1. Choosing Egypt Over God’s Promises 2 Tim. 4:9-13

2. Seen With the Patriarchs Over the land – Gen. 12:10-13 And again, with Lot – Gen. 13:10-12 Over the promise of children – Gen. 16:1- 3 A pattern of not trusting in God! It wasn’t until Jacob that the lesson sank in – Gen. 46:1-4

3. Seen With Israel Directly stated in the Mosaic law – Deut. 17:14-16 This lasted while the kingdom was prosperous But when trouble arose, the people left God’s law behind – Jer. 42:9-10, 13-17

4. Parallels to Us Today How often do the things of this life seem plentiful and alluring? But what happens when we trust in them over God’s word? – 2 Pet. 3:9 The urge to “help ourselves” is a strong one, but must be overcome – Phil. 4:4-7

5. Conclusion God has given mankind free will rather than make us puppets. The problem is, though, that many times the choices we make are harmful to us in the long run. Let us rely on God and His fathomless wisdom!