A Different Spirit
Numbers 14:24 and Selected Passages
April 28, 2002
Introduction
What does it mean to be different?
To be different means literally that something does not conform to the standard or the norm. Different can be a positive thing. In fact, we have been called to be different than the world around us. This morning I want examine the life of a man who was indeed different from those around him and God brought blessing into his life.
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. Numbers 14:24
The Caleb Principle: If we give ourselves wholeheartedly to God, He can do the impossible within us
Body
I. A Different Passion
A. Caleb followed God with all his heart
1. Caleb followed God completely
a.) Caleb followed God with his whole heart. In other words, he followed God with every ounce of his being.
b.) No reserve, no retreat, no regrets – Bill Bordon. This is the kind of life that Caleb lived. He held nothing back and gave his all to God.
2. Caleb found a new strength
a.) Caleb’s strength was in God, not himself
b.) Caleb’s confidence was in God, not himself
c.) Caleb’s future was in God’s hands, not his hands
B. Caleb followed God through challenges
1. The challenge of the enemy
a.) Massive armies with good equipment and great walled cities
b.) God was greater than the enemy
2. The challenge of the opposition
a.) The people heard the size of the enemy and they melted in fear. They focused on their fear and forgot their faith
b.) God was greater than the opposition
3. The challenge of the giants
a.) Caleb chose the land of giants as his reward and would fight them in God’s strength
b.) God was greater than the challenges
II. A Different Perspective
"Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."
A. Caleb followed God with Faith
1. Caleb lived through the wilderness
a.) God kept Caleb alive to fulfill His divine plan
b.) Caleb acknowledged that it was God alone that kept himn alive through the Wilderness
2. Caleb faced the challenge
a.) Numbers 13:28 – the objections
But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.
1.) The enemy was powerful
2.) The enemy was fortified
3.) Some of the enemy were giants – The sons of Anak: Goliath was one of them
b.) Caleb’s chosen ground
1.) The enemy was powerful, with well fortified cities and were the Anakites. Caleb was going to fight in the area that caused the negative report
2.) Caleb believed that God would help him
B. Caleb followed God with focus
1. Caleb pursued God’s promise
a.) Caleb was strong in God
b.) Caleb was courageous in God
c.) Caleb was victorious in God
2. Caleb rose to the challenge
a.) Nothing was going to stop Caleb from accomplishing what God called him to do
b.) No enemy was too great, no obstacle was too large and no opposition too loud to keep Caleb from doing what God wanted Him to do
III. A Different Position
A. Caleb stood for his faith
1. Caleb believed that God could and would do the impossible
a.) Numbers 14:7b-9
"The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
b.) Caleb believed that God would provide the victory if the people acted in faith
2. Caleb believed that God would provide the victory
a.) God was their protection
1.) The enemy would be given into their hands and would be defeated
2.) If God is for us who can be against us. You and God make majority
b.) God was their provision
1.) God had proven the power of His provision
2.) God does not guide where he does not also provide
B. Caleb spoke a different language
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." Numbers 13:30
1. Caleb spoke of action
a.) Caleb called the people to go. There was no time to waste because God was telling them to go
b.) Caleb called the people to take the land. God was giving them this land and would give them the victory that they would need
2. Caleb spoke with faith
a.) Caleb was filled with faith that God would help them
b.) Caleb was filled with confidence in their future
IV. A Different Path
A. Caleb lived a different life
1. Caleb was used by God
a.) Caleb was a leader
b.) Caleb was a servant – to spy and to divide the land
c.) Caleb was an example of faith and courage
2. Caleb was fulfilled by God
a.) Caleb followed God and opened his life to God’s blessing
b.) Caleb received the promise of God through his faith and his courage
B. Caleb was given a different destiny
1. Caleb thrived through the Wilderness
a.) Caleb was one of two who made it from the Exodus to the Promised Land. ALL of the others died in the Wilderness
b.) Caleb retained his strength and ability for 45 years.
2. Caleb was rewarded with a new land
a.) Caleb was given the promise of God and was given a great land to live
b.) Caleb was rewarded for his faith and his obedience. Caleb was given a new life in a new land
Conclusion
Life Lessons from Caleb
1. God has a different passion for us
a.) Our passion comes from our faith in the fact that God is with us and faithful to us
b.) Our passion comes from the fact that we have been called to be different. We are called to be a royal priesthood, a holy people and a people belonging to God
2. God has a different perspective for us
a.) Our perspective comes from the reality of God working in our lives.
b.) Our perspective is to literally flow from God’s perspective
3. God has a different position for us
a.) Our position is with God. Jesus called us to remain in him and that is exactly what Caleb models for us
b.) Our position is to stand firm for God and stand for him alone
4. God has a different path for us
a.) Jesus has provided the path that we are to follow. I am the way, and the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me.
b.) Jesus has a place prepared for us when we go to be with him.
Do you have a different spirit within you?
