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Series 3:
Lesson 42: |
MOSES
THE BATTLE WITH AMALEK |
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Passages to Study: Exodus 17:8-16, Dt. 25:17-19, 1st Peter 2:11-12.
Read with the class: Exodus 17:8-16.
Memorization Texts: Younger children - Heb. 7:25. “(Jesus) is
able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him”
Older children - Heb. 7:25.
OBJECTIVES: To teach that:
1. One of our enemies is the flesh, which wars against the soul for the purpose of
hindering the progress of the believer. (1º Peter 2:11)
2. We can seek God’s help in prayer against the enemies of the soul.
3. It is difficult to pray for long periods about a particular matter; we need the help
and support of others.
4. Warn about the dangers of lagging behind instead of keeping up with others who are
making progress in the way.
5. God’s marvelous grace was a constant help to Israel in their difficulties.
Note: The unconverted student should know that he has enemies who do not want to see him
saved. He also should know that once he is converted, those same enemies don’t
want him to progress in his new life. However once saved by the grace of God, divine
power is available to protect him and to help him live a victorious life. Prayer is
one of the “weapons” the believer has for the battle.
SCENE No. 1. VISUAL AIDS: Figures of the crossing of the Red Sea, with the guiding
and protective pillar of cloud, the manna, the bitter water made sweet, and water coming
from the rock. This will serve as a review of the care God has to His people.
DEVELOPMENT:
- The Israelites faced a number of difficulties during their journey toward Canaan.
- In all these experiences, God protected them.
- For protection against the sun’s heat, and guidance as they travelled to Canaan,
God provided a cloud.
- He provided water from the rock.
- He also gave them physical protection on their journey. There was an enemy nearby,
a king called Amalec along with his army.
- Despite their murmuring, God gave His people manna for bread.
Apl. God did not care for them because they deserved it, but because of His grace.
Cmt. With so much emphasis on having a good self-image, the sinner becomes convinced of
his own virtues and believes the advertising that says: “You deserve it”.
Such an attitude blinds the person who thinks God is “obliged” to give
him abundant blessing without recognizing that we owe existence to God’s mercy.
SCENE No. 2. VISUAL AIDS. The Israelites travel through the desert, carrying their
belongings while the Amalekites spy on them, waiting for the moment to attack.
DEVELOPMENT:
- One day the Amalekites attack, falling upon the least protected group of the Israelite
travelers, the stragglers who have fallen behind.
- It is the weaker ones who trail behind, tired and burdened. (Dt. 25:17-19).
- The Israelites need someone to defend them.
Apl. When a person is recently saved, he/she is exposed to three main enemies who once
sought to keep him or her from Christ:
1) The devil; 2) the world: and 3) the flesh.
- Amalek is a figure of the flesh. This application is made for the following reasons:
a. He was the first enemy to attack after the Israelites had been freed from slavery.
b. He attacked from behind, going after the weakest of the number.
c. Had intercession not been made by Moses on the mountain, there would have been no
victory for Israel on the battlefield. (See the next scene to develop this idea.)
d. God decreed the extermination of Amalek. Ex. 17:14, as must be experienced in the life
of the redeemed.
Cns. The flesh can not enter heaven. God did away with it at the cross. Gal. 2:20.
Rom. 7:1-6.
SCENE No. 3. VISUAL AIDS: On the battlefield, the Amalekite army fights the
Israelites while on the mountaintop, Moses prays with hands uplifted supported by
two men.
DEVELOPMENT:
- Moses has the rod with him, not because it has any power in itself, but because it is a
reminder of each of the miracles God has done on behalf of His people.
Apl. The trial provides an opportunity to prove God’s faithfulness, and the rod
reminds him of God’s power in the experiences of the past.
- This will help Moses to continue to trust God in the present and for the future.
(Rom.5:3,4).
- Moses, with the help of Aaron y Hur, remains in the presence of God, while the battle
rages below..
- The Christian’s battle against the flesh has two aspects:
a. The battle itself and, b. The intercession of others, praying to God.
- Intercessory prayer is seen in the support of the two “brothers”, (Aaron y
Hur), who hold up Moses’ hands, while Joshua and others face the enemy. Cmp.
Rom. 15:30; James 5:16; Col. 1:3; 1 Tes. 5:17.
Cns. To be exercised in prayer requires diligence.
Apl. Constant exercise in prayer is tiring, and the help of others is necessary.
Cmt. For unsaved children, stress the effectiveness of prayer in the life of the believer.
Cns. When Christians gather together to pray, they show their fellowship and mutual
support of each other.
SCENE No. 4. Application.
FIGURES: [Note: Figures can be found to illustrate the following areas of battle and can
be used as the teacher sees fit.]
The figures represent different areas of life in which the flesh wars against the Spirit.
- Young people addicted to Drugs, Cigarettes (Marijuana), and Alcohol.
Apl. Drugs, cigarettes, and alcoholic drinks leave a person unaware of the realities of
life.
- A young person receiving a gift.
Apl. There are some who selfishly want to receive gifts and attention without but are not
grateful.
Sug. The teacher should teach the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. Ask the
students if they ever express gratitude to their parents for the care received each day.
Cmt. One of the characteristics of the “last days” is unthankfulness.
Cns. Receiving a blessing should be an incentive to give. God wants us to know how
to give, not only material things but also things such as friendship, a word of comfort, a
helping hand, etc.
- Young people telling unseemly jokes and unsuitable stories.
Apl. Hurtful stories affect those who tell them and also damage the good name of others.
It is the flesh that likes to recount and listen to them.
- Young people listening to worldly music.
Apl. Satanic rock music with its suggestive words and topics about sex appeal to one’s
corrupt flesh.
- Other young people, very concerned about clothing fashions.
Apl. Excessive concern about clothing, calling attention to self, is also a weapon
used by the fleshly nature.
Cmt. It is right to dress decently but exaggeration in any direction must be avoided.
- Children in a Sunday School class, some listening, others distracted.
Apl. Not to be interested in listening to the Sunday School lesson is directly related to
the battle of the flesh against the Holy Spirit.
Apl. Mention about being distracted in class. Speak about the value of Bible
teaching which affects one for life.
- Mockers of the Bible, doubting the truth of the Scriptures.
Apl. The natural man does not appreciate spiritual truth. 1Cor.2:14
- A family holding a picnic.
Apl. God uses family relationships to be a means of communication between people.
The flesh produces conflicting ideas.
Apl. There is value in keeping family relationships intact. Youth today wants
to be independent.
Ctr. The teacher might ask the students what they would do if they were far from family,
lonely and sad, with no family near.
- A young person praying.
Apl. It is a struggle to live as a Christian. 2 Tim. 3:12. However, it is an
exercise which pleases God. |
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