Sermon prepared by the Holy Spirit and Pastor Andrew T. Okai

Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 11, 2018

Sermon text: Numbers 21:4–9

Sermon theme: When Guilt Meets Grace

 

Introduction

Grace, mercy, and peace...

Today is the fourth Sunday in Lent, and we turn to the subject of salvation.

The Israelis spent 40 years in the wilderness. Because of their lack of faith, the Lord had sentenced the entire nation to wander in the wilderness until every member of that generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, died. The Israelites grew sick and tired of wandering through the wilderness—they were just sick and tired of everything.

Just like us today...

Their frustration over the path they were being forced to walk brought to the surface other complaints:

• God and Moses brought them out of Egypt just to let them die in the wilderness.
• Lack of food and water.
• The manna God sent them.

In response, God removed his protection and let them take charge. Satan now had full access, and they were trapped in a hopeless circumstance. God was the only one who was able to deliver them.

So we see that there is still hope for those trapped in the grip of sin.

Israel’s Sin

• They rejected God’s presence
• They rejected God’s promise.
• They rejected His provision.

Israel’s Salvation

• There is a presence of guilt.
• There is the provision of God.
• There is the power of grace—the salvation of God. God says look and live! God say believe and live!

This is the power of grace. This is what happens when the guilty meet Grace.