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A Costly Mistake
Text: Numbers 20
Introduction:
I. Men with atheistic tendencies have tried to point so-
called mistakes that Moses made. They declare that
the Mosaic account of creation does not agree with the
findings of science. However, all such accusations
are without foundation. But there was a mistake that
Moses made that was both grievous and costly. This
mistake did not have anything to with his writings
which were dictated by inspiration, with his actions
which were directed by his own will.
II. Relate the incident at the rock.
III. Then consider:
Body:
I. The Nature of Moses’ Mistake.
A. He did not punctually obey God’s instructions.
1. Changed God’s plan – spoke to the people, not
the rock.
a. This, God will not tolerate. Hebrews 8:5; 2
John 9
(1) Nadab and Abihu. Leviticus 10:1-2
(2) Uzzah. 2 Samuel 6:3-7
b. God is just as particular today. Galatians
1:6-9
(1) 1 Peter 4:11; Matthew 7:21
(2) Jude 3
2. He robbed God of the glory.
a. Must “we” fetch you water? Did not sanctify
God. Numbers 20:12
b. Same mistake is frequently made today.
(1) by refusing to wear the Christ’s name.
Colossians 1:18; Acts 4:12
(2) By leaving the church out. Ephesians
3:10, 21
(a) Establishing schools, church
supported.
(b) Other institutions to do benevolent
work. Ephesians 4:12
(c) Missionary organizations to
evangelize the world.
3. He rebelled against God’s commandments.
a. Numbers 27:14
b. Numbers 20:12
c. We rebel when we prefer the commandments of
men to the commandments of God. Matthew 15:1-
9
4. He acted under the heat of pressure or rather
passion.
a. Spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Psalms
106:32-33
b. Much like saying, “Raca”, “you fool.” Matthew
5:22
c. Smote the rock twice – unauthorized. Always
dangerous.
5. He sinned publicly.
a. “Before the eyes of the children of Israel.”
b. We are responsible for our influence. Romans
14:7-8
c. For private sins, we must repent and pray.
d. For public sins, make public acknowledgment.
II. The evident seriousness of his mistakes.
A. Think of all Moses had done:
1. Delivered Israel; gave the law; was their
mediator and their intercessor; their great
leader.
2. He longed for Canaan. Hebrews 11:24-28
B. Yet he could not enter Canaan. Deuteronomy 34
Describe the scene. How sad.
1. Moses was not kept out of heaven. Matthew 17:1-5
2. But out of Canaan, a type of heaven.
3. There could not have been a more bitter
disappointment.
4. What a lesson for us.
a. Romans 15:4
b. Hebrews 3:16-19; 4:1
5. We should take heed. 1 Corinthians 10:10-12
6. Not all professed believers will enter heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23
7. How will it be with you at the judgment? Beware
of mistakes.
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