1 40 Years in the Wilderness Numbers and Deuteronomy.

11

40 Years in the Wilderness40 Years in the Wilderness

Numbers andNumbers and

DeuteronomyDeuteronomy

222008 Men’s Conference at2008 Men’s Conference atCallaway GardensCallaway Gardens

OutlineOutline

Why wander in the Wilderness?Why wander in the Wilderness?

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned– PeoplePeople– MosesMoses– GodGod

ApplicationApplication


WildernessWilderness

Egypt -Slavery Promised

Land1 Cor 10:1-13 “…Now these things happened

as examples for us”


WildernessWilderness

SlaveToSin

EternityWith

The Lord

1 Cor 10:1-13 “…Now these things happened as examples for us”



UnbeliefUnbelief– Numbers 14:11-12Numbers 14:11-12

Vs 11 “…this people spurn Me”Vs 11 “…this people spurn Me”

Vs 11 “…they not believe in Me, despite all the Vs 11 “…they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst”signs which I have performed in their midst”

Spurn = to reject with disdain; to treat with Spurn = to reject with disdain; to treat with contempt; despisecontempt; despise

Believe = be faithful; trustBelieve = be faithful; trust



UnbeliefUnbelief– Numbers 14:20-35Numbers 14:20-35

Vs 33 “…they shall suffer for your unfaithfulness”Vs 33 “…they shall suffer for your unfaithfulness”

Unfaithfulness = fornication; harlotry (prostitution)Unfaithfulness = fornication; harlotry (prostitution)

Numbers 14:1-4 “…Let us appoint a leader and Numbers 14:1-4 “…Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt”return to Egypt”



UnbeliefUnbelief– Hebrews 3:12-19Hebrews 3:12-19

Vs 17 “…with whom was He angry for forty years?”Vs 17 “…with whom was He angry for forty years?”

Vs 17 “…those who Vs 17 “…those who sinnedsinned””

Vs 18 “…whom did He swear that they should not Vs 18 “…whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest”enter His rest”

Vs 18 “…those who were Vs 18 “…those who were disobedientdisobedient””

Vs 19 “…we see that they were not able to enter Vs 19 “…we see that they were not able to enter because of because of unbeliefunbelief””

– Sinned > > Disobedient > > UnbeliefSinned > > Disobedient > > Unbelief



Testing/Preparation - Humbling/DiscipliningTesting/Preparation - Humbling/Disciplining– Deuteronomy 8:1-20Deuteronomy 8:1-20

Vs 2 “…led you in the wilderness these forty years, Vs 2 “…led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not”commandments or not”

Vs 5 “…the Lord your God was disciplining you just Vs 5 “…the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son”as a man disciplines his son”

Vs 16 “…that He might humble you and that He Vs 16 “…that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end”might test you, to do good for you in the end”



Testing/Preparation - Humbling/DiscipliningTesting/Preparation - Humbling/Disciplining– Deuteronomy 8:1-20Deuteronomy 8:1-20– Humble = to be put down; become low (not Humble = to be put down; become low (not

proud; low in rank, importance)proud; low in rank, importance)– Test, Testing = to try; to prove (the means by Test, Testing = to try; to prove (the means by

which the presence, quality, genuineness of which the presence, quality, genuineness of anything is determined)anything is determined)

– Discipline = to chasten, instruct, admonish Discipline = to chasten, instruct, admonish (punishment inflicted by way of correction and (punishment inflicted by way of correction and training)training)


Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

PeoplePeople– Obstinate, Stiff-necked, StubbornObstinate, Stiff-necked, Stubborn

Exodus 32:9 Lord said, “…they are an obstinate Exodus 32:9 Lord said, “…they are an obstinate people”people”

Deut 9:6 “not because of your righteousness…for Deut 9:6 “not because of your righteousness…for you are a stubborn people” (also Deut 9:13)you are a stubborn people” (also Deut 9:13)

Obstinate = unyielding; not easily controlledObstinate = unyielding; not easily controlled

Stubborn = unreasonably obstinate; difficult to Stubborn = unreasonably obstinate; difficult to work, control, subduework, control, subdue



PeoplePeople– Obstinate, Stiff-necked, StubbornObstinate, Stiff-necked, Stubborn– Examples:Examples:

Constant complaining of their circumstances Constant complaining of their circumstances

Golden calf (Ex 32:1,8 and Deut 9:12 – quickly Golden calf (Ex 32:1,8 and Deut 9:12 – quickly turned aside from the way God commanded them)turned aside from the way God commanded them)

Failed attempt at entering Promised Land (Num Failed attempt at entering Promised Land (Num 14:40-45)14:40-45)

Played harlot with daughters of Moab (Num 25:1-3 Played harlot with daughters of Moab (Num 25:1-3 – Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor) – Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor)



PeoplePeople– RebelliousRebellious

Deut 9:7 “…from the day that you left the land of Deut 9:7 “…from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord”rebellious against the Lord”

Rebellious = to be contentious; to be disobedientRebellious = to be contentious; to be disobedient

– Examples:Examples:Close relation between stubborn and rebelliousClose relation between stubborn and rebellious

Kadesh-barnea (Num 14:1-10; Deut 1:26-33) Kadesh-barnea (Num 14:1-10; Deut 1:26-33)

Korah, Dathan, Abiram and 250 leaders (Num 16)Korah, Dathan, Abiram and 250 leaders (Num 16)



PeoplePeople– Could add impatient and self-centeredCould add impatient and self-centered– Examples:Examples:

Golden calf (Ex 32:1 – couldn’t wait for Moses to Golden calf (Ex 32:1 – couldn’t wait for Moses to return; “…Come, make return; “…Come, make usus a god who will go a god who will go before before usus”)”)

Constant complaining of their circumstances (“woe Constant complaining of their circumstances (“woe is me!”)is me!”)



MosesMoses– Loved God’s peopleLoved God’s people

Ex 32:11-14 “…Moses entreated the Lord…Turn from Thy Ex 32:11-14 “…Moses entreated the Lord…Turn from Thy burning anger and change Thy mind about doing harm to burning anger and change Thy mind about doing harm to Thy people” (also Deut 9:18-29 and 10:10 - another 40 days Thy people” (also Deut 9:18-29 and 10:10 - another 40 days and nights)and nights)Num 14:13-19 “Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people Num 14:13-19 “Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, just as according to the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, just as Thou also hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until Thou also hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now”now”Num 16:41-50 – took action through Aaron to stop plague Num 16:41-50 – took action through Aaron to stop plague after Korah’s rebellionafter Korah’s rebellionNum 21:6-9 (fiery serpents) “And Moses interceded for the Num 21:6-9 (fiery serpents) “And Moses interceded for the people”people”Num 27:15-17 – requests God to appoint a new leader for Num 27:15-17 – requests God to appoint a new leader for IsraelIsrael



MosesMoses– God’s Obedient ServantGod’s Obedient Servant

Num 17:11 “Thus Moses did; just as the Lord had Num 17:11 “Thus Moses did; just as the Lord had commanded him, so he did”commanded him, so he did”

With one exception, the Lord would say and Moses With one exception, the Lord would say and Moses would dowould do

Ex 33:12-15 “…I pray Thee, if I have found favor in Ex 33:12-15 “…I pray Thee, if I have found favor in Thy sight, let me know Thy ways, that I may know Thy sight, let me know Thy ways, that I may know Thee…If Thy presence does not go with us, do not Thee…If Thy presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here”lead us up from here”



MosesMoses– Failed to enter the Promised LandFailed to enter the Promised Land

Num 20:8-13 “…Because you have not believed Num 20:8-13 “…Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them”into the land which I have given them”

Deut 3:23-28 “…Let me, I pray, cross over and see Deut 3:23-28 “…Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land…But the Lord was angry with me on the fair land…But the Lord was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me”your account, and would not listen to me”



GodGod– In ControlIn Control

Ex 6:6-8 “…I am the Lord…I will bring you out from under the Ex 6:6-8 “…I am the Lord…I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…I will deliver you…I will redeem burdens of the Egyptians…I will deliver you…I will redeem you…I will take you for My people…I will be your God…you you…I will take you for My people…I will be your God…you will know that I am the Lord…I will bring you to the land will know that I am the Lord…I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…I am which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…I am the Lord”the Lord”

– PatientPatientNum 14:17-23 “…The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in Num 14:17-23 “…The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness…So the Lord said, ‘I have pardoned them lovingkindness…So the Lord said, ‘I have pardoned them according to your word’”according to your word’”



GodGod– JustJust

Num 16:23-35 “…Get back from around the dwellings of Num 16:23-35 “…Get back from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram…and the earth opened its mouth Korah, Dathan and Abiram…and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up…Fire also came forth from the Lord and swallowed them up…Fire also came forth from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense”offering the incense”

– JealousJealousEx 20:5 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Ex 20:5 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…” (also Deut 4:24)Lord your God, am a jealous God…” (also Deut 4:24)Ex 32:10 “Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn Ex 32:10 “Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them, and that I may destroy them; and I will make of against them, and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation”you a great nation”



GodGod– ProvisionProvision

Deut 2:7 “…These forty years the Lord your God has been Deut 2:7 “…These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing”with you; you have not lacked a thing”Deut 8:3 “And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and Deut 8:3 “And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna…that He might make you understand fed you with manna…that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord”everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord”Deut 8:4 “Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your Deut 8:4 “Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years” (also Deut 29:5)foot swell these forty years” (also Deut 29:5)Ex 13:21-22 “And the Lord was going before them in a pillar Ex 13:21-22 “And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night…He did not take away the pillar…from before the by night…He did not take away the pillar…from before the people”people”



Learn from this exampleLearn from this example– 1 Cor 10:1-13 “Now these things happened as examples 1 Cor 10:1-13 “Now these things happened as examples

for us…”for us…”– “…“…we should not crave evil things, as they also craved” – we should not crave evil things, as they also craved” –

control appetites through Holy Spirit (Phil 4:8-9)control appetites through Holy Spirit (Phil 4:8-9)– ““do not be idolaters” – no greed or covetousness (Col 3:5)do not be idolaters” – no greed or covetousness (Col 3:5)– ““Nor let us act immorally” – flee youthful lusts and pursue Nor let us act immorally” – flee youthful lusts and pursue

righteousness (2 Tim 2:22)righteousness (2 Tim 2:22)– ““Nor let us try the Lord…nor grumble” – don’t complain of Nor let us try the Lord…nor grumble” – don’t complain of

our circumstances or how God executes His judgment our circumstances or how God executes His judgment (Num 21:4-6 and 16:41-46)(Num 21:4-6 and 16:41-46)

– Always recognize dependence on God (1 Cor 10:12-13)Always recognize dependence on God (1 Cor 10:12-13)



Trust GodTrust God– He led themHe led them– He kept them fed and clothedHe kept them fed and clothed– He provided them spiritual understanding and He provided them spiritual understanding and

development (Deut 8:3 and 8:16)development (Deut 8:3 and 8:16)– He will do the same for us (Rom 8:32 and Phil He will do the same for us (Rom 8:32 and Phil

4:19)4:19)– Trust & Obey, for there is no other way!Trust & Obey, for there is no other way!



Humble yourselfHumble yourself– Pride was an issue for the Israelites (Deut 8:2, 3 and 16)Pride was an issue for the Israelites (Deut 8:2, 3 and 16)– Pride can be an issue for usPride can be an issue for us– When we become proud, we forget God (Deut 8:11-14) When we become proud, we forget God (Deut 8:11-14) – We must always recognize the true SourceWe must always recognize the true Source

Deut 8:17-18 “…you may say in your heart, ‘my power and the Deut 8:17-18 “…you may say in your heart, ‘my power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth’…but you shall strength of my hand made me this wealth’…but you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth…”power to make wealth…”

1 Cor 4:7 “…And what do you have that you did not receive? 1 Cor 4:7 “…And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”received it?”



Be TeachableBe Teachable– They were obstinate, stiff-necked, stubborn peopleThey were obstinate, stiff-necked, stubborn people– These are not attributes of someone open to teaching These are not attributes of someone open to teaching

and disciplineand discipline– Are you spending consistent time studying God’s Word Are you spending consistent time studying God’s Word

with other men? Are you under sound Biblical teaching?with other men? Are you under sound Biblical teaching?““And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” (Acts 2:42)teaching…” (Acts 2:42)““Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another…” (Col 3:16)teaching and admonishing one another…” (Col 3:16)

– God disciplines us for our goodGod disciplines us for our good““Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son” (Deut 8:5)disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son” (Deut 8:5)“…“…but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness” (Heb 12:10)holiness” (Heb 12:10)



Learn to be ContentLearn to be Content– Our circumstances don’t define God or our Our circumstances don’t define God or our

relationship with Himrelationship with Him– His Word defines Him and our relationship with HimHis Word defines Him and our relationship with Him– If we do not learn to be content in our circumstances, If we do not learn to be content in our circumstances,

how can we be grateful to God? how can we be grateful to God? – We have all we need in HimWe have all we need in Him

““Let your character be free from the love of money, being Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’” (Heb 13:5 and never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’” (Heb 13:5 and Deut 31:6)Deut 31:6)““Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Phil 4:11) in whatever circumstances I am.” (Phil 4:11)


ApplicationApplicationDon’t let disappointment keep you from finishing strongDon’t let disappointment keep you from finishing strong– Moses must have been disappointed after he learned he would not Moses must have been disappointed after he learned he would not

enter the Promised Landenter the Promised Land– Moses still finished wellMoses still finished well

Obedient servant (“So Moses did just as the Lord commanded”)Obedient servant (“So Moses did just as the Lord commanded”)Aaron’s death; victories over the Canaanites and Amorites; the bronze Aaron’s death; victories over the Canaanites and Amorites; the bronze serpent; addressed sin of Peor; commissioned Joshua; and slaughtered serpent; addressed sin of Peor; commissioned Joshua; and slaughtered the Midianitesthe MidianitesDeuteronomy – Moses urges Israel to obey God and to believe in Him…Deuteronomy – Moses urges Israel to obey God and to believe in Him…to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut 6:5)with all your might” (Deut 6:5)God buried Moses (Deut 34:5-6)God buried Moses (Deut 34:5-6)

– We must finish well (“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching We must finish well (“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:12-14)of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:12-14)

1 40 Years in the Wilderness Numbers and Deuteronomy.

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Transcript of 1 40 Years in the Wilderness Numbers and Deuteronomy.