24  By faith Moses, when he became of age, 

a. Another’s faith must become our personal convictions, usually through investigation and experience. Greatness isn’t worth holding on to.

   refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

b. We must go through an identity transformation that starts with rejection of who we were/are, not just acts or the status quo.

   25  choosing rather to suffer affliction  

c. We are defined by our choices. We must choose to experience pain for gain. Self denial is the daily choice of discipleship.

   with the people of God

d. Our faith requires commitment to the people of God who are frequently out of favor. Those in fellowship with God join with His people.

   than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

e. We must recognize and reject the passing temporal pleasure of sin (which has diminishing returns) to please God (eternal benefit)

   26  esteeming

f.  We transform by a mental process reckoning (leading) ourselves dead to sin but alive to God, and valuing what God values

   the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;

g. Our values shift from the temporal to eternal [Knowledge - Belief - VALUES - Acts/Feeling] dying in order  to experience life (Seed).

   for he looked to the reward.

h. We reap what we sow. We can’t please God without believing and focusing on the fact that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

   27  By faith he forsook Egypt,

i. Frequently Biblical faith affects our geography. We must not cling to  the past, nor even yearn for it if we’re to gain our future.

   not fearing the wrath of the king;

j. We will fear others unless we fear God. If we most care about what God thinks about us, the only thing we’ll fear is sin.

   for he endured

k. Endurance (being strong/steadfast  against the tide) is the job of those who hope in faith (based upon God’s promises/commands). 

   as seeing Him who is invisible.

l. We must cultivate a relationship with God so that the invisible is sensible. God reveals Himself to  those loyal to Him (John 14:21)

   28  By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,

m. A good relationship is impossible without obedience that involves sacrifice

   lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

n. Obedience is our place of protection and blessing

   29  By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land,

o. Belief in God’s promises and commands followed by appropriate action results in deliverance and blessings.

   whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

p. Our obedience glorifies God as He is then able to demonstrate both aspects of His justice.

Questions for Discussion/Reflection/Response:

1. Would you have made the same choice Moses did? Why did he choose so?  What would have made it difficult? Easier?

2. How would you describe yourself without referring to your job or occupation? How does our identity change and why?

3. If we “know” that sin is just a passing pleasure that costs more than it delivers, why are we tempted by it?

4. Why does someone not look ahead to their reward?  What does that tell you about them? What could help them?

5. Why is endurance a virtue? Why is it necessary? What can we do to help each other develop or deepen it?

6. Why are we tempted to fear others rather than God? What’s the consequence of seeking honor or acceptance from others?

7. What helps us “see” the  invisible God? Are sensors at a disadvantage?

8. How will you have the opportunities to make the choices Moses made during the next month? What will be of faith?