The Conversation So Far:

     ++God has called

     ++God has spoken

     ++God has answered Moses’ objections

     ++Yet Moses is still resisting

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  Moses’ Previous Objections

     ++“Who am I…?” (3:11) - Inadequacy

     ++“What is His name?” (3:13) - Uncertainty

     ++God answered both clearly

     ++Problem now: Not lack of information - Resistance of the will

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  The Real Heart Issue

     ++Moses is negotiating, not seeking understanding

     ++“What if they will not believe me…?” (4:1)

     ++Contradicts God’s promise (3:18 – “They will pay heed”)

     ++Distrust disguised as concern

     ++Projecting his own unbelief onto others

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  The “What If” Monster

     ++Focused on hypotheticals instead of God’s Word

     ++Builds worst-case scenarios before obeying

     ++Trains us toward quiet, consistent disobedience

     ++Living in imagined outcomes rather than God’s promises

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  God’s Gracious Response

     ++Not frustration or rejection

     ++Patient, but not permissive

     ++Moves toward Moses to strengthen weak faith

     ++Gives confirming signs (vv. 2–9)

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  Purpose of the Signs

     ++Authenticate Moses as God’s messenger

     ++Demonstrate God’s supremacy over Egypt and its gods

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  The staff becomes a serpent (vv.2-9)

     ++Ordinary shepherd’s staff → snake

     ++Moses runs in fear

     ++“Take it by the tail” → becomes staff again

     ++Key Truth: God has authority over what you fear

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   The Hand becomes leprous (vv.6-8)

  ++Clean hand -> leprous (severe, visible disease)

  ++Put back in cloak -> fully restored

  ++Key Truth: God reveals our true condition (sin)

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  The Nile's water becomes blood (v.9)

  ++Water from Nile --> blood

  ++Nile = Egypt’s source of life, economy, stability

  ++Key Truth: God has authority over what you trust

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  The Three Signs Together

  ++Staff: Authority over what you fear

  ++Hand: Reveals what you are (sinful condition)

  ++Nile: Authority over what you trust

  ++Unified message: Trust and obey God