What does Moses' wisdom and eloquence teach us about using our talents for God? Beginning with the Text Acts 7:22: “So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” Prepared in Pharaoh’s Court, Purposed in God’s Plan • Moses’ education in “all the wisdom of the Egyptians” included literature, science, leadership, military strategy, and public speaking. • God sovereignly arranged his adoption by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:5-10), placing him where those talents would be formed. • Nothing about Moses’ upbringing was accidental; every lesson in the palace became a tool for later kingdom work. Wisdom and Eloquence—Gifts to Be Offered, Not Buried • Stephen calls Moses “powerful in speech,” showing his ability was real, not imagined. • Though Moses later says, “I am slow of speech” (Exodus 4:10), God’s response—“Who made man’s mouth?” (Exodus 4:11)—reminds us talents remain talents even when we feel inadequate. • 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” • The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) warns against hiding what God has entrusted. Three Take-Home Principles 1. God equips before He assigns. – Moses’ forty years in Egypt preceded forty years in Midian and forty years leading Israel (Acts 7:23, 30, 36). 2. Natural abilities are still God-given. – Even skills learned in secular settings are providentially designed. 3. Readiness includes humility. – Moses’ reluctance shows the balance between confidence in God and dependence on Him (Exodus 4:12-15). Guardrails for Using Our Gifts • Remember the Source—1 Corinthians 4:7. • Aim for God’s glory, not personal applause—1 Corinthians 10:31. • Serve the body—Ephesians 4:11-12 stresses gifts are for building up believers. Practicing Faithful Stewardship Today • Identify your “Egyptian education”: experiences, training, and skills God has allowed. • Surrender them for His purposes—Romans 12:1. • Develop them diligently: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). • Step out when God opens doors, trusting He will speak through you just as He did through Moses. Encouragement for the Journey If God could shape a Hebrew infant into a deliverer through unexpected classrooms, He can likewise funnel your education, workplace expertise, and natural aptitudes into meaningful ministry. Offer every talent—whether speaking, organizing, creating, or leading—and watch Him multiply it for His glory and others’ good. |
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