2. Delivered by the Lord – Ex 14 Over ½ million “men of war” - Num. 1:46-47. Their spirits were high – hope strong. Exodus 15. 40 years later some passed over Jordan into the promised land. Dt. 29:5; Jos 3. BUT - in between the people were “ much discouraged because of the way.” And MANY fell!! Num. 21:4 BUT - in between the people were “ much discouraged because of the way.” And MANY fell!! Num. 21:4

3.  Not an easy beginning!  Not the shortest route to Canaan.  Perhaps could not see the reasons God required so many things.  Filled with doubt & misgivings about this new way.  Longed for their former life of bondage. Num. 11:4-6. Lessons for us. Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:1-12.

4. Their escape...  Pharaoh pursues – Ex. 14:1-9  The people were VERY afraid – Ex. 14:10-12  The Lord provided salvation for the people – Ex. 14:13-31 Lessons...  Satan pursues us – 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Cor. 11:3,14  Radical change is NOT easy – Acts 17:30;  The Lord has provided salvation for US – Titus 2:11,12; Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 10:1-4

5. Their Hunger...  They longed for their former life of plenty – Ex. 16:1-3; Num. 11:5  The people complained against God – Ex. 16:4- 8; Num. 11:1-6  The Lord provided – Ex. 16:13-31; Num 11:20 Taskmasters that afflicted them. - Lives that were bitter with hard bondage – all their service with rigor. Ex 1:11-22 Their newborn sons killed, or cast into the river. Ex1:16 But they had FOOD: Cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic!!!!

6. Their Hunger...  They longed for their former life of plenty – Ex. 16:1-3; Num. 11:5  The people complained against God – Ex. 16:4- 8; Num. 11:1-6  The Lord provided – Ex. 16:13-31; Num 11:20 Lessons...  We can long for our former life in sin – 1 Cor. 10:6-13; Ep 4:17-22; Prov 13:5; Rom 6:21  The Christian’s life is HARD & EASY – Luke 9:23-26; Acts 14:22; Heb 12:1-3; Mt 11:24-30; 1 Co 15:19

7. Their Hunger...  They longed for their former life of plenty – Ex. 16:1-3; Num. 11:5  The people complained against God – Ex. 16:4- 8; Num. 11:1-6  The Lord provided – Ex. 16:13-31; Num 11:20 Lessons...  Weak Christian: “Tired of all this doctrinal preaching. Prefer sermons on love, joy, peace, & the home, more entertainment - etc.”  “Look what others are doing – let’s attract folks with some fun!”

8. Their Doubt...  They claimed that they had been delivered to die – Ex. 17:1-3; Num 13:27-14:12; 20:2-4  Is the Lord among us or not? – Ex. 17:7; Num. 11:5; Exodus 19:5-6; Deut 28:9-45 Lessons...  Those who stand for truth will be persecuted!! – 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet 1:5-7; 4:12-16.  Many today are NOT satisfied with the Lord’s word & His promises– 2 Tim 3:1-9; 16,17; 2 Jn 1:9; Heb 13:5;

9. Their Doubt...  They claimed that they had been delivered to die – Ex. 17:1-3; Num 13:27-14:12; 20:2-4  Is the Lord among us or not? – Ex. 17:7; Num. 11:5; Exodus 19:5-6; Deut 28:9-45 Lessons...  Many are not satisfied with the worship and work of the church as given by the Lord –  Too boring & exclusive!  Emotionalism –  Secular, social...

10. Their Leaders...  The evil report - We CAN’T!!! – Num 13:31  People accepted the evil report and rejected good leadership!! – Num. 14:1-10  God’s judgment! – Num 14:22-30 Lessons...  Elders need to be men of FAITH & VISION –  Every blessing God has promised us is there for us to accept or reject – (truth over error; Righteousness over sin; heaven over hell)  We MUST Believe God!

11. Their Leaders...  The evil report - We CAN’T!!! – Num 13:31  People accepted the evil report and rejected good leadership!! – Num. 14:1-10  God’s judgment! – Num 14:22-30 Lessons...

12. Contention...  Korah’s gainsaying, ( Moses has failed!!) divided the camp - Num. 16:1-14,21,28-38  The next day the congregation complained even more – Num. 16:41-49. Lessons...  The church has always had trouble on the inside –  Judaizers – Gal. 5:12- 15  Gnostics – 1 John 4:1- 6  Preeminent – 3 John 9  Compromisers - Re 2:14  Permissive – 1 Cor. 5:1-7  Divisive – Rom 16:16,18

13. Contention...  Korah’s gainsaying, ( Moses has failed!!) divided the camp - Num. 16:1-14,21,28-38  The next day the congregation complained even more – Num. 16:41-49. Lessons...  The unfaithful often complain!!  The Christian about to quit – finds fault with the preacher, elders, teachers, finally with the church, and even the Lord himself.–

14. The Difficult Way Num. 21:4...  “And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people.” Num. 21:6.  But the Lord provided a way to be healed!! Num. 21:7-9

15. The Difficult Way Num. 21:4...  We too can become discouraged - Heb. 2:1-3; 3:17-19; 12:1-3.  We too can be guilty of sin and need the forgiveness which God offers – 1 John 1:9-2:2 John 3:14-15 (KJV) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16. Have you been baptized into Christ?? Will you go ON – OR GO BACK??