The Ferocious and Futile Plan of Our Enemy [Exodus 1:8-22]

The Israelites intimidated the Egyptian Pharaoh, so he used all forces at his disposal to reduce their presence. No matter how much God’s enemies oppose His people, they will never fully succeed.

KEY IDEA

While God has a plan for you, the Enemy does, too.  His desire is to destroy you and to wipe out the influence of your life and witness for God. We must “resist him and stand firm in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

THE ENEMY PLANS

A new Pharoah (king) came to power in Egypt, one who didn’t know or understand the life and influence of Joseph. As a result, he was insecure and anxious, grasping to hold on to his power. (vv. 8-9)

He devised a plan to neutralize them before they could help others bring him to certain defeat. (vv. 10)

Plan A was this: make them our slaves, force them to do difficult work, and oppress them. (vv. 12-13)

With Plan A not working, Pharoah decided to increase their hardship: work them ruthlessly, make their lives bitter, and break their spirit. (vv. 14)

Since this plan was not working, Pharoah devised Plan B to end their influence by killing off the male babies, and ending their future multiplication. (vv. 15-16)

The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, however, feared God more than Pharoah; God blessed them, as a result. (vv. 17-21)

A final desperate attempt ensues: genocide was now put in play. The Egyptians were commanded by Pharoah to throw all Hebrew boys into the Nile River, their river-god. (v. 22)

THE ENEMY’S PLAN

Our great enemy is determined to destroy you.

If that doesn’t work, he seeks to neutralize you.

Oppression is one of his great tactics.

He encourages others—often God’s own people—to be in league with him. He often utilizes fear to get us to do his work for him.

TAKEAWAYS

“Resist the enemy and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

God will provide you with all you need; He will bless you and use your witness for His glory.

While the Enemy will not give up, he knows he is a desperate opponent, destined to fail.

“Greater is He in you than he who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4)