Introduction: Exodus continues the story of God’s plan of salvation (Genesis 3:15). Deliverance is the theme, as God raises up Moses to deliver His people out of Egyptian bondage. The first 4 chapters of Exodus give us the background behind their deliverer, Moses.

1. A DELIVERER IS NEEDED (Exodus 1):
A. The Blessing (1-7)
B. The Burden (8-22):
1) Pharaoh makes life hard for them (8-14)
2) Pharaoh murders the children (15-22)

2. A DELIVERER IS NURTURED (Exodus 2):
A. The Plan to Save Him (1-11):
1) The parents hide him (1-3)
2) The princess helps him (4-10)
B. The Preparation by God (11-25):
1) The Schooling (Acts 7:22)
2) The Stumbling (11-15)
3) The Solitude & Service (16-25)

3. A DELIVERER IS NAMED (Exodus 3-4):
A. He Is Called (3:1 – 4:17):
1) The Calling (3:1-10)
2) The Coward (3:11 – 4:17):
a) “I’m a nobody” (3:11-12)
b) “I have no authority” (3:13-22)
c) “They won’t believe me” (4:1-9)
d) “I’m not a good speaker” (4:10-12)
e) “Someone else can do it better” (4:13-17)
B. He Is Commissioned (4:18-31):
1) Return to Egypt (18-23)
2) Reinstitution of Circumcision (24-26)
3) Reception of the People (27-31)

CONCLUSION: Their deliverance mirrors ours through Christ.

Introduction: The book of Genesis ends with three deaths, two of them literal, and one figurative. Death reminds us that we have an appointment with God that we must keep.

1. THE COFFIN OF A CHERISHED FATHER (50:1-14):

A. Mourning (1-3):
1) Emotions (1)
2) Embalming (2-3)

B. Memory (4-9):
1) The Plans for Burial (4-6)
2) The People Gathered (7-9)

C. Marvel (10-14):
1) Respect of the Egyptians (10-11)
2) Respect of Jacob’s Sons (12-14)

2. THE COFFIN OF A PAINFUL PAST (50:15-21):

A. The Alarm – “We’re in trouble now!” (15)
B. The Appeal – “Please forgive us!” (16-17)
C. The Assurance (18-21):
1) “God meant it for good” (18-20)
2) “I will be good to you” (21)

3. THE COFFIN OF A SPECIAL BROTHER (50:22-26):

A. Joseph’s Family (22-23):
1) A Great Life (22)
2) A Great Father (23)

B. Joseph’s Faith (24-25):
1) He Remembered the Promise (24)
2) He Reminded Them of the Promise (25)

C. Joseph’s Future (26)

CONCLUSION: You’re only ready to live if you’re ready to die.

Introduction: While our modern day “will” focuses on the disbursement of assets to family members, the death of a man in Old Testament times culminated in the giving of “the blessing.” In Jacob’s case, it showed that his was a family with a future.

1. THE SONS OF LEAH (49:3-15):
A. Reuben – Dignity Defiled (3-4)

B. Simeon & Levi (5-7):
1) Instruments of Cruelty (5)
2) Intolerable Anger (6-7)

C. Judah (8-12):
1) Praise & Prowess (8-9)
2) Power & Purity (10-12)

D. Zebulun (13):
1) Prosperity at Sea (13)
2) Professional at War (1 Chron. 12:33)

E. Issachar (14-15):
1) Animal Exploits (14)
2) Agricultural Expertise (15)

2. THE SONS OF BILHAH (49:16-18,21):
A. Dan – A Crafty Judge (16-18)
B. Naphtali – A Carefree Deer (21)

3. THE SONS OF ZILPAH (49:19-20):
A. Gad – A Triumphant Troop (19)
B. Asher – A Terrific Treat (20)

4. THE SONS OF RACHEL (49:22-27):
A. Joseph – A Fruitful Vine (22-26)
B. Benjamin – A Ferocious Wolf (27)

CONCLUSION: With his words, Jacob left his sons a legacy.

Introduction: While our modern day “will” focuses on the disbursement of assets to family members, the death of a man in Old Testament times culminated in the giving of “the blessing.” In Jacob’s case, it showed that his was a family with a future.

1. THE SONS OF LEAH (49:3-15):
A. Reuben – Dignity Defiled (3-4)

B. Simeon & Levi (5-7):
1) Instruments of Cruelty (5)
2) Intolerable Anger (6-7)

C. Judah (8-12):
1) Praise & Prowess (8-9)
2) Power & Purity (10-12)

D. Zebulun (13):
1) Prosperity at Sea (13)
2) Professional at War (1 Chron. 12:33)

E. Issachar (14-15):
1) Animal Exploits (14)
2) Agricultural Expertise (15)

2. THE SONS OF BILHAH (49:16-18,21):
A. Dan – A Crafty Judge (16-18)
B. Naphtali – A Carefree Deer (21)

3. THE SONS OF ZILPAH (49:19-20):
A. Gad – A Triumphant Troop (19)
B. Asher – A Terrific Treat (20)

4. THE SONS OF RACHEL (49:22-27):
A. Joseph – A Fruitful Vine (22-26)
B. Benjamin – A Ferocious Wolf (27)

CONCLUSION: With his words, Jacob left his sons a legacy.