Faith Over Fear: Embracing God's Promises
Summary
In today's message, we explored the powerful narrative from Numbers 13 and 14, focusing on the contrasting reports brought back by the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land. This story serves as a profound reminder of the impact of perspective and faith in our lives. Ten of the spies returned with a negative report, emphasizing the formidable obstacles and fortified cities, which instilled fear and doubt among the Israelites. However, Joshua and Caleb saw the same land and chose to focus on God's promises rather than the challenges. They believed that with God on their side, the land was theirs for the taking.
This narrative parallels our own lives, where we often face situations that seem insurmountable. Like the Israelites, we can be influenced by negative reports—whether they come from external circumstances or internal doubts. These reports can drain our hope and limit our vision. Yet, the story of Joshua and Caleb teaches us that what we magnify in our spirit, we multiply in our life. By focusing on God's promises and resisting the spirit of limitation, we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way.
The story of the dog restrained by a short leash serves as a metaphor for how we can become accustomed to limitations that no longer exist. Jesus has already cut off the chains that bind us, offering us freedom. Yet, we often live as if we are still bound. The call is to recognize the freedom we have in Christ and to live boldly in that truth.
Joshua and Caleb's different spirit, characterized by wholehearted devotion to God, set them apart. Their faith was not content with merely tasting the grapes of the Promised Land; they wanted the whole vineyard. This is a call for us to not settle for a taste of God's promises but to pursue them fully. The glory of God is what brings true change, and it is His presence that empowers us to overcome the giants in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Perspective Shapes Reality: The ten spies saw giants and fortified cities, while Joshua and Caleb saw God's promise. Our perspective can either limit us or propel us forward. What we choose to focus on will determine our experience of God's promises. [49:38]
- Resist the Spirit of Limitation: The enemy seeks to limit our commitment to God's promises. By resisting the devil, as the Bible instructs, we can overcome these limitations and live in the freedom God has provided. [51:55]
- Live in the Freedom Already Given: Like the dog restrained by a short leash, we often live as if bound by limitations that no longer exist. Jesus has already set us free, and we are called to live in that freedom, not bound by past constraints. [53:32]
- Wholehearted Devotion: Caleb's different spirit was marked by wholehearted devotion to God. This kind of faith does not settle for less but pursues the fullness of God's promises. It is a call to follow God with our whole heart. [01:00:48]
- The Power of God's Glory: True change comes from the presence of God's glory in our lives. Joshua and Caleb relied on God's presence to overcome opposition. We are called to host God's glory, allowing it to transform us and our circumstances. [01:09:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Numbers 13
[00:45] - The Negative Report
[01:30] - The Power of Perspective
[02:15] - The Spirit of Limitation
[03:00] - Resisting the Enemy
[03:45] - The Dog and the Leash Metaphor
[04:30] - Living in Freedom
[05:15] - Joshua and Caleb's Different Spirit
[06:00] - Wholehearted Devotion
[06:45] - The Role of God's Glory
[07:30] - The Call to Be Different
[08:15] - Conclusion and Call to Action
[09:00] - Gratitude for Leadership
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Numbers 13:23-30
- Numbers 14:24
- James 4:7
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Observation Questions:
1. In Numbers 13:23-30, what were the contrasting reports given by the spies, and how did Caleb respond to the negative report? [49:38]
2. How does the story of the dog restrained by a short leash serve as a metaphor for the limitations we impose on ourselves? [53:32]
3. What does Numbers 14:24 say about Caleb's spirit, and how did it set him apart from the other spies? [01:00:48]
4. According to the sermon, what role does the glory of God play in overcoming obstacles and limitations? [01:09:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the perspective of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13:23-30 illustrate the importance of focusing on God's promises rather than obstacles? [49:38]
2. What does the metaphor of the dog and the leash suggest about the freedom we have in Christ, and how might we fail to live in that freedom? [53:32]
3. In what ways does Caleb's wholehearted devotion to God, as described in Numbers 14:24, challenge us to examine our own level of commitment? [01:00:48]
4. How can the presence of God's glory, as mentioned in the sermon, transform our circumstances and empower us to face challenges? [01:09:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you focused more on the obstacles than on God's promises. How might adopting Joshua and Caleb's perspective change your approach? [49:38]
2. Identify a limitation in your life that you have accepted as reality. How can you begin to live in the freedom that Christ has already provided? [53:32]
3. Caleb's different spirit was marked by wholehearted devotion. What steps can you take this week to pursue God's promises with your whole heart? [01:00:48]
4. Consider a time when you felt hindered by the enemy. How can you actively resist the devil, as instructed in James 4:7, and experience the freedom God offers? [51:55]
5. How can you create an environment in your life that hosts the glory of God, allowing it to bring true change and transformation? [01:09:10]
6. Think of a "giant" in your life that seems insurmountable. What practical steps can you take to rely on God's presence and promises to overcome it? [01:05:36]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to focus on God's promises and live in the freedom He provides, just as Joshua and Caleb did for the Israelites? [01:13:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Perspective Shapes Our Experience of God's Promises
In the story of the twelve spies, ten saw only the obstacles, while Joshua and Caleb focused on God's promises. This narrative highlights the power of perspective in shaping our reality. When we focus on challenges, we can become overwhelmed by fear and doubt, much like the Israelites who were swayed by the negative report. However, when we choose to focus on God's promises, we open ourselves to His power and provision. Joshua and Caleb's faith allowed them to see beyond the giants and fortified cities to the land flowing with milk and honey that God had promised. Their perspective was rooted in trust and belief in God's faithfulness, which propelled them forward despite the apparent obstacles. [49:38]
Numbers 14:7-9 (ESV): "The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them."
Reflection: What current challenge in your life are you viewing as an insurmountable obstacle? How can you shift your perspective to focus on God's promises instead?
Day 2: Resist the Spirit of Limitation
The enemy often seeks to limit our commitment to God's promises by instilling doubt and fear. The ten spies' negative report is a classic example of how the spirit of limitation can take hold, causing us to see only the barriers rather than the opportunities. However, the Bible instructs us to resist the devil, and he will flee from us. By standing firm in faith and focusing on God's truth, we can overcome these limitations. Joshua and Caleb exemplified this resistance by choosing to trust in God's power rather than succumbing to the fear that gripped the others. Their unwavering faith serves as a reminder that we are not bound by the limitations the enemy tries to impose. [51:55]
James 4:7 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel limited. How can you actively resist these limitations and embrace the freedom God has provided?
Day 3: Embrace the Freedom Already Given
The metaphor of the dog restrained by a short leash illustrates how we often live as if bound by limitations that no longer exist. Jesus has already set us free, yet we sometimes act as if we are still chained. This calls us to recognize the freedom we have in Christ and to live boldly in that truth. By embracing this freedom, we can break free from past constraints and live in the fullness of God's promises. The story of Joshua and Caleb reminds us that we are not meant to live in fear or doubt but to walk confidently in the freedom that Christ has secured for us. [53:32]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: What past constraint or limitation are you still living under? How can you step into the freedom that Christ has already given you today?
Day 4: Wholehearted Devotion to God
Caleb's different spirit was marked by wholehearted devotion to God. Unlike the other spies, Caleb did not settle for merely tasting the grapes of the Promised Land; he wanted the whole vineyard. This kind of faith does not settle for less but pursues the fullness of God's promises. It is a call to follow God with our whole heart, not holding back or being content with partial blessings. Caleb's example challenges us to examine our own devotion and to strive for a faith that is fully committed to God's purposes and promises. [01:00:48]
Deuteronomy 1:36 (ESV): "Except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land on which he has trodden, because he has wholly followed the Lord!"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you settling for less than God's best? How can you pursue His promises with wholehearted devotion?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of God's Glory
True change comes from the presence of God's glory in our lives. Joshua and Caleb relied on God's presence to overcome opposition and to claim the Promised Land. Hosting God's glory means allowing His presence to transform us and our circumstances. It is His glory that empowers us to face the giants in our lives and to walk in victory. This calls us to seek His presence continually, knowing that it is through His glory that we are changed and equipped to fulfill His purposes. [01:09:10]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God's presence in your daily life? What changes might occur if you allowed His glory to transform your circumstances?
Quotes
1. "You know, a lot of times when we come into services like this, we come to church and we come into places of worship. It doesn't matter what it is. So a lot of times we are coming in and we are affected and carrying a negative report by something on the outside of us. Some of us came in today and we are burdened and the air has been sucked out by a relationship that we found ourselves in. A spouse that may have walked out on us." [00:49:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I wanna say this, that what you magnify in your spirit, you will multiply in your life. So we have to be careful a lot of times that when we see things and we know that God has told us something, we need to be sure not to allow the enemy to limit us in our life. The spirit of limitation tells you not to even try because you have hit the limit. Or you've gone as far as you're gonna go." [00:50:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Here's what he will do. He will try to limit you by limit your commitment to the promises that God has given you and spoken of your life. He'll limit that commitment. The devil will try to trip you up with anything and anybody that will come your way. He's gonna try to hinder you. And the word says that he will, in fact, hinder you. But I've got some good news today. He will hinder you, but he cannot stop you this morning." [00:51:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Crazy to think that the dog is limited by something that is not a reality in his life. How many times in our life do we become so familiar by the constraints in our life that we fail to recognize the reality of the freedom that has already been provided to us? What if I told you this morning that the thing that you think of had you bound for years, Jesus has cut it off 2,000 years ago." [00:53:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The enemy has no control over you. It's time to push again. It's time to fight again. And listen, Joshua and Caleb knew that God never allows a negative report be your final conclusion. It doesn't matter what the enemy says about you. It doesn't matter what you've encountered in your life. It doesn't matter what has happened to you in the past. No matter the limitations or the report of the enemy, God will never allow that negative report to be your conclusion." [00:54:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "God let the people of Israel bring grace back from Canaan to give them a picture of what they could have. A lot of times you come in a service like this and God reveals to you, you experience freedom. You come to the altar and you receive prayer and you get hands laid on you and you worship free and you experience, you get a picture of what it's like to live free. But when we exit these doors, we put back on the limitations that the enemy has placed on us." [00:56:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Joshua and Caleb said, you know what? Their protection has left them. The promised land is ours, and they might be big, but they actually say in chapter 14, they said, they are our bread. In other words, they're going to be delivered to us, and we're going to take them out. Now, Joshua and Caleb understood that they must take the land. See, the enemy is unconcerned with you tasting the grapes if you never take the land." [00:58:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Out of the 66 books of the Bible, there are only 30 verses that mention Caleb and six of those verses, mention that Caleb wholeheartedly followed after God. What was different about Caleb? He wholeheartedly followed after God. Numbers chapter 14 that we just read says, but because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to and his descendants will inherit it." [01:00:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Bible says that the eyes of the Lord search to and fro across the earth looking for whose heart is completely his. He goes through and he looks, he looks, he looks and doesn't find anybody. And finally says, ah, I found somebody. I found my Joshua. I found my Caleb. Now I can bring them into the promised land. That's all he's looking for today. And it doesn't matter. You may have walked in this room today with every limitation attached to the collar of your shirt." [01:03:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "What if the stones that have been taking you out for years drops out of the hand of the enemy because the glory of God resides in your life? The only thing that brings change in the life of God's people is the glory of God. And Joshua and Caleb were at a place where God says, I'm gonna show up on your behalf. And when they did, the stones fell to the ground." [01:08:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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