THE RESULTS OF SIN
Numbers 21:4-9
INTRODUCTION
We all have probably seen the sign that says, “Plan Ahead.” The last letter, d, has been crowded down in the corner of the sign. That sign is a reminder to all of us that we have done some stupid, some dumb, some silly things.
There are many examples:
We didn’t plan ahead, so we are late getting somewhere, so we are congratulated by the officer with the radar gun.
We didn’t plan ahead and buy some gas. We walk the last mile.
We didn’t plan ahead. We impulsively bought things (with no payment until January!). Then there was something we really needed and couldn’t afford to buy it.
But the same thing applies to sin. We all have been guilty of not planning ahead to avoid the pitfalls of sin. We don’t plan ahead for the payments of grief, hurt, shame and pain of sin.
When we charge something, that bill, without fail, finds its way to our mailbox. Likewise, when we sin, the bill of sin will find us and stare us in the face.
That’s what happened to Israel. They forgot that this life was a journey to God’s place for them, the land of Canaan. They did not plan ahead. They so tragically forgot what happens when payment comes due for their sin.
THEME: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN?
I. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BECOME DISCOURAGED IN OUR SOUL 21:4
A. It Was Not An Easy Journey
1. The 6th month – one of the hottest times of the year
2. A barren way
a. Stony, sandy
b. Mountains on each side
c. Sand storms
B. They Were Blocked By Relatives
NOTE: Edom (Esau’s descendants vs. Jacob’s)
1. To compass the land of Edom
2. No encouragement from Edom
C. God Wasn’t Leading Them Right
1. They had to go away from Canaan
2. The way was uphill and hard
T.S. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN?
I. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BECOME DISCOURAGED IN OUR SOUL
II. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BLAME THE WRONG PEOPLE 21:5
NOTE: A heart discouraged and an angry mind are Satan’s grand opportunities
A. We Blame God
1. Adam blamed God – This woman you gave me Genesis 3:12
2. Naomi blamed God – The Almighty has dealt bitterly with me Ruth 1:20
B. We Blame God’s Man
1. Moses was only following God’s orders cf. pillar of cloud and fire
2. Moses only repeated God’s message Exodus 4:12
C. We Blame Our Circumstances
1. No longer in the “safety” of the world
2. No longer depending on the world’s supply
a. Bread
b. Water
3. Tired of God’s provision
a. Our soul loathes this light (miserable) bread
b. They spoke with contempt toward what God gave them
NOTE: This is the last recorded occasion that Israel grumbled about their food, cf. 11:4ff; Exodus 16
NOTE: Though they were 40 years and six months into the Wilderness Journey, Egypt seemed closer than Canaan (Leeks and onions smell stronger than milk and honey)
T.S. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN?
I. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BECOME DISCOURAGED IN OUR SOUL
II. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BLAME THE WRONG PEOPLE
III. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE PAY FOR OUR SINS 21:6
NOTE: Expensive restaurant – Order most expensive lobster dinner. Eat one bite. Try to leave. Must pay full price James 2:10
A. The Lord Sent Fiery Serpents
1. No record that Moses sent them
2. Moses did not help the Lord
NOTE: Romans 12:19
B. Fiery Serpents (Two Meanings)
1. Brilliant metallic luster
NOTE: When God brings vengeance, He doesn’t do it in a corner
2. Burning pain caused by the bite
C. Some Paid For Their Sin With Their Life
T.S. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN?
I. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BECOME DISCOURAGED IN OUR SOUL
II. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BLAME THE WRONG PEOPLE
III. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE PAY FOR OUR SIN
IV. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE HAVE TO REPENT GOD’S WAY 21:7-9
A. We Should Ask For The Help Of God’s Man vs. 7
1. This is the only time Israel asked for Moses’ intercession
2. Pharaoh asked several times and never in vain
NOTE: Punishment causes people to reflect. They know who talks to God.
B. They Were Willing To Name Their Sins vs. 7
1. We have sinned
2. We have spoken against the Lord
3. We have spoken against you
NOTE: Without comment, Moses prayed
C. We Must Do What God Says 21:8-9
1. Moses set the brass serpent for all to see vs. 8, 9.
2. Everyone who looked, lived vs. 8, 9.
NOTE: Instead of looking for a tourniquet
a. It does not say the serpents were taken away
b. It does not say that they were relieved of all pain and suffering from their bites
NOTE: A cure for those bitten, not protection against bites. John 3:16 – not perish, have … life.
3. Everyone who did not look, died
NOTE: Adam sinned with his eyes opened. We must se the truth to be saved.
a. The brass serpent did not kill them
b. They were dying because of their sins
D. We Must Look To God’s “Serpent” – Jesus
1. The only example that Jesus used of His crucifixion was the serpent John 3:14, 15
2. The brass serpent had no poison
a. Without sin
b. No guile (deceit) was found in His mouth
3. In the presence of the One on the cross there is:
a. Death
b. Knowledge
c. Power
d. Life
NOTE: In all of the Old Testament sacrifices the one receiving the benefit had to touch the sacrifice (laying on of their hands)
It is impossible to touch that one lifted up. Just look to Jesus. Just look.
NOTE: 21:10 – And the children of Israel set forward
CONCLUSION
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN?
I. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BECOME DISCOURAGED IN OUR SOUL
II. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE BLAME THE WRONG PEOPLE
III. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE PAY FOR OUR SIN
IV. WHEN WE BEGIN TO SIN WE HAVE TO REPENT GOD’S WAY
Sermons And Lessons From The Old Testament 