Numbers 13-14: Joy to the Faithful, Despair to the Faithless

Storyteller: Tim Salomon

Key Points to Know 1.  God’s Word is always true 2.  Faithlessness causes mourning 3.  God rewards the faithful

Key Passage(s)

Passage: Numbers 13:1-14:41 Key Themes: God commands Moses to send a leader from each tribe to spy out the land God promised to give Israel God commands the men to assess the state of the land and to bring back fruit and produce from the land The young leaders saw great produce in the land along with fortified cities and big people The young leaders verify that the land God promised is good just as God said, “flowing with milk and honey” 10 of the spies give a bad report emphasizing the fortified cities and big people Caleb urges the people to trust God’s Word  and take the land The people reject God’s promises and want to return to Egypt Joshua and Caleb urge the people not to rebel against the Lord and to fear the Lord instead of the giants of Canaan Moses quotes God’s Word on behalf of the people of Israel God remembers His Word and spells out the consequences for faithless disobedience God blesses and promises inheritance to Caleb and Joshua The 10 faithless young leaders die of plague Israel attempts to enter the land against God’s Word and w/out God

Reflective Discussion Questions: What was the purpose of sending out the spies? -to test and see if what God promised was true, Israel wanted proof (Deut 1:20-25) What were the spies to report on and why? -Assess the fruit of the land so Israel could begin harvesting and building immediately -Know how to prepare for battle(fortified cities and how many people) What did the spies find when they got to the land?  What were some of the concerns the spies had that overshadowed the truth of God’s word and the fruitfulness of the land? What are some of the things God has promised to His children?  How do you know these are God’s promises?  Where do you find it in God’s Word? What prevents  you from recognizing God’s faithfulness in your life?  Obstacles or fears overshadow the hope and promise God wants you to hold to? Who among the spies encouraged the people to trust God and claim the inheritance? Do you identify more with the doubtful spies or Caleb and Joshua?  Do you have people like Joshua and Caleb in your life? People that know God’s Word and will encourage you to walk by faith? How do the people react to the bad report given by the 10 spies?  How do you react to hardship or difficulty in your life?  What is your attitude toward God?  What do you say to Him? Why does God refrain from striking down Israel? -Moses quotes God, God lives up to who He has said He is What are the consequences for Israel’s disobedience?  Was God’s punishment for the 10 spies extreme?  How did God reward the faithful?  How have you missed out on God’s best for you because of disobedience?  How have you seen God reward your faithfulness and obedience? Why did Israel try to enter the land after God told them they couldn’t?  Why did Israel fail to take the land?  Have you ever tried to earn God’s love or bargain with God?  Have you ever tried doing “Christian” things without God in your own strength?

Application

Individual Challenge What would it take for you to let go of the fear and doubt you have in your relationship with God?  Commit to praying that God become a greater reality in your life than your fear.

Community Challenge What kind of impact will we have on our campus, with friends and with our family when we let go of fear and walk by faith?