Title: Surviving and Thriving in the Wilderness
Theme:
Text: Exodus
Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.
(Exodus 13:17-18)
"Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you.
(Deuteronomy 8:1-5)
Coming through Egypt – a place of bondage. The Bible says that when were in sin we were slaves to sin.
The Ten Plagues – The Blood - Salvation
“When I see the blood I will pass over you”
We can stop right here and think about all the things that has been passed over in our life. The Lord protected us, kept the enemy from us.
Getting through the Red Sea – Deliverance from your enemy, liberation
Here we are introduced to The cloud by day and fire by night.
It what held back the enemy as Israel went by the Red Sea. It was what will hold back the enemy in your life. The fire of the Holy Spirit burning. Not giving any place to the devil.
The Next part of the Journey is the Wilderness.
Reasons for the Wilderness
1. Sin
2. Lessons to learn
3. Remove obstacles, defeat the enemies.
Wandering in the Wilderness – Process Sanctification
We are wounded because we have been sinned against.
A. Discontentment
Mamer – Exodus 15
A memory and longing for the past.
Grumbling
Complaining about the present
1 Corinthians 10:10 Nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.
Bitterness “a root” – this sets in
Later on after God’s provision of Mannah they wanted more they wanted meat. Exodus 16, Numbers 11
There are a few times that Israel is caught complaining. It seems to be that every time they faced a challenge they complained.
Here with bitter water
New Testament on Bitterness
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Acts 8:23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”
Ephesians 4:26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
B. Rebellion
These seem like easy commands to follow. God said it so we do it. We may even say, “If God spoke to me the way He speaks to Israel, I would . . .” Yet remember God was speaking through Moses the leader.
Today we have a hard time following the lead of our spiritual leader.
Psalms 1 “getting council from the world”.
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalms 1:1-6)
I have had people come to me and say, “Pastor, I feel the Lord leading me to . . .” This is before asking their pastor for advice or joining in prayer. They already have their mind made up.
The Korahites - Numbers 16 rebellion
Again after God’s authority is shown in Moses. God only speaks to Moses
Again after God deals with the tribe of Korah. They complained about God’s justice and Moses leadership.
Dealing with Sin
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Fallen short of God’s plans.
Surviving the Wilderness
Staying focused on Christ. – Guard your heart
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
(Philippians 4:6-8)
Take in the Water – Living water
Things survive in the wilderness. Actually things thrive in the wilderness. They key is to get to the water.
Deal with Sin
Check your spirit
Learn to be content
Philippians 4:11-12 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Remove obstacles
Rejection, hurt, unforgiveness
Enjoy the Journey
Php_4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Know your seasons
Be Transformed
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:1-2)
