“…and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” -- Numbers 13:33 Grasshopper faith The 10 spies saw themselves as small and powerless, and so they were. Their lack of faith robbed them of blessings and victory. Great faith believes God, trusts His direction, relies on His strength and culminates in victory! Hebrews 3:18-19; 4:2-3

Background (Numbers 13-14) Israel faced great challenges traveling to the Promised Land Israel had to learn to trust God and put their faith in Him all along the way (Deuteronomy 8:2-3) Israel’s struggle was one of faith vs. flesh (Psalm 106:24)

Grasshopper faith Fleshly characteristics… Measures difficulties by human strength alone (13:30-32) Follows popular opinion (13:33) Causes sorrow and despair (14:1-2) Despises the provisions of God (14:3-4) Is set on rebellion (14:5-10) Dishonors God by refusing to believe (14:11; Exodus 3:8) Results in sin (14:19) Makes a habit of disobedience (14:20-22) Incurs the wrath of God (14:26-38) Presumes to succeed without God (14:39-45)

Grasshopper faith Today? We face giant challenges today… Holding fast the truth regarding the plan of salvation Following God’s plan for the work, worship, and organization of the local church Maintaining purity in living Raising godly children in a wicked world

Grasshopper faith Today? What kind of faith do we exhibit? Is our faith “great” or “little” (Matthew 8:10; 15:28; 6:30; 8:26) Do we follow God or popular opinion? (Numbers 13:30; 14:24), Do we combine hearing with obedient faith on our journey to our promised land? (Hebrews 4:1-2,11)

Grasshopper faith Today? “If God is for us…” (Romans 8:31) We have God’s strength in addition to our own (Isaiah 40:21-23; 1 Cor. 10:13; Philippians 4:13,19; Hebrews 13:5-6) We have a victor’s attitude – not an attitude of pessimism or defeat (Romans 8:37; Rev. 17:14; 1 John 5:4)