Trusting God Through Trials: Lessons from Moses
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the life of Moses, focusing on the Israelites' journey as depicted in the book of Numbers, particularly chapters 13 and 20. We began by reflecting on the powerful worship we experienced and how it sets the stage for God's word to speak to us. The central theme revolved around trust and obedience to God, even when faced with overwhelming obstacles and uncertainties. We explored the Israelites' struggle to trust God despite witnessing His miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna and water. Their fear and faithlessness led them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, missing out on the blessings of the Promised Land.
We also examined the consequences of pride and rebellion, as seen in Moses' disobedience when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This act of pride cost Moses and Aaron the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. The message emphasized that while we may feel inadequate or fearful, God is always capable and faithful. We are called to trust Him, follow His guidance, and act in obedience, even when the path is difficult or unclear.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to examine our hearts, repent of pride, and step out in faith. Whether it's leading our families, giving generously, or answering a call to ministry, we are reminded that while we can't do it on our own, God can. The author of Hebrews encourages us to remain steadfast, not harden our hearts, and trust in God's promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trusting God in Uncertainty: The Israelites faced numerous obstacles and uncertainties, yet their failure to trust God led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. We, too, face moments of doubt and fear, but we are called to trust God even when the path is unclear. Trusting God means believing in His promises and stepping out in faith, knowing that He is in control. [46:41]
2. Consequences of Fear and Faithlessness: The Israelites' fear and lack of faith prevented them from entering the Promised Land. Similarly, our fears can hinder us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. We must not let fear paralyze us but instead move forward in faith, trusting that God will provide and guide us. [49:14]
3. Pride and Rebellion: Moses' act of striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as God commanded, was an act of pride and rebellion. This disobedience cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. We must guard against pride and choose to rely on God's strength rather than our own, ensuring that our actions align with His will. [51:36]
4. God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness: Throughout the Israelites' journey, God demonstrated His faithfulness despite their weaknesses. He provided for their needs and guided them. In our own lives, we must remember that when we are weak, God is strong. Our inadequacies are opportunities for God to show His power and faithfulness. [57:09]
5. Call to Action: We are called to examine our hearts, repent of pride, and step out in faith. Whether it's leading our families, giving generously, or answering a call to ministry, we must trust that while we can't do it on our own, God can. The author of Hebrews encourages us to remain steadfast and trust in God's promises, knowing that He is always faithful. [01:01:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:41] - Introduction and Reflection on Worship
[49:14] - Trusting God in Uncertainty
[51:36] - Personal Testimony and Divine Appointments
[55:11] - Moving to Highland Heights
[57:09] - Warning and Encouragement from Hebrews
[01:01:19] - The Israelites at Kadesh Barnea
[01:04:42] - Scouting the Promised Land
[01:08:15] - Consequences of Fear and Faithlessness
[01:12:13] - Call to Obedience
[01:17:58] - Moses' Disobedience and Its Consequences
[01:21:07] - Warning Against Pride and Rebellion
[01:23:33] - Call to Faith and Repentance
[01:25:15] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
[01:31:44] - Farewell to Katie and Sean
[01:32:38] - Closing Prayer and Memory Verse
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:1-3, 17-20, 25-33
2. Numbers 20:1-13
3. Hebrews 3:7-15
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Moses regarding the rock in Numbers 20, and how did Moses disobey? ([01:19:18])
2. In Numbers 13, what was the report given by the spies about the land of Canaan, and how did Caleb's response differ from the others? ([01:06:20])
3. According to Hebrews 3:7-15, what warning does the author give about hardening our hearts, and how does it relate to the Israelites' experience in the wilderness? ([57:09])
4. What were some of the miracles the Israelites witnessed during their journey, and how did their reaction to these miracles reflect their faith or lack thereof? ([01:10:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' act of striking the rock instead of speaking to it demonstrate pride and rebellion, and what were the consequences of his actions? ([01:19:18])
2. What does Caleb's courage in the face of an uncertain future teach us about trusting God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming? ([01:06:20])
3. How does the author of Hebrews use the story of the Israelites to warn and encourage the early church, and what relevance does this have for us today? ([57:09])
4. In what ways did the Israelites' fear and lack of faith prevent them from experiencing God's blessings, and how can we avoid making the same mistakes? ([01:10:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to trust God more in similar situations in the future? ([49:14])
2. Moses' disobedience was rooted in pride. Are there areas in your life where pride might be causing you to act independently of God's guidance? How can you address this? ([01:19:18])
3. Caleb trusted God despite the daunting report from the other spies. Is there a situation in your life where you need to exhibit similar courage and faith? What practical steps can you take to move forward in faith? ([01:06:20])
4. The Israelites missed out on the Promised Land due to their lack of faith. Are there blessings or opportunities you might be missing because of fear or doubt? How can you overcome these obstacles? ([01:10:15])
5. The author of Hebrews warns against hardening our hearts. Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting God's voice? How can you remain open and responsive to His guidance? ([57:09])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of examining our hearts and repenting of pride. Take a moment to reflect on your own heart. Is there something you need to repent of today? ([01:23:33])
7. The call to action included leading our families, giving generously, and answering a call to ministry. Which of these areas do you feel most challenged by, and what is one specific step you can take this week to act in obedience? ([01:14:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Uncertainty
The Israelites faced numerous obstacles and uncertainties, yet their failure to trust God led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. We, too, face moments of doubt and fear, but we are called to trust God even when the path is unclear. Trusting God means believing in His promises and stepping out in faith, knowing that He is in control. [46:41]
Numbers 13:30-31 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life where the outcome is uncertain. How can you actively choose to trust God in this situation today?
Day 2: Consequences of Fear and Faithlessness
The Israelites' fear and lack of faith prevented them from entering the Promised Land. Similarly, our fears can hinder us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. We must not let fear paralyze us but instead move forward in faith, trusting that God will provide and guide us. [49:14]
Deuteronomy 1:32-33 (ESV): "Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the Lord your God, who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go."
Reflection: Identify a fear that is holding you back from fully trusting God. What steps can you take today to move forward in faith despite this fear?
Day 3: Pride and Rebellion
Moses' act of striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as God commanded, was an act of pride and rebellion. This disobedience cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. We must guard against pride and choose to rely on God's strength rather than our own, ensuring that our actions align with His will. [51:36]
Numbers 20:10-12 (ESV): "Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, 'Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?' And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action where pride may have influenced you. How can you seek God's guidance and humility in similar situations moving forward?
Day 4: God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness
Throughout the Israelites' journey, God demonstrated His faithfulness despite their weaknesses. He provided for their needs and guided them. In our own lives, we must remember that when we are weak, God is strong. Our inadequacies are opportunities for God to show His power and faithfulness. [57:09]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel inadequate. How can you invite God to show His strength and faithfulness in this area today?
Day 5: Call to Action
We are called to examine our hearts, repent of pride, and step out in faith. Whether it's leading our families, giving generously, or answering a call to ministry, we must trust that while we can't do it on our own, God can. The author of Hebrews encourages us to remain steadfast and trust in God's promises, knowing that He is always faithful. [01:01:19]
Hebrews 3:12-14 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."
Reflection: What is one specific area where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a concrete step towards this calling today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Can I trust God in this that I'm going through? Can I really trust God when I don't understand? Can I really trust God when I don't see the path forward? Can I really trust God when I'm between the rock and the hard place and there doesn't seem to be light at the end of the tunnel and I run out of analogies? Can I really trust God?" [49:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Just because God supernaturally orchestrates it, just because God divinely appoints it, doesn't mean it's not going to be incredibly hard to follow Jesus in those moments. As the author of Hebrews is writing to the church, to a church that is beaten up and worn out. And he speaks this word to them, reminding them of what had taken place in Numbers chapter 13 and Numbers chapter 20." [57:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The overarching method or message of the book of Hebrews is don't give up because Jesus is worth it. Keep going. Because Jesus is worthy. Don't settle for what the world says, because Jesus is better. And so he says today, as the Holy Spirit says, don't, if you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as in that day of rebellion, reflecting on these times where Israel was either entering into that 40 years or exiting out of that 40 years of wandering in the wilderness." [01:01:19] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can't, but God can. He can save me. He can save you, Tim. He can save you. Wherever you are, wherever you've been, God's salvation is for you. Maybe for some of you, you're facing an obstacle. You don't know where the Lord's leading. You're unsure of what he's doing. Fear is beginning to spin in your mind. Doubt is beginning to take control. This morning, will you put to death doubt that you can walk in steps of faith and obedience to what God has called you to do?" [01:23:33] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "And when we know the history of Israel, what we recognize is that they didn't always make... the right choice. In fact, they sometimes, you might say often, didn't make the right choice. And I think about just when we're walking up against those obstacles, those walls, those doubts, those fears, those circumstances that overwhelm us, those situations that cause anxiety to well up in us." [46:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As I thought about the passages that we're going to be studying this morning, I thought about those moments of my life where it truly felt like God was supernaturally orchestrating the events to lead me to the places which he would have me to go. Where God put along the way divine appointment, after divine appointment, to reassure me that I could trust him." [51:36] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The people of Israel looked at the circumstances that they were facing and they said, I know I can't do it, which by the way is a right statement. They could not. But throughout the scriptures, we are reminded that when we are weak, he is really strong and that greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. And that it is. It is not by our power or our might or by sword or by chariot that we win the battle. For the battle belongs to the Lord." [01:08:15] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we allow fear to work in our minds, our feet won't move. And also that sometimes we can think, God, you're doing all these things. And somewhere along the way, we begin to think, God, look at all the things I'm doing. And either way, when we allow these mindsets to set into our lives, we miss out on what the Lord has for us." [01:21:07] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Hebrews gives us a warning and encouragement that we would be a people who would not lose sight of Jesus, but would be a people who walk in faith and obedience in our own Kadesh Barnea. In the next few moments, don't miss. Don't hold back. Walk in faith. You can trust God." [01:25:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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