24
Sep '25
Stinking Frogs
24
Sep '25
Introduction: Dead frogs stink! Getting out of the Will of God also stinks!! Have you ever been out of God’s Will? All of us have, if you have been a Christian at any length of time. But the question is asked, how can we step out of God’s Will?
The biblical text before us uncovers rather quickly how it can happen, even though the character in this account was not a follower of the God of the Bible.
The biblical text before us uncovers rather quickly how it can happen, even though the character in this account was not a follower of the God of the Bible.
Check it out to see if this has happened to you.
1. Being simply sorry for your situation but not really sorry for your sin! (Exo 8:8) – “Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.”
The word “intreat” is עָתַר, which means to make supplication, or to be moved by prayer. Have you noticed that the devil’s crowd will not pray until they get in trouble; and then they want Christians to fix their mess!! You see Pharaoh was not really sorry that he was opposing and rebelling against God but instead he realized that all of Egypt was in a mess and he was responsible. So “FIX” my problem, but do not expect me to change! Honestly, today, remorse is big, but real repentance is lacking.
2. Delayed obedience equals disobedience! (Exo 8:10) – “And he said, To morrow.”
Procrastinator!! How many times have you talked with someone about being saved—forgiven—and they say “not today,” maybe “tomorrow”! NEWSFLASH…..tomorrow may never come. How about Christian procrastinators? “I’ll start witnessing tomorrow.” “I’ll stop my bad habits tomorrow.”
Remember, we are not promised tomorrow. What is it that you need to do today?
3. Things stink! (Exo 8:14) – “And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.”
Pew!! The land stinks!!! Hey, our sin stinks! Getting out of God’s Will stinks! Amen?
4. Hearts are hardened! (Exo 8:15) – “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”
DANGER AHEAD: HEARTS are HARDENED when EARS are DEAFENED and WILLS are STUBBORN! Can you identify?
So now that we’ve looked at how we can fall out of God’s Will, let’s see how to get back into God’s Will.
1. LIBERATED from bondage! (Exo 8:1) – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”
Whereas the devil wants to keep us in BONDAGE, JESUS CHRIST came to set us FREE! Are you held captive by the devil? Let Jesus loose you!
2. Liberated from bondage to be ACTIVATED to service! (Exo 8:1) – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”
Mind you, JESUS sets us free in order that we will SERVE Him! Are you serving?
3. LIBERATED and ACTIVATED but DISSEMINATED! (Exo 8:4) – “And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.”
Righteous judgment will spread quickly. When our Lord’s longsuffering runs out, it is time for retribution like in Pharaoh’s case. Moses did not “hold back”! He boldly declared the truth of God’s Word without compromising. Even though our world does not want to hear it, we must love them enough to tell them. Then it is up to them to make it right. Are you telling the truth?
Conclusion: Have you ever smelled a dead rat? It stinks!! When a Christian gets out of the Will of God there is a FOUL ODOR! However, a refreshing shower from the fountain filled with blood will eliminate the smell immediately! And not only that but a sweet-smelling fragrance of God’s Amazing GRACE is released. If you find yourself not experiencing the PEACE that passes understanding, or enjoying the JOY of the Lord, then follow the biblical steps that will carry you back into the center of God’s Will.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese