Caleb Walker

Free PowerPoint: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3q70db1l9dl69u6g1jb4z/Lack-of-Trust-Numbers-20.pptx?rlkey=vx18t0z7wxjnrzsgglccc3z1u&st=77qdvdxb&dl=0

Review: Last week we looked at how God constructively used consequences to shape His people, extending them mercy upon Moses’ request and forgiving their rebellion. While that generation would not be allowed to enter the promised land, save Caleb and Joshua, their next generation would. 

Title: Lack of Trust

Text: Numbers 20:2-13

Key Verse: Numbers 20:12, “12 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Introduction: In this week’s lesson we see that (Theme🙂 God calls His people to trust Him in every situation.

Main Points:

1. The Problem (vv. 2-5)

“2 Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! 4 Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? 5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.”

• The water shortage sparked more complaining.
• They accused Moses and attacked him for bringing them to a place that felt inhospitable.
• They’d been here before at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13:26)
• Exodus 17 indicates that many in this generation had not yet seen God provide water miraculously, as the former generation had.
• Their quarreling was intense and assertive.
• They were on the verge of making the same error as their parents that cost their parents entering the promised land.

Discussion: How can we strengthen our walk to keep from doubting God? Spend daily time in God’s Word, use the church Bible reading plan, journal, pray, be committed to weekly worship at our local church, be committed weekly to our Connect Group and fellowship.

II. The Plan (vv. 6-8)

“6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.”

• Prayer! Moses and Aaron went to God, fell face down, in His sanctuary and cried out to God.
• God told Moses to take the staff and SPEAK to the rock. Not hit it, speak to it.

Discussion: How does it encourage you to know we can come to God and cry out to Him anytime? When we get overwhelmed and stressed knowing He hears and answers is a huge comfort.

III. The Result (vv. 9-13)

^“9 And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him. ¹⁰ Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” ¹¹ And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. ¹² And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” ¹³ These are the waters of Meribah,^[a] where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them he showed himself holy.”

• Moses in his exasperated frustration questioned God and asked if they HAD to get water for the people from the rock. You can see he was losing his self control slowly here.
• Moses went full blown angry and hit the rock instead of obeying and speaking to it.
• God in turn would not allow Moses and Aaron to enter the promised land.
• Did the pride of leadership get to Moses head/ Did he feel entitled, since he’d put in extra time leading the people in the promised land, thinking, “I have a right to be angry!” Did he think that all his service to God gave him a pass at committing some passing sin? We didn’t know the motivations, but we can see he was out of line in his response. Application: Just because you or have been walking with God for a long time, we are not allowed, entitled, or given a pass to any sin; we should be closer to God after these many years and be so desirous to love and honor Him more than ever by our unified, humble service.

Discussion: What does it say about God’s character that even after this sin and the people’s grumbling He still provided them with water? He’s gracious and merciful and generous even when we’ve failed.

3 Circles here:

Doctrine: Our key doctrine for this week is God the Father.

     Lifeway says, “God is an intelligent, spiritual Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and the Ruler of the universe.”

Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Big Takeaway(s):

• Gospel Conversation Transition Statement: “I haven’t dealt with that exact disappointing circumstance, but I have been experienced similar disappointments. May I share with you the hope I have fund in Jesus?”
• Believers can trust God even when current circumstances appear bleak.
• We can turn to God with our needs and concerns.
• Believers should recognize that ignoring God’s instructions leads to consequences.

Discussion Questions: What is one of your big takeaways from God’s Word here?

Please share your takeaway within your group and add your takeaway it in the comments.