Unbelief In The Life Of The Believer

Introduction

“Unbelief in the life of the believer”… sounds like a contradiction, does it not?

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Israel’s unbelief - Numbers 20:1-5.

Desert and no water = crisis

Sometimes you may not know whether you believe or not until you are subject to testing.

verse 3 - they wished that they had died like their brethren. Be careful about wishing for foolish things like that. God just might give it to you.

Verse 5 - unbelief will cause you to look at the world

Application: Unbelief towards God is often manifested through a complaining attitude

Rather than praying to God, Israel complained to one another.

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God’s instruction - Numbers 20:6-8.

How often does God give us clear instruction and we simply refuse to obey? We’ll ignore it or downplay it when in reality what we’re doing is just plain old disobedience!

Application: Unbelief is seen in the life of the believer when we refuse to obey.

When God speaks to you through His Word, simply obey.

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Moses’ unbelief - Numbers 20:9-11.

Unbelief is not just for unsaved sinners. The fact that Moses, one of the greatest men of God, chose not to believe God, indicates that you and I must guard ourselves of this sin!

Pastors and deacons must guard against unbelief.

Notice, Moses had turned this into a “me versus you” kind of equation.

Application: How is unbelief seen in the lives of Christians?

Worry - Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Doubt - Thomas, one of the twelve, did not believe.

John 20:24-29 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

An “I don’t care” attitude about the Word of God

We alter parts of the Bible to make it expedient and justify what we do.

Unwillingness to surrender to the will of God

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God’s discipline - Numbers 20:12-13.

Application: Unbelief has consequences.

How do we address unbelief in our lives? Confess it - agree with God that it is sin. Ask for His forgiveness, and then learn the promises of God and cling to them!

Conclusion: Every one of us must believe God for that next step that He has for us.

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.