Caleb, A Man of Optimism

Introduction:
  I. There is an important lesson in the story of the 
     little train, who kept saying “I think I can.”
 II. In the Bible, we can see the value of optimism – the 
     “I can”.
     A. Paul – Philippians 4:13
     B. David – 1 Samuel 17:37
     C. Jonathan – 1 Samuel 14:6
III. There is one man who stands out as a man of optimism.
     A. Background
        1. The children of Israel were getting ready to 
           enter the land of Canaan.
        2. But before they did, they sent out spies, one 
           man who was a leader among each tribe, to spy 
           out the land.
        3. Numbers 13:18-20
     B. The spies return.
     C. The report of the spies. Numbers 13:26-33
     D. In the midst of the pessimism of the other spies, 
        Caleb said we can.

Body:
  I. There were a lot of reasons not to be optimistic.
     A. The size of the man who lived there – 13:28, 32, 
        33.
     B. The land would devour them – 13:32.
     C. The majority said we can’t.
     D. The people believed the majority – Numbers 14:1-5.
     E. The children of Israel wanted to stone Caleb – 
        Numbers 14:10.
     F. Yet, Caleb still said “we can.”

 II. But Caleb’s optimism was not a blind optimism – there 
     were plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
     A. The strength of Israel.
        1. Numbers 1:46
        2. Yet not this only.
     B. The key is found in Numbers 14:8-9.

III. A brief statement of the consequences suffered by 
     Israel.
     A. Wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
     B. They were not allowed to enter into the promise 
        land.

 IV. There is a need for some Calebs today.
     A. The church of the Lord faces great opposition.
        1. The giant of infidelity (lack of faith).
        2. The giant of immorality.
        3. The giant of indifference.
        4. The giant of liberalism.
        5. The giant of modernism.
     B. Not only are these giants, but those who advocate 
        them are giants.
     C. But God is still on His throne (Romans 8:31-39).

Conclusion:
 I. Caleb never expected God to do all of it, without doing 
    anything.
II. This is what is required of us if we are to enjoy the 
    victory through the grace of God.