Moses to the Rescue Bible Study

Before doing this study, please read the one-minute introduction Moses to the Rescue. It explains that God didn't use Moses when he was young and self-confident. He waited until Moses was able to trust God instead of trusting himself.

1. What does Jesus say about our ability to do great things?

John 15:4-5: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Remaining in Christ means depending on His wisdom and strength, not our own. It means fulfilling His purposes, not our own. See John 14:21 and Ephesians 2:10 for additional insights. 

2. What does Paul say about his abilities?

1 Corinthians 2:1-5: When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

Paul makes it clear that he is merely a messenger. It's interesting (in light of Moses' excuses in Exodus 4:1-17) that Paul specifically says it isn't "eloquence" or "wise and persuasive words" that matter. 

3. What key insights are found in these two passages?

1 Peter 5:5b-6:  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 

Numbers 12:3: Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.

Imagine this! God's Word says Moses was more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. That's the kind of leader God wants!

copyright, 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2024

What Is Biblical Modesty?

Before doing this Bible study, please read the one-minute introduction Why Modesty is Getting a Bad Rap. It explains that many women see modesty as a sexist concept meant to blame women for male lust. 

Has a woman ever been blamed for her rape or abuse? Yes. But that does not represent the biblical concept of modesty, nor does it represent the Christian attitude toward sexual abuse. 

Let's look at what Scripture teaches in regard to modesty.

1. A vivid illustration.

Proverbs 11:22: Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.    

The Hebrew word for discretion is taam and it literally means "taste." Used figuratively in this passage, it describes a woman who lacks good taste or a woman who lacks good judgement. Modesty is directly related to our world view, our view of ourselves, and our view of Scripture.

2. Modesty is an attitude as well as a behavior. 

1 Timothy 2:9-10: I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.  

The Greek word Kosmios used to describe clothing in verse 9, means "orderly, virtuous, decent, modest, well-ordered."

1 Peter 3:3-4: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Modesty means we don't try to impress people with expensive clothing nor with our body. It's defined differently by different cultures, but it's not difficult to determine what is culturally and biblically modest.

3. Representing Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The way we dress should reflect our faith and our Christian moral values. 

4. Refusing to tempt others.

Matthew 18:7: Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

A man can lust for a woman even when she is dressed modestly. She is not responsible for his lust and she certainly isn't responsible for his decision to follow that lust and do something abusive. Rapists cannot use a woman's immodesty as an excuse. 

However, just as it's sinful to invite an alcoholic friend to a wine-tasting party, it's sinful to dress immodestly around men.  

For additional insights see How the Yoga Pants Debate Revealed Problems in our Christianity and What Does it Mean to Dress Modestly - Got Questions.

The One Thing Esau Did Right - A Short Bible Study

Before doing this study, please read the one-minute introduction: One Thing Esau Did Right. It explains that even though Esau's life was not a good example, he did show grace and forgiveness toward Jacob later in life.

Have you ever had a family member who deceived you and/or mistreated you? 

How can the following Scriptures help you deal with difficult relationships?  

Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

While this passage does not directly address relationships, Paul wrote Philippians while he was in prison, and during that time, some professing Christians were trying to stir up trouble for him (Philippians 1:15-21). In Philippians 4:12-13, he is speaking specifically about being content when his basic needs are not met, but the principle applies in all areas of our lives.

When people mistreat us, we should seek our contentment in the Lord, knowing He is able to use bad situations for our good (Romans 8:28).

Romans 12:17-21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Obviously, we cannot reconcile with anyone who is unwilling, but it's important that we learn to be content and forgiving. Perhaps this is one of the hardest aspects of our faith in Christ—to return good for evil, to do our best when others are doing their worst, to love when others hate. 

I think you'll find this one-minute devotion helpful: Didn't Want to Do It, but Did It Anyway. 

Joseph is our perfect example. I encourage you to read this collection of 1-Minute Devotions about Joseph for more insights. 

Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2023

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