The Sin in the Wilderness

The Sin in the Wilderness Part Two

One of the most grievous sins we commit before the Lord is the sin of murmuring and complaining. It was the sin in the wilderness of the nation of Israel just as they were supposed to enter into the Land promised by God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Instead of receiving this Promised blessing by God, those who murmured and complained were cut off and destroyed. A new generation headed by Joshua and Caleb would inherit the promises given first to the generation out of Egypt. There is a spirit of murmuring and complaining that has grip America today as it did Israel do long ago. This spirit has infested our society, government, church, homes and sadly even the lives of many professing born-again Christians. Let the reader beware and be warned by this narrative of the consequences of departing from the Lord because of a dark heart of unbelief, which always manifests itself with a critical, judgmental, murmuring spirit. Moses response to Israel's sin must be ours today - intercession and prayer. If we have any vestiges of this sin in our own life, we need to repent and repent NOW and allow the Holy Ghost to take control of our tongues and remove this damning attitude from us.

 

By Chris McDonald

 

TEXT: Numbers 14:1-3
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. [2] And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! [3] And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?


As we continue this journal series on murmuring and disputing, I’d like to share a tract written by the late Arthur W. Pink, one of the most respected theologians of his day, as it relates to murmuring and complaining:

"Why should I, who am by nature no different from the careless and godless throngs all around, have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and now blest with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Him? Why was I, that once was an alien and a rebel, signaled out for such wondrous favors? Ah, that is something I cannot fathom. Such grace, such love, "passes knowledge." But if my mind is unable to discern a reason, my heart can express its gratitude in praise and adoration. But not only should I be grateful to God for His grace toward me in the past, His present dealings will fill me with thanksgivings. What is the force of that word "Rejoice in the Lord alway" (Phil. 4:4)? Mark it is not "Rejoice in the Savior", but we are to "Rejoice in the Lord", as "Lord", As THE MASTER OF EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. Need we remind the reader that when the apostle penned these words he was himself a prisoner in the hands of the Roman government. A long course of affliction and suffering lay behind him. Perils on land and perils on sea, hunger and thirst, scourging and stoning, had all been experienced. He had been persecuted by those within the church as well as by those without: the very ones who ought to have stood by him had forsaken him. And still he writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always" What was the secret of his peace and happiness? Ah! had not this same apostle written, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28)? But how did he, and how do we, "know", that all things work together for good? The answer is, Because all things are under the control of and are being regulated by the Supreme Sovereign, and because He has naught but thoughts of love toward His own, then "all things are so ordered by Him that they are MADE TO MINISTER TO OUR ULTIMATE GOOD. It is for this cause we are to give "thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20). Yes, give thanks for "all things" for, as it has been well said "Our disappointments are but His appointments." To the one who delights in the sovereignty of God the clouds not only have a 'silver lining' but they are silver all through, the darkness only serving to offset the light!"
 


        To that we can say a hearty "Amen," and say "Lord, let this attitude be in ALL our hearts and souls today!" To recap just a bit of what we discussed in part one, Israel’s murmuring in the wilderness came from a heart of unbelief, which is the source of ALL grumbling and complaining no matter who it is - sinner or believer. I know that may sound like an oxy moron to say a believer is steeped in unbelief but millions of Christians are what I term "miserably saved." Many may know Christ and be saved, but millions of Christians are what I term “miserably saved,” and because they don’t grasp the full meaning of their salvation- they live their lives in a constant state of grumbling and complaining.

        Many cease having simple faith in Christ and allow religion and the spirits that accompany such bondage, to shift their faith from the Cross to a myriad of other things, many of which may even be scriptural and good, but will never set them totally free from the powers of darkness. Legalism or bondage ultimately winds up being the end result of the believer who, like Israel of old, sought after Law, instead of Grace, and wound up murmuring and complaining at every turn.

        Scores of Christians trust their denominations more than they do God Himself. Millions of well meaning, but very IMMATURE Christians never read the Word of God to see what the BIBLE says about something, but place faith in unscriptural traditional teaching passed down from generation to generation from relatives or even their church. Again, the end result many times is the same spirit that gripped Israel in the wilderness - a spirit of complaining, murmuring, DISPUTING, and grumbling.

        As we stated in part one of this journal, the term “murmuring,” basically means having a “spirit of indignant complaining." When we say "indignant complaining," we mean a person who is always debating, disputing, never satisfied or content, always looking to see the negative, full of fear and doubt, judgmental in many cases, self-righteous in other cases, always looking to find fault, never thankful, unholy, a grumbler, a nit-picker, a nagger (Yes that is actually a term in scripture), and someone who basically finds fault and complains with the way God is doing things. It is the direct opposite of a heart of thanksgiving, one which God blesses, while a heart of murmuring and complaining, God curses and rejects. Scripture tells us that both the Israelites in the wilderness and also saints within the Corinthian church were grossly guilty of this sin. MILLIONS OF MODERN CHRISTIANS ARE AS WELL!

Numbers 14:1-3 - And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night [2] And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! [3] And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

           Numbers records that Israel "murmured" against Moses and Aaron on numerous occasions, including the one listed above. The Scripture says they "wept that night," "cried," and "lifted up their voice," demanding to go back to Egypt. That friend, is a huge indicator of a backslidden heart! I can almost hear the sounds of this grievous generation saying, "Would God we had DIED in this wilderness!" A murmuring, critical heart will always seek to retreat back to one's former life instead of moving on with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. A murmurer very seldom grows in their faith! Israel was crying out for bondage while all the time the Lord had brought them out to bring them into a GLORIOUS freedom in the Promised Land, a type of our freedom in Christ. This spirit almost destroyed Corinth which caused the Holy Spirit to Paul to address its deadly results.

1 Cor. 10:1-10
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat; [4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. [5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. [9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. [10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

This attitude always comes from a darkened heart of rebellion and pride, and in many cases the person doing the murmuring is not doing it out of ignorance, but unbelief!! Because of this sin, God was more than once on the point of not only forsaking Israel of old, but even destroying them. Israel's sin then is a warning to us today! Our judgment and consequences may not happen the exact same way God moved in the days of old, but friend, hear this writer - judgment will be released at some point if one continues in such insolence and rebellion. Israel was in rebellion against God when she murmured and complained and we are in rebellion against God today when we do the same!

1. The Source of Murmuring Is An Evil Heart of Unbelief; It Is An Act Of Our Will

Heb 3:8-19 - Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses; But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

        First of all we must understand that when we murmur it is a sign our hearts are full of unbelief. The writer of Hebrews says Israel "tempted," and "proved," God, seeing His works 40 years. The word "proved," there in Hebrews is actually not even found in the original text but found in other passages meaning to "entice," "examine," or "test." The Lord was GRIEVED with that generation. The Psalmist gives greater details into God's anger at Israel during this time:

Ps 78:40-59 - How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. 43 How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: 44 And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. 45 He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. 46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust. 47 He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. 48 He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. 49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. 50 He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; 51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham: 52 But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. 53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. 54 And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. 55 He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. 56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: 57 But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. 58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images. 59 When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

        Look at just this one Psalm and see the number of references to "HE," speaking of God, and what He did for Israel in the wilderness:

Psalms 78:56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

        In summary, Israel committed 30 sins- ALL a result of a complaining, murmuring heart and spirit!:

1. They turned back in day of battle (Psalm 78:9).
2. They broke the covenant of God (Psalm 78:10).
3. They refused to walk in His law.
4. They forgot His works (Psalm 78:11).
5. They forgot wonders He had shown them.
6. They went deeper into sin (Psalm 78:17).
7. They tempted God by asking meat (Psalm 78:18).
8. They spoke against God (Psalm 78:19).
9. They refused to believe in God (Psalm 78:22).
10. They rejected His salvation.
11. They continued to lust (Psalm 78:30).
12. They persisted in sin (Psalm 78:32).
13. They persisted in unbelief.
14. They flattered God (Psalm 78:36).
15. They lied to God.
16. They lived in rebellion (Psalm 78:37).
17. They refused to be faithful.
18. They provoked God often (Psalm 78:40).
19. They grieved God for forty years (Psalm 78:40; Hebrews 3:16-18).
20. They tempted God by turning back (Psalm 78:41; Numbers 14:22).
21. They limited God.
22. They remembered not His deliverances (Psalm 78:42).
23. They remembered not His signs and wonders in Egypt (Psalm 78:43).
24. They tempted and provoked God (Psalm 78:56).
25. They kept not His testimonies.
26. They backslid (Psalm 78:57).
27. They dealt unfaithfully with God.
28. They lived in deceit and hypocrisy.
29. They committed idolatry (Psalm 78:58).
30. They moved God to jealousy with graven images.

        When we murmur and dispute, complain and gripe, backbite and devour, we can expect the same result as Israel of old! We want to repeat a very important point we made in part one of this series: Israel was prophetically murmuring against the Sacrifice Of Christ that was to come through Calvary each time they grumbled and complained in the wilderness. Whether it was about the bread, the water, or the evil report of the 10 spies, against the authority of Moses or the Priesthood of Aaron, ALL were an affront against the coming Redeemer who would come and reveal the ultimate GOODNESS of God to a fallen nation and a fallen race.

1 Cor. 10:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat; [4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Hebrews 3:9-19 - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses; But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

        The term "if ye will," indicates the free moral agency of man. It also tells us that when we murmur, we do so as an act of that same WILL. As the Holy Spirit points back to Israel's failures in the books of Corinthians and Hebrews, we today should regard the solemn warnings in the Old Testament against sin, and against the deeper danger of apostasy, as addressed by the Holy Spirit to “us.” In Hebrews, Chapters 3 and 4, the word “today” is used some five times. Each time, it speaks of a moment of opportunity, marked by hearing God’s voice speak a word of guidance and direction. And to be sure, the Holy Spirit uses the word “today” for a particular reason. All God’s Commands relate to the present — to this day — to the passing moment. He gives us no Commands about the future. He does not tell us to repent and turn to Him tomorrow, or ten years hence. The reasons are obvious. It is our duty to turn from sin, and especially the sin of murmuring and complaining, and love Him now. We know not that we shall live to another day.

        Man is a free moral agent, created that way by God. This means that God will not override a person’s“ will.” He will deal with the person, speak to the person, even as here, even use pressure as it regards the person, but He will not force the issue, even though He definitely has the power to do so. He always respects the will of the individual. This means if the person“ wills” to serve God, to hear the Voice of the Lord, even as spoken here, that all the demons and devils of darkness, cannot stop that person from having what God has promised. Conversely, if the individual does not will to hear the Words of the Lord, but rather continues continues to walk in a constant state of complaining and murmuring, God will allow that person to go in the other direction, even though it will mean total and complete destruction.

        This is a message in itself we will deal with later but let the reader beware if they are a constant grumbler or complainer. Your heart is not right before the sight of God and one needs to repent TODAY while it is still TODAY, lest your heart continue to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin and of riches.

2. Murmuring Leads To "Perverse Disputings," Which Always Lead To Greater Apostasy And False Doctrine

1 Tim 6:3-6- If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

        Murmuring and complaining always leads to false doctrine in the church. The terms, "strifes of words," "railings," "evil surmising," "perverse disputings," all come from the same root words we get the definitions of murmuring! The Holy Spirit says these things come from men "of corrupt minds," and "destitute of the truth." These men suppose "GAIN" is godliness i.e. the modern prosperity message of the Body of Christ, mainly the Word of Faith camp. Neighbor, hear this writer and give deep heed to what I am about to say. I believe the Lord blesses His children. I don't believe it is God's will for us to be in lack or want when it pertains to our needs. If we are dealing with financial issues, the failure is on OUR part ALWAYS, not God's! God provides for His children. David said I have "NEVER" seen the righteous forsaken or the seed of the Lord begging bread.

        Sometimes, we as individuals don't manage what God gives us too well and we find ourselves in the financial mess some may find themselves in at the moment. But if we are in lack or need, it's not God's fault, it's probably our own. We can repent and find grace and the Lord will help us become more responsible and worthy stewards of what He bestows. I don't think it's God's will for Christians to have cars repossessed, lights turned off, etc., if they are walking in obedience to finances. Sometimes the Lord may test us a bit but neighbor, God never gets glory out of us not paying our bills in a timely fashion. I can write this to you out of experience. Finances is one of the greatest areas of temptation for my wife and I and we strive DAILY to find victory over managing the resources God places in our hands. We have not passed every test to be honest, but we know that the Lord is our source and have come to a place in life where we are CONTENT and HAPPY with the Lord's daily provision for our lives. Do we want more? Of course we do, like everyone reading this journal wants more! But we've come to realize that our jobs are not the source of our lives - GOD IS. We've come to realize that every blessing we get - small or great - is from the Father and we have learned to be thankful for what we have and not worry about what we don't have. It's not been an easy trek to reach this point. We still struggle with finances as many of you reading this probably do too. It is an area I'm very weak in and cry out to God daily for greater wisdom in handling His provision. (Confessing a fault here so I can be healed! -James 4:15-17)

        Most of us believe more money is the answer to our problems on this earth. To be frank, more money would cause most of us only greater harm - even to the possible loss of our souls! Think about this. What is the source 99% of the time of ALL church disputes and divisions? MONEY! People lose their faith over disputing how funds are managed and handled in church which is a shame. Preachers lash out at deacons and deacons lash out at pastors. People in the church who give a great deal get to a point they think their giving entitles them to control over what is done and said behind the pulpit. That is nothing but the spirit of witchcraft which will damn your soul to hell mister.

        Think about this on a more personal level. What is the number one reason MOST of us complain and grumble? MONEY or the lack thereof! When we slice away all the religious mumbo jumbo we put on our speeches of how we believe God, or how we really don't care about such things, most are always constantly seeking MATERIAL THINGS to have and to keep in this life which lead to division, quarrels, DISPUTINGS and MURMURING!

        The Apostle James says that every “war,” and disputing that arises among us comes from the lust of “things,” instead of seeking the eternal value of God’s will for our lives!

James 4:1-6 - From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? [2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. [4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. [5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? [6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

        In this same chapter, the Apostle says many have their hearts on "buying," "selling," and "getting gain." The Holy Spirit tells us through him that our concerns should be more eternal because NONE of what we seek to "get" will sustain the test of eternity! When our "rejoicings," are in such, those are EVIL and in essence ultimately lead us into the path of grumbling and complaining. We speak evil of our brethren many times because we what they have or covet a greater supply and provision than what we presently possess.

James 4:7-12 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. [9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. [10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. [11] Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. [12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another
 

        Who are we to judge our brother based upon what he has compared to us? Our boastings and comparisons are fleshly, demonic and devilish! Our focus and desires need to be rooted in CHRIST and His will for our lives. His great Sacrifice is what our hearts need to be grounded in! Because of HIM, we should want for nothing or begrudge ANY thing or any person!

James 4:13-17 - 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

        The greatest false doctrines the modern day church has ever dealt with during the last 20 years or so have centered on the message of "prosperity." New Age clergy dressed up in pastor’s garb along with Charismatic pimps and snake oil salesmen who are "destitute of the truth," have told people that if they confess the right things and plant the right seeds then God is obligated to increase their barns with all sorts of goodies. They have turned the GRACE OF GOD into lasciviousness and a true biblical truth into damnable heresies.

Jude 1:4 - For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 2:1-3 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.


        Notice the connection between apostasy and the sin of covetousness, which James ties into our motive for grumbling and complaining! We COVET THINGS and when we don’t get “things,” we murmur! Neighbors, the “things of this life,” are PASSING AWAY. We are to LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE and FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, not murmur and complain about the temporal bobbles and trinkets we may acquire before we die. It’s amazing that in 41 years on this earth I have NEVER seen a U-Haul trailer behind a hearse! Yet, I've seen family after family and church after church SPLIT in two over “disputes,” “complaints,” and “murmuring,” over material things that will burn in fire at the judgment!

        Only that which we take with us of ETERNAL value will stand the fires of the Lord’s eyes at the Judgment Seat of Christ! Only the PURE IN HEART will endure that day. Only those who have invested their lives into acquiring GREATER LOVE so they can allow HIS GREATER WORKS to flow through them will stand accepted and rewarded! Those who complain and murmur will one day stand in eternal jeopardy. I’m not saying they will not be saved, but I AM saying that we are one breath away from eternal reward or eternal contempt!

        We need to look to things that are ETERNAL and not TEMPORAL!

2 Cor 4:17-18 - 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

        When Paul told Timothy to "FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH," the end result of that fight Paul said was to be "ETERNAL LIFE," and a "good foundation against the time to come."

1 Tim 6:12-20 - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and babbllings, and opposition to science.

        When we murmur and complain, we are not up in store anything but rebuke in eternity! The Apostle warned the young evangelist to "avoid PROFANE AND VAIN BABBLINGS, and oppositions of science.” Those terms also carry a foundational connotation of those in the church always found with tendencies to MURMUR, COMPLAIN, BACKBITE, GRUMBLE, BABBLE and hold "perverse disputings." ALL OF THIS LEADS TO FALSE DOCTRINE AND APOSTASY and in most cases tend to lead to a false message of prosperity not based on the word of God!

        James tells us that such evil talk always produces envy and strife, which is NOT OF GOD, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish. In South Georgia terms, ALL OF THAT IS OF THE DEVIL!

James 3:13-17 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. [14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. [15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

        True wisdom is found in a person showing a "good conversation," and works of meekness instead of those always disputing, murmuring and complaining. I could spend an entire journal on this (which I probably will at a later time), but this leads me to point number three that deals more directly with the member of our body we always use to GRUMBLE and COMPLAIN - THE TONGUE.

3. The Tongue is the Member of Our Body We Use To Grumble and Complain

James 3:1-6- My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. [2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. [3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. [4] Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. [5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.


        James says the tongue is a fire, and a "world" of iniquity. That iniquity usually manifests itself in our lives by murmuring and complaining. We don't complain with our eyes, our hands, our nose, our ears or any other parts of our body – save one – the TONGUE! WE COMPLAIN WITH OUR TONGUE! WE BACKBITE WITH OUR TONGUE! WE GOSSIP WITH OUR TONGUE!

        The tongue of man "defiles" the whole body and "set on FIRE the course of nature and is sent on FIRE OF HELL." That’s because when we speak, we are speaking only what is in our hearts!
 

Matthew 12:34-38 - O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


        Just as Israel of long ago who murmured with their words against God by complaining about Moses and Aaron, the modern church world does so today. There has never been a time when men and women who profess to be Christians have become so prone to murmuring and complaining, which is a sign of an unthankful heart.

        The only way we as believers can be sure we don't complain is to have the HOLY GHOST control our tongues! In our own flesh and strength, we cannot control anything. The Holy Spirit is the only One who can keep our hearts pure before God and keep our tongues in obedience. We disobey God more with the tongue than any other member!

        That was the glorious experience on the Day of Pentecost when those 120 disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost with the EVIDENCE of speaking with other tongues, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THE UTTERANCE.
 

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


        Someone asked me just the other day, “what is the baptism in the Holy Ghost?” I know there are differences of opinion about that terminology and we won’t get into it here, but the basic definition I give people is it’s when the Holy Ghost SO controls your TONGUE that He literally SPEAKS, PRAYS and ‘GROANS’ even at times through you. It’s what we call SPIRIT-FILLED intercession!

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
 

        Paul says when the Spirit prays through us like this several things are happening:

        Jude takes this further that when we “pray in the Holy Ghost,” i.e. in another language, we are “building ourselves up in our most holy faith.”

Jude 1:20 - But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
 

        This journal is not about tongues per say but I want to make a very important point. It's very humorous to this writer how many churches I’ve been in where the pastor or some so-called leader has gotten up and proclaimed that “speaking in tongues is of the devil,” or that tongues “passed away with the apostles.” One such pastor at one of the largest Baptist churches in Knoxville where we live said just three weeks ago over radio that he believed the Bible “from cover to cover,” then proceeded to state the very thing I just mentioned about tongues.

        This humble writer does not know everything there is to know about the work of the Holy Spirit but he does know this. Speaking in tongues is NOT of Satan and it is one of the most glorious experiences the believer and child of God can receive from the LORD! Jesus, not man, is the baptizer in the Holy Ghost. If we have faith to receive this gift after we get saved, then we will receive. We can remain ignorant as many do and never receive. Listen to me you backslidden, calloused, unbelieving preacher. You better watch what you say about God the Holy Ghost!

        Tongues are not of Satan but I will tell you WHAT IS of Satan! When we use these same tongues to backbite, grumble, complain, murmur, gossip, slander and tear down other believers – THAT IS OF THE DEVIL! These same preachers who slam tongues NEVER talk about those sins much behind their pulpits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hear this writer neighbor – our TONGUES are instruments of poison if not brought under the control of the HOLY GHOST. We need to ask HIM to take control of our tongues and SPEAK THROUGH US in every word we utter!

        Jude tells of the contrast of those building up their most holy faith and those who, in the last days will not have the Spirit of God and will “walk after their own ungodly lusts,” and "mock," that which is of God. Neighbor, I wished the spirit or mocking was coming from lost sinners, but sadly much of it comes from behind pulpits.

Jude 1:17-19 - But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; [18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. [19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

4. Murmuring is a diametrically opposite action to thanksgiving. God blesses one, curses the other

        Fourthly, and very important, when we murmur, we are not praising God and being thankful. The two are diametrically opposed to each other and cannot be done at the same time. A thankful heart will never murmur. A murmuring, complaining heart will never be thankful. You can’t do both at once! NEVER!

        The Bible tells us to be THANKFUL!

1 Thes. 5:18-19 -In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [19] Quench not the Spirit.

2 Cor. 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Philip. 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Col. 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Romans 1:21 - Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

        I want to ask you a question today. Have you thanked God you’re saved today? Have you thanked God that you’re able to read this journal right now and are free to worship Him. Have you thanked God today for His blessings on your family? Have you thanked God and rejoiced in HIS GOODNESS to you this past week and for His abundant grace He has extended daily to us in tmie of need?

        Our thanksgiving is ROOTED NOT in humanistic views of the way things are, but in the fact Christ came and died for us according to the Scriptures. Our thanksgiving abounds to God because of HIS UNSPEAKABLE gift through Christ. That’s why when there is a $1,000 in the bank I can rejoice and be thankful the same way I can rejoice and be thankful when there is $1 in the same bank!

        You might say, “Brother Chris, you don’t understand, I have three children, two are living like hell itself for the devil.” I’d say to you, “Thank God for the ONE that isn’t and continue to pray for the two who are not!” BE THANKFUL in ALL THINGS. When we murmur and complain, we are, like Israel of old, murmuring against the Cross of Christ. That friend is NOT a place we EVER want to find ourselves in with God!

1 Cor. 10:1-9 - Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat; [4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. [5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. [9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

        I don’t care how bad things may be – they could be worse! I don’t care how dark the valley – it could be darker! I don’t care how sick your body is – it could be sicker! Someone said the other day, “I have arthritis in my hands.” My response is well if that arthritis isn’t in your legs – DANCE BEFORE THE LORD and thank Him for two healthy legs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s what my dear Aunt Florence used to do. She had horrible arthritic pain in her hands but whenever I saw her she’d always be dancing around her kitchen praising the Lord. It hurt her to put those hands in the air but she tried her best to do so every day. When she danced the power and presence of ALMIGHTY GOD would fill the room like a lightning bolt and cause the hairs on your arm to stand up. Neighbor, that’s the power of praise compared to the curse of murmuring and complaining! I could go on and on about this – just come out and hear us preach sometime – we’ll be preaching on this soon!

5. Murmuring Will Bring Judgment On A Church, A Nation and/or An Individual

Hebrews 3:8-19 - Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: [9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. [10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. [11] So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) [12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. [14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; [15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. [16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. [17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? [18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? [19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
 

Psalms 78:56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:


        If you want to see God’s attitude to murmuring, ask the nation of Israel! Friend, hear this writer as we close this journal today. God is not pleased with a complaining, murmuring heart or spirit. If you are infected with such – REPENT! Ask God to cleanse you of this and to place a heart of love and thanksgiving inside. Ask Him to show you how blessed you really are to just be alive and be able to partake of His grace.

        Just this passage in Hebrews should scare all the murmuring out of ALL of us. Look at the words the Holy Spirit used through Paul to describe God’s attitude towards Israel’s complaining heart of unbelief:


        As we showed you in the 78th Psalm, God was not happy with Israel when she complained, and friend, HE IS NOT HAPPY WITH US WHO DO THE SAME EITHER! And if we persist in doing so we will bring chastisement, judgment or worse on our homes, our nation, our churches and ultimately ourselves.

        How many times could divorce and the breakup of homes been avoided had two spouses had a heart of thanksgiving for one another instead of grumbling and complaining about everything under the sun? How many church splits could have been avoided? How many national failures would have been avoided? AND WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE DESTINY OF THE GENERATION OUT OF EGYPT HAD THEY SOUGHT TO BE THANKFUL TO GOD INSTEAD OF MURMURING AND COMPLAINING IN THE WILDERNESS?

6. Murmurers and Complainers Are Signs We Have Entered Into The End Time Apostasy Spoken of In Scripture

Jude 1: 8-16
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. [9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. [10] But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. [11] Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; [13] Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. [14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, [15] To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. [16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

        As we close I’d like to touch on one more quick point. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:1 that in the last days, “perilous times” would come. Through the Apostle Jude we see this theme more developed as the graphic nature of this coming darkness on the world AND IN THE CHURCH prior to the rapture.

        Jude characterizes the apostasy using this summary of terms:

• Men will be filthy dreamers
• Men will despise dominion and governmental rule
• Men will walk as ungodly sinners making ungodly, “hard,” speeches against God
• Men will defile the flesh (homosexuality)
• Men will walk after their own lust
• Men will speak great swelling words (flattery) having men’s person in admiration
• Men will always seek an advantage and be power hungry
• MEN WILL BE MURMURERS AND COMPLAINERS

        Those terms describe the American political landscape at this very moment. The American political system is in the toilet at the present time – NOT because of President Bush, but because so-called leaders in Washington do nothing but MURMUR and COMPLAIN! Let me tell you something that may shock you but I would rather it provoke you to pray for those over us in leadership as we near fall elections this year (2006). Whenever God judged Israel for disobedience, He normally did one of three things:

• Sent pestilences or plagues
• Delivered them into a foreign oppressor
• Allowed wicked, godless rulers to rule over them (Do a study sometime on the history of the Kings and Judges)

        If America as a nation doesn’t cease to complain and murmur against our President (who I believe to be a godly man) God will replace him in 2008 with the type leader America is clamoring after – a godless president. He (or she God help us) will probably win over the homosexuals and the abortionists and all the other ungodly groups seeking control of our nation – but in doing so he will bring unspeakable judgment on this land.

        If the eight years of Mr. Clinton showed us anything is that charisma and empty words gets you elected – but it doesn’t protect the nation from God’s administrative hand and care. President Bush may not be perfect and I’m sure he’d be the first to tell you he’s made plenty of mistakes, but child of God don’t you be found among those who are “murmurers,” and “complainers,” who “speak evil of dignitaries,” or in essence those in leadership. Neighbor, I don’t care what political party you belong to you need to pray for those in authority over you and that the Lord will keep leaders after His own heart in office – both in 2006 AND in 2008.

        If the Democratic Party gets control of the House there is a very good chance they will try and impeach President Bush just because they don’t like him. They may make the war in Iraq the issue or a myriad of other issues – but the REAL ISSUE was made 6 years ago in 2000 when they asked President Bush who was his hero and he said “JESUS CHRIST, because He changed my heart.” When a nation murmurs and complains – that nation will face judgment. America has been so blessed and prosperous words cannot describe it. God has graciously spared America greater harm since 9-11 giving us space once more to repent of our national sins and come back to Him. Instead the tenor among our leadership is one of constant murmuring and complaining.

        But sadly, that has become the tenor of the church world as well. When we murmur and complain we are not shining the love of Jesus to a lost and dying world. The world reeks in despair and backbiting because the church reeks of the same! We need to REPENT! We need to have a fresh revelation of the blessings of God on our lives, our homes and our churches. We’re BLESSED, not cursed, if we will be thankful for what God has given us, instead of belly-aching about what He has not. We’re saved today – that alone – should merit a response of praise and passion unlike ANY normal human being on the planet. The child of God is NOT NORMAL – we’re indwelled by a supernatural force known as the HOLY GHOST – which is greater and bigger than ANYTHING the world, flesh and Satan can throw at us.

Phil 2:14-15- Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

        We stand in a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we are to SHINE as lights! That’s why we are to do ALL things without MURMURING and DISPUTINGS! I say it again. If you want to see what happens to a nation when people murmur – ask Israel! The entire generation was killed off by God to allow the new generation of Joshua and Caleb to enter into the Promised Land.

        I hope this journal has at the very least caused you make sure you are not controlled by backbiting, murmuring, complaining, and a grumbling spirit. If you are, REPENT today and ask the Lord to cleanse you. He will. He wants us as His children to be THANKFUL in all things.

        As I close, I leave you a word from an old revivalist so many years ago when he said, “look at the cross and see what Jesus did to sin and what our sin did to Jesus.” When we look at the cross and His great love and sacrifice and truly comprehend what was accomplished there – there will never be time to murmur and complain; there will only be time to PRAISE GOD for HIS SON JESUS CHRIST and the GRACE each one reading this journal has been bestowed. Neighbor; pray for America that we as a nation experience revival. Pray we come back to God before it is too late and our freedoms are taken from us. Pray America will honor her covenant with Israel and in doing so honor her covenant with God. It’s getting late friend, and its harvest time! Praise God, be blessed.
 

 

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The Table in the Wilderness Part Two

 

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