Pastor, James L. Groce
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he
endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”  Heb 11:24-28

Hebrews gives us a clear understanding of Moses and his love for God and His people. Moses was reared in the home of Pharaoh and in the lap of luxury. He could have very easily chosen to remain in the position of prestige and power in Egypt, but he saw the cause and made the decision to be identified with the people of God in their plight. Moses put he cause above self. Let us look at the steps in which
Moses did this.

Step #1
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;” Heb 11:24 REFUSED: Moses first said no to self. As saints we must realize that there is a responsibility upon our shoulders to be about the “Father’s business.” It is imperative that we not be selfish or self-centered.

Step #2
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Heb 11:25 CHOOSING: Moses, after making a refusal of self, made a choice to identify with the people of God and become a part of the cause of God. He made this choice over the pleasures
of sin for a season.

Step #3
“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb 11:26 ESTEEMING: Moses placed a value upon his choice. If you do
not put a value upon your choice, you will always revert back to your original situation.

Step #4
“..: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb 11:26 RESPECT: The word “respect” here means to look away from everything else and concentrate on one thing; to intently regard. So it is through this meaning that Moses fastened his eyes upon the task at hand and “press toward the mark.”

Step #5
“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” Heb 11:27 FORSOOK: Moses forsook Egypt. It is never recorded that Moses ever said, “Would to God, that I was back in Pharaoh’s house.” He set his eyes on the land of Canaan and never
looked back. The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14

Step #6
“… for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” Heb 11:27

ENDURED: There will be much that we just have to put up with or just simply endure. Moses kept on moving in the direction that was right. Often times it may seem that doing the right things may not seem so convent. That is where enduring comes in. The church of Galatia was instructed; “And let us not be
weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal 6:9

Step #7
“Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” Heb 11:28

KEPT: Moses maintained obedience to the commandments. We must endeavor to maintain our obedience to the principles and commandments of the Word of God. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

These are the seven steps to placing the cause above the self:

Refusing self, Choosing the cause, Esteeming our choice, Respecting the recompense, Forsaking those things that are behind, Enduring those things that try to pressure us to turn back, and Keeping the principles of righteousness.

ARE YOU PLACING THE CAUSE OF GOD OVER YOURSELF?