Journey of Faith: Grace and Promises in Numbers
Summary
The Book of Numbers is a profound narrative that captures the journey of the Israelites between their deliverance from Egypt and their entry into the Promised Land. This period of wandering in the wilderness is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, as believers today find themselves in a similar "in-between" state—saved by Christ but not yet in the fullness of the new heavens and new earth. Numbers is divided into two main sections: the dying off of the first generation of Israelites and the maturing of the second generation. The pivotal moment occurs when the first generation refuses to enter the Promised Land, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's promises. This sets the stage for the second generation to rise and trust in God's provision.
The themes of Numbers are deeply relevant to Christians, as they reflect the ongoing journey of faith, reliance on God's guidance, and the necessity of grace. The book underscores that salvation is not achieved through human effort but through God's grace and atoning work. This is illustrated through the constant need for sacrifices and the story of Balaam, where curses are turned into blessings, foreshadowing the ultimate blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Numbers also points to Jesus in several ways. Moses, though a mediator, is shown to be imperfect, highlighting the need for a perfect intercessor, which is fulfilled in Jesus. Additionally, the Nazarite vow in Numbers symbolizes total dedication to God, a role perfectly embodied by Jesus, who brings life rather than impurity. The story of the bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness is a direct foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion, where salvation is offered through faith alone.
In essence, Numbers is a testament to the gospel of grace, emphasizing that while we are saved by grace, this grace transforms our lives. It challenges us to trust in God's promises and to live as witnesses to His faithfulness, even in the wilderness of our own lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Wilderness Journey: The Book of Numbers illustrates the Christian journey as a time of testing and reliance on God. Just as the Israelites depended on God's guidance and provision in the wilderness, Christians today are called to trust in God's promises and guidance through the Holy Spirit and His Word. This period of wandering is a time of growth and preparation for the Promised Land, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in eternity. [02:43]
2. Salvation by Grace: Numbers emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through human effort but through God's grace. The Israelites' constant need for sacrifices highlights the insufficiency of their own works and the necessity of God's atoning grace. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who saves us not by our works but by His grace, transforming our lives in the process. [05:24]
3. God's Sovereignty in Turning Curses into Blessings: The story of Balaam in Numbers demonstrates God's ability to turn curses into blessings. Despite human intentions to harm, God works all things for the good of His people, ultimately bringing about the greatest blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and His power to redeem even the most challenging situations. [06:47]
4. The Need for a Perfect Intercessor: Moses' role as an intercessor in Numbers points to the need for a perfect mediator, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While Moses interceded for the Israelites, he was imperfect and failed at times. Jesus, however, is the perfect intercessor who stands before God on our behalf, offering complete and eternal mediation through His sacrifice. [07:37]
5. Faith as the Means of Salvation: The bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness is a powerful symbol of salvation through faith. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent, we are saved by looking to Jesus in faith. This story underscores the simplicity and power of faith, reminding us that salvation is not about our efforts but about trusting in Christ's finished work. [10:12]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - Introduction to the Series
[01:31] - Overview of the Book of Numbers
[02:17] - The First Generation's Failure
[02:43] - The Wilderness as a Metaphor for Christian Life
[03:55] - The Promise to Abraham
[04:38] - The Tension of Fulfilled Promises
[05:07] - The Gospel of Grace in Numbers
[06:19] - Balaam: Curses Turned to Blessings
[06:57] - Moses as an Imperfect Intercessor
[07:49] - Jesus as the True Nazarite
[09:12] - The Bronze Serpent and Faith
[10:40] - Charles Spurgeon's Conversion Story
[11:35] - The Simplicity of Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Book of Numbers
Bible Reading:
1. Numbers 13:1-3, 26-33
2. Numbers 21:4-9
3. John 3:14-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the response of the first generation of Israelites when they reached the Promised Land, and what were the consequences of their actions? [02:17]
2. How does the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:4-9 illustrate the concept of salvation through faith? [09:12]
3. In what ways does the Book of Numbers highlight the insufficiency of human effort and the necessity of God's grace? [05:24]
4. How does the story of Balaam demonstrate God's ability to turn curses into blessings? [06:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the refusal of the first generation to enter the Promised Land reflect a lack of faith, and what does this teach about the importance of trusting in God's promises? [02:17]
2. In what ways does the role of Moses as an intercessor in Numbers point to the need for a perfect mediator, and how is this fulfilled in Jesus Christ? [07:37]
3. How does the Nazarite vow in Numbers symbolize total dedication to God, and how is this role perfectly embodied by Jesus? [07:49]
4. What does the story of the bronze serpent teach about the simplicity and power of faith in the context of salvation? [09:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "wilderness" period in your life. How did you rely on God's guidance and promises during that time? [02:43]
2. In what areas of your life do you find yourself relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to trust more in His provision? [05:24]
3. Have you experienced a situation where something intended for harm was turned into a blessing? How did this experience strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty? [06:19]
4. How can you be a witness to God's faithfulness in your daily life, even when you feel like you're in a "wilderness" season? [03:27]
5. In what ways can you act as an intercessor for others, following the example of Moses, while recognizing the ultimate intercession of Jesus? [07:37]
6. Consider the simplicity of faith as demonstrated by the bronze serpent story. How can you apply this simplicity to your own faith journey, especially in times of doubt or struggle? [09:12]
7. How can you dedicate yourself more fully to God, similar to the Nazarite vow, in your current life circumstances? What practical steps can you take to embody this dedication? [07:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in the Wilderness
The journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, as depicted in the Book of Numbers, serves as a profound metaphor for the Christian life. Just as the Israelites were delivered from Egypt but had not yet entered the Promised Land, Christians today find themselves in an "in-between" state—saved by Christ but not yet in the fullness of the new heavens and new earth. This period of wandering is a time of testing and reliance on God, where believers are called to trust in His promises and guidance through the Holy Spirit and His Word. The wilderness journey is not just a time of waiting but a period of growth and preparation for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in eternity. [02:43]
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (ESV): "And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel like you are in a wilderness? How can you actively trust in God's guidance and provision during this time?
Day 2: Salvation Through Grace Alone
The Book of Numbers emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through human effort but through God's grace. The Israelites' constant need for sacrifices highlights the insufficiency of their own works and the necessity of God's atoning grace. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who saves us not by our works but by His grace, transforming our lives in the process. The narrative of Numbers reminds believers that while human efforts are insufficient, God's grace is abundant and transformative, leading to a life of faith and reliance on Him. [05:24]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than God's grace. How can you shift your focus to trust in His grace today?
Day 3: God's Sovereignty in Redemption
The story of Balaam in Numbers demonstrates God's ability to turn curses into blessings. Despite human intentions to harm, God works all things for the good of His people, ultimately bringing about the greatest blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His power to redeem even the most challenging situations. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to bring good out of difficult circumstances, knowing that He is always working for their ultimate good and His glory. [06:47]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's sovereignty to bring good out of it?
Day 4: The Perfect Intercessor
Moses' role as an intercessor in Numbers points to the need for a perfect mediator, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While Moses interceded for the Israelites, he was imperfect and failed at times. Jesus, however, is the perfect intercessor who stands before God on our behalf, offering complete and eternal mediation through His sacrifice. This highlights the importance of relying on Jesus as our mediator, who perfectly bridges the gap between humanity and God, providing us with access to the Father and assurance of salvation. [07:37]
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: How does knowing Jesus is your perfect intercessor impact your relationship with God? In what ways can you rely on Him more fully in your prayer life?
Day 5: Faith as the Path to Salvation
The bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness is a powerful symbol of salvation through faith. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent, we are saved by looking to Jesus in faith. This story underscores the simplicity and power of faith, reminding us that salvation is not about our efforts but about trusting in Christ's finished work. Believers are called to embrace the simplicity of faith, recognizing that it is through faith alone that we receive the gift of salvation and experience the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. [10:12]
Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV): "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to look to Jesus in faith today? How can you actively place your trust in His finished work for your salvation?
Quotes
"Numbers actually happens between Exodus and Leviticus where God has brought the people of Israel out of slavery and taken them to Mount Sinai and given the law and giving them the Tabernacle and it happens between that and Deuteronomy and Joshua where they get to the promised land and go in, so the Book of Numbers is actually just about the wandering in the wilderness that period of time and it is roughly divided between two parts chapters 1 to 26 is about the dying off of the first generation of Israelites and then chapters 27-36 to the end is about the maturing of the second generation who's actually going to go in." [00:88:32]
"Numbers happens when Believers have been saved but they're not fully yet into the promised land and that's actually where all Christians are we are we've been saved by Jesus Christ on the cross but we are still have not gotten to heaven we have not gone to the new heavens and new earth and right now we're in a Wilderness situation the book of Hebrews actually says so we're like the children of Israel in numbers we are relying on God on the uh the spirit to guide us on the word to guide us on the Forgiveness of sins through uh sacrifice blood sacrifice we are relying on that to get us through the Wilderness but the Wilderness is a time of testing a time when our faith is tested a time when we have a lot of promises that have been fulfilled." [00:171:30]
"How does it speak to the gospel of grace and the gospel of grace is what is the gospel of grace it's that we're saved by Christ not by our own good works we're saved by grace not by a changed life and yet Saving Grace always changes the life can I say that again we're saved by Christ's work not our work so we're saved by grace not a changed life but the grace always changes the life." [00:312:84]
"Though God has called the children of Israel to obey his law, that they'll never do it they will never do it they're going to be constantly needing sacrifices blood sacrifices in the Tabernacle in order to atone for their sins so right off the bat the book of numbers is talking about the fact that here we're not going to be you're not going to be saved you're not going to get into the Promised Land by your good works you're going to get into the promised land only through the grace of God and the atoning work of of God." [00:350:88]
"The story of Balaam is fascinating Balaam seems to be this occult figure and uh a pagan King tries to get Balaam to curse the Jews to weaken them but in the end it all turns into a blessing for the Jews and that's a foretaste of the fact that God is going to eventually bring the great blessing which is salvation through Jesus Christ taking the curse." [00:387:72]
"Through the Book of Numbers you see Moses constantly having to intercede for the children of Israel God's always getting angry at the children of Israel and Moses comes in and says no no no please for my sake spare them and God says okay, except that even Moses fails as an intercessor at the place where God says go to The Rock and just speak to the Rock and I will bring water out of the Rocks so that they won't die of thirst and of course Moses loses his temper with the children of Israel and he strikes The Rock and afterwards God says you did not treat me with respect you didn't listen to me but so Moses is the intercessor but we're so we're shown in the Book of Numbers he's not the perfect intercept so we're going to need a perfect one which the book of Hebrews says in the Book of Romans says is Jesus himself." [00:415:80]
"There's a fascinating place in the early part of the Book of Numbers where it says if you really want to take a vow make a really great vow to God for a period of time you can become a Nazarite and a Nazarite was someone who a would not drink wine B would did not cut hair and C never touch a dead body and during a period of the Nazarite vow those were the three things you had to do it was a way of saying I'm going to dedicate myself to God in a special way well that's interesting what does that mean well you don't drink wine because God has to be your joy you don't cut your hair because you're actually saying God controls my life I don't try to control it but then you don't touch a dead body because you don't want to become ceremonially impure but see Jesus is the true Nazarite." [00:472:50]
"Jesus of course took the ultimate oath to come to Earth and commit himself to the Lord but of course he left in Eternal Joy behind in order to come down here secondly he lost all control and became a servant and went to the Cross but here's what's great Jesus Christ when he touches a dead body he doesn't become ceremony and impure he brings life he's the ultimate Nazarite." [00:526:50]
"Jesus himself points out that in the Book of Numbers there's a place where the children of Israel sin and God sends his wrath against them by giving them a plague of venomous serpents so there's a plague of serpents that come into the camp of Israel and they bite people and people are dying from the Venom and what is uh when the people turn to God and say oh you know save us God says to Moses put an iron serpent up on the pole and let them just look at it and when they look at it they're healed and it's Jesus himself says that's me in the Book of John chapter 3 he says just as the serpent was lifted up in the pole and all you had to do was look I will be lifted up and I will save you and you say that's really interesting why what's fascinating about that is it doesn't take when G when God said just look at the serpent what he was really saying is you'll be saved by faith you don't have to do anything you don't have to crawl there you don't have to do anything you just have to look and Jesus is actually saying see I save you not by anything you do but just looking at me in faith." [00:552:60]
"Charles Spurgeon the great Baptist Minister tells a story about how he got converted he went to a little uh chapel and there was a man that got up there who had very little education I believe if I remember correctly there had been a snowstorm and the regular Minister couldn't get there so he gets up and he he opens the uh to a verse in Isaiah 45 look unto me and be saved all the ends of the Earth and Spurgeon was one of the very few people in the in the service that day and this man got up and he said my dear friends this is a simple text indeed it says look if you want to be saved look it's not lifting your foot or your finger it's just look now a man need not go to college just to look you may be a big fool you can look a man need not be worth a thousand pounds a year you can look anyone can look a child can look and that's what the text says it says look unto me oh says this this preacher many of you are looking to yourselves no use looking there you'll never find comfort in yourselves and then he turned to Spurgeon and says young man you look very miserable this person sitting out there in the congregation he turns and says young man you look very miserable and you will always be miserable in life and miserable in death if you do not obey my text and at that point aspersions as I suddenly realized I'm saved by grace I'm not saved by doing this or doing that and he says there and then the cloud was gone Spurgeon says the darkness was rolled away at that moment I saw the sun and I could have risen that moment and sung with the most enthusiastic of them of the precious blood of Christ the serpent in the wilderness salvations by Grace salvations by Christ just look." [00:631:98]
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