Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit. This passage warns against murmuring and discontent by recounting Israel’s complaints and God’s response in the wilderness. As grumbling intensified, God appointed seventy elders to share Moses’ heavy burden and eventually sent quail in response to the people’s demands. Yet their ungrateful attitudes led to severe consequences, reminding us that overcoming a complaining spirit requires gratitude, trust in God, and unity in leadership.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Numbers 11:10-17, Numbers 11:18-25, Numbers 11:26-33, Numbers 11:33-35, Romans 11:17-22,
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Introduction
We are opening our Bibles to the book of Numbers, chapter 11. I plan to read many verses so that you can hear the entire passage. I hope that we finish in time to have a small discussion at the end. Today, our focus will be on how not to murmur or complain. I believe there is a way to overcome this, and we will discover how.
The Context of Numbers 11
Murmuring and Complaining Begin
Numbers 11 starts a section known for murmuring and complaining. Last week, I decided not to discuss it, as it did not feel right at that time. However, from Chapter 11 through Chapter 14, we will see numerous examples of this attitude. I firmly believe God leads us to study these passages for a reason. It is not just a religious duty or ritual. Instead, God wants us to learn and see what He has in store for us, so we can grow into who He wants us to be.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
So, I will read all these verses, knowing we have different Bible translations. I still ask you to listen and follow along. Try to grasp the main idea. Focus on what the text is teaching us, and let’s get the core lesson from it.
Numbers 11:10-17
10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.
11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?
13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Numbers 11:18-25
18 And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.
19 Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days;
20 But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?
21 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.
22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
24 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.
25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
Numbers 11:26-33
26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.
27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
30 And Moses gat him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.
31 And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.
32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Numbers 11:33-35
33 And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.
34 And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.
35 And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth.
Lessons from the Israelites’ Complaints
Gratitude vs. Complaining
We see that the people God delivered became complainers. They murmured about their food and many other things. Moses points out that those with a complaining attitude will continue to complain throughout their lives. Our goal is not to let that spirit control us. Instead, we need to seek the Spirit of the Lord, allowing His presence to fill us rather than harboring negative attitudes.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
In verse 1 of Numbers 11, the Lord’s anger was kindled. By verse 10, His anger grew even stronger. If God was upset in verse 1, He was much more upset in verse 10. As the story unfolds, his rage intensifies. The people did not just die of old age in the wilderness—they died because they murmured and rebelled. It is crucial for us to see the seriousness of this.
God’s Kindness and Severity
We must recognize both God’s kindness and His severity. We can pretend these warnings are not for us, or we can listen and apply what Scripture teaches us.
Jesus says if we believe in Him as the Scriptures say, rivers of living water will flow from within us. This is about believing in Jesus, not just knowing the Scriptures, but trusting in Him as the Scriptures describe. When we do that, the Spirit of God flows in our lives. The next verse explains that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit, which had not yet come at that time.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
We must realize that God is both good and severe. In this chapter, God gives the people what they are craving. However, what they want ultimately harms them. The quail they begged for turns out to be poisonous. As they eat it, a plague strikes. This shows how sometimes what we want is not what is best for us.
God gets angry because the people are ungrateful and unhappy. They constantly grumble about their situation. Instead of being thankful for God’s provision, they long for the things they had in Egypt. They remember the food from Egypt and complain that all they have now is manna from heaven. But by the end of the chapter, they regretted longing for the old life and wished they had been content with God’s provision.
The Disappointment of Uncommitted Blessings
We can be like them sometimes, desiring too much from the world. The idea that Egypt was good is misleading—they were slaves working hard for Pharaoh. Everything they had belonged to the government. The Bible even says Moses was displeased with the people’s attitude. When people receive God’s blessings but stay uncommitted, not seeking God or gathering with others, it brings disappointment. This displeased Moses as well.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
It is difficult to see people in financial trouble who do not attend church, even after we have helped them. We often give money and support, but when people are ungrateful or fail to reciprocate, it is disappointing. This situation sometimes makes me start to complain as well.
I also feel troubled when children or church members are sick, and we pray, and then God heals them. Yet, after receiving their blessing, many do not return to worship God or seek His purpose for their lives. It is hard to see ungrateful attitudes, with people complaining about small things or failing to appreciate what they are given.
The Bible tells us that the Lord was angry, and Moses was also upset. We see people blessed by God, receiving encouragement and prophecy, but they do not stay faithful. This hurts both God and the leaders. Moses even reached a breaking point and told God he wanted to quit and asked God to take his life. Moses carried a great responsibility in the Old Covenant. The people looked to him just as we look to Jesus today under the new covenant.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Faithful Leadership Amid Overwhelming Burdens
It is a relief that Jesus, unlike Moses, never asked God to end His life out of frustration. Although Jesus expressed sadness about unbelief, He remained faithful to His mission and never gave up.
I have felt overwhelmed and frustrated at times, but I have never asked God to let me die. I admit that I have had thoughts similar to Moses’s, such as feeling like I have to carry everyone like babies who are never satisfied. Sometimes, it seems no one can make them happy, and the complaints never stop. I have even wondered why God brought certain people into my life and whether I did something wrong. But no matter how tough things get, I have never reached the point of asking God to kill me.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Moses admits in verse 13 that the burden was too heavy for him. He felt he could not handle the constant demands and ungrateful attitudes of the people. When leaders see so much complaining, it weighs them down. Moses complained about the people, and the people complained about Moses. In the end, all that grumbling kept them from entering the Promised Land. To move forward, both leaders and people must stop complaining about each other.
God’s Solution: Shared Leadership in Times of Crisis
When all the complaining was happening, God had a plan. Instead of focusing on the complaints, God instructed Moses to gather seventy elders who would assist in leading and ministering to the people. Right in the middle of all the unrest, God wanted the leadership to be set in order. Their job was to serve and guide the people, redirecting their focus back to God and addressing the community’s needs. This teaches us that, even during times of discontent, God uses those moments to strengthen and organize His people for effective ministry.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Moses says the burden of leadership was too heavy for him. For a long time, he tried to carry it all on his own. He realized that this approach does not work. The structure was like an upside-down pyramid, balanced on a single point. If that one leader fails, everything fails. To fix this, they worked to spread out the responsibility, not by dividing the vision, but by sharing the same vision with different people. The goal is balance through diversity, where the weight is carried equally and everyone contributes.
United Leadership: Sharing the Spirit and the Burden
The appointment of elders came as a result of the people’s complaints. This also happened in Acts chapter 6 when the early church chose deacons to help with similar problems, mostly about food. In Moses’ situation, seventy elders were chosen. In Acts, there were seven deacons. The purpose in both cases was to serve and minister to the people.
Moses personally knew the elders he chose. They had to meet two key qualifications. First, they had to stand together in unity. If the leadership is divided, things do not work. There can’t be more than one vision; everyone needs to support the same goal. Second, they had to help carry the burdens of the people. The spirit for this task came from God—not just Moses. By sharing the same spirit, the load was balanced and the community was stronger.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
True leadership relies on unity and shared responsibility. An upside-down pyramid, with all the weight on one person, will break down. But a solid foundation—where everyone plays their part—creates a healthy and effective structure. This is how leadership should work, with many sharing the ministry and responsibilities, so no one is overwhelmed. This is not division, but healthy diversity, and it benefits the whole group.
The anointing for ministry and leadership is not just on me—it is on all those who stand with me in unity. Leadership in God’s house requires individuals who are willing to work together and support one another. God instructed me, like Moses, to choose elders who would stand together and help carry the responsibility. God’s Spirit empowers all of us, not just one, so the vision and purpose can be shared. When there is division or friction among leaders, things do not work. That is why unity is essential.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Healthy Ministry Through Shared Leadership and Sound Doctrine
We cannot run a church or a ministry as a one-person show. The idea that one person should carry everything leads to exhaustion and failure—it is like an upside-down pyramid that will topple if the point at the bottom breaks. Instead, we must share the weight equally among many. This distributes not only the workload, but also the joy and the blessing of serving together. I have learned this is the healthiest way for our church to grow and thrive.
God also wants us to understand both His kindness and His severity. Our beliefs must align with Scripture, not just with tradition or popular teachings. True salvation and freedom come from knowing and obeying God’s word. We must avoid deceptive doctrines and ensure that we live in accordance with God’s word. Real death is being cut off from God, just as Adam experienced. Let us ensure that we are washed and renewed by the truth in Scripture, and let us stand together, sharing the work and the blessings that God gives.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Romans 11:17-22
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
New Testament Application (Romans 11:17–22)
The Olive Tree Analogy
In Romans 11, Paul discusses the olive tree, not the fig tree. It is crucial to make that distinction. The olive tree represents natural Israel, while the wild olive branches symbolize Gentiles who are grafted in. Some branches (unbelieving Israelites) are broken off because they did not believe in Jesus. Gentiles who do believe are grafted in by faith and can partake in the blessings promised to Israel.
Warning Against Arrogance
Paul warns us not to boast against the natural branches. The root supports us, not the other way around. If God did not spare the natural branches due to unbelief, we should be humble and cautious. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God is both good and severe.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
God’s goodness is shown to us if we continue in His kindness. But if we turn away, Paul warns that we could also be cut off. This is not something to take lightly. Salvation depends on continuing in faith and God’s goodness. We should not assume we can get away with ignoring God or take His grace for granted.
This warning connects to what happened in Numbers. The Israelites were deceived. They thought their complaining and crying would bring God’s blessing, but it led to disaster instead. In the same way, we must not take God’s kindness for granted or think we can live any way we wish. The lesson is clear: behold both the goodness and the severity of God, and stay faithful to Him. My intention is not to condemn, but to urge everyone to hold on to truth for the sake of their souls. This is a fundamental and profound principle.
In this chapter, the people are crying and complaining in their homes. They are agitated, longing to return to Egypt. Their weeping is actually about God’s own provisions. Instead of being thankful, they mourn what God has given them. Paul says that if we continue in God’s goodness, we remain in Him. It is essential to recognize and appreciate His goodness wherever He has us.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
The command to sanctify themselves meant to set themselves apart and be made clean for God. However, even being set apart or religious will not protect anyone from consequences if they continue to complain and murmur. Staying thankful, no matter the situation, is what keeps us in God’s favor. James tells us to consider every trial as joy—sometimes it is not easy to see, but it is part of the learning and growing process.
The Spiritual Cure for Complaining
The Consequences of Ungratefulness
No matter how devoted or cleansed we try to be, if we stop being grateful and start to murmur, we can still face the consequences. If we want to avoid the severity of God, we must understand what the Scriptures truly mean about His nature. Even those chosen by God can suffer consequences for rebellion and ungratefulness.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
The Israelites in the book of Numbers were God’s own people, yet they received judgment for their attitudes. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10 that these things happened to them as examples for us. We must learn from their experience and hold on to gratitude, never taking God’s goodness for granted.
We need to recognize both the goodness and the severity of God. The people we read about were sad-faced believers, constantly murmuring and ungrateful for what God had given them. God had healed them, spoken to them, guided them, and provided for them, yet they remained unhappy and unwilling to follow His direction.
When Desire for the World Brings Discontent and Consequences
They continued to complain about their circumstances, even when God performed miracles—such as healing, restoring marriages, and improving finances. Still, many refused to worship or praise Him as God desired. Nothing seemed to satisfy them, not even God’s direct blessings or instructions. The truth is, they remained unhappy because deep down, they wanted what the world had, not what God offered. Just like the Israelites longed for the food of Egypt, many believers become sad because they crave what the world has.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
God told Moses to let the people have what they wanted until they were sick of it—it would come out of their nostrils. Sometimes, God allows people to receive what they ask for, and it initially appears to be a blessing. However, it can turn into a curse if it is not what God truly wants for them. Many people persistently chase after things, ignoring God and godly advice. In the end, what they desperately clung to can become their downfall. God’s response teaches us to be content and grateful for His provision, rather than constantly longing for other things.
I have seen people desire a spouse so strongly that, even after receiving warnings from God, loved ones, and friends, they go ahead with their decision. Their longing is so intense that, eventually, God gives in to them. He does not forcefully stop them, even though He tries to guide them. After a while, what they wanted so badly becomes something they deeply regret. The marriage or relationship turns sour, bringing misery. The very thing they once chased can create separation from God and cause real harm.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
This is a profound lesson. Being religious, praying, or setting yourself apart will not protect you if you choose to ignore God’s direction. If you insist on getting your own way against God’s warnings, He may allow it, but it will not bring satisfaction. Sometimes, what we wish for most can end up being destructive when it is not God’s plan.
Moses mentions the people among whom he lives. It is crucial to be a committed part of a community, to know where you belong. In this story, Moses refers to being a part of God’s people—600,000 strong. Despite his leadership, even Moses experiences doubt. He questions whether what God promises is really possible. Remarkably, even the most exceptional leaders can struggle with uncertainty and doubt at times.
Moses had witnessed God do incredible miracles. He saw God part the sea, destroy Egypt’s mighty army, provide food and water daily, and yet—even after all that—Moses doubted. He began to wonder how God would provide meat for so many people for thirty days. Moses asked if they should kill all the animals or catch all the fish. He doubted God’s ability to provide in this new way.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
God responds to Moses by asking, “Is my hand too short?” God reminds him that nothing is impossible for the Lord. He can provide whatever is needed, no matter how hopeless it seems. We sometimes forget that God’s power has no limits. When we doubt, we need to remember that nothing is too hard for our God.
This text is tricky for preaching faith, though. What the people were praying and yearning for would actually end up harming them. Sometimes, we beg and plead for things that are not meant for us, and they can become destructive. At the same time, God was preparing to grant some people’s desires for physical things, He was also preparing to pour out His Spirit on others—the elders He had anointed.
Seeking God’s Spirit Over Fleshly Desires
This contrast happens even today. Some chase after the desires of the flesh, while others hunger for the things of God’s Spirit. The key question is: which are we seeking? Are we focused on worldly wants, or are we seeking the deeper fulfillment found only in God’s purpose and Spirit? The nourishment we really need comes from understanding and living out God’s will for our lives, not just satisfying temporary cravings.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Within the same group of God’s people, there were different desires. Some sought after things of the flesh, while others gathered at the tabernacle, seeking after God’s Spirit. This division highlights how, even within a community, people can be driven by different motives—some focused on worldly things, while others are driven by spiritual fulfillment.
Moses expressed a great desire that all of God’s people would become prophets, filled with the Lord’s Spirit. Importantly, it was not Moses’ own spirit that was given to the elders, but God’s Spirit. When Moses gathered the seventy elders around the tabernacle, God came down in a cloud. He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed it on the seventy elders. As a result, the Spirit rested on them, and they began to prophesy continually.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
The Spirit’s Gift Beyond the Tabernacle
Two men, Eldad and Medad, missed the meeting but still received the Spirit and prophesied in the camp. When this was reported, Moses responded graciously, saying he wished all the Lord’s people could experience this. It was clear that what mattered was the presence of God’s Spirit, not a particular leader’s spirit.
Following this spiritual event, God sent a wind that brought quail for the people to eat, showing the contrast between fleshly desires and hunger for the Spirit. While some were consumed by complaining and longing for physical things, others were experiencing the joy and power of God’s Spirit in their lives. The lesson for us is to desire and seek after God’s Spirit above anything else the world could offer.
While some people sought God’s Spirit, another group focused on chasing after their desires. God sent a strong wind that brought an enormous number of quail right to the people’s feet. The birds flew low, making it easy for everyone to catch them with nets or clubs. There were so many quail that a person could walk all day in any direction and still be surrounded by them.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
The people hunted quail all day, all night, and even into the next day. God let them have as much as they wanted—so much that they gathered massive amounts, with the least amount collected being sixty bushels. They were driven by their cravings, unable to turn back to what mattered most—returning to the tabernacle and seeking God. Sometimes, we get lost in our own pursuits and can’t walk away, not realizing these things can hurt or even destroy us.
It is easy to fall into the same trap—chasing after things that seem good but are not what God wants for us. Even if it feels uncomfortable to hear, the truth is that going after selfish desires, remaining ungrateful, or complaining can separate us from God’s purpose. We need to learn to stand together, to support each other in faith, and to recognize when our desires are pulling us away from God’s best.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Lessons Learned From Craving and Consequence
In the end, chasing after these things can bring physical and spiritual death. The greatest danger is that we become separated from God, even if we think we’re getting what we want at the moment. It’s a warning to be grateful, to seek what God is teaching us, and to desire His Spirit more than anything the world offers.
Around the camp, dead quail lay everywhere, drying under the hot sun. There were no refrigerators, so the meat sat out for days, attracting flies and maggots. The vast number of quail seemed like a blessing at first, but it quickly turned into a problem. The people had what they wanted, but it was more than they could handle.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
The Serious Consequences of Craving and Complaining
As they ate the quail, even while the meat was still between their teeth, something terrible happened. A great plague struck, and many people died. The very thing they had craved so badly became the cause of their suffering. This was food poisoning at its worst—eating what seemed so good at first brought nothing but trouble and death.
God does not tolerate constant complaining and ungratefulness. He may give people what they beg for, but it comes with consequences if it is not His will. The story ended with a reminder of God’s severity. The place where many people died from craving was named after the graves of those who lusted for more than what God had provided. The community then moved on to the next place, carrying this lesson with them.
Whenever we move forward spiritually, it is common for some people to be left behind. Change often brings consequences, and sometimes that means losing people along the way. I wish it were different, but the truth is that murmuring and longing for the past often arise as we move on. When people focus on how things used to be or want what the world offers, some will not continue with the group. Still, we must keep moving.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
This lesson from Scripture might feel heavy, but it is crucial and even has a place for some laughter and joy. The Holy Spirit can lift us up, even as we learn challenging truths. I hope to end on a positive note. We may not remember every detail of a lesson, but if we let God’s Word touch our hearts, it will change us.
Conclusion and Invitation to Discussion
To build on this, I encourage discussion about handling murmuring. If we genuinely believe that complaining displeases God and brings trouble into our lives, we should take it seriously. God may even let us have what we complain about, but it could hurt us. If we realize this, we will want to find ways to respond differently.
Many in the body of Christ have not yet learned to recognize and reject a complaining spirit. It is time to grow in maturity and spiritual discernment—to refuse to participate in negativity and murmuring. Remember, those who want to complain will not usually announce it; they start conversations subtly. We need to be aware and guard our hearts against joining in; instead, we should choose gratitude and trust in God.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Sometimes, we find ourselves in conversations that slowly turn negative. Without realizing it, we often start talking about things or people in ways we shouldn’t. I know this happens because I have experienced it myself, often enough. These conversations may seem harmless, but God does not like them. In fact, it upsets Him.
The real question is, how do we handle these situations when we recognize them? The Holy Spirit often warns us—there’s a quickening or a check in our hearts, and suddenly, we realize we should not be saying what we’re saying. But once we notice it, we may have already joined in the complaining or gossip.
Practical Guidance for Overcoming Complaining
Recognizing and Confessing Negativity
When that happens, we need to act quickly. It’s like having food poisoning—you need to get rid of what’s harmful as soon as possible. Spiritually, that means confessing right away: “Father, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about this.” It’s essential to pause and acknowledge that the discussion is flawed, and to seek God’s forgiveness.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Taking this step may feel awkward, but it brings respect from others. Usually, once you admit the conversation is not healthy, others will agree and stop as well. By confessing and stopping the murmuring, you bring healing to the situation. The most important thing is to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting with honesty and humility, clearing your heart and setting a good example for others.
Growing in Spiritual Maturity by Admitting Fault and Seeking Cleansing
It takes courage and understanding of God’s ways to admit you are wrong in a conversation. When you realize you’ve participated in negativity, it is better to confess and clear your heart than to keep it inside. The important thing is to recognize it and be honest about it. This shows spiritual maturity and sets an example for others.
Some people shared stories about being in situations where conversations started drifting into gossip or criticism. Sometimes, a quick correction—whether from a spouse, the Holy Spirit, or just a moment of self-awareness—can help change the tone. People will often adjust their behavior once they know others are present who do not support the negativity.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
It’s helpful to remember that we’ve all been in these situations at some point. Sometimes, you realize you should have spoken up instead of just listening to negative talk. If you remain silent, you may end up harboring harmful words in your heart. The correct response is to turn things around, confess it to God, and ensure your spirit is cleansed of that negativity.
Building Community Through Gratitude
The key is being proactive about keeping your heart and conversations clean. If you find yourself involved in murmuring—whether you spoke or just listened—recognize it, confess it, and let God clean it out of your spirit. This will help you and encourage others to do the same, building a healthier and more grateful community.
The Analogy of Food Poisoning
This lesson compares murmuring and gossip to food poisoning. When something harmful gets inside, you must remove it quickly—it will come out one way or another. Even if what you hear isn’t as bad as full-on gossip, it can still harm your spirit, and you’ll feel that uneasy, quenched feeling inside afterward.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
A helpful approach when others are speaking negatively is to offer gentle, positive comments about the person being criticized. Sometimes, mentioning a person’s good qualities or the reasons behind their actions can subtly shift the conversation’s direction. Doing this can bring balance and prevent the conversation from becoming toxic, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
It’s a common experience. When you find yourself caught in negativity, your spirit feels quenched, and you may regret participating. The Bible teaches that what we sow, we reap. If we participate in gossip or complaining, the harvest we get will reflect that. The truth is, it often comes back to us.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
A frightening aspect of this story is how people can be deceived—they beg for something and, when they get it, they believe God has blessed them, but in reality, it brings harm. This can also happen in churches. Sometimes, people push out a leader who was saying hard, necessary things and replace him with someone who matches their preferences. Often, the very leader they rejected was the one God was using to challenge and help them. Yet, the dissatisfaction and longing for the “old ways” remain if hearts don’t change. The real solution is to address the root of the problem, turn from negativity, and seek the truth that can bring spiritual health.
Food Poisoning: An Extended Analogy
Food poisoning makes a good analogy for murmuring. The food might taste great at first, but once it gets inside and the bacteria take hold, the consequences are severe. In the same way, gossip and complaining might feel satisfying in the moment, but bring harm later. The book of Revelation even hints at this—something can taste sweet at first, but turn bitter in your spirit.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
One way to prevent food poisoning is to cook the food thoroughly. If you put it through the fire, the harmful bacteria are destroyed. Likewise, when we put murmuring through the fire of God’s presence and His Word, it can be dealt with and removed from our lives. Bringing complaints and negativity to God, letting Him deal with them, purifies our hearts.
Personal Reflection and Growth
As we hear these lessons, it’s essential to reflect on what God is saying to us personally. Ask yourself what you learned, what touched your heart, and be open to the Spirit’s voice. God has us dealing with these chapters for a reason. We are meant to grow and apply these truths, allowing God to work deeply in us.
We see in the story that Joshua did not die; he learned and grew through the journey. Joshua observed Moses’ relationship with God—how Moses could speak openly and honestly, even in frustration. It is comforting to know we can be honest with God, sharing our struggles and doubts. The goal is to allow God to shape us through these experiences, purifying us so that we can enter into all He has planned for us.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
When I first studied this chapter, I found it surprisingly relatable. As I shared it with Steve, we both laughed—not at the seriousness, but at how we’ve each experienced the same attitudes. I’ve felt like Moses, overwhelmed and thinking, “Even Jesus couldn’t make some people happy.” Sometimes the load feels too much to carry.
The Root of Murmuring
Murmuring is often not about being pushed or stretched; it’s about longing for what we don’t have. The Israelites didn’t want to be stretched by God—they just wanted the comforts of Egypt. They missed the food and the familiar things from their past. This same attitude can show up in us when we become dissatisfied and ungrateful for what God has already given us. We can start wanting what others have, or crave what the world offers, instead of being thankful.
This happens in churches, too. People sometimes desire different styles or leaders, comparing with others, and letting dissatisfaction grow. That leads to murmuring in the body.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
It’s easy to spend our days and nights chasing things that do not truly satisfy, while neglecting the place of spiritual growth and service—much like the Israelites, who went after quail instead of seeking God in the tabernacle. That pursuit can lead to spiritual death, not life.
Spiritual Priorities Over Cravings
People often think they can play with God and get away with it. For example, parents may work extra hard to get their children material things, yet skip church when they have the chance to worship. I recall wanting stuff as a young man, such as a fast car, but those desires could have ultimately destroyed me. Pursuing our cravings above spiritual priorities can be dangerous, both physically and spiritually. It’s a call to appreciate what God gives and focus on Him rather than always wanting more.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
Sometimes the Lord may allow us to have what we desire, even if it’s not His best for us. I remember spending years praying for a house. My former pastor once warned me, “You don’t want a house before God is ready for you to have one.” Looking back, I see how God protected me. If I had followed my own desires, I could have ended up stuck during a housing market crash or tied down in the wrong place. God’s timing is best, and it’s essential to listen to His voice and follow His lead.
Choosing Blessing Over Complaining: Walking in the Spirit
God sets choices before us every day—blessings or curses, abundance or lack. These choices are just as real today as they were in the Old Testament. The Lord loves us enough to let us choose, but He wants us to want what is truly good and to follow Him.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
It’s human nature to murmur and complain, especially when we are walking in the flesh rather than the Spirit. Complaining displeases God and can lead us astray. But if we choose to walk in the Spirit, we won’t fall into murmuring. The challenge is to recognize complaining, even when it starts within us, as negative self-talk. The flesh can deceive us, but the Spirit always leads us to truth and gratitude. By staying sensitive to God’s Spirit, we can recognize and reject a complaining attitude before it grows.
Walking in the Spirit
We need to be very cautious and make sure we are walking in the Spirit, not being deceived by negativity or complaining. When you catch yourself murmuring or engaging in negative self-talk, pause and examine the source of those thoughts. Pay attention when the Spirit speaks to you and convicts your heart.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 – How to Overcome the Complaining Spirit
A personal example is when I walked into the house and started discussing something troubling with my wife. After reading this lesson, I realized I didn’t want to go down that path of negativity. It wasn’t my wife’s fault. Sometimes, I’m the one who starts the conversation or brings up something negative. Either way, when you feel your spirit is quenched, recognize it as the Holy Spirit’s warning.
As soon as you feel that check in your spirit, admit it and apologize—either to God or to the person involved. Don’t let it continue or dwell on it. Confess it and let it go before it grows any further.
The Call to Ongoing Thankfulness
Thank you for being here tonight and for taking the time to invest in this event. Let’s close by standing and thanking Jesus for His goodness and all He has done for us. Let’s keep our hearts focused on gratitude and the leading of His Spirit.
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 audio
Book Of Numbers 11:17-35 audio
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