Numbers 14:1-19

How is it possible to have continuing victories in your life as you seek to walk with the Lord? We must confess, if we are truly honest, that sometimes we have victories and, again, setbacks. What is the difference?

The Scripture we have considered today gives us some very clear clues about how victory can be ours. To be sure, we are looking at an experience in which Israel suffered a great defeat, but we can learn from others’ mistakes.

• Listen to Godly advice (Numbers 14:8-9)
  • The advice
    • God is with us… we can
    • The enemy’s protection is gone.
  • There is danger in not listening
• Live among intercessors
  • Moses intercession
    • Reminds God of all of His works with the children of Israel
      • This will come to no end if you destroy them
      • Your name will be affected
  • Moses intercedes for their pardon
    • There is pardon
    • There is a price (Numbers 14:20-23)

This is a perfect example that sin has a price, and we cannot intentionally sin and then go ask for forgiveness without consequences.

• Learn from the past (Numbers 14:39-45)
  • Their disobedience caused them to forfeit the joys of the land
  • They didn’t learn, but repeated the same mistake

Proverbs tells us that there is a way that seems right to man, but the end thereof is the way of death. It is not to follow our own ideas, but to obey the Lord, that is the key to victory in life. This same book of Proverbs tells us that when a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

There is no substitute for obedience to the Lord.