2:10 briefly recounts his childhood:

"When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, 'Because,' she said, 'I drew him out of the water.'"

It is certain that Moses' parents educated him about the God of the Jews, their history, and his identity until he was returned to Pharaoh's daughter. Even though Moses returned to the palace of Egypt as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, his mentality and identity remained that of a Jew, chosen by God. We can identify two crucial factors that influenced Moses to reject being known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter and instead choose to endure mistreatment with the people of God over enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25).

Firstly, it was the faith of Moses' parents. They diligently educated Moses about the five books of Moses and the entire history of the Jews until he became a man of faith in Yahweh God, even during the hopeless and severe oppression of the Jews.

What is faith? As one great pastor stated, "faith is to think with God's perspective." Hebrews 11:1 provides a simple definition of faith: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hope and belief in things not currently tangible or visible but assured in the future are at the heart of faith. Hebrews 11:1 essentially describes God's realm and the words of God. God is often invisible and intangible, yet we can be sure of His existence and active involvement in our practical history and lives, working according to His purpose and will.

In this verse, Moses' parents displayed a kind of faith that can be described as a deep trust in God's plan and protection for their child. They recognized that their baby was "beautiful," which in this context can be understood as divinely favored or chosen by God. This suggests that they believed God had a special purpose for their child, even though they might not have fully comprehended the details of that purpose.

Their faith likely stemmed from their knowledge of God's promises, including the one made to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14, which foretold the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery after a period of severe oppression. “13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions.”

While we can't be certain of the extent of their understanding, it's clear that they saw their child as something more than ordinary in God's eyes.

Moses' parents chose to defy Pharaoh's order and protect their baby, even though doing so placed their lives at risk. Their fear of the invisible God outweighed their fear of the visible king, Pharaoh. This act of faith was a pivotal moment in Moses' life and set the stage for his future role as a leader and deliverer of the Israelites.

We can learn how crucial godly education is from parents who have faith in almighty God. Faith in God doesn’t come out without godly education.

As Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Parents play a significant role in introducing their children to God's Word and modeling a life of faith.

If parents don’t have faith in God, how could they educate their children about God as well as how could they plant faith in God to their kids?

It is so crucial in our godless time. It has disappeared godly education from even Christian home or Christian schools. Education of same sex was legalized in most pubic schools in U.S.A under exaltation of all equality. The evolution theory has been educated in school as the truth. We live in ungodly world. if we say godly way, others will even see us with weird eyes. How can kids overcome this ungodly world? How can they keep their weak faith in this mighty ungodly world?

That is why the faith of parents is so crucial. If parents have faith in almighty God, they can teach their kids with godly way and plant faith in God like Moses’ parents.

Our society will be worse and worse and rapidly goes toward ungodly way. Without the faith of parents, coming world is hopeless. This is why godly marriage is so important too. How can parents who don’t believe in Christ teach the bible and God?

I pray that God may raise many godly families in this ungodly world!

Part Two - Moses' Faith and Value System

Our lives are shaped by moment-to-moment decisions, which ultimately stem from our fundamental value system. Many of us make choices based on convenience and immediate benefits. Verses 24-26 reveal Moses' faith and value system, which led him to reject the highest worldly prestige in favor of enduring mistreatment with the people of God. This decision is seen as the fruit of his parents' faith and their godly upbringing. Is it worthwhile? Let's explore it further by reading verses 24-26:

"24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."

Moses had the opportunity for the highest level of education, learning from the finest teachers at the palace of King Pharaoh. He was eloquent in speech and action. According to the historian Josephus, he was the crown prince, the heir to the throne of mighty Egypt. He could have become the ruler of Egypt.

Consider the prestige that came with being the king of Egypt! He could have had the most beautiful women from all nations, enjoyed all privileges and pleasures, and basked in great honor and glory as the king of Egypt. He would have been recognized as the grandson of Pharaoh, the greatest ruler on the planet at that time. He could have savored the most refined culture, society, advanced education, and civilization. He understood the privileges of being a prince in Egypt. He knew the status, comforts, servants, power, wealth, and privileges he would have.

Everyone would desperately strive to attain those privileges and pleasures associated with royal status. However, what did Moses do? Let's revisit verse 24:

"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter."

Moses made the remarkable decision to reject the identity of being Pharaoh's grandson and instead chose to align himself with the people of God. This choice defied conventional wisdom and materialistic allure. His faith led him to prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures and to embrace the reproach associated with Christ over the treasures of Egypt.

He rejected the prestige, honor, and everything that came with being a prince in Egypt. He cast it all aside and took his place with the slaves. Moses turned away from the prestige that Egypt and the world had to offer. Why did he make this choice? Verses 25 and 26 teach us why he gave it all up. Let's read verses 25-26:

'25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.'

Moses made this choice because he knew that God had a better kingdom, a better reward, and a higher calling for him. He exchanged what he could see for what he couldn't see. This was an act of faith. He believed that God would reward His people with things far greater than what Egypt could offer.

Pastor John MacArthur describes it this way: 'So, Moses trusts God to reward and fulfill His purpose in his life. He literally rejects what he has in hand, the prestige and power of Egypt, and he takes on the reproach of his people. He chose to endure ill treatment with the people of God. This is the choice that faith makes. To put it in our common context today, faith rejects the world; it rejects all that the world has to offer—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life—for God's purpose.'

1 John 2:15-17 also describes this choice: 'Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.'

Moses was focused on the reward beyond all the prestige of this world. Our Christian life is a decision to follow God, who is invisible and intangible, over the visible and tangible world. This is an act of faith. There are many examples in Scripture:

Abel chose God's way, the more excellent way of sacrifice, while his brother did not. Abel was blessed, and his brother was cursed. Enoch chose to walk with God while the rest of the world did not, and it led to their destruction, except for eight souls in Noah's family. Noah chose God's way, and the rest of humanity perished in his generation.

Abraham chose God’s way to live a life of faith so he left from old country, from old life style, from only value system. So he could be used as the line of source of blessing who is Christ. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph chose God’s way to believe in God for what they couldn’t see, and they died in hope.

Joshua instructed his own people in Joshua 24:15, saying, 'And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.'

Prophet Elijah confronted his people in 1 Kings 18:21, asking, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.' The people did not answer him a word.

There are many other examples in Scripture of heroes of faith. God is pleased with those who have faith in Him, and He stands by their side. Hebrews 11:6 teaches us, 'Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.'

Now, consider your own value system and choices. We face decisions every day. Most of us often choose what benefits us or what is comfortable rather than seeking God's way. There are always two paths: the way of Baal, which promises visible and tangible pleasures and prestige but leads to sin and eternal destruction. The other way is to please God, which may appear invisible and uncomfortable, even foolish from a human perspective, but it leads to eternal blessings. Which way will you choose?"

Joshua instructs upon his own people in Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Prophet Elijah tells upon wondering his people in 1 Kings 18:21, “21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.

There are many others examples in the Scripture that you could look at as heroes of faith. God please those who have faith in Him and he wants to stand in their side. Hebrew 11:6 teaches us.

“Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

How about you? how is your value system? How is your choice? We encounter every choice in front of you. Most of us choose according to my own benefit or comfortable way rather than thinking God’s way. There are always two ways; the way of Baal which looks visible and tangible pleasure and prestige but lead us into sin and eternal destruction. The other way is pleasing God which looks invisible and uncomfortable, foolish way at human point of view but lead us into eternal blessing. which way would you choose?

Have you heard of the Cambridge Seven and the life of Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd? He was born in December 1860 in England as the third son of Edward Studd, an indigo planter who had made his fortune in India. When he was in college, he played cricket and gained fame as a cricketer representing England's Cambridge University as a Gentlemen of India, Middlesex at Cricket. He became very famous as one of the sporting heroes.

However, after his brother George became seriously ill, he was confronted by the question, "What is all the fame and flattery worth when a man comes to face eternity?" As a result of this experience, he realized that cricket would not last, honor would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but it was worthwhile to live for the world to come. He was converted from someone who had pursued worldly fame into God’s servant. He shared the moment of his conversion:

"I got down on my knees and said 'thank you' to God. And right then and there, joy and peace came into my soul. I knew then what it was to be 'born again,' and the Bible, which had been so dry to me before, became everything."

He was part of the Cambridge Seven, and he devoted his life to missions in China, India, and Africa. Later, he was responsible for setting up the Heart of Africa Mission, which became the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (now WEC International). His motto was famous: "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."

In conclusion, your message effectively conveys the importance of faith, values, and choices in the lives of believers, inspiring readers to examine their own paths and priorities before God. It serves as a powerful call to live a life that pleases Him and seeks His kingdom above all else.