The Addiction of Grumbling and Complaining
Numbers 14:26-35
Introduction
1.
Did you ever notice how bad news
seems to always triumph over good news?
2.
Did you ever notice how grumbling
seems to be more common than thanksgiving?
3.
God has put in place a system that
will enable His people to survive global warming (or cooling), financial
meltdowns, famine, disease, floods, earthquakes and fire.
4.
In the meantime we need to learn
how to handle difficulties
Discussion
1.
Israel is led out of Egypt
a.
Their cry Ex 2:23-24
b.
The time had arrived for God to
deliver them Gen 15:13
c.
Gods response
i.
The choosing and call of Moses
ii.
The plagues on the Egyptians
iii.
The parting of the Red Sea
2.
In the wilderness
a.
They grumbled for water Ex
15:24
b.
They grumbled for food Ex 16:2
c.
They grumbled about the
difficulties of taking the land Num 13:31-33
d.
They grumbled about the leadership
of Moses and Aaron Num 16-17
i.
250 leaders
ii.
Korah, Dathan and Abiram
e.
They grumbled at the death of those
who rebelled Num 16:41
3.
The New Testament position on
grumbling and complaining
a.
Phil 2:14
b.
Phil 4:6 There is a difference
between making requests and grumbling or complaining
c.
Phil 4:13 If you cannot do it,
it does not need to be done
d.
Consider how Jesus went to the
cross
e.
Consider Pauls attitude toward
discomfort 2 Cor 12:7-10
f.
Phil 4:7 consider what you
have, not what you do not have
Conclusion
1.
To
kick the grumbling addiction
a.
make an inventory of your blessings
b.
trust in God
c.
put your faith into action
2.
A disciple of Jesus is different:
it begins with baptism and continues to bring changes in our whole
approach to life