How should believers respond to God's warnings, as seen in Exodus 11:4? Setting the scene Exodus 11:4: “So Moses declared, ‘This is what the LORD says: “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt.”’” God announces the climactic plague—death of the firstborn. An unmistakable warning rings out to Pharaoh, Egypt, and by extension, everyone who hears the Word. Why God’s warnings matter • They reveal His holiness and justice (Exodus 11:1; Romans 1:18). • They give space for repentance before judgment falls (2 Peter 3:9). • They showcase His faithfulness to protect those who trust Him (Exodus 12:13). Respond with reverent fear • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Hebrews 12:28-29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Reverent fear keeps hearts soft, ready to heed every divine word instead of hardening like Pharaoh’s. Respond with immediate obedience • Exodus 12:28—“Then the Israelites went and did so; they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Prompt obedience spared Israel’s homes; delayed obedience would have proved fatal. Respond with faith-filled preparation • Hebrews 11:28—“By faith Moses kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch their firstborn.” • 1 Peter 1:13—“Prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you.” Faith turns warning into action—painting doorposts, girding loins, baking unleavened bread. Respond with separation from the world’s defiance • 2 Corinthians 6:17—“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” Israel stayed inside homes marked by blood while Egypt persisted in rebellion. Today, believers distance themselves from sin-patterns society deems normal. Respond with worship and testimony • Exodus 12:27—“You are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD…’ Then the people bowed down and worshiped.” • Psalm 95:6—“Come, let us bow down in worship.” Acknowledging God’s mercy in sparing us fuels heartfelt praise and public witness. Respond with ongoing vigilance • 1 Corinthians 10:11-12—“These things happened to them as examples… therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” • Hebrews 12:25—“See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks.” Past deliverance does not grant license to ignore future warnings; vigilance remains the posture of faith. Personal application today • Treat every scriptural warning as coming straight from the throne room. • Act quickly—repent, reconcile, remove stumbling blocks. • Mark the “doorposts” of life with Christ’s blood by trusting His finished work (Ephesians 1:7). • Encourage others lovingly; God’s warnings are invitations to life, not mere threats (Jude 22-23). |
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