Messages with Meaning


Sermons delivered at Sanlando Springs by Pastor Jack Parrott

Don't Fake It - Face It!

Exodus 9:13-35
Presented on April 6, 2008, © Dr. Jack Parrott
I. Introduction

  1. Remember Jack Nicholson: "You can't handle the truth!"

    2. Actually, the real problem was that he couldn't handle the truth. Instead of facing the ugly truth head-on, he tried to hide the truth.
  2. Have you ever been plagued with a problem you didn't want to face?

    3. Pharaoh had a BIG problem because he had a problem with God (see Exodus 9.1-3). He continued to refuse to face his problem and, consequently, his problem just got worse (see Exodus 9:17ff). All told, he ended up facing 10 plagues!
II. Three Things Which Hinder us From Facing Our Problems
  1. Our pride

    2. See Psalm 36:2. Pharaoh bought into the devil's lie: "you shall be as gods". When have trouble facing our problems when we make ourselves our own final authority.
  2. Our position

    3. In Egypt the Pharaoh is always right! When we see ourselves as being in a position of authority over another person (i.e., parent-child; boss-employee; bigger-smaller; "smarter-dumber") we refuse to consider a win-win solution; we will always push to solve the problem our way.
  3. Our need for self-preservation

    4. We will do almost anything to survive. Pharaoh pitted his magicians against God in a power play to remain in control.
III. How Not to Solve Your Problems
  1. Deny you have a problem

    2. (See Isaiah 44:20; Obadiah 1:3)
  2. Blame someone else for the problem.

    3. Pharaoh saw Moses and the rebellious Hebrew slaves as the problem. 'I don't have a problem; you are the problem.' A similar approach is taken by the Pharisees in dealing with Jesus. They said Jesus was the problem; he was a blasphemer.
  3. Pretend you are solving the problem when you're really not

    4. Pharaoh tried conning Moses into believing he was facing his problem when in reality he was not. He seemingly speaks the truth about his condition but doesn't really believe it. Just after he says, 'This time I have sinned.' (9:27), he turns right around and 'sinned again,' (9:34).
  4. Explain away your problem

    5. We seek to escape responsibility by explaining why we are as we are. How many times have I heard: 'Pastor, if you only knew my circumstances you would understand.'?
IV. Steps to Overcoming a Problem
  1. We must take a good hard look at ourselves

    2. Sometimes we say, 'that problem's as plain as the nose on your face!' Problem is, we don't walk around looking at the nose on our face. We're looking at the nose on your face! (Ever wonder why they sell gossip magazines at the 'food' store? Surely we don't 'feed' on gossip about other people?!?) Before I look at you I need to take a look in the mirror.
  2. We must admit we need help (say, I'm broken!).
    • Remember when the Apollo spacecraft radioed, "Houston, we have a problem"? Once they admitted they had a problem, the entire space agency focused on solving the problem. The word "admit" means to confess, to admit, or to concede something.
    • Remember the rich young ruler and the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well? They both came to Jesus with a need. Once the need was admitted, it could be dealt with. (Unfortunately, the ruler walked away without accepting the Lord's solution.)
    • Listen, here's a secret: we all have needs! (Even pastors!)
    • Ultimately we all need God in our lives. We need to face and admit our needs.
  3. We must reach out for help and follow the counsel given

    4. Having admitted our need and reaching out for help, we must be faithful in following through in solving the problem. Pharaoh didn't and the plagues returned! Read James 1:23.


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