Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 4.The Plagues
God’s Power in the Battle Against False Gods
Lesson 4 takes us deep into the dramatic conflict between the living God and the gods of Egypt. The ten plagues were not mere natural disasters, but targeted revelations of divine power over human arrogance and religious deception. Each plague struck the Egyptians where they felt most secure—in their gods, their king, and their economy. God demonstrated that He alone is Lord over life, nature, and history. It wasn’t only about punishment—it was also about revelation and the opportunity for repentance. This lesson challenges us to identify the “gods” in our own lives and to worship God as the one true Lord.
Content:
4.1 God vs. gods
The True King – God’s Power Over All False Gods
The first confrontation between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt was not just a power struggle, but a divine judgment on religious deception. When Aaron’s staff turned into a serpent and devoured the serpents of the Egyptian magicians, the superiority of the living God was made evident. God publicly challenged Pharaoh’s authority and Egypt’s entire religious system. Aaron’s staff symbolized that it is not Pharaoh who rules, but the LORD. This first display of power directly attacked belief in magic and idolatry. Today, God still calls us to place all our modern “gods”—such as power, wealth, and fear—under His authority.
4.2 Who Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart?
A Hardened Heart – Choosing Against God’s Grace
The Bible clearly shows that Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart before God confirmed and strengthened that choice. God’s actions were not arbitrary; they were a response to Pharaoh’s persistent resistance. The plagues were opportunities for repentance—but Pharaoh consciously chose to reject the truth. God’s judgment often means letting people follow their own path without His restraining grace. This reveals both the power of divine grace and the serious weight of human responsibility. Like Pharaoh, we also face daily choices that either soften our hearts to God’s voice or harden them through pride.
4.3 The First Three Plagues
God Exposes the Gods of Egypt – Three Plagues, Three Revelations
The first three plagues revealed the powerlessness of Egypt’s gods—Hapi, Heket, and Geb—over water, fertility, and the earth. None could give life or stop the disasters. Through these plagues, God revealed Himself not only to Pharaoh but also to His own people. They were not just acts of judgment, but signs pointing to divine truth and an invitation to know God. Even the magicians acknowledged God’s power, but Pharaoh remained stubborn. This shows the danger of repeatedly ignoring God’s voice—every refusal makes the heart harder.
4.4 Flies, Livestock, and Boils
Gods Fall – God Remains
With the plagues of gnats, livestock disease, and boils, God again exposed the helplessness of Egypt’s deities. Goddesses like Uatchit, Hathor, and Isis failed to protect their followers. In contrast, the Israelites were spared—clearly showing God’s presence and care. Despite mounting pressure and overwhelming evidence, Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. The issue wasn’t lack of evidence—it was a refusal to humble himself. This episode warns us: a stubborn heart can reject even the clearest truth. That’s why we must keep our hearts open to God’s voice.
4.5 Hail, Locusts, and Darkness
God’s Power Breaks Through All Darkness
The final three plagues struck at the core of Egypt’s religion and pride. Gods like Nut, Osiris, Seth, and Ra could neither protect nor provide light. Though Pharaoh wavered, pride overcame reason. God made it clear that He alone controls the elements, light, and life. The separation between Israel’s light and Egypt’s darkness was a visible sign of God’s justice and mercy. Despite the suffering, Pharaoh refused to submit to God’s will—possibly out of sheer pride. The story powerfully illustrates the truth: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
4.6 Summary
God Reveals Himself as Lord Over All Gods
In Lesson 4, the ten plagues reveal God’s judgment not only over Egypt but especially over its false gods. Each plague exposed the inability of Egypt’s deities and highlighted God’s sovereignty. Repeatedly, God revealed Himself to invite repentance—from Pharaoh and from His people. But Pharaoh’s pride continued to harden his heart until he fully resisted God’s will. The lesson shows us: God’s patience is great, but not limitless. Those who persistently reject His call ultimately choose judgment over grace.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/exodus-lesson-4-the-plagues-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/
