Sermon: Uncontrolled Desires Of This Present Age!

Sermon: Uncontrolled Desires

Ps 106:1 “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? 3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. 4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; 5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. 13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”

Introduction: Psalms 105 and 106 conclude the fourth division of Psalms. While Psalms 105 is a summary of God’s faithfulness to His people; Psalms 106 is a summary of the sinfulness of God’s people. Psalms 105 covers the exodus out of Egypt, while Psalms 106 covers the wildness journey to the Babylonian captivity. Psalms 106:15 should serve as a warning of uncontrolled desires. God gave them abundance of food, according to their desire, but with it, God spiced it with judgment; causing it not to prosper with them; so as they did eat to they were filled, but it did not cause them to thrive.

Whenever we consider all that God did to provide for Israel, we can be assured that God will take care of his own. God know what’s best for us and exactly how to meet our needs. Israel’s main problem was a short memory. Verse 7 reads, “Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies…” When I think of all God has done for me individually, from my earliest existence, my personal growth and development, my friends, salvation, healings and deliverances in my life, through ways that didn’t even know existed, I celebrate God. Israel, God’s chosen people experienced so many blessings, so more protection and so many miracles, yet they did not remember or appreciate them. 3Jo 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” John reminds us that God is concerned about our whole life; the health of our bodies, health of our souls, and even prosperity in secular affairs. God desires us to prosper in every area of life. God is for us and not against us. If we obey His word and seek first His kingdom, all these things will be added to us. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, God promises to give us the desires of our heart.

We are His people and the sheep of his pasture. We only need to wait on the Lord and allow Him to lead us, guide us and enrich our lives as He sees fit. He knows what’s best for us. During the wilderness journey, the Israelites were tempted to complain. They became dissatisfied with God’s provisions. God gave them manna , but craved meat! If God has not given us meat or money or more, we must resist the temptation to think we know what’s best for ourselves. Yielding to temptation caused Israel to crave things that were not good for them. We must remember, in every situation, God knows how to sustain us and take care of us. The Prosperity Message causes some to desire prosperity at any cost. There are some things that cost too much. God led His people with provision and protection, not a feeble person was among them. Their clothes did not wear out, not did their feet swell. Yet the people were so intent on getting what they wanted, they became blind to what they had. They wanted immediate gratification, they needed lasting spiritual fulfillment. They refused to be satisfied with God’s provisions. So they grumbled and complained. We must learn to trust God’s care and provision. Verse 12 said, at one time they believed His words; they sang His praise. Israel was like a child who receives a new toy, excited for a while, but quickly becomes bored and tosses it aside. They desire something new! There is a danger with uncontrolled desires. Uncontrolled desires will cause you to forget what God has already done, how good He has been and how much he has given you.