1. Approaching God on our own terms
Numbers

2. Approaching God on our own terms
BACKGROUND
Numbers is an account of the time between the Exodus and the entry into the Promised Land
After the interlude of chapter 15 we are back in the territory of rebellion and rejection
Previously they have rejected God as their provider, Moses as their leader and have refused to enter the Promised Land despite God’s promises and the words of Caleb and Joshua
The times of rebellion have not ended

3. Approaching God on our own terms
CHAPTER 16 (1 – 40)
Korah, Dathan and Abiram lead a rebellion against Aaron and the priests (1 – 15)
God judges the rebels (16 – 21)
Moses intercedes (22 – 27)
God judges those who supported the rebels (28 – 35)
A permanent reminder of the rebellion (36 – 40)

4. Approaching God on our own terms
CHAPTER 16 (41 – 50)
The people again rebel because of what God has done (41)
God judges the rebels (42 – 45)
Intercession and atonement (46 – 48)
God judges the people who have not been covered by the atonement (49 – 50)

5. Approaching God on our own terms
CHAPTER 17
God supports His appointment of Aaron
The miraculous budding of Aaron’s rod (1 – 9)
The rod symbolises God’s approval of Aaron but also the fruitfulness of God’s provision
The rod is placed in the Ark as a permanent reminder to the people (10 – 11)
The people are still very fearful of approaching God’s presence (12 – 13)

6. Approaching God on our own terms
CHAPTER 18
Reminders of the duties of the priests and Levites (1 – 7)
Offerings to support the priests (8 – 20)
Tithes to support the Levites (21 – 24)
The Levites will also tithe (25 – 32)

7. Approaching God on our own terms
LESSONS FOR TODAY
God may be good and loving but He should not be treated casually
God is holy and a sinful people can only approach Him on His terms
We are able to approach His presence, His throne of grace, because Jesus has atoned for our sin
If we are in Christ then we are protected from the anger of God
Atonement and intercession are effective in minimising God’s judgement
Access to God is only possible through His appointed priest (Jesus our great High Priest)