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18 Nov 2024

Complain Complain Complain [Numbers 11]

Overview

In 1977, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew called Singaporeans "champion grumblers," a trait still true today and reflective of a universal human and sin issue. In Numbers 11, Israel’s complaints after a spiritual high showed their scorn for God’s provisions, straining Moses and provoking God’s wrath, resulting in judgment. From this story we learn about. Cause. Complaining stems from a sinful, distrustful heart that lacks reverence for God. Like a lemon producing juice when squeezed, a sinful heart yields complaints under life's pressures. Cure. A heart transplant, not a mouth transplant, is needed to cure complaints. Only a changed heart can produce sweetness. Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises a new heart from God. Christianity begins with humbling oneself before God for His cleansing and transformation. With this new heart, we can overcome a complaining spirit. Christ. Israel failed as God's son, but Jesus triumphed, fully submitting to God's will without complaint. He is our example of obedience, our atonement for sin, and the proof of God's love, showing He works for our ultimate good. Find out what this all means and more, and may this message lead you to greater intimacy with God!

In 1977, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew called Singaporeans "champion grumblers," a trait still true today and reflective of a universal human and sin issue. In Numbers 11, Israel’s complaints after a spiritual high showed their scorn for God’s provisions, straining Moses and provoking God’s wrath, resulting in judgment.

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Slides

Sermon Transcript

Pastor Jason discusses the prevalence of complaining in society, referencing Singapore's founding Prime Minister's observation in 1977 and acknowledging it as a persistent issue. He emphasizes that complaining is a sinful heart issue, not just a verbal problem, and highlights the seriousness of complaining as it reveals an ungrateful heart. Using the biblical story of the Israelites' complaints in Numbers 11, he illustrates how complaining leads to divine judgment. Jason encourages a heart transformation through faith in Jesus, who never complained despite facing extreme hardships. He concludes by urging believers to be grateful and content, reflecting God's love and grace.

Outline
Complaining as a National Pastime
* Pastor Jason discusses how easy it is to grow cold and forget God's love, emphasizing the importance of regular reminders through scripture and community.
* He references Singapore's founding Prime Minister's 1977 speech, noting that Singaporeans are known for their complaining nature.
* Pastor Jason admits to being a complainer himself and humorously lists various things he used to complain about growing up.
* He clarifies that the sermon is not about constructive feedback but about negative, unhappy venting of frustrations.

Complaining in Modern Society
* Pastor Jason elaborates on how Singaporeans complain about various aspects of life, including public transport, government, employers, and family members.
* He emphasizes that complaining is not just a Singaporean problem but a human problem, prevalent everywhere and at all times.
* The sermon aims to address why complaining is wrong, what causes it, and how to be delivered from it.
* Pastor Jason introduces the main text for the sermon, Numbers chapter 11, and sets the stage for a discussion on complaining.

The Swiftness of Israel's Complaints
* Pastor Jason highlights the swiftness with which the Israelites complained, noting that they began complaining just three days after a spiritual high point.
* He recounts previous instances of Israel complaining, such as at the waters of Marah and Exodus 16, to show a pattern of discontentment.
* The swiftness of their rebellion is attributed to their sinful hearts, which are inherently unbelieving and wicked.
* Pastor Jason emphasizes that complaining is a manifestation of the heart's sinful nature, not just a problem with the mouth.

The Seriousness of Complaining
* Pastor Jason points out the seriousness with which God views complaining, citing Numbers 11:1 where God's anger is kindled and a fire consumes some outlying parts.
* He warns against trivializing complaining, as it is a sin that God takes very seriously.
* Jude 14-16 is referenced to show that grumblers and discontented people will be judged by God.
* Pastor Jason stresses that complaining reveals an ungrateful heart and a lack of trust in God's provision and wisdom.

The Scorn of Complaining
* Pastor Jason describes the scorn that complaining brings, as it despises God's provision and implies that Pharaoh was a better provider.
* He uses the analogy of a complaining tongue revealing an ungrateful heart to illustrate this point.
* Complaining about various aspects of life, such as jobs, countries, leaders, and health, shows a lack of gratitude and trust in God.
* Pastor Jason encourages the congregation to examine their own lives and see if they are despising God through complaining.

The Strain of Complaining
* Pastor Jason explains that complaining places a huge burden on others, especially leaders, who have to deal with constant complaints.
* Moses becomes displeased and complains to God, feeling overwhelmed by the burden of the people's complaints.
* A story is told about a farmer whose nagging wife eventually dies from a donkey's kick, illustrating the strain of living with a complaining person.
* God's mercy is shown in providing 70 elders to share the burden with Moses, but the strain of complaining people is still significant.

God's Judgment on Complaining
* Pastor Jason describes God's judgment on the Israelites for their complaining, promising a month-long supply of meat that will make them loathsome.
* The meat provided is quail, which will fall in abundance around the camp, but will lead to a great plague.
* The place is named Kibroth Hattaavah, meaning the grave of craving, as a reminder of God's judgment on their sin.
* The Psalmist comments that God gave the Israelites what they asked for, showing that their complaints were met with divine judgment.

Lessons for Believers
* Pastor Jason transitions to lessons for believers, asking why they complain and emphasizing that the heart is the source of complaining.
* He explains that the heart is biased against God, thinking that God is not giving the best or that He is not loving, wise, or powerful enough.
* The cure for complaining is a heart transplant, not just controlling the mouth, as the heart's sinful nature will always produce complaining.
* The only solution is to receive a new heart from God, which is a promise in Ezekiel 36, where God gives a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone.

The Example of Jesus
* Pastor Jason contrasts Israel's complaining with Jesus' perfect obedience and lack of complaining despite facing the worst circumstances.
* Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights without complaining, and when tempted by the devil, He responded with scripture and obedience.
* In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to God's will, showing complete submission and trust in God's plan.
* Jesus' example is presented as a model for believers to follow, trusting God and not complaining even in difficult circumstances.

Conclusion and Call to Action
* Pastor Jason encourages believers to look to Jesus as their Savior and example, who paid for their sins and provides a new heart.
* He calls for believers to be filled with love, joy, and peace, and to live a life that shines as light in a dark world.
* The importance of giving thanks in all circumstances is emphasized, as it reflects a heart that has been transformed by God's love.
* Pastor Jason concludes with a prayer, asking God to bring conviction and faith in Jesus to the congregation and to help them live obediently.