Sermon Central
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Actions & Consequences Series
Contributed by John Barr on Sep 13, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Overcoming obstacles that have defeated us in the past. Joshua had to help Isreal overcome Jericho in order to inhabit the promised land. Based on the book of same title authored by Gary Inrig. Sermon 2 in series
ACTION & CONSEQUENCES
Is it possible to fail while relying on God?
Number 14: 20-24; 39-45
1) Actions Brings Consequences (vs. 39-40)
a) Sin of Presumption (vs. 44)
presumption means "overstepping bounds; taking liberties"
Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
Like the Israelites we have a tendency to rush into situations thinking we know in advance exactly what God wants us to do.
2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
IN THEIR SORROW, IN THEIR DISBELIEF OF GOD’S WORDS AND THEIR ACTIONS (PREVIOUS) ISRAEL COMMITTED SOME SERIOUS SINS AGAINST GOD.
I) They defied God (vs. 39)
They stepped over the bounds that God had set. Were they trying to manipulate God? "Surely with His name on the line, God can’t let us fail." Jesus said, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."
II) Careless Application of the promises and will of God.
They completely ignored God’s words from Nu. 14:20-24
a) wrong interpretation of a promise
1) wrong time frame
2) putting words in God’s mouth (i.e. gift projection)
III) Wrong Attitude
"We have sinned, but"
James 4:7 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
"The extend of our submission to God will determine the extent of our ability to resist the devil." (Grasshopper Complex)
IV) A Wrong Motive
Israel didn’t act as she did because of a desire to obey God, they acted as they did because they didn’t like the idea of another 40 years in the wilderness. Law enforcement officers often ask the question, "Are they (the offenders) sorry for what they did or that they got caught?
Some people can tell of hearing preaching so vivid that you could feel the fire. There comes a time when you act/obey not out of fear of the fire but because of love for the Father. Israel had not come to that place yet.)
conclusion:
1) Lost opportunities cannot be recreated. we must wait and pray for another opportunity; THEREFORE
2) we must be more bold in stepping out in the first place.
