What steps can we take to avoid "rebelling against the LORD"? Setting the Scene Israel stood at the border of Canaan. Ten spies spread fear; only Joshua and Caleb urged trust. Their plea rings out: “Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be bread for us. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:9) Why Rebellion Happens • We focus on obstacles more than God’s promise (Numbers 13:31). • We listen to majority opinions over God’s word (Numbers 14:1–4). • We let fear grow into distrust (Hebrews 3:12). Practical Steps to Avoid Rebelling against the LORD 1. Trust His Presence – Remember “the LORD is with us” (Numbers 14:9). – Meditate on Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10 to keep His nearness fresh. 2. Feed on His Promises Daily – Treat Scripture as daily bread (Deuteronomy 8:3). – Memorize key promises; speak them when anxiety rises (Joshua 1:9). 3. Reject Fear Promptly – Replace “What if?” with “God said” (2 Timothy 1:7). – Confess fear as sin when it questions God’s character. 4. Obey Quickly and Completely – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). – Partial obedience still resists His authority (1 Samuel 15:22–23). 5. Stay Accountable within God’s People – Encourage one another daily so none “is hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). – Invite correction; rebellion thrives in isolation. 6. Submit Your Plans to Him – “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7). – Pray over decisions, align them with revealed truth (Proverbs 3:5–6). 7. Cultivate Gratitude – Israel’s grumbling fueled rebellion (Numbers 14:2). – Thankfulness shifts the heart from complaint to confidence (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Living It Out Together Rebellion is not a single moment but a drift. By trusting His presence, feeding on His word, rejecting fear, obeying swiftly, walking in community, submitting plans, and choosing gratitude, we keep our hearts tender and our steps in line with the Lord who faithfully leads us. |
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