AMALEK, MOSES, & ME Exodus 17:8ff I. Introduction. A. When God designed the church, she was to be a spiritual community. B. The church would be a place where every member could participate(Ephesians 4:16). C. While not all will be performing the same tasks, all can be doing something within this community. D. An Old Testament example(Israel in the wilderness), will serve as an illustration to help us understand. II. Body. A. Israel learned it is better to be a participant than a critic: Exodus 17:1-7. 1. Perhaps felt justified in complaint. 2. Why not express request so it will be known? 3. Or ask what one could do to help? 4. There was obviously an attitude problem. 5. What follows in the account will provide us information on what should have occurred. B. The incident: Exodus 17:8-16. 1. Need to understand Amalek's position. 2. Yet--God had rights over the land, possessions, and the people: promised to Israel. C. From this example, we can draw these lessons: 1. The church cannot be as effective as she should be unless we all participate. a. Consider: Moses and Aaron, by themselves, were ineffective. b. Part of an army is not like a complete army. 2. Everyone needs help: at times, more than at others. a. When Amalek attacked: Deuteronomy 25:17-18. (1 Often occurs at the present. (2 Observe: II Timothy 3:6. b. It is time to realize: (1 Younger needs older(vice verse): I Peter 5:5. (2 Weaker need stronger: I Thessalonians 5:14. (3 Elders need all saints: I Thessalonians 5:12. (4 A necessary lesson: Galatians 5:13. 3. Each can hold up the hands of others when: a. Respecting God's order: Acts 20:28. b. Each does his/her part: Ephesians 4:16. c. Actively participate: Philippians 2:12. d. Providing material and moral support: II Timothy 4:16. e. Supporting financially: II Corinthians 9:7. f. Encourage others: I Thessalonians 4:18. III. Conclusion. A. How does this lesson apply to me? B. What can I do to increase my own effectiveness as a Christian...as a member of this congregation?-jy