Post date: Feb 25, 2015 4:51:45 PM
Whole group lecture
Aim: Complaining is a sin that reveals unbelief, ungratefulness, and discontentment.
1) Israel Complains------Numbers 11:1-10
2) Moses Complains------Numbers 11:11-35
3) Miriam and Aaron Complain------Numbers 12:1-16
Principle
Complaining arouses God's anger because it reveals my unbelief in God's goodness for me.
There are way too many things that we grumble and complain about--for both the big and the small things. Has God ever failed to provide for our needs? No! Of course not! Always believe in His Goodness!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Don't complain about what God gives you; it is like rejecting His gift.
Principle
God hears my complaints as rejection of His sovereign rule over my life.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
-Acts 17:24-26 NIV
So the LORD said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:16-17 NKJV)
God gave help to Moses by providing 70 elders to assist him in carrying the burdens of the people. Moses was right to complain to God because he brought his complaint to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving.
Principle
When I take my complaints to God, He hears a pleasing prayer of faith, not a complaint of unbelief.
When we come to God, we do not have to carry our burdens alone.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
Lack contentment causes jealousy and envy--which leads to complaining. Be content with what you have.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:10-11 NIV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
Principle
Contentment that eliminates complaining can only be experienced through the strength of Jesus Christ!