Faith Over Fear: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Numbers 13 and the story of the Israelites at Kadesh Barnea, standing on the threshold of the Promised Land. Despite their past disobedience and the severe judgments they faced, God remained faithful to His promise to bring them to this land. As they stood at the brink of receiving God's promise, they were instructed to send twelve spies to scout the land. This was not a sign of doubt but a practical step commanded by God to prepare them for what lay ahead.
The spies returned with a mixed report. While they confirmed the land's richness, flowing with milk and honey, ten of the spies incited fear by focusing on the strength and size of the inhabitants and the fortified cities. Only Caleb and Joshua trusted in God's promise, urging the people to move forward in faith. Unfortunately, the Israelites succumbed to fear, doubting God's faithfulness and longing to return to Egypt, a place of bondage and suffering.
This narrative underscores the importance of making godly decisions based on faith in God's promises rather than succumbing to fear. It also highlights the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of faithfulness. Caleb and Joshua's faith stood in stark contrast to the fear and rebellion of the other spies and the congregation. Their trust in God’s promises exemplifies the right response to God's guidance.
As a church, we must learn from this account. We are called to seek God's will through His Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a collective commitment to truth. This approach ensures that our decisions honor God and align with His purposes. We must avoid the pitfalls of fear, nostalgia for the past, and reliance on human leaders over divine guidance. Instead, we should embrace God's promises, trusting that He is good and faithful.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Over Fear: Caleb and Joshua exemplified faith by trusting in God's promise despite the intimidating circumstances. They saw the same giants and fortified cities as the other spies but chose to focus on God's power and faithfulness. This teaches us to prioritize faith over fear, especially when facing daunting challenges. [37:19]
2. Consequences of Disobedience: The Israelites' decision to believe the fearful report of the ten spies led to severe consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dire repercussions of rebellion. [52:43]
3. God's Faithfulness: Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God remained faithful to His promises. He continued to guide and provide for them, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant. This reassures us that God's promises are steadfast, even when we falter. [50:04]
4. Making Godly Decisions: To make decisions that honor God, we must identify the facts, search the Scriptures, and listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This process ensures that our choices align with God's will and are not swayed by fear or human opinion. [45:25]
5. God's Redemptive Plan: Throughout history, God has consistently come down to meet His people in their need, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This demonstrates God's proactive love and His desire to redeem and restore us, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His redemptive plan. [01:08:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:37] - Prayer for Brother Clarence
[31:35] - Importance of Decisions at the Southern Baptist Convention
[32:51] - Recap of Exodus and Introduction to Numbers 13
[34:18] - The Israelites at the Threshold of the Promised Land
[35:53] - God's Command to Spy Out the Land
[37:19] - The Spies' Report and Caleb's Faith
[40:18] - God's Promises to Abraham and Moses
[45:25] - Making Godly Decisions
[48:14] - Facts vs. Fear in the Spies' Reports
[50:04] - Caleb and Joshua's Trust in God's Promises
[52:43] - The Israelites' Rebellion and Its Consequences
[56:56] - The Correct Response: Caleb and Joshua's Faith
[59:30] - Summary of the Israelites' Rebellion
[01:03:04] - Modern Applications: Church and Denominational Decisions
[01:08:11] - God's Faithfulness and Redemptive Plan
[01:14:18] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:17:38] - Prayer for Guidance and Obedience
[01:19:02] - Closing Remarks and Announcements
[01:24:13] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:1-2
2. Numbers 13:25-33
3. Numbers 14:1-10
### Observation Questions
1. What did God command Moses to do in Numbers 13:1-2, and what was the purpose of this command?
2. How did the spies describe the land of Canaan upon their return, and what was the reaction of the majority of the spies? (Numbers 13:25-33)
3. What was Caleb's response to the report of the other spies, and how did it differ from the majority? (Numbers 13:30)
4. What was the reaction of the Israelites to the spies' report, and what did they propose to do in Numbers 14:1-4? [52:43]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed Moses to send spies into the land of Canaan? How does this reflect on God's approach to preparing His people? [35:53]
2. What does Caleb's response in Numbers 13:30 reveal about his faith and perspective compared to the other spies?
3. How does the Israelites' reaction in Numbers 14:1-4 demonstrate a lack of faith in God's promises? What were they longing for, and why is this significant? [54:57]
4. In Numbers 14:5-10, how do Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb respond to the congregation's rebellion, and what does this teach us about godly leadership and faithfulness? [56:56]
### Application Questions
1. Caleb and Joshua chose faith over fear despite the intimidating circumstances. Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to choose faith over fear? How can you practically do this? [37:19]
2. The Israelites faced severe consequences for their disobedience and lack of faith. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for not trusting God. What did you learn from that experience? [52:43]
3. Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God remained faithful to His promises. How does this assurance of God's faithfulness impact your trust in Him during difficult times? [50:04]
4. Making godly decisions involves identifying facts, searching the Scriptures, and listening to the Holy Spirit. How can you incorporate these steps into a current decision you are facing? [45:25]
5. The Israelites longed to return to Egypt, a place of bondage, because of their fear. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to return to old habits or places of comfort rather than trusting God for the future? How can you overcome this temptation? [54:57]
6. Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness set them apart from the other spies. How can you cultivate a faith that stands out in your community or workplace? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your trust in God's promises? [56:56]
7. Reflect on the importance of seeking God's will through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How can you make this a regular practice in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this? [45:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Fear
When the Israelites stood at the brink of the Promised Land, they faced a critical decision. The spies' report confirmed the land's richness, but ten of them focused on the intimidating inhabitants and fortified cities, inciting fear among the people. Caleb and Joshua, however, chose to trust in God's promise and power. They saw the same challenges but believed that God would help them overcome. This teaches us to prioritize faith over fear, especially when facing daunting challenges. We must remember that God's power and faithfulness are greater than any obstacle we encounter. [37:19]
Numbers 14:8-9 (ESV): "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 is one fear that is currently holding you back from fully trusting God? How can you take a step of faith today to overcome that fear?
Day 2: Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' decision to believe the fearful report of the ten spies led to severe consequences. Their lack of faith and disobedience resulted in wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, a punishment that affected an entire generation. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dire repercussions of rebellion. When we choose to disobey God, we not only miss out on His blessings but also face the consequences of our actions. It is crucial to trust and obey God, even when His commands seem challenging or counterintuitive. [52:43]
Deuteronomy 1:34-36 (ESV): "And the Lord heard your words and was angered, and he swore, 'Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers, 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: Reflect on a time when disobedience to God led to negative consequences in your life. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply that lesson to your current walk with God?
Day 3: God's Faithfulness
Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God remained faithful to His promises. He continued to guide and provide for them, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant. This reassures us that God's promises are steadfast, even when we falter. God's faithfulness is not dependent on our actions but on His unchanging nature. We can trust that He will fulfill His promises and be with us through every trial and challenge. This understanding should inspire us to remain faithful to Him, knowing that He is always faithful to us. [50:04]
2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV): "If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life, even when you have faltered? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in your current circumstances?
Day 4: Making Godly Decisions
To make decisions that honor God, we must identify the facts, search the Scriptures, and listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This process ensures that our choices align with God's will and are not swayed by fear or human opinion. The story of the spies teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting His promises. By grounding our decisions in God's Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith. This approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of fear and human wisdom, leading us to decisions that glorify God. [45:25]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. Have you sought God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit? What steps can you take today to ensure your decision aligns with God's will?
Day 5: God's Redemptive Plan
Throughout history, God has consistently come down to meet His people in their need, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This demonstrates God's proactive love and His desire to redeem and restore us. The story of the Israelites at Kadesh Barnea is a reminder of God's redemptive plan and His faithfulness to His promises. Despite their failures, God continued to work towards their redemption. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's redemptive plan and His desire to bring us into a relationship with Him. [01:08:11]
Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Reflection: How does understanding God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ impact your daily life and relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His plan for you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God never calls us to go, you know, throw caution to the wind and just run headlong into whatever. He's provided for them a way for the men to go in there to see what it's like and the idea was to bring back to the people because not everybody could go. That's the whole idea of a recon mission: bring back to the people the goodness of the land. You know, these are the people, the land is good, but God can make it happen. That was the intent." [35:53](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "They believed that God would be faithful to His promises and they chose to operate in faith and not give in to fear that the people were stirring up, that the ten spies were stirring up. You've got to be careful doing what-if scenarios in Scripture. Okay? But I'm telling you this ahead of time. So, I'm not going to get in trouble for this. What-if. Let's say what-if." [50:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is good, period. And that's what they should have remembered, and that's what we should remember. God is good, period. So if He calls you to do something, yeah, it may be tough, it may be hard, it's definitely going to stretch you outside of your comfort zone. But He's good. And He's not going to be like they said in the first part of Numbers 14, why did He bring us here just to kill us and to kill our kids? He's not going to do that." [01:07:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God will always keep His promises. We're going to run through a little bit of the Old Testament, and I want to show you that God is good, that God always keeps His promises, and God always comes to us when we cannot come to Him." [01:08:11](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're lost, if you're here without Christ, I want you to know God is a coming down God. He came down in Genesis, He came down in Exodus, you can look through all through scripture and you see that He comes down to meet us because we cannot go to meet Him. The final and the best example of that is Jesus Christ." [01:12:53](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Israelites cried out to God while they were in slavery in Egypt. They knew this promise. They knew this promise but I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve. Did God do that? Yeah, look at the 10 plagues. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Did that happen? Yep. As for yourself, you shall go to your father's in peace. That means he's going to die. You shall be buried in a good old age and they shall come back here where Abram and God are making this covenant which is the promised land." [40:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Whenever you are, whenever someone is making an ungodly decision, trying to get an ungodly decision accepted, they are rebelling against God and they will make irrational decisions and movements. To where when you're looking at them, you're like, I cannot believe they just did that. Right? Right? They may not see what they're doing. And this is what's happening in the congregation of Israel." [59:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Unfortunately, this scenario plays out in many churches and denominations today. Facts of the issue, the truth of the issue, how Scripture speaks about that, and the leadership. The leadership of the Holy Spirit is discounted. It's put to the side. And who gets the prominence is, it's a term that just goes on the talking heads. The chiefs of the tribes, if you will. Everybody listens to them. They throw truth in the leadership of the Holy Spirit and God's word. They throw it to the side and they listen to the talking heads." [01:03:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We suffered judgment because we do not trust that God is good. If we trust Him, He will work through us to accomplish His will. Just like the Israelites when they finally occupied the Promised Land. You can read that starting in the book of Joshua. Joshua took leadership after Moses. You see that it was work. You see that they fought. Sometimes they fought well, meaning they did it God's way. Other times, they did not do it God's way, and they got soundly defeated." [01:06:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have decisions to make in our own lives, and we have decisions to make corporately as a church. And so, God, I pray that we would lay down whatever it is we're holding on to if it's not your truth, if it's not been given by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and that we would trust you. All of us are, I can't say that. I know I'm not always comfortable with change. And I do like things to stay so that I know what to expect. I do like things to stay so that I know what to expect the next day and the next day and the day after that." [01:17:38](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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