Philippians 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;

Murmurings Mutter, grumble, indignant complaining Frequently illustrated by the Israelites as they left Egypt and traveled toward Canaan Ex. 14:11-12, 15:22-27, 16:1-4, 17:1-7 and Num. 11:1-6, 14:1-4, 20:2-5, 21:4-5 1 Cor 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, ...

Wilderness of Zin Edom Kadesh-barnea Red Sea Marah Wilderness of Sin Taberah Rephidim

Water Tired Enemy Enemy Water Food Meat Water

Murmuring about Water Ex. 15:22-27 (tree made bitter water sweet) Three days after celebration song Quickly forget blessings when we gripe Ex. 17:1-7 (struck rock to get water) We blame others for our problems Num. 20:2-5 (command to speak to rock) Complainers provoke just men to fail 8-12

Numbers 20 1 Miriam, Moses’ sister dies 2-5 Murmuring of people for water 6-13 Moses violates God’s command by striking the rock and loses the opportunity to enter into the promise land 14-21 Edom refuses Israel passage 22-29 Aaron, Moses’ brother dies

Murmuring about Food Ex. 16:1-4 (in between two water complaints) Manna and quail provided 11-15 Complainers want rewards without restraints 19-30, 35 Unrealistic expectations Num. 11:1-6 (unknown complaint met with fire) Mixed multitude lusts, Israel wants meat 4 See past as better, current as inadequate 5-6 God’s irritation 18-20, and plague 31-34

Murmuring about Enemies Ex. 14:11-12 (first complaint after leaving) … Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. Claim foreknowledge and innocence in plight

Murmuring about Enemies Num. 14:1-4 (fear to enter Canaan) God caused that generation to wander in the wilderness for 40 years and die Complainers reach a point of no return when the blessing is lost to them Num. 21:4-5 (around Edom, fiery serpents) Murmuring grows until we lie to ourselves about the blessings and the problems

What Happens When We Complain? We forget about the former blessings We blame others for our problems We push good men into failure We develop unrealistic expectations We believe the past was the best time We claim foreknowledge and innocence We reach a point of no return, blessings lost We deceive ourselves as the complaints grow

Retire Die Grandparent Graduate Career Marry In-law Children