Faithful Followership: Emulating Caleb's Trust in God

The sermon delivered by the speaker revolves around the theme of faithful followership, with a particular emphasis on the biblical character Caleb. The speaker begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness and the importance of spreading the message of Jesus, urging the congregation to live lives of evangelism and repentance. The transformative power of the cross and the forgiveness found in Jesus' blood are celebrated, and the congregation is called to emulate Caleb's unwavering belief in God's promises.

The speaker then delves into the heart of the message, contrasting society's focus on outward appearances with God's concern for what lies within. Referencing the story of Samuel anointing David as king, the speaker criticizes the modern tendency to choose leaders based on external qualities rather than inner character. They suggest that the church should prioritize teaching followership over leadership, as not everyone is suited to be a leader. This is further emphasized by the observation that spiritual gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 are meant to build up the body of Christ, not to create more leaders.

The sermon continues with a critique of the excessive focus on social media presence and recognition, which can hinder a genuine relationship with God. The speaker calls for a shift from self-promotion to holy humility, referencing Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 about greatness in the kingdom of God being found in servanthood. The life of Caleb is highlighted as an example of faithful service and the rewards that come with it, such as fellowship with God and various crowns for faithfulness and endurance.

The consequences of ignoring God's will are illustrated through the story of Caleb and the Israelites' rebellion against God's direction. The speaker warns against such rebellion and emphasizes the joy that comes with leading people to Jesus. They encourage the congregation to be faithful followers, like Caleb, who trusted in God's promises despite opposition and challenges.

The sermon concludes by reflecting on the Israelites' journey to the promised land and their crisis of trust, which is not unique to their society but has been present throughout history. The speaker urges the congregation to trust in God despite doubts and to follow the example of Caleb, who took personal responsibility for his life and remained faithful to God for 40 years before entering the promised land.

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Key Takeaways

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### Bible Reading

1. Numbers 13:1-2, 17-20, 30-33 (ESV)

> The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” ... Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” ... But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

1. Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)

> And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

1. Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV)

> But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

### Observation Questions

1. What was Caleb's response to the negative report given by the other spies about the land of Canaan? [01:02:41]
2. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, what is the purpose of the spiritual gifts given to the church?
3. In Matthew 20:25-28, how does Jesus describe true greatness in the kingdom of God?
4. What were the consequences for the Israelites' lack of faith and rebellion against God's promise to give them the land of Canaan? [01:10:15]

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Caleb was able to maintain his faith in God's promise despite the negative report from the other spies? [01:02:41]
2. How does the emphasis on followership over leadership in the sermon challenge contemporary views on leadership within the church? [01:17:37]
3. What does the story of Caleb and the Israelites teach us about the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting? [01:06:05]
4. How can the church today balance the use of social media with maintaining a genuine relationship with God, as critiqued in the sermon? [01:23:38]

### Application Questions

1. Caleb demonstrated unwavering faith in God's promises. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or doubt. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Caleb's example? [01:02:41]
2. The sermon suggests that the church should focus more on followership than leadership. How can you cultivate a heart of followership in your daily walk with Christ? [01:17:37]
3. Social media can often distract us from our relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your online presence does not hinder your spiritual growth? [01:23:38]
4. Jesus taught that true greatness is found in servanthood. Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week without seeking recognition. [01:24:51]
5. Reflect on the consequences faced by the Israelites for their lack of faith. How can you ensure that you are trusting in God's promises in your current life situation? [01:10:15]
6. Caleb waited 40 years to see the fulfillment of God's promise. What long-term promise or goal are you waiting on God for, and how can you remain faithful during the waiting period? [01:13:10]
7. The sermon highlights the importance of humility. What is one area of your life where you need to practice more humility, and how will you go about doing that this week? [01:23:38]