1. Bad Girls of the Bible Miriam: the Arrogant Leader Numbers 12

2. Miriam’s Leadership Mistakes – Gossip with Aaron about their sister-in-law (12:1) This is not acceptable to God (1 Tim. 5:13) This is not acceptable to God (1 Tim. 5:13) God expects us to build up with our words, rather than tear down (Eph. 4:29) God expects us to build up with our words, rather than tear down (Eph. 4:29) – Critical of God’s Chosen Leader (12:2) God expects us to respect His leaders (Heb. 13:17) God expects us to respect His leaders (Heb. 13:17) God’s leaders are worthy of honor (1 Tim. 5:17) God’s leaders are worthy of honor (1 Tim. 5:17) – Arrogant in her evaluation of her own position (12:2) God resists proud people (James 4:6, 10) God resists proud people (James 4:6, 10) There is honor in humility (Prov. 18:12) There is honor in humility (Prov. 18:12)

3. God’s Evaluation of Miriam’s Leadership – She should have been afraid to speak out against His chosen leader (12:8) She was not afraid to speak against Moses, and bad-mouthed her sister- in-law at the same time She was not afraid to speak against Moses, and bad-mouthed her sister- in-law at the same time Are we afraid to speak harshly about our spiritual leaders? (1 Pet 5:5) Are we afraid to speak harshly about our spiritual leaders? (1 Pet 5:5) – Moses was the most humble man on the earth (12:3) By contrast, Miriam clearly was not By contrast, Miriam clearly was not Those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Matt. 23:12) Those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Matt. 23:12) – Moses was a friend of God, rather than a prophet How much higher a position was “friend” to God than “prophet” How much higher a position was “friend” to God than “prophet” What did this mean for Miriam’s evaluation of her own position? What did this mean for Miriam’s evaluation of her own position? Are we being a “friend” to God? (John 15:14) Are we being a “friend” to God? (John 15:14)

4. Lessons For Us from Miriam’s Example – How kind are we being in our interactions with our church family? – What kind of attitudes do we have toward God’s leaders? – Are we being examples of humility to those around us, or are we arrogant, secure in our own salvation?