Numbers 21:5
The sin of complaining leads to judgment and death, but the cure is to look at Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins.
Chuck Smith discusses the sin of complaining among the Israelites, emphasizing that while they had valid reasons to complain about their monotonous diet of manna, they also had much to be thankful for. He highlights that complaining is a sin that leads to judgment, as seen when God sent fiery serpents among them. The cure for their sin was the brass serpent on a pole, symbolizing judgment and sin, which they had to look at to be healed. Smith draws a parallel to Jesus, explaining that just as the Israelites looked to the serpent for healing, we must look to Christ for salvation and transformation from our sinful nature. He warns against the complacency of those who believe they are fine without recognizing their need for change.
Text
"THE BRASS SERPENT"
Intro: Complaining is a state of mind. It becomes a difficult habit to break.
I. THE SIN OF ISRAEL. COMPLAINING (verse 5..
A. True they had something to complain about.
1. Manna had been their main staple for 38 years.
a. It was a monotonous diet.
b. The flavor was very mild.
c. They said. "We're sick of this manna."
B. They had much to be thankful for.
1. Manna.
a. Ps. 78. calls it angel's food.
b. It was always there.
c. It was very nutritious.
d. It kept them from starvation.
2. The manna had its good points as well as bad.
a. You can dwell on the bad and complain.
b. You can dwell on the good and rejoice.
3. Such is true of all our experiences in life.
a. You choose to look at the bad side - complain.
b. You choose to look at the good side - give thanks.
C. Complaining is a sin.
1. Verse 7. "We have sinned."
2. God's judgment came in the form of deadly fiery serpents.
3. "The wages of sin is death." They began to die.
4. They had said, "We're sick of this manna."
5. God in essence said, "I'm sick of your complaints."
II. THE CURE FOR THEIR SIN.
A. Moses was to make a brass serpent and put it on a pole.
1. Brass is a symbol of judgment.
2. Serpent is a symbol of sin.
B. Those bitten by serpents required to look at brass serpent on pole.
1. If they looked, they lived.
2. If they refused to look, they died.
a. I can see a man dying in convulsions.
1. "Why should I look, I don't see how that can help."
2. "There are too many hypocrites looking."
3. "Don't bug me, I'll look when I'm ready."
b. I'm sure they could contrive many reasons for not looking, all
foolish.
III. "AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT."
A. This was the answer Jesus gave to Nicodemus to his question, "How can a man be
born again?"
1. You say, "I'm a chronic complainer. I've tried to change. That's
my nature."
a. I would like to quit my drinking.
b. I don't like my temper tantrums.
c. It's killing me but I can't stop!
d. You're in a great position today. you know you need help.
1. Just look at Jesus hanging there on His cross. Your sins
were judged.
2. He is dying in your place.
3. Believe in Him, trust in Him, you'll be born again.
He'll change your nature.
2. The person I really feel sorry for is the moral do-gooder.
a. "I try to live by the golden rule."
b. "I've learned to look at the positive side."
c. "'I'm quite happy with the way I am."
d. "I don't want to change."
e. They are dying and they don't even know it.
1. They are in the euphoric state of a man freezing to death
who decides to nap for just a moment not realizing that
it is the sleep of death.
f. You may have reasons for not looking at the cross of Jesus
Christ all foolish.
Sermon Outline
- The Sin of Israel. Complaining points: - True they had something to complain about - They had much to be thankful for - Complaining is a sin
- The Cure for Their Sin points: - Moses was to make a brass serpent and put it on a pole - Those bitten by serpents required to look at brass serpent on pole
- As Moses Lifted Up the Serpent points: - This was the answer Jesus gave to Nicodemus to his question, 'How can a man be born again?'
Key Quotes
“Complaining is a sin.” — Chuck Smith
“The wages of sin is death.” — Chuck Smith
“You say, 'I'm a chronic complainer. I've tried to change. That's my nature.'” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that complaining is a sin and can lead to judgment and death.
- Look to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins as the cure for complaining.
- Trust in Jesus Christ and believe in His sacrifice for your sins to be born again.