Topical Bible: Murmuring: Saints Cease From

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Murmuring, often understood as grumbling or complaining, is a behavior that the Bible frequently addresses, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It is seen as an expression of discontent and lack of faith in God's provision and sovereignty. For the saints, ceasing from murmuring is a mark of spiritual maturity and trust in God's plan.

Biblical Instances of Murmuring

The Israelites' murmuring is a prominent theme in the Old Testament. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their situation in the wilderness: "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!'"

This pattern of murmuring continues throughout their journey, often leading to divine displeasure and consequences. Numbers 14:27 records God's response: "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, believers are admonished to avoid murmuring. Philippians 2:14-15 instructs, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world."

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude, contrasting the attitude of murmuring with the peace that comes from trusting in God's provision. In 1 Corinthians 10:10 , Paul warns the Corinthians by referencing the Israelites: "And do not grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel."

Ceasing from Murmuring

For the saints, ceasing from murmuring involves cultivating a heart of gratitude and trust. This transformation is often a result of spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness. The process includes:

1. Recognizing God's Sovereignty: Acknowledging that God is in control and that His plans are for the ultimate good of His people (Romans 8:28).

2. Cultivating Contentment: Learning to be content in all circumstances, as Paul exemplifies in Philippians 4:11-12 : "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound."

3. Practicing Gratitude: Actively giving thanks in all situations, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 : "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

4. Trusting in God's Provision: Believing that God will supply all needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

By ceasing from murmuring, saints demonstrate their faith and reliance on God, becoming witnesses to His grace and power in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 29:23,24
But when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in the middle of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... as well as the perfections; we then cease our admiration ... thee life, as he gave the
murmuring Israelites quails ... Enoch and Elijah, which of the saints have escaped ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

Preparation for Revival
... We have been guilty of murmuring at his will; but yet our ... O that we might cease to
be with our God as ... if ever I felt my own unfitness to edify the saints, I do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/preparation for revival.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... cheerfully and happily submitted to, without murmuring and repining ... Bible everywhere
affirms to be true of the saints. ... than by the tenor of their lives cease? ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxx evidences of regeneration.htm

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
... When the saints of the Most High pass into their ... Have you been during this day murmuring
and complaining and ... Let us cease from all criticism of what he does ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the key-note of a choice.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... that glory which he now inhabiteth, and cease to be ... Know ye not that the saints shall
judge the world! ... and chastened every morning." You were murmuring at the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving
... a love that declares it will not cease praying: "Because ... Gratitude and murmuring
never abide in the same heart at ... it is so in the congregations of the saints. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iv prayer praise and thanksgiving.htm

Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened
... the injustice of veiling their murmuring against the ... Stop thy tongue, my brother;
cease thy cavilling ... certain, quick, infallible; he never forgets his saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/marah or the bitter waters.htm

Christian Meekness
... ourselves calmly, without swelling or murmuring, under the ... good because others will
not cease from being ... God all who profess themselves saints were bespangled ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... The saints must clothe and adorn themselves with his ... obdurate, diabolical hatred,
and could not cease their persecutions ... shame to be guilty of murmuring at his ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

All the Day Long
... envious thoughts"which will lead on to murmuring and to ... between thee and the Eternal
never cease from its ... Angels have a special liking for sleeping saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm