Misplaced Fear - Eric Geiger | Mariners Church

Welcome to Mariners Church. I'm so glad Welcome to Mariners Church. I'm so glad that you are with us today. If we that you are with us today. If we that you are with us today. If we haven't met, my name is Eric. I want to haven't met, my name is Eric. I want to haven't met, my name is Eric. I want to welcome those in our online community. welcome those in our online community. welcome those in our online community. I'm so glad that you are part of our I'm so glad that you are part of our I'm so glad that you are part of our church. Some of you are watching with a church. Some of you are watching with a church. Some of you are watching with a group of people from Mariners hosted group of people from Mariners hosted group of people from Mariners hosted here. Our church loves you so much. here. Our church loves you so much. here. Our church loves you so much. We're so honored to be able to put this We're so honored to be able to put this We're so honored to be able to put this worship gathering on for you. worship gathering on for you. worship gathering on for you. Last Thanksgiving, I spent time a week Last Thanksgiving, I spent time a week Last Thanksgiving, I spent time a week with my daughter, my youngest daughter with my daughter, my youngest daughter with my daughter, my youngest daughter Evie, in South Asia. We were visiting Evie, in South Asia. We were visiting Evie, in South Asia. We were visiting some of our partners there. And when we some of our partners there. And when we some of our partners there. And when we flew back home, we flew through Dubai. flew back home, we flew through Dubai. flew back home, we flew through Dubai. And so I thought, "Let's spend a couple And so I thought, "Let's spend a couple And so I thought, "Let's spend a couple days in Dubai on the tail end of the days in Dubai on the tail end of the days in Dubai on the tail end of the trip." And so my youngest daughter Evie, trip." And so my youngest daughter Evie, trip." And so my youngest daughter Evie, we spent time there and asked her what we spent time there and asked her what we spent time there and asked her what she wanted to do. And she looked online, she wanted to do. And she looked online, she wanted to do. And she looked online, and the thing she was most excited about and the thing she was most excited about and the thing she was most excited about doing was this massive zip line. It's doing was this massive zip line. It's doing was this massive zip line. It's the longest zip line in the world, and the longest zip line in the world, and the longest zip line in the world, and it goes through the city of Dubai 50 it goes through the city of Dubai 50 it goes through the city of Dubai 50 stories high. And some of you think like stories high. And some of you think like stories high. And some of you think like this wasn't true, but no, we really did this wasn't true, but no, we really did this wasn't true, but no, we really did this. This is me doing the zip line, and this. This is me doing the zip line, and this. This is me doing the zip line, and this is not AI. When I posted it on my this is not AI. When I posted it on my this is not AI. When I posted it on my story on Instagram, someone was like, story on Instagram, someone was like, story on Instagram, someone was like, "That's AI." No, there's a camera on my "That's AI." No, there's a camera on my "That's AI." No, there's a camera on my helmet and a camera above the zip line, helmet and a camera above the zip line, helmet and a camera above the zip line, 50 stories high zip lining through 50 stories high zip lining through 50 stories high zip lining through downtown Dubai. It was insane. And it I downtown Dubai. It was insane. And it I downtown Dubai. It was insane. And it I I am so afraid of heights. I don't like I am so afraid of heights. I don't like I am so afraid of heights. I don't like heights at all, but this was going to be heights at all, but this was going to be heights at all, but this was going to be a core memory for my daughter Evie, so a core memory for my daughter Evie, so a core memory for my daughter Evie, so we went for it. And we bought the we went for it. And we bought the we went for it. And we bought the tickets and we did this zip line. Now, tickets and we did this zip line. Now, tickets and we did this zip line. Now, Evie is so courageous. She I've never Evie is so courageous. She I've never Evie is so courageous. She I've never seen her scared of anything. And so seen her scared of anything. And so seen her scared of anything. And so we're up there, and they ask us who we're up there, and they ask us who we're up there, and they ask us who wants to go first. And Evie wants to go wants to go first. And Evie wants to go wants to go first. And Evie wants to go first. And so she gets in this like they

first. And so she gets in this like they first. And so she gets in this like they push you on a table essentially and push you on a table essentially and push you on a table essentially and strap you in. And I've never seen Evie strap you in. And I've never seen Evie strap you in. And I've never seen Evie scared before, but she she kind of yeah scared before, but she she kind of yeah scared before, but she she kind of yeah she yelped. And I thought perhaps like she yelped. And I thought perhaps like she yelped. And I thought perhaps like the harness scratched her or something. the harness scratched her or something. the harness scratched her or something. So I was checking on her, and I So I was checking on her, and I So I was checking on her, and I realized, "No, no, she's she's actually realized, "No, no, she's she's actually realized, "No, no, she's she's actually scared. I've never seen her scared scared. I've never seen her scared scared. I've never seen her scared before." Which then terrified me because before." Which then terrified me because before." Which then terrified me because if Evie's scared, that means the view of if Evie's scared, that means the view of if Evie's scared, that means the view of where she is on the 50th floor at the where she is on the 50th floor at the where she is on the 50th floor at the very edge of the building. This must be very edge of the building. This must be very edge of the building. This must be terrifying. And so, she went and then it terrifying. And so, she went and then it terrifying. And so, she went and then it was my turn and I lay down and I have was my turn and I lay down and I have was my turn and I lay down and I have never been overwhelmed with such like, never been overwhelmed with such like, never been overwhelmed with such like, "What am I about to do? I can't believe "What am I about to do? I can't believe "What am I about to do? I can't believe I'm doing this." And in that moment, I I'm doing this." And in that moment, I I'm doing this." And in that moment, I actually thought, "This is what it's actually thought, "This is what it's actually thought, "This is what it's going to feel like when I die one day." going to feel like when I die one day." going to feel like when I die one day." And I I prayed to God. I said, "God, one And I I prayed to God. I said, "God, one And I I prayed to God. I said, "God, one day I'm going to die I don't know we all day I'm going to die I don't know we all day I'm going to die I don't know we all die all of us right now one day we'll die all of us right now one day we'll die all of us right now one day we'll die and so, Lord like help me know what die and so, Lord like help me know what die and so, Lord like help me know what that moment's going to be like that that moment's going to be like that that moment's going to be like that you're you're going to be with me in you're you're going to be with me in you're you're going to be with me in that moment so, I know you're with me that moment so, I know you're with me that moment so, I know you're with me now." And I I now." And I I now." And I I just went for it. Now, people have asked just went for it. Now, people have asked just went for it. Now, people have asked me after, "Were Were you scared and what me after, "Were Were you scared and what me after, "Were Were you scared and what Did you think about getting off and just Did you think about getting off and just Did you think about getting off and just saying forget this? What am I doing? I'm saying forget this? What am I doing? I'm saying forget this? What am I doing? I'm not doing this. This is crazy."

not doing this. This is crazy." not doing this. This is crazy." Ziplining in Catalina Island not far Ziplining in Catalina Island not far Ziplining in Catalina Island not far from where I'm filming this right now, from where I'm filming this right now, from where I'm filming this right now, it's it feels like really safe because it's it feels like really safe because it's it feels like really safe because they have multiple lines and they strap they have multiple lines and they strap they have multiple lines and they strap you in multiple times to those multiple you in multiple times to those multiple you in multiple times to those multiple lines. This in downtown Dubai off 50 lines. This in downtown Dubai off 50 lines. This in downtown Dubai off 50 floors is one line with one strap. Of floors is one line with one strap. Of floors is one line with one strap. Of course, I thought about course, I thought about course, I thought about "What am I doing? I want to stop." But, "What am I doing? I want to stop." But, "What am I doing? I want to stop." But, I didn't because Abby had already gone I didn't because Abby had already gone I didn't because Abby had already gone and she was in front of me in downtown and she was in front of me in downtown and she was in front of me in downtown Dubai and my love for Abby in front of Dubai and my love for Abby in front of Dubai and my love for Abby in front of me was greater than the fear that was me was greater than the fear that was me was greater than the fear that was right there within me. My love for what right there within me. My love for what right there within me. My love for what was in front of me was greater than my was in front of me was greater than my was in front of me was greater than my fear so, I went for it. And we often fear so, I went for it. And we often fear so, I went for it. And we often will have fears in our lives and what will have fears in our lives and what will have fears in our lives and what will keep us moving forward is if we will keep us moving forward is if we will keep us moving forward is if we have a greater sense of commitment to have a greater sense of commitment to have a greater sense of commitment to what's in front of us than we do the what's in front of us than we do the what's in front of us than we do the current moment of fear that we are in. current moment of fear that we are in. current moment of fear that we are in. But, fear can stop us from doing things But, fear can stop us from doing things But, fear can stop us from doing things that we really believe God wants us to that we really believe God wants us to that we really believe God wants us to do. Fear can stop you in relationships. do. Fear can stop you in relationships. do. Fear can stop you in relationships. Fear can stop you from taking risk in Fear can stop you from taking risk in Fear can stop you from taking risk in your career. Fear can stop you from your career. Fear can stop you from your career. Fear can stop you from really enjoying the life that God has really enjoying the life that God has really enjoying the life that God has for you. Fear, according to the for you. Fear, according to the for you. Fear, according to the scripture, is a snare. It can trap you, scripture, is a snare. It can trap you, scripture, is a snare. It can trap you, hold you back. In fact, the Proverbs hold you back. In fact, the Proverbs hold you back. In fact, the Proverbs says this about fear. The fear of says this about fear. The fear of says this about fear. The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who mankind is a snare, but the one who mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. Now, trusts in the Lord is protected. Now, trusts in the Lord is protected. Now, notice the fear that the scripture says notice the fear that the scripture says notice the fear that the scripture says is the biggest snare that can mess with is the biggest snare that can mess with is the biggest snare that can mess with you and hold you back is fear of you and hold you back is fear of you and hold you back is fear of mankind.

mankind. mankind. Fear of other people. Fear of other people. Fear of other people. Ed Welch is a Christian counselor and he Ed Welch is a Christian counselor and he Ed Welch is a Christian counselor and he described fear of mankind or fear of described fear of mankind or fear of described fear of mankind or fear of people this way. When we see people as people this way. When we see people as people this way. When we see people as bigger than God and out of the fear that bigger than God and out of the fear that bigger than God and out of the fear that creates in us, we give other people the creates in us, we give other people the creates in us, we give other people the power and right to tell us what to feel, power and right to tell us what to feel, power and right to tell us what to feel, think, and do. According to this think, and do. According to this think, and do. According to this Christian counselor Ed Welch, the Christian counselor Ed Welch, the Christian counselor Ed Welch, the biggest fear that will stop you from biggest fear that will stop you from biggest fear that will stop you from enjoying what God has for you is enjoying what God has for you is enjoying what God has for you is actually fear of mankind, fear of other actually fear of mankind, fear of other actually fear of mankind, fear of other people. Because when you have fear of people. Because when you have fear of people. Because when you have fear of other people, you make people's other people, you make people's other people, you make people's viewpoint of you or people's opinion of viewpoint of you or people's opinion of viewpoint of you or people's opinion of you you you people big and God small. Fear of people big and God small. Fear of people big and God small. Fear of mankind is you constantly make people mankind is you constantly make people mankind is you constantly make people bigger in your life and God smaller in bigger in your life and God smaller in bigger in your life and God smaller in your life and it's it's an idol. It's your life and it's it's an idol. It's your life and it's it's an idol. It's making an idol of people, an idol where making an idol of people, an idol where making an idol of people, an idol where you worship that or fear that more than you worship that or fear that more than you worship that or fear that more than you give all to God. People become you give all to God. People become you give all to God. People become bigger and God becomes smaller. bigger and God becomes smaller. bigger and God becomes smaller. David Powlison is another Christian David Powlison is another Christian David Powlison is another Christian counselor and he developed a model for counselor and he developed a model for counselor and he developed a model for idols, that the idols that we give our idols, that the idols that we give our idols, that the idols that we give our affection to or our fear to beneath the affection to or our fear to beneath the affection to or our fear to beneath the surface and many have quoted his work on surface and many have quoted his work on surface and many have quoted his work on idols. He talks about idols beneath the idols. He talks about idols beneath the idols. He talks about idols beneath the surface. He called them source idols.

surface. He called them source idols. surface. He called them source idols. Things beneath the surface in your life Things beneath the surface in your life Things beneath the surface in your life that then causes you to give your that then causes you to give your that then causes you to give your affection not to God, but to something affection not to God, but to something affection not to God, but to something else and and that's where people then else and and that's where people then else and and that's where people then get bigger in your life and God gets get bigger in your life and God gets get bigger in your life and God gets smaller. I want to help you evaluate smaller. I want to help you evaluate smaller. I want to help you evaluate what a potential idol beneath the what a potential idol beneath the what a potential idol beneath the surface in your heart is. Now, often surface in your heart is. Now, often surface in your heart is. Now, often times we enjoy taking personality test. times we enjoy taking personality test. times we enjoy taking personality test. We get to see our strengths. This is We get to see our strengths. This is We get to see our strengths. This is like not as awesome as a personality like not as awesome as a personality like not as awesome as a personality test because you're not going to walk test because you're not going to walk test because you're not going to walk away saying, "Aw, I'm great at this." away saying, "Aw, I'm great at this." away saying, "Aw, I'm great at this." cuz we're actually going to evaluate cuz we're actually going to evaluate cuz we're actually going to evaluate what we struggle with. what we struggle with. what we struggle with. But, if we really believe that God is But, if we really believe that God is But, if we really believe that God is better than everything else, identifying better than everything else, identifying better than everything else, identifying what we struggle with is actually really what we struggle with is actually really what we struggle with is actually really helpful cuz we can leave that behind and helpful cuz we can leave that behind and helpful cuz we can leave that behind and trust him more. Now, these Christian trust him more. Now, these Christian trust him more. Now, these Christian counselors and therapists, they are not counselors and therapists, they are not counselors and therapists, they are not saying that you have to surrender to saying that you have to surrender to saying that you have to surrender to these idols, but that it's helpful to these idols, but that it's helpful to these idols, but that it's helpful to identify which idol you struggle with. identify which idol you struggle with. identify which idol you struggle with. And because fear of man plagues all of And because fear of man plagues all of And because fear of man plagues all of us, I'm going to relate this to how us, I'm going to relate this to how us, I'm going to relate this to how these idols cause us to relate to other these idols cause us to relate to other these idols cause us to relate to other people. So, here they are. There's four people. So, here they are. There's four people. So, here they are. There's four of them. If comfort is your idol, when of them. If comfort is your idol, when of them. If comfort is your idol, when it comes to people, it comes to people, it comes to people, you look for stress-free relationships.

you look for stress-free relationships. you look for stress-free relationships. You do not want someone in your life You do not want someone in your life You do not want someone in your life who's challenging you, who's rubbing who's challenging you, who's rubbing who's challenging you, who's rubbing against you, and making you against you, and making you against you, and making you uncomfortable. Someone with comfort as uncomfortable. Someone with comfort as uncomfortable. Someone with comfort as the idol beneath the surface, the source the idol beneath the surface, the source the idol beneath the surface, the source idol, that person can change friends idol, that person can change friends idol, that person can change friends every two or three years because when every two or three years because when every two or three years because when someone gets close to that person, they someone gets close to that person, they someone gets close to that person, they start to feel uncomfortable. They They start to feel uncomfortable. They They start to feel uncomfortable. They They fear expectations from other people. fear expectations from other people. fear expectations from other people. Comfort is the idol. Comfort is the idol. Comfort is the idol. For some, it's approval. For some, it's approval. For some, it's approval. And the person who has approval as the And the person who has approval as the And the person who has approval as the source idol beneath the surface, more source idol beneath the surface, more source idol beneath the surface, more than anything, they just want to be than anything, they just want to be than anything, they just want to be accepted, approved by others. And so, accepted, approved by others. And so, accepted, approved by others. And so, their great fear is to be rejected by their great fear is to be rejected by their great fear is to be rejected by people. people. people. Someone who has the idol of power Someone who has the idol of power Someone who has the idol of power beneath the surface, beneath the surface, beneath the surface, this person longs to be seen as this person longs to be seen as this person longs to be seen as successful by other people. More More successful by other people. More More successful by other people. More More than just wanting to be approved, that's than just wanting to be approved, that's than just wanting to be approved, that's being liked. That's okay if I'm liked. being liked. That's okay if I'm liked. being liked. That's okay if I'm liked. It doesn't matter if I'm liked. I want It doesn't matter if I'm liked. I want It doesn't matter if I'm liked. I want to be seen as powerful and successful. to be seen as powerful and successful. to be seen as powerful and successful. And this person fears disrespect. They And this person fears disrespect. They And this person fears disrespect. They They will feel disrespect. They They will feel disrespect. They They will feel disrespect. They internalize that as humiliation. That's internalize that as humiliation. That's internalize that as humiliation. That's power as an idol. And then there's power as an idol. And then there's power as an idol. And then there's control. And I confess that when I've control. And I confess that when I've control. And I confess that when I've done deep work on my own heart, this is done deep work on my own heart, this is done deep work on my own heart, this is the one that I have struggled with. I the one that I have struggled with. I the one that I have struggled with. I don't surrender to it, but I've don't surrender to it, but I've don't surrender to it, but I've struggled with this. It's the longing struggled with this. It's the longing struggled with this. It's the longing for certainty from others and from life.

for certainty from others and from life. for certainty from others and from life. Wants everything to be clean and mapped Wants everything to be clean and mapped Wants everything to be clean and mapped out and fears inconsistency, even out and fears inconsistency, even out and fears inconsistency, even inconsistency from people. And if inconsistency from people. And if inconsistency from people. And if control is my idol, then I can really control is my idol, then I can really control is my idol, then I can really put all of my trust in the plans that I put all of my trust in the plans that I put all of my trust in the plans that I lay out instead of trusting God who's lay out instead of trusting God who's lay out instead of trusting God who's over all of the plans. Which of these over all of the plans. Which of these over all of the plans. Which of these would you tend to struggle with? would you tend to struggle with? would you tend to struggle with? Comfort, approval, Comfort, approval, Comfort, approval, power, or control? power, or control? power, or control? Now, if you follow the framework of Now, if you follow the framework of Now, if you follow the framework of these source idols, it really causes you these source idols, it really causes you these source idols, it really causes you to not only look at the behaviors you do to not only look at the behaviors you do to not only look at the behaviors you do in life, but the motivation beneath the in life, but the motivation beneath the in life, but the motivation beneath the surface for why you do those behaviors, surface for why you do those behaviors, surface for why you do those behaviors, which is why counselors and therapists which is why counselors and therapists which is why counselors and therapists have used this tool. Martin Luther, the have used this tool. Martin Luther, the have used this tool. Martin Luther, the famous reformer, he said this that under famous reformer, he said this that under famous reformer, he said this that under every behavioral sin is the sin of every behavioral sin is the sin of every behavioral sin is the sin of idolatry. He He was essentially saying idolatry. He He was essentially saying idolatry. He He was essentially saying all the things we do that dishonor God, all the things we do that dishonor God, all the things we do that dishonor God, beneath the surface, the reason we're beneath the surface, the reason we're beneath the surface, the reason we're doing those things is because we've made doing those things is because we've made doing those things is because we've made something else more important than God. something else more important than God. something else more important than God. That idols beneath the surface is really That idols beneath the surface is really That idols beneath the surface is really what causes us to behave in a way that what causes us to behave in a way that what causes us to behave in a way that dishonors God. Example, take materialism dishonors God. Example, take materialism dishonors God. Example, take materialism as an example. That is the surface sin.

as an example. That is the surface sin. as an example. That is the surface sin. We know that God's not honored when we We know that God's not honored when we We know that God's not honored when we put all of our hope in material put all of our hope in material put all of our hope in material possessions, but possessions, but possessions, but these therapists would say that's just these therapists would say that's just these therapists would say that's just the surface. Look beneath the surface to the surface. Look beneath the surface to the surface. Look beneath the surface to see what's causing you to be see what's causing you to be see what's causing you to be materialistic. So, someone who has the materialistic. So, someone who has the materialistic. So, someone who has the idol of comfort may look at material idol of comfort may look at material idol of comfort may look at material possessions as a way to just have no possessions as a way to just have no possessions as a way to just have no stress in their life, accumulate more stress in their life, accumulate more stress in their life, accumulate more things so they can increase their things so they can increase their things so they can increase their comfort. Comfort is the idol beneath the comfort. Comfort is the idol beneath the comfort. Comfort is the idol beneath the surface that's driving materialism. But surface that's driving materialism. But surface that's driving materialism. But somebody who has the idol of approval somebody who has the idol of approval somebody who has the idol of approval beneath the surface, they may still have beneath the surface, they may still have beneath the surface, they may still have the behavioral sin of materialism, but the behavioral sin of materialism, but the behavioral sin of materialism, but the motivation beneath the surface for the motivation beneath the surface for the motivation beneath the surface for the materialism is they want people to the materialism is they want people to the materialism is they want people to like them, to come to their their pad, like them, to come to their their pad, like them, to come to their their pad, or to be in their new car, or to enjoy or to be in their new car, or to enjoy or to be in their new car, or to enjoy all this they want to have this stuff so all this they want to have this stuff so all this they want to have this stuff so that they can win some favor to that they can win some favor to that they can win some favor to themselves. Really, what's driving themselves. Really, what's driving themselves. Really, what's driving everything is the longing to be everything is the longing to be everything is the longing to be approved. approved. approved. But take the idol of power. Materialism But take the idol of power. Materialism But take the idol of power. Materialism is on the surface but power beneath. is on the surface but power beneath. is on the surface but power beneath. Perhaps the person wants to accumulate Perhaps the person wants to accumulate Perhaps the person wants to accumulate more and more things to give the more and more things to give the more and more things to give the impression, "Look, I've won. Look, I'm impression, "Look, I've won. Look, I'm impression, "Look, I've won. Look, I'm successful. Look at everything that I've successful. Look at everything that I've successful. Look at everything that I've accomplished." That's power beneath the accomplished." That's power beneath the accomplished." That's power beneath the surface. And then the person who has surface. And then the person who has surface. And then the person who has control as the source idol control as the source idol control as the source idol is going to accumulate so that they can is going to accumulate so that they can is going to accumulate so that they can just feel like they have enough to just feel like they have enough to just feel like they have enough to control all the variables in their life.

control all the variables in their life. control all the variables in their life. So, we want to look just not at the So, we want to look just not at the So, we want to look just not at the surface sins that we struggle with but surface sins that we struggle with but surface sins that we struggle with but what's really beneath the surface. what's really beneath the surface. what's really beneath the surface. What's our source idols? And so, you can What's our source idols? And so, you can What's our source idols? And so, you can really tell what your idol is by what really tell what your idol is by what really tell what your idol is by what you fear. you fear. you fear. So, what do you fear? So, what do you fear? So, what do you fear? If comfort's your idol, you fear If comfort's your idol, you fear If comfort's your idol, you fear expectations from others that they're expectations from others that they're expectations from others that they're going to make you uncomfortable. going to make you uncomfortable. going to make you uncomfortable. If approval is your idol, you're going If approval is your idol, you're going If approval is your idol, you're going to to to you're going to fear being rejected by you're going to fear being rejected by you're going to fear being rejected by people. people. people. If you fear disrespect, it's because If you fear disrespect, it's because If you fear disrespect, it's because power is the idol beneath the surface. power is the idol beneath the surface. power is the idol beneath the surface. And if you fear inconsistency, it's And if you fear inconsistency, it's And if you fear inconsistency, it's because control is the idol beneath the because control is the idol beneath the because control is the idol beneath the surface. Which of these do you tend to surface. Which of these do you tend to surface. Which of these do you tend to struggle with? The fear of mankind is a struggle with? The fear of mankind is a struggle with? The fear of mankind is a snare that will stop you from living the snare that will stop you from living the snare that will stop you from living the life that God has in front of you. life that God has in front of you. life that God has in front of you. We're walking through the book of We're walking through the book of We're walking through the book of Numbers. We get to Numbers chapter 13 Numbers. We get to Numbers chapter 13 Numbers. We get to Numbers chapter 13 and 14 today in our study and God's and 14 today in our study and God's and 14 today in our study and God's people are at the edge of the promised people are at the edge of the promised people are at the edge of the promised land that is in front of them. These are land that is in front of them. These are land that is in front of them. These are the people that God's rescued from the people that God's rescued from the people that God's rescued from Egyptian slavery in the book of Exodus.

Egyptian slavery in the book of Exodus. Egyptian slavery in the book of Exodus. He's now leading them in the wilderness He's now leading them in the wilderness He's now leading them in the wilderness in the book of Numbers and he has in the book of Numbers and he has in the book of Numbers and he has promised them this land that they're promised them this land that they're promised them this land that they're going to get to go into and they're at going to get to go into and they're at going to get to go into and they're at the edge, but they have to decide are the edge, but they have to decide are the edge, but they have to decide are they going to go? they going to go? they going to go? Are they going to in faith believe that Are they going to in faith believe that Are they going to in faith believe that God has this land for them or are they God has this land for them or are they God has this land for them or are they going to shrink back and is fear going going to shrink back and is fear going going to shrink back and is fear going to be a snare that stops them? Just as I to be a snare that stops them? Just as I to be a snare that stops them? Just as I was on the edge ready to go on that zip was on the edge ready to go on that zip was on the edge ready to go on that zip line and I thought about getting off. line and I thought about getting off. line and I thought about getting off. This is crazy. I should get down and but This is crazy. I should get down and but This is crazy. I should get down and but I can't because Abby's in front of me. I can't because Abby's in front of me. I can't because Abby's in front of me. They right now are on the edge of the They right now are on the edge of the They right now are on the edge of the promised land and do they believe the promised land and do they believe the promised land and do they believe the promises of God in front of them or are promises of God in front of them or are promises of God in front of them or are they going to shrink back? they going to shrink back? they going to shrink back? We'll see. Numbers chapter 14, actually We'll see. Numbers chapter 14, actually We'll see. Numbers chapter 14, actually 13 and 14. Verse 1 and 2, the scripture 13 and 14. Verse 1 and 2, the scripture 13 and 14. Verse 1 and 2, the scripture reads this. The Lord spoke to Moses, reads this. The Lord spoke to Moses, reads this. The Lord spoke to Moses, "Send men to scout out the land of "Send men to scout out the land of "Send men to scout out the land of Canaan I'm giving to the Israelites. Canaan I'm giving to the Israelites. Canaan I'm giving to the Israelites. Send one man who's a leader among them Send one man who's a leader among them Send one man who's a leader among them from each of their ancestral tribes." from each of their ancestral tribes." from each of their ancestral tribes." Now, I want you to notice that God says, Now, I want you to notice that God says, Now, I want you to notice that God says, "This is the land I'm giving you."

"This is the land I'm giving you." "This is the land I'm giving you." The command is not, "Hey, go spy the The command is not, "Hey, go spy the The command is not, "Hey, go spy the land and see if you can take it." No, land and see if you can take it." No, land and see if you can take it." No, it's I've already given this to you. And it's I've already given this to you. And it's I've already given this to you. And this was not new language. God had this was not new language. God had this was not new language. God had promised their their ancestor Abraham promised their their ancestor Abraham promised their their ancestor Abraham and then Abraham had a family of and then Abraham had a family of and then Abraham had a family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and then now Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and then now Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and then now the 12 tribes all come from Jacob. God the 12 tribes all come from Jacob. God the 12 tribes all come from Jacob. God had promised that family that land is had promised that family that land is had promised that family that land is for you and here is God delivering on for you and here is God delivering on for you and here is God delivering on the promise. This is the land that I'm the promise. This is the land that I'm the promise. This is the land that I'm going to give you. This was a promise going to give you. This was a promise going to give you. This was a promise that was made long ago. God's saying, that was made long ago. God's saying, that was made long ago. God's saying, "Go scout it out and see what I've given "Go scout it out and see what I've given "Go scout it out and see what I've given you." But he's not telling them you have you." But he's not telling them you have you." But he's not telling them you have to figure out how to take it. I'm to figure out how to take it. I'm to figure out how to take it. I'm actually giving it to you. Now, let's actually giving it to you. Now, let's actually giving it to you. Now, let's skip down to verse 26 and 28 and see skip down to verse 26 and 28 and see skip down to verse 26 and 28 and see what these 12 what these 12 what these 12 scouts, these 12 spies who go and look scouts, these 12 spies who go and look scouts, these 12 spies who go and look at the land come back and report. at the land come back and report. at the land come back and report. They're from all of the 12 tribes that They're from all of the 12 tribes that They're from all of the 12 tribes that are camped in the wilderness and this is are camped in the wilderness and this is are camped in the wilderness and this is what they report. Verse 26. They went what they report. Verse 26. They went what they report. Verse 26. They went back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite community in the wilderness of Israelite community in the wilderness of Israelite community in the wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for them and the whole community report for them and the whole community report for them and the whole community and they showed them the fruit of the and they showed them the fruit of the and they showed them the fruit of the land. They reported to Moses, "We went land. They reported to Moses, "We went land. They reported to Moses, "We went into the land where you sent us. Indeed, into the land where you sent us. Indeed, into the land where you sent us. Indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey and it is flowing with milk and honey and it is flowing with milk and honey and here's some of its fruit.

here's some of its fruit. here's some of its fruit. However, the people living in the land However, the people living in the land However, the people living in the land are strong and the cities are large and are strong and the cities are large and are strong and the cities are large and fortified." fortified." fortified." Notice, they show back up with an Notice, they show back up with an Notice, they show back up with an accurate report. Everything they are accurate report. Everything they are accurate report. Everything they are saying is true, but it's how they're saying is true, but it's how they're saying is true, but it's how they're saying it that is dishonoring to God. saying it that is dishonoring to God. saying it that is dishonoring to God. First, they say "The The promise of God First, they say "The The promise of God First, they say "The The promise of God is true. The promise of God is true. is true. The promise of God is true. is true. The promise of God is true. This land is flowing with milk and This land is flowing with milk and This land is flowing with milk and honey. Look at the fruit. This is honey. Look at the fruit. This is honey. Look at the fruit. This is incredible." But, did you notice? incredible." But, did you notice? incredible." But, did you notice? However, However, However, however, the problems are bigger than however, the problems are bigger than however, the problems are bigger than the promise. God's promised us this. the promise. God's promised us this. the promise. God's promised us this. However, the problems in front of us are However, the problems in front of us are However, the problems in front of us are bigger than what God has promised us. bigger than what God has promised us. bigger than what God has promised us. They They changed the entire report with They They changed the entire report with They They changed the entire report with the word however. the word however. the word however. You've You've seen this before. God is You've You've seen this before. God is You've You've seen this before. God is faithful, but faithful, but faithful, but the struggles that I have seem to be the struggles that I have seem to be the struggles that I have seem to be bigger than God's faithfulness. God bigger than God's faithfulness. God bigger than God's faithfulness. God loves me. However, God loves me, but I'm loves me. However, God loves me, but I'm loves me. However, God loves me, but I'm struggling with this thing that is struggling with this thing that is struggling with this thing that is bigger than God's promise. And so, they bigger than God's promise. And so, they bigger than God's promise. And so, they start to disrupt the people of God with start to disrupt the people of God with start to disrupt the people of God with this report that is questioning God's this report that is questioning God's this report that is questioning God's promise as being bigger than the promise as being bigger than the promise as being bigger than the problem. But, not all of them.

problem. But, not all of them. problem. But, not all of them. That They were 12 spies. Two of them, That They were 12 spies. Two of them, That They were 12 spies. Two of them, Caleb and Joshua, they were different. Caleb and Joshua, they were different. Caleb and Joshua, they were different. They believed that the promises of God They believed that the promises of God They believed that the promises of God are bigger than the problems in front of are bigger than the problems in front of are bigger than the problems in front of them. Look at verse 30 and 32. Then them. Look at verse 30 and 32. Then them. Look at verse 30 and 32. Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence Caleb quieted the people in the presence Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, "Let's go up now and of Moses and said, "Let's go up now and of Moses and said, "Let's go up now and take possession of the land because we take possession of the land because we take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it." But, the men can certainly conquer it." But, the men can certainly conquer it." But, the men who had gone up with him responded, "We who had gone up with him responded, "We who had gone up with him responded, "We can't attack the people because they're can't attack the people because they're can't attack the people because they're stronger than we are." So, they gave a stronger than we are." So, they gave a stronger than we are." So, they gave a negative report to the Israelites about negative report to the Israelites about negative report to the Israelites about the land that they scouted. Joshua and the land that they scouted. Joshua and the land that they scouted. Joshua and Caleb had a different report. They Caleb had a different report. They Caleb had a different report. They believed the promises of God were bigger believed the promises of God were bigger believed the promises of God were bigger than the problems. The other 10 spies than the problems. The other 10 spies than the problems. The other 10 spies believed that the problems were bigger believed that the problems were bigger believed that the problems were bigger than the promises of God. than the promises of God. than the promises of God. In fact, we'll see what happens next. In fact, we'll see what happens next. In fact, we'll see what happens next. Chapter 14 verses 1 through 4, the whole Chapter 14 verses 1 through 4, the whole Chapter 14 verses 1 through 4, the whole community broke into loud cries and the community broke into loud cries and the community broke into loud cries and the people wept that night. So there the the people wept that night. So there the the people wept that night. So there the the community is believing not Joshua and community is believing not Joshua and community is believing not Joshua and Caleb that this is from God, we can take Caleb that this is from God, we can take Caleb that this is from God, we can take the land. The community is believing the land. The community is believing the land. The community is believing the the people in there are too big. The the the people in there are too big. The the the people in there are too big. The we we can't take this. The problems are we we can't take this. The problems are we we can't take this. The problems are bigger than the promises. So the whole bigger than the promises. So the whole bigger than the promises. So the whole community broke into loud cries. The community broke into loud cries. The community broke into loud cries. The people wept that night. All the people wept that night. All the people wept that night. All the Israelites complained about Moses and Israelites complained about Moses and Israelites complained about Moses and Aaron and the whole community told them, Aaron and the whole community told them, Aaron and the whole community told them, this is crazy what they say.

this is crazy what they say. this is crazy what they say. If only we had died in the land of Egypt If only we had died in the land of Egypt If only we had died in the land of Egypt or if only we had died in the or if only we had died in the or if only we had died in the wilderness. Why is the Lord bringing us wilderness. Why is the Lord bringing us wilderness. Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our into this land to die by the sword? Our into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. wives and children will become plunder. wives and children will become plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back Wouldn't it be better for us to go back Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt? So they said to one another, to Egypt? So they said to one another, to Egypt? So they said to one another, let's appoint a leader and go back to let's appoint a leader and go back to let's appoint a leader and go back to Egypt. Egypt. Egypt. This is This is This is shocking what they're saying. So shocking what they're saying. So shocking what they're saying. So offensive to God. They're saying, God, offensive to God. They're saying, God, offensive to God. They're saying, God, it would be better if you had not it would be better if you had not it would be better if you had not rescued us from our slavery. Our life rescued us from our slavery. Our life rescued us from our slavery. Our life back there in slavery is better than back there in slavery is better than back there in slavery is better than life with you. They actually are trying life with you. They actually are trying life with you. They actually are trying to reverse the Exodus. The Exodus is to reverse the Exodus. The Exodus is to reverse the Exodus. The Exodus is when God delivered them out of slavery when God delivered them out of slavery when God delivered them out of slavery and they're saying, God, give us another and they're saying, God, give us another and they're saying, God, give us another leader who can bring us back into leader who can bring us back into leader who can bring us back into slavery. They're trying to reverse the slavery. They're trying to reverse the slavery. They're trying to reverse the salvation that God had brought them. salvation that God had brought them. salvation that God had brought them. Perhaps if you've studied the scripture Perhaps if you've studied the scripture Perhaps if you've studied the scripture or you've read much about Christianity, or you've read much about Christianity, or you've read much about Christianity, you've heard of the term apostate or you've heard of the term apostate or you've heard of the term apostate or apostasy. It is when someone who looks apostasy. It is when someone who looks apostasy. It is when someone who looks like they have believed in God turns like they have believed in God turns like they have believed in God turns away from God and shows that they never away from God and shows that they never away from God and shows that they never really understood the salvation that God really understood the salvation that God really understood the salvation that God had offered and this is an example in had offered and this is an example in had offered and this is an example in the scripture of apostasy. These are a the scripture of apostasy. These are a the scripture of apostasy. These are a group of people who show they never group of people who show they never group of people who show they never really had embraced the forgiveness and really had embraced the forgiveness and really had embraced the forgiveness and the grace of God because they were the grace of God because they were the grace of God because they were wanting to go back into slavery. Let's wanting to go back into slavery. Let's wanting to go back into slavery. Let's keep reading verse 5 through 9.

keep reading verse 5 through 9. keep reading verse 5 through 9. Then Moses and Aaron fell face down in Then Moses and Aaron fell face down in Then Moses and Aaron fell face down in front of the whole assembly of the front of the whole assembly of the front of the whole assembly of the Israelite community. Joshua son of Nun Israelite community. Joshua son of Nun Israelite community. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, among those who scouted out the land, among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes and said to the tore their clothes and said to the tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite community, "The land we entire Israelite community, "The land we entire Israelite community, "The land we passed through and explored is an passed through and explored is an passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the Lord is extremely good land. If the Lord is extremely good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into pleased with us, he will bring us into pleased with us, he will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and this land, a land flowing with milk and this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. honey, and give it to us. honey, and give it to us. Only don't rebel against the Lord. And Only don't rebel against the Lord. And Only don't rebel against the Lord. And don't be afraid of the people of the don't be afraid of the people of the don't be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their land, for we will devour them. Their land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, protection has been removed from them, protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don't be and the Lord is with us. Don't be and the Lord is with us. Don't be afraid." Guys, fear is is a snare. Don't afraid." Guys, fear is is a snare. Don't afraid." Guys, fear is is a snare. Don't be afraid. The Lord said to Moses, "How be afraid. The Lord said to Moses, "How be afraid. The Lord said to Moses, "How long will these people despise me? How long will these people despise me? How long will these people despise me? How long will they not trust in me despite long will they not trust in me despite long will they not trust in me despite all the signs I have performed among all the signs I have performed among all the signs I have performed among them?" This is God's word. I want you to them?" This is God's word. I want you to them?" This is God's word. I want you to notice in the text that he equates, we notice in the text that he equates, we notice in the text that he equates, we have this underlined for you, that God have this underlined for you, that God have this underlined for you, that God equates rebelling against the Lord with equates rebelling against the Lord with equates rebelling against the Lord with being afraid of the people.

being afraid of the people. being afraid of the people. That fear is a snare. That fear is a snare. That fear is a snare. That fear of mankind is a snare. The That fear of mankind is a snare. The That fear of mankind is a snare. The scripture here equated their rebelling scripture here equated their rebelling scripture here equated their rebelling against God with their fear of the against God with their fear of the against God with their fear of the people in the land, with their high view people in the land, with their high view people in the land, with their high view of people, a low view of God, a high of people, a low view of God, a high of people, a low view of God, a high view of people, a low view of God, a view of people, a low view of God, a view of people, a low view of God, a high view of problems. And Moses says, high view of problems. And Moses says, high view of problems. And Moses says, "God, I what is happening?" God speaks "God, I what is happening?" God speaks "God, I what is happening?" God speaks about how brokenhearted he is. He asked about how brokenhearted he is. He asked about how brokenhearted he is. He asked Moses, "How long are these people going Moses, "How long are these people going Moses, "How long are these people going to despise me?" God's heart is broken to despise me?" God's heart is broken to despise me?" God's heart is broken for these people. See, we see in this for these people. See, we see in this for these people. See, we see in this text that when we sin and we go against text that when we sin and we go against text that when we sin and we go against God, it's not only breaking God's law, God, it's not only breaking God's law, God, it's not only breaking God's law, it's breaking his heart. it's breaking his heart. it's breaking his heart. That God's heart is broken when we don't That God's heart is broken when we don't That God's heart is broken when we don't trust the promises that he has for us. trust the promises that he has for us. trust the promises that he has for us. We don't trust that he's good and We don't trust that he's good and We don't trust that he's good and gracious and that his word is true. God gracious and that his word is true. God gracious and that his word is true. God had promised the land to these people had promised the land to these people had promised the land to these people and once again we are finding them and once again we are finding them and once again we are finding them complaining in the wilderness. complaining in the wilderness. complaining in the wilderness. Last week in our study in the book of Last week in our study in the book of Last week in our study in the book of Numbers we saw that God takes Numbers we saw that God takes Numbers we saw that God takes complaining very seriously and here they complaining very seriously and here they complaining very seriously and here they are again complaining in the wilderness.

are again complaining in the wilderness. are again complaining in the wilderness. And notice the consequence for their And notice the consequence for their And notice the consequence for their complaining. Verse 20 of Numbers chapter complaining. Verse 20 of Numbers chapter complaining. Verse 20 of Numbers chapter 14, the Lord responded, 14, the Lord responded, 14, the Lord responded, "I have pardoned them." Because Moses is "I have pardoned them." Because Moses is "I have pardoned them." Because Moses is asking God to forgive these people. asking God to forgive these people. asking God to forgive these people. And Lord responded, "I've pardoned them And Lord responded, "I've pardoned them And Lord responded, "I've pardoned them as you requested. as you requested. as you requested. Yet as I live and as the whole earth is Yet as I live and as the whole earth is Yet as I live and as the whole earth is filled with the Lord's glory, none of filled with the Lord's glory, none of filled with the Lord's glory, none of the men the men the men who have seen my glory and the signs I who have seen my glory and the signs I who have seen my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness performed in Egypt and in the wilderness performed in Egypt and in the wilderness and have tested me these 10 times and and have tested me these 10 times and and have tested me these 10 times and did not obey me did not obey me did not obey me will ever see the land I swore to give will ever see the land I swore to give will ever see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of these who have their ancestors. None of these who have their ancestors. None of these who have despised me will see it. But since my despised me will see it. But since my despised me will see it. But since my servant Caleb has a different spirit and servant Caleb has a different spirit and servant Caleb has a different spirit and has remained loyal to me, I will bring has remained loyal to me, I will bring has remained loyal to me, I will bring him into the land where he has gone and him into the land where he has gone and him into the land where he has gone and his descendants will inherit it. This is his descendants will inherit it. This is his descendants will inherit it. This is God's word." This is a really shocking God's word." This is a really shocking God's word." This is a really shocking text. This is a strong consequence for a text. This is a strong consequence for a text. This is a strong consequence for a lack of trust in God for making people lack of trust in God for making people lack of trust in God for making people big and God small in their lives. God big and God small in their lives. God big and God small in their lives. God says these people saw my miraculous says these people saw my miraculous says these people saw my miraculous signs in Egypt. I rescued them. So they signs in Egypt. I rescued them. So they signs in Egypt. I rescued them. So they saw the miracle of my rescue. And these saw the miracle of my rescue. And these saw the miracle of my rescue. And these people have seen my miraculous signs in people have seen my miraculous signs in people have seen my miraculous signs in the wilderness. So they saw my miracle the wilderness. So they saw my miracle the wilderness. So they saw my miracle of provision. They've seen rescue and of provision. They've seen rescue and of provision. They've seen rescue and they've seen provision, but they they've seen provision, but they they've seen provision, but they constantly despised me. So they won't constantly despised me. So they won't constantly despised me. So they won't see the promised land. They won't see see the promised land. They won't see see the promised land. They won't see the land that I have for them. This is a the land that I have for them. This is a the land that I have for them. This is a shocking text because this entire shocking text because this entire shocking text because this entire generation will die in the desert generation will die in the desert generation will die in the desert without going into the land. All those

without going into the land. All those without going into the land. All those 20 and older who have despised God, all 20 and older who have despised God, all 20 and older who have despised God, all but two, but two, but two, Joshua Joshua Joshua and Caleb will enter the land but and Caleb will enter the land but and Caleb will enter the land but everyone else will not. We're talking everyone else will not. We're talking everyone else will not. We're talking about a million plus people who will die about a million plus people who will die about a million plus people who will die in the wilderness and not enter the land in the wilderness and not enter the land in the wilderness and not enter the land because they constantly complained because they constantly complained because they constantly complained against God and made the people in the against God and made the people in the against God and made the people in the land big and God small in their minds, land big and God small in their minds, land big and God small in their minds, and they missed out on the promised land and they missed out on the promised land and they missed out on the promised land that God had for his people. Caleb had a that God had for his people. Caleb had a that God had for his people. Caleb had a different spirit according to the text. different spirit according to the text. different spirit according to the text. He was different. The 10 spies, they He was different. The 10 spies, they He was different. The 10 spies, they were in awe of their surroundings and were in awe of their surroundings and were in awe of their surroundings and the the giants in the land were little the the giants in the land were little the the giants in the land were little like grasshoppers, they would say. They like grasshoppers, they would say. They like grasshoppers, they would say. They were in awe of their surroundings, but were in awe of their surroundings, but were in awe of their surroundings, but Caleb and Joshua, they were in awe of Caleb and Joshua, they were in awe of Caleb and Joshua, they were in awe of God. They had a big view of God and a God. They had a big view of God and a God. They had a big view of God and a small view of people, while these small view of people, while these small view of people, while these people, the 10, had a small view of God people, the 10, had a small view of God people, the 10, had a small view of God and a big view of people. And the fear and a big view of people. And the fear and a big view of people. And the fear that they had that they had that they had caused them caused them caused them to miss out on all that God had for to miss out on all that God had for to miss out on all that God had for them.

them. them. Perhaps for some, they feared Perhaps for some, they feared Perhaps for some, they feared a loss of comfort. a loss of comfort. a loss of comfort. They were in Egypt, and they knew what They were in Egypt, and they knew what They were in Egypt, and they knew what life was in Egypt, but now they're about life was in Egypt, but now they're about life was in Egypt, but now they're about to go into the land, and because comfort to go into the land, and because comfort to go into the land, and because comfort was their idol, because comfort was the was their idol, because comfort was the was their idol, because comfort was the idol beneath the surface, they didn't idol beneath the surface, they didn't idol beneath the surface, they didn't want to go into the land that God had want to go into the land that God had want to go into the land that God had for them. for them. for them. Maybe for some, it was power that was Maybe for some, it was power that was Maybe for some, it was power that was the idol beneath the surface, and they the idol beneath the surface, and they the idol beneath the surface, and they were terrified of going into the land were terrified of going into the land were terrified of going into the land and being humiliated, and so now that and being humiliated, and so now that and being humiliated, and so now that that that that commitment to go into the that that that commitment to go into the that that that commitment to go into the land would would cause them to lose land would would cause them to lose land would would cause them to lose their their power or their authority. their their power or their authority. their their power or their authority. Perhaps some of them struggled with Perhaps some of them struggled with Perhaps some of them struggled with control, and they did not like at all control, and they did not like at all control, and they did not like at all that they were going to have to go into that they were going to have to go into that they were going to have to go into the land at God's direction through the land at God's direction through the land at God's direction through Moses and through Joshua and Caleb and Moses and through Joshua and Caleb and Moses and through Joshua and Caleb and Aaron. They wanted to be the ones who Aaron. They wanted to be the ones who Aaron. They wanted to be the ones who were in control. Perhaps some had the were in control. Perhaps some had the were in control. Perhaps some had the idol of approval beneath the surface, idol of approval beneath the surface, idol of approval beneath the surface, and when they came back from spying on and when they came back from spying on and when they came back from spying on the land, they knew that the people in the land, they knew that the people in the land, they knew that the people in the tents wanted to hear the bad report, the tents wanted to hear the bad report, the tents wanted to hear the bad report, and they shared the bad report so that and they shared the bad report so that and they shared the bad report so that they could be approved. But they all they could be approved. But they all they could be approved. But they all missed out on what God had for them missed out on what God had for them missed out on what God had for them because they made people's view of them because they made people's view of them because they made people's view of them big and God's view of them really small.

big and God's view of them really small. big and God's view of them really small. And God said, "You said you want to die And God said, "You said you want to die And God said, "You said you want to die in the desert?" You said that you wanted in the desert?" You said that you wanted in the desert?" You said that you wanted to die? to die? to die? Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. You said you didn't want me? You said you didn't want me? You said you didn't want me? Okay. Okay. Okay. You can have life without me. And God You can have life without me. And God You can have life without me. And God gave them exactly what they wanted, life gave them exactly what they wanted, life gave them exactly what they wanted, life without him in the wilderness in the without him in the wilderness in the without him in the wilderness in the desert, and they died. C.S. Lewis said desert, and they died. C.S. Lewis said desert, and they died. C.S. Lewis said this, this, this, "There are two kinds of people. "There are two kinds of people. "There are two kinds of people. Two kinds of people in the end. Two kinds of people in the end. Two kinds of people in the end. Those who say to God, 'Thy will be done. Those who say to God, 'Thy will be done. Those who say to God, 'Thy will be done. God, your will be done.' And those to God, your will be done.' And those to God, your will be done.' And those to whom God says in the end, 'Thy will be whom God says in the end, 'Thy will be whom God says in the end, 'Thy will be done.'" done.'" done.'" And this is what God is saying to those And this is what God is saying to those And this is what God is saying to those who died in the wilderness, "You wanted who died in the wilderness, "You wanted who died in the wilderness, "You wanted life without me. Your will be done." life without me. Your will be done." life without me. Your will be done." Let's come back to you Let's come back to you Let's come back to you and your fears. and your fears. and your fears. Because these people missed the promised Because these people missed the promised Because these people missed the promised land that God had for them because they land that God had for them because they land that God had for them because they misplaced their fear. Instead of giving misplaced their fear. Instead of giving misplaced their fear. Instead of giving all to God, they gave all to others.

all to God, they gave all to others. all to God, they gave all to others. Instead of giving all to him, they made Instead of giving all to him, they made Instead of giving all to him, they made him small and made others big. Let's him small and made others big. Let's him small and made others big. Let's come back to your fears. Perhaps come back to your fears. Perhaps come back to your fears. Perhaps comfort is comfort is comfort is your struggle, the idol beneath the your struggle, the idol beneath the your struggle, the idol beneath the surface. And so because of that, you surface. And so because of that, you surface. And so because of that, you fear expectations from others. How do fear expectations from others. How do fear expectations from others. How do you replace all for people with all for you replace all for people with all for you replace all for people with all for God? Because the way to enjoy the God? Because the way to enjoy the God? Because the way to enjoy the promised life that God has for you is to promised life that God has for you is to promised life that God has for you is to do what Joshua and Caleb did, replace do what Joshua and Caleb did, replace do what Joshua and Caleb did, replace all for people for all for God. all for people for all for God. all for people for all for God. And so if comfort is your idol, you And so if comfort is your idol, you And so if comfort is your idol, you replace replace replace fear of expectations from others for all fear of expectations from others for all fear of expectations from others for all for your comforter. That you don't look for your comforter. That you don't look for your comforter. That you don't look to others to be your ultimate comfort. to others to be your ultimate comfort. to others to be your ultimate comfort. That you look to God to be your ultimate That you look to God to be your ultimate That you look to God to be your ultimate comfort. And that he will actually move comfort. And that he will actually move comfort. And that he will actually move you through challenging seasons in life, you through challenging seasons in life, you through challenging seasons in life, but he will always be with you. He's but he will always be with you. He's but he will always be with you. He's going to be with you in the difficult going to be with you in the difficult going to be with you in the difficult season, so you replace your fear of season, so you replace your fear of season, so you replace your fear of expectations for from others with this expectations for from others with this expectations for from others with this awe for God knowing that he is your awe for God knowing that he is your awe for God knowing that he is your great comforter. great comforter. great comforter. Maybe the idol for you is approval. You Maybe the idol for you is approval. You Maybe the idol for you is approval. You just want people to love you and approve just want people to love you and approve just want people to love you and approve of you, and you know that sometimes that of you, and you know that sometimes that of you, and you know that sometimes that causes you to make people big in your causes you to make people big in your causes you to make people big in your life and God small. How do you replace life and God small. How do you replace life and God small. How do you replace awe for people with awe for God?

awe for people with awe for God? awe for people with awe for God? Well, you replace your fear of rejection Well, you replace your fear of rejection Well, you replace your fear of rejection by people for awe for the one who is by people for awe for the one who is by people for awe for the one who is already approved you. If you're his, if already approved you. If you're his, if already approved you. If you're his, if you have become a Christian, God has you have become a Christian, God has you have become a Christian, God has already approved you. You don't need already approved you. You don't need already approved you. You don't need somebody else's approval. somebody else's approval. somebody else's approval. Because of what Jesus accomplished for Because of what Jesus accomplished for Because of what Jesus accomplished for you on the cross, when he went to die in you on the cross, when he went to die in you on the cross, when he went to die in your place for your sin, absorbed all of your place for your sin, absorbed all of your place for your sin, absorbed all of your sin and shame, gave you all of his your sin and shame, gave you all of his your sin and shame, gave you all of his forgiveness, you are now his son, you forgiveness, you are now his son, you forgiveness, you are now his son, you are now his daughter, you are approved. are now his daughter, you are approved. are now his daughter, you are approved. Not by your good work, but by his good Not by your good work, but by his good Not by your good work, but by his good and finished work on the cross. You and finished work on the cross. You and finished work on the cross. You don't need the approval of others. don't need the approval of others. don't need the approval of others. You've already been approved by your You've already been approved by your You've already been approved by your great God. So, you replace your awe for great God. So, you replace your awe for great God. So, you replace your awe for people, your your fear of rejection by people, your your fear of rejection by people, your your fear of rejection by other people with awe for the one who other people with awe for the one who other people with awe for the one who has already approved you. has already approved you. has already approved you. Some of you, you know, as we walk Some of you, you know, as we walk Some of you, you know, as we walk through this, the source idol beneath through this, the source idol beneath through this, the source idol beneath the surface for you is power, and you the surface for you is power, and you the surface for you is power, and you know this because you totally fear being know this because you totally fear being know this because you totally fear being disrespected disrespected disrespected from people. You want to be seen as from people. You want to be seen as from people. You want to be seen as being amazing in front of other people.

being amazing in front of other people. being amazing in front of other people. And so, what do you do? How do you And so, what do you do? How do you And so, what do you do? How do you replace this this fear, this fear of man replace this this fear, this fear of man replace this this fear, this fear of man for this fear of God? You remind for this fear of God? You remind for this fear of God? You remind yourself that you do not need to be yourself that you do not need to be yourself that you do not need to be awesome. awesome. awesome. That you have a God who is awesome. That you have a God who is awesome. That you have a God who is awesome. You don't have to be awesome. You give You don't have to be awesome. You give You don't have to be awesome. You give your awe to God who is everlasting, to your awe to God who is everlasting, to your awe to God who is everlasting, to God who is awesome, to the God who is God who is awesome, to the God who is God who is awesome, to the God who is all powerful, and he will stand you up. all powerful, and he will stand you up. all powerful, and he will stand you up. He will hold you tightly to himself. He will hold you tightly to himself. He will hold you tightly to himself. And what if you, like me, have struggled And what if you, like me, have struggled And what if you, like me, have struggled with control beneath the surface and you with control beneath the surface and you with control beneath the surface and you fear inconsistency from others? How do fear inconsistency from others? How do fear inconsistency from others? How do you replace all you replace all you replace all for others with all for God? How do you for others with all for God? How do you for others with all for God? How do you get rid of the fear of inconsistency get rid of the fear of inconsistency get rid of the fear of inconsistency that you lose control? Here's how. that you lose control? Here's how. that you lose control? Here's how. You remind yourself that your great God You remind yourself that your great God You remind yourself that your great God is true and faithful and he never is true and faithful and he never is true and faithful and he never shifts. He's consistent and he's shifts. He's consistent and he's shifts. He's consistent and he's consistently good and he's good to you consistently good and he's good to you consistently good and he's good to you and you give your all to him. He is much and you give your all to him. He is much and you give your all to him. He is much better at running the universe than you better at running the universe than you better at running the universe than you are and much better at running the are and much better at running the are and much better at running the universe than I am. You replace your all universe than I am. You replace your all universe than I am. You replace your all for people with all for God. If you have for people with all for God. If you have for people with all for God. If you have all for people, all for people, all for people, fear of mankind, fear of mankind, fear of mankind, your problems will multiply.

your problems will multiply. your problems will multiply. If you have all for God, you will If you have all for God, you will If you have all for God, you will constantly see that God is greater than constantly see that God is greater than constantly see that God is greater than your problems. your problems. your problems. If, If, If, on the other hand, on the other hand, on the other hand, you were always concerned about other you were always concerned about other you were always concerned about other people and you make people your idol or people and you make people your idol or people and you make people your idol or you struggle with one of those source you struggle with one of those source you struggle with one of those source idols beneath the surface, idols beneath the surface, idols beneath the surface, God will become small in your mind and God will become small in your mind and God will become small in your mind and problems will become big and people will problems will become big and people will problems will become big and people will become big and your problems will become big and your problems will become big and your problems will multiply. But, if you give your all to multiply. But, if you give your all to multiply. But, if you give your all to him, if you give your all to God, you him, if you give your all to God, you him, if you give your all to God, you will know that his promise is greater. will know that his promise is greater. will know that his promise is greater. His promise is greater His promise is greater His promise is greater than my problems. than my problems. than my problems. His promise is greater than your His promise is greater than your His promise is greater than your problems. The people stood on the edge problems. The people stood on the edge problems. The people stood on the edge of the land that God had promised them. of the land that God had promised them. of the land that God had promised them. Two of them believed that God's promise Two of them believed that God's promise Two of them believed that God's promise is bigger than all of the problems in is bigger than all of the problems in is bigger than all of the problems in the land. Ten of them believed that the the land. Ten of them believed that the the land. Ten of them believed that the problems were bigger than the promise. problems were bigger than the promise. problems were bigger than the promise. Do you believe that God's promise over Do you believe that God's promise over Do you believe that God's promise over your life is bigger than your problems your life is bigger than your problems your life is bigger than your problems or do you believe that your problems are or do you believe that your problems are or do you believe that your problems are bigger than the promise?

bigger than the promise? bigger than the promise? If you are his, if you belong to him, If you are his, if you belong to him, If you are his, if you belong to him, all of his promises all of his promises all of his promises are yes and amen according to the are yes and amen according to the are yes and amen according to the scripture, meaning that God is going to scripture, meaning that God is going to scripture, meaning that God is going to keep every single one of his promises. keep every single one of his promises. keep every single one of his promises. There will be, we'll see as we continue There will be, we'll see as we continue There will be, we'll see as we continue walking through the book of Numbers, the walking through the book of Numbers, the walking through the book of Numbers, the next generation, God will bring into the next generation, God will bring into the next generation, God will bring into the land, Joshua and Caleb, he will bring land, Joshua and Caleb, he will bring land, Joshua and Caleb, he will bring into the land because God is going to into the land because God is going to into the land because God is going to keep his promises. He keeps every single keep his promises. He keeps every single keep his promises. He keeps every single one of his promises. And we know he one of his promises. And we know he one of his promises. And we know he keeps his promises because from that keeps his promises because from that keeps his promises because from that group of people and in that same land group of people and in that same land group of people and in that same land came the promised one, Jesus the Christ. came the promised one, Jesus the Christ. came the promised one, Jesus the Christ. He's the one who was promised who would He's the one who was promised who would He's the one who was promised who would enter this world for us to rescue us, enter this world for us to rescue us, enter this world for us to rescue us, forgive us of our sin, take away our forgive us of our sin, take away our forgive us of our sin, take away our shame, crush the head of our enemy shame, crush the head of our enemy shame, crush the head of our enemy Satan, and this one entered the world, Satan, and this one entered the world, Satan, and this one entered the world, Jesus the Christ, God the Son, and he Jesus the Christ, God the Son, and he Jesus the Christ, God the Son, and he walked in that same land, the promised walked in that same land, the promised walked in that same land, the promised one, Jesus, and he lived perfectly on one, Jesus, and he lived perfectly on one, Jesus, and he lived perfectly on our behalf. He then went to the cross, our behalf. He then went to the cross, our behalf. He then went to the cross, and on the cross, he took away our sin and on the cross, he took away our sin and on the cross, he took away our sin if we believe in him, and he gave us all if we believe in him, and he gave us all if we believe in him, and he gave us all of his forgiveness and all of his of his forgiveness and all of his of his forgiveness and all of his righteousness. He died for us in our righteousness. He died for us in our righteousness. He died for us in our place. He was then buried. On the third place. He was then buried. On the third place. He was then buried. On the third day, he was resurrected from the dead day, he was resurrected from the dead day, he was resurrected from the dead because he keeps every single one of his because he keeps every single one of his because he keeps every single one of his promises. He ascended to the right hand promises. He ascended to the right hand promises. He ascended to the right hand of the throne of the Father, and he of the throne of the Father, and he of the throne of the Father, and he intercedes for us right now. He hears us intercedes for us right now. He hears us intercedes for us right now. He hears us right now, and he keeps all of his right now, and he keeps all of his right now, and he keeps all of his promises to his sons and his daughters promises to his sons and his daughters promises to his sons and his daughters because he loves us. So, do you believe because he loves us. So, do you believe because he loves us. So, do you believe that he is greater than your problems?

that he is greater than your problems? that he is greater than your problems? Is he bigger in your life so that Is he bigger in your life so that Is he bigger in your life so that people's opinions of you get smaller? Do people's opinions of you get smaller? Do people's opinions of you get smaller? Do you believe that God's promise is you believe that God's promise is you believe that God's promise is greater than all of your problems? greater than all of your problems? greater than all of your problems? I, for my daughters, have absorbed I, for my daughters, have absorbed I, for my daughters, have absorbed things that I can't stand. I do not like things that I can't stand. I do not like things that I can't stand. I do not like heights. I can't believe I did a zip heights. I can't believe I did a zip heights. I can't believe I did a zip line in downtown Dubai. I absorbed line in downtown Dubai. I absorbed line in downtown Dubai. I absorbed something I hated something I hated something I hated so I could be with my daughter who I so I could be with my daughter who I so I could be with my daughter who I love so much. love so much. love so much. When Jesus, the promised one, entered When Jesus, the promised one, entered When Jesus, the promised one, entered this world, he absorbed what he hated so this world, he absorbed what he hated so this world, he absorbed what he hated so that he could be with you forever. He that he could be with you forever. He that he could be with you forever. He went to the cross to absorb all of our went to the cross to absorb all of our went to the cross to absorb all of our sin. He was pure, is pure, had never sin. He was pure, is pure, had never sin. He was pure, is pure, had never tasted sin ever, the holy one of God, tasted sin ever, the holy one of God, tasted sin ever, the holy one of God, and on the cross he absorbed all of our and on the cross he absorbed all of our and on the cross he absorbed all of our disgusting iniquity and sin. He took it disgusting iniquity and sin. He took it disgusting iniquity and sin. He took it all upon himself. He endured and all upon himself. He endured and all upon himself. He endured and absorbed what he hated, so that he could absorbed what he hated, so that he could absorbed what he hated, so that he could forgive us and be with us forever. He forgive us and be with us forever. He forgive us and be with us forever. He loves you so much that he absorbed what loves you so much that he absorbed what loves you so much that he absorbed what he hates to be with you forever.

he hates to be with you forever. he hates to be with you forever. The The The zipline was like 60 seconds. Jesus zipline was like 60 seconds. Jesus zipline was like 60 seconds. Jesus absorbed 6 hours on the cross, absorbed 6 hours on the cross, absorbed 6 hours on the cross, excruciating pain, excruciating pain, excruciating pain, separation from the Father, separation from the Father, separation from the Father, humiliation before people. He endured humiliation before people. He endured humiliation before people. He endured what he hated to be with you forever. what he hated to be with you forever. what he hated to be with you forever. He's greater than your sin. He's greater than your sin. He's greater than your sin. The salvation of Jesus is greater than The salvation of Jesus is greater than The salvation of Jesus is greater than the problem of your sin. His promise is the problem of your sin. His promise is the problem of your sin. His promise is always bigger than your problems. His always bigger than your problems. His always bigger than your problems. His promise is bigger than your problems. promise is bigger than your problems. promise is bigger than your problems. Lord Jesus, I pray as we worship you, Lord Jesus, I pray as we worship you, Lord Jesus, I pray as we worship you, you will help us in our minds to see you you will help us in our minds to see you you will help us in our minds to see you as bigger and all of our problems as as bigger and all of our problems as as bigger and all of our problems as smaller. You are the great God who keeps smaller. You are the great God who keeps smaller. You are the great God who keeps all of your promises. all of your promises. all of your promises. In your name I pray. Amen. Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for our service [music] today, and I hope our service [music] today, and I hope our service [music] today, and I hope and pray that God use this message to and pray that God use this message to and pray that God use this message to encourage you right where you are.

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