OBSTACLES TO INDIVIDUAL AND CHURCH GROWTH – PART 3
LEVITICUS 20:22-26
Introduction: Paul told the Corinthian church that the things that happened to Israel in the wilderness were lessons to be used to help the church in its spiritual growth. Called to be holy, the nation of Israel experienced many of the same obstacles that we experience as we seek to grow in Christ and to be used by Him. In the book of Numbers we find Israel filled with discontentment, dissension, discouragement, and defiance – all deadly to spiritual development and effective service for God.
I. DISCONTENT – Numbers 11:1-7
A. God had miraculously provided food for Israel – manna, which Exodus states that when prepared it tasted "wafers made with honey" and in its raw form tasted like fresh oil. But a mixed multitude, a group of Egyptians that came out of Egypt, began to intensely crave the culinary pleasures of their old life back in Egypt. They longed for the vast variety of fish that the Nile provided, the sweet chate or Egyptian cucumber, succulent melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. Their grumbling spread throughout all of the camp to the point that every family began to complain, grumble and murmur. According to verse 20, they wanted to go back into Egypt.
B. Within every church, there is a mixed multitude. They are those who make a “profession” of faith and join the church but never remove their heart from the world. They take displeasure with the spiritual and desire the worldly.
C. 1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
D. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
E. Philippians 4:11-12 ...I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
F. BE CAREFUL! God may just give you what you want. Note Numbers 11:18-20 And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?
G. Nothing is more displeasing to God than complaining saints. Don’t grumble because you don’t have what you want--be thankful you don’t get what you deserve.
II. Dissension – Numbers 12:1-3
A. Moaning – Miriam and Aaron complained and questioned God’s servant Moses. As a result of Moses, without consulting Miriam and Aaron, choosing seventy leaders in chapter 11 to assist him in governing the people, they criticized Moses. They began by attacking his home life. Then they questioned his call and mission. They didn’t question his right to be a leader; but questioned why they were not more recognized as equally as leaders.
B. It is sad to say, in many churches it seems that the pastor just cannot do anything right. No matter how sincere he may be or how hard he tries, there are always some who stand ready to find fault and criticize. Someone has described it this way:
• If the pastor is young, he lacks experience; if his hair is gray, he’s too old for the young people.
• If he has five or six children, he has too many; if he has none, he’s setting a bad example.
• If he preaches from notes, he has canned sermons, copying from others and is dry; if his messages are extemporaneous, he isn’t deep enough.
• If he caters to the poor in the church, he’s playing to the grandstand; if he pays attention to the wealthy, he’s trying to be an aristocrat.
• If he uses too many illustrations, he’s neglecting the Bible; if he doesn’t include stories, he isn’t clear.
• If he condemns wrong, he’s cranky; if he doesn’t preach against sin, the claim he’s a compromiser.
• If he preaches the truth, he’s too offensive; if he doesn’t present the "whole counsel of God," he’s a hypocrite.
• If he fails to please everybody, he’s hurting the church and should leave; if he does make them all happy, he has no convictions.
• If he drives an old car, he shames his congregation; if he buys a new one, he’s setting his affection on earthly things.
• If he preaches all the time, the congregation gets tired of hearing just one man; if he invites guest ministers, he’s shirking his responsibility.
• If he receives a large salary, he’s mercenary; if he gets a small one, they say it proves he isn’t worth much anyway. – copied
C. A minister opened a letter addressed to him. Inside was a page of paper with just one word on it: FOOL!!!! The next Sunday he announced from the pulpit: ’Many times I have received a letter which the author has forgotten to sign.’ This is the first time I have received a letter where the person signed it but forgot to include the content’
D. The trouble with being a leader today is that you can’t be sure whether people are following you or chasing you. Bits & Pieces, February 4, 1993, p. 8.
E. Hebrews 13:7, 17 MKJV Remember those leading you, who have spoken to you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conduct… Yield to those leading you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.
F. Romans 14:4 MKJV Who are you that judges another’s (God’s) servant? To his own master he stands or falls. But he will stand, for God is able to make him stand.
G. In almost every church there seems to be at least one group who, although making favorable comments about the pastor, cannot refrain from also publicly pointing out his shortcomings. Because of this, many of God’s servants are waging a difficult and discouraging battle. They are doing their best, but because of dissension, dissatisfaction, and opposition from those within the church, the work of the Lord is suffering. – Richard DeHaan, Your Pastor & You
H. Responsibilities of a congregation to their pastor
1. Pray for him – 2 Thessalonians 3:1
2. Follow him – 1 Corinthians 11:1
3. Respect him – Romans 13:7
4. Support him – 1 Timothy 5:17
5. Serve with him – 1 Corinthians 3:9
I. You know the old saying, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." This saying is applicable within the church too. In the battle for Stalingrad during World War II the Russian commanders ordered their soldiers not to give up any more ground. Any soldier who fled from the Germans was shot on the spot. The Russian commanders knew that if even a couple of soldiers fled their post the Germans would have an opening through which they could pour into the city. Likewise, when the church is divided, Satan finds it so much easier to attack and to conquer.
III. Discouragement – Numbers 13:30-14:4
A. Ten of the twelve spies permeated the camp with a spirit of pessimism and defeat through a discouraging evil report.
B. Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? Our brothers have discouraged our heart, saying, the people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
C. Discouragement is a highly contagious, deadly disease. When you spend time with someone who’s discouraged, you become discouraged yourself?
D. In the American War of Independence a critical battle took place near Saratoga, New York. Just before the battle took place one of the American soldiers, frightened by the sight of the British redcoats, tried to talk his comrades into surrendering or escaping with him. Luckily an office happened to come by and hear him. The man was arrested, immediately court-martialed, and executed on the spot because he spoke disheartening words to the soldiers in the critical hour. He easily could have lost the entire war for the Americans. \reference{Numbers 13:31-33}{Numbers 13:31-33}
E. Discouragement is often the result of weariness, disappointment, fear, or failure.
F. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
G. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
H. “A Mighty God” I refuse to be discouraged, to be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be down-hearted, and here’s the reason why:
I have a God who’s mighty—who’s sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team.
He is all-wise and powerful—Jehovah is His name;
Though everything is changeable, my God remains the same.
My God knows all that’s happening—beginning to the end;
His presence is my comfort; He is my dearest Friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me—to bring my head down low;
I call upon my mighty God; into His arms I go.
When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace,
He draws me close unto His breast where all my strivings cease.
When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control,
He gathers me into His arms—He soothes my heart and soul.
The great “I AM” is with me—my life is in His hand;
The “God of Jacob” is my hope; it’s in His strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated—my eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me as through this life I trod.
I’m looking past all circumstance to Heaven’s throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God—I’m resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything—my eyes are on His face;
The battle’s His, the vict’ry mine; He’ll help me win the race. – Lita Kurtzer, Zion’s Fire, March-April, 1992
IV. Defiance – Numbers 14:39-45
A. After God made it clear that the people sinned in failing to trust and follow Him instead of the negative report of the spies, they made an incomplete confession of their sin failing to truly repent. In a spirit of disobedience and rebellion they presumptively chose to go up against their enemies without the direction and power of the Lord. They were going to take the land on their own. The result was total defeat. Open defiance to the commands of God always brings disaster.
B. Numbers 15:30-31 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproaches the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
C. At Santiago an officer was advised to lie, down, as the regiment was waiting for the order to advance. He replied that he, did not believe that the bullet was yet cast that would kill him. Just then, he was struck by a Mauser in the head and killed. --Topical Illustrations
D. Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
E. One of the great failures of the church is that we often try to accomplish with human systems what only God can do. - Fred Smith, Leadership, Vol. 1, no. 1.
F. Psalms 127:1 …Except the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
G. Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends. - George Muller.
