LESSON TWENTY

REJECTING THE NATURAL
STRENGTH AND ABILITY

Scripture Reading: Exo. 2:11-15; Acts 7:22-30, 34-36; Heb. 11:28; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38; 18:15-18, 25-27; Matt. 26:69-75; 1 Pet. 5:5-6

OUTLINE

1. The natural strength and ability having no divine element.
2. The natural strength and ability acting on their own, not according to God's will.
3. The natural strength and ability seeking their own glory and satisfying their own desire.
4. The natural strength and ability needing to be dealt with by the cross.
5. The natural strength and ability becoming useful in resurrection for our service to the Lord.
6. The case of Moses:
1. Educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and being powerful in words and in works—Acts 7:22.
2. Doing something for God's people according to his own will—Acts 7:23-26.
3. Being put aside by God for forty years—Exo. 2:14-15; Acts 7:27-30.
4. Learning to serve God according to His leading and to trust in Him—Acts 7:34-36; Heb. 11:28.
7. The case of Peter:
1. Being self-confident in his natural strength and ability—Luke 22:33.
2. Being put into a test— John 18:15-18, 25-27.
3. Becoming a complete failure—Matt. 26:69-75.
4. Learning to serve the brothers by faith in the Lord and with humility—Luke 22:32; 1 Pet. 5:5-6.