Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 12, 2020

A Blow-Up on the Brink of Blessing

Numbers 32:1-42

Context/Background

-Numbers 29: public worship
-Numbers 30: vows/principles
-Numbers 31: judgment on Midian

1. A Selfish Request (1-5)

• a potential disaster
• Reuben, Gad and Manasseh
• land east of the Jordan
• sin of omission

2. A Furious Rebuke (6-15)

• But Moses…
• disregard of consequences
• disregard of history
• disregard of the LORD

3. A Repentant Response (16-42)

• they “got it”
• change of course: repentance
• proposal and agreement
• and do what you have promised

4. So What?

• Because the LORD is holy, avoid potential disaster by dealing ruthlessly with the sin of selfishness in your earthly pilgrimage.
• Beware of the subtle sin of omission.
• Recognize that the sin of doing nothing will catch up with you.
• Arm yourself with the LORD’S warnings and promises.
• Connection to Christ (Phil. 2:5-11)