A Special Treasure
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming the lies that lead to despair by embracing our identity as God's special treasure.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming the lies that the enemy plants in our hearts, as illustrated by the Israelites' despair after the spies' report in Numbers 13 and 14. He highlights how these lies can lead to feelings of helplessness and defeat, causing us to focus on our weaknesses rather than God's promises. Wilkerson reminds us that despite the overwhelming challenges we face, God calls us His special treasure, chosen and set apart for His purpose. He encourages believers to reject the lies of the enemy and embrace their identity as God's precious people.
Text
In Numbers 13 and 14, we see that Israel had sent twelve spies to search out the Promised Land. When these spies returned after forty days, they planted three lies in the hearts of God's people:
"There are too many people in the land -- and they're too strong for us."
"The cities are walled too high. The strongholds are impregnable."
"There are giants in the land and we are no match for them. We are helpless, finished!"
These lies took the heart right out of Israel and the people endured a night of despair: "And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night" (Numbers 14:1). Can you imagine this scene? Think of what it must have sounded like. More than 2 million people were weeping, wailing, moaning, focusing completely on their weaknesses and inabilities. Those wailing sounds of unbelief bombarded heaven.
Beloved, take a good, hard look at that scene and you may see yourself in the midst of it. Have you ever spent a night like that one, wailing and moaning because of demonic lies that were planted in your spirit? You may have cried out to God, "I've had it -- I can't take any more. This trial is too much. These strongholds in me will never come down. I'll never make it. I've lost the battle."
The devil throws these same three lies at all of God's people: "Your temptations are too numerous. Your lusts are too overwhelming. You are too weak to resist the powers coming against you."
The word that God spoke to Israel is for us today: "Ye shall be a peculiar [special] treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine" (Exodus 19:5).
"For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar [precious, special] people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth" (Deuteronomy 14:2).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the spies and their report - The lies that caused despair - The emotional response of the people
- II points: - Identifying personal struggles with lies - The impact of these lies on faith - Comparison to Israel's experience
- III points: - God's promise of being a special treasure - Understanding our identity in Christ - The call to resist lies and embrace truth
- IV points: - The role of faith in overcoming despair - Encouragement to trust in God's strength - The importance of community support
- V points: - Conclusion and call to action - Prayer for strength and belief - Commitment to being God's special treasure
Key Quotes
“The devil throws these same three lies at all of God's people.” — David Wilkerson
“Ye shall be a peculiar [special] treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine.” — David Wilkerson
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on the lies you believe and confront them with God's truth.
- Remember that you are chosen and valued by God, which can strengthen your faith.
- Seek support from your community to help resist despair and encourage one another.