|
||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
||||||||||||
Commentary on "The Sin of Moses and Aaron"
Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, November 21, 2009
Overview
This lesson introduces the theme for the week: The mercy and grace of God in contrast to the faithlessness, sin and ingratitude of His people. He is willing to forgive those who stumble and fall—even those who should have “known better” such as the great Moses himself. As the writer put it, “Thus, if even Moses can fall, what about the rest of us?”
Observations
While the overall theme is good—God’s mercy and grace ARE in stark contrast to the faithlessness, sin and ingratitude of His people—the emphasis is wrong. The phrases “even those who should have known better such as the great Moses himself”, and “Thus, if even Moses can fall, what about the rest of us?” suggest that it’s about our own will power to overcome our weaknesses, and that Moses was somehow above human error. The emphasis should be:
- God uses imperfect people to execute His plans and succeeds despite a grumbling people. Moses was not a failure, even though he sinned. (Heb. 11:23-29)
- Though there may be consequences, He forgives our sins and shortcomings (Col. 2:13).
- If we are born again and have a heart for God, He redeems our mistakes, and uses everything for His glory (2 Cor. 5:17-21).
- We now live under the New Covenant. Christ dwells in each of us—it’s about His power in us, not our own strength to be “good enough” (Col 1:25-29, 2 Cor. 3:4-6).
Summary
- It’s not about our own strength to overcome, but the power of Christ in us. We now live under the New Covenant where God indwells each of us, if we are believers in Him.
- It’s not about comparing our performance with someone we think is “greater” or less capable of sinning (such as Moses). We’re all human and fallible.
- Sin doesn't equal failure. While there may be consequences for our sin, if we repent, God forgives us and uses us for HIS glory. It's all about the condition of the heart (1 John 1:9, 1 Cor. 15:56, 57).
GO TO DAY 2
Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised November 20, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 9
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 9
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 9
Search the Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings
