Bury Them Egyptians in the Sand
Note: This sermon is reproduced here in ‘Holy Christ’ magazine from R.N. Hammer’s handwritten sermon notes with the express permission of his remaining family. He originally preached this first in 1978 at the ‘Battalion for Jesus’ men’s conference.
Intro:
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to share with you a powerful passage from the book of Exodus, Chapter 2, verses 11–12, in the King James Version:
“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.”
My friends, today we’re going to delve into the depths of this biblical story, using it to guide us in conquering the sinful vices that can entangle our lives. We’ll learn how to not only put a stop to these vices but to bury them deep in the sands of our past, making it impossible for them to rise again.
Egyptian of Drinking:
Now, let’s talk about one of those Egyptian vices that has ensnared many a soul — drinking. Oh, it may seem harmless at first, but it has a way of taking over lives, leading to destruction. To kill this vice, we must first recognize its power. Limit our exposure to it, surround ourselves with those who uplift rather than lead astray. When you feel the temptation, turn your heart and mind to higher things, and prayerfully ask for strength. But remember, my friends, killing the Egyptian isn’t always enough; you also gotta BURY IT IN THE SAND. This means making it impossible for yourself to fall back into that trap. Empty your liquor cabinet, change your routine, cut up your driver’s license, and build a support system that keeps you accountable.
Egyptian of Gambling:
Now, let’s talk about another vice that tempts us — gambling. It’s like an alluring mirage in the desert, promising riches but leading to ruin. To kill this vice, first, recognize the addiction for what it is. Seek professional help if needed, and distance yourself from places that promote it. Instead, invest your time in meaningful activities that build you up, not tear you down. When you win a battle against the urge, celebrate it, but remember, my friends, killing the Egyptian isn’t always enough; you also gotta BURY IT IN THE SAND. This means creating barriers that make it impossible to return to those old habits. Cancel those online accounts, avoid the casinos, and give all your money to the work of the LORD, so you don’t even have any left to spend at the casino!
Egyptian of Dancing:
Now, let’s address a vice that might surprise some, but it’s a temptation that can lead us astray — dancing. Dancing is inherently sinful because it is a gateway to inappropriate behavior and a distraction from what truly matters. To kill this vice, be mindful of the company you keep, and ensure they align with your values. But remember, my friends, killing the Egyptian isn’t always enough; you also gotta BURY IT IN THE SAND. This means guarding your heart and setting boundaries that protect you from compromising situations. Don’t go to the club or rodeo anymore my friend, in fact, why don’t you steal something small like silverware so you are permanently barred entry from these evil establishments?
Egyptian of Pokemon:
Now, let’s talk about a modern temptation — playing Pokemon. It’s easy to get lost in pursuit of shinies, leaving little room for what truly matters in life. To kill this vice, set limits on your screen time, prioritize real-world connections and experiences, and find balance in your hobbies. Remember, my friends, killing the Egyptian isn’t always enough; you also gotta BURY IT IN THE SAND. This means throwing away your Switch, your Gameboys, your DSs, and uninstall ALL those emulators!
Conclusion:
My friends, as we journey through life, we’ll encounter many tempting vices, just like Moses faced off against the Egyptian taskmaster. But we have the power to overcome them. Recognize the vices, take action to stop them, and bury them in the sands of the past, making it impossible for them to rise again. With faith, support, and a commitment to living a righteous life, we can conquer these temptations and walk a path that leads to true fulfillment and joy.
May God bless each and every one of you on this journey, helping you to bury those Egyptians in the sand and rise to a life of purpose and righteousness. Amen.
