Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design – In Christ, we become new creations, restored to God through His reconciling work. Just as the Levites were given a sacred charge to guard the holy things, we too have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation—helping others return to God’s favor. Standing firm means staying close to His presence, fulfilling our God‑given role, avoiding spiritual drift, and remaining available for His service so His purpose can be accomplished through us.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
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Scriptures used in this teaching:
2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Numbers 3:31, Numbers 3:32-35, Numbers 3:36-38, Exodus 26:26-30, Exodus 26:15-16, Isaiah 7:2, Psalms 1:3, Psalms 96:12, Exodus 26:17,
A New Creation in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17-19
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
To reconcile means to adjust, restore, or bring back into favor. God made that adjustment in us. Before salvation, we had little interest in God, church, ministry, or loving people. We were focused on ourselves. But through Christ, God restored us to Himself and gave us a love for Him and for others.
Not only did God reconcile us to Himself, but He also gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That means we are called to help others be restored and brought back into God’s favor. This is not always easy. Still, it’s what God asks of us. As we discussed last week, sin has already been dealt with. Jesus paid the full price for all. He entered the Holy of Holies once for all — not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood.
Last week, we talked about the forgiveness of sin and how we now have the authority to forgive sin. Sin itself is no longer the main problem. Jesus has already dealt with it and paid the price. People will still fall into sin, but the greater challenge is getting them to do the will of God.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
When someone begins to walk in God’s will and purpose, they naturally start leaving sin behind. As they understand God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will — as written in Romans 12:1 — they present themselves as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ. This is their reasonable service. Through this surrender, their minds are renewed, and they grow in knowing God’s plan for their lives.
The Challenge of Spiritual Drift
When we place ourselves on God’s altar and allow Him to burn away what does not belong, He transforms us. He is a consuming fire. As our minds are renewed, we better understand His will. This, in my experience, is the hardest part of ministry — reconciling people to God.
Scripture does not say to focus on dealing with sin but to reconcile people to God. This means helping them see what God expects of them and what they can expect from Him. It is adjusting things in a person’s life so they are aligned with God’s will for them.
We have been given a ministry of adjustment. This means helping restore people to favor with God and even sharing God’s favor with others. God calls this the ministry of reconciliation. Verse 19 says God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself and no longer counting people’s sins against them. He has now given us this message of reconciliation.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
The main point is that Jesus dealt with sin. Because of Him, our trespasses are not counted against us. Our job now is to help people understand their purpose in life. We must help them see they exist for a reason and encourage them to fulfill that purpose. This is not easy. Assisting people to accept God’s purpose for their lives is one of the most challenging tasks in ministry.
Serving and Guarding Our Charge
That’s kind of what we’re going to be talking about tonight, and I want you to start back in your notes with me on page 101.
Numbers 3:31
31 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
In Numbers 3:31, God gave each tribe a charge — a duty, something to watch over and protect. The word “charge” means to watch, to serve as a sentry, and to fulfill a responsibility. God has given each of us a charge as well. There is a purpose for what we know from Scripture and for the gifts we have been given. We each have something in the Kingdom of God to guard, protect, and care for. The question is — what is your duty? What role has God given you in your church?
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Every member of a body has a function. If we are truly part of the body of Christ, we are connected and serving in some way. There is a life-giving purpose for each believer. In our church here at Lafayette, I have noticed a pattern. Those who do not have a role or responsibility seem to be drifting away.
The Levites in the Old Testament camped close to the presence of God. The Kohathites and Merarites were nearby, while the other tribes camped farther off. In our church today, I see something similar. Some people are staying close and engaged, but others are moving spiritually far away. Those who are not active in serving and do not have a charge seem to be the ones drifting. I fear for them and hope they draw near again.
The reason I fear for those who are moving far away is that I have watched and taken note of what happens to them. If they were drifting away and still being blessed, I would question myself. I would look closely at what we are doing here and see if I need to make any changes. If their lives were improving after moving away, I could accept that I had missed something important.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
But that is not what I see. Those who stay close are the ones who are blessed. The ones who drift away often face financial troubles, marital problems, issues with their children, struggles at work, and other hardships. I am not trying to condemn anyone or point out names. I cannot recall a single case where someone once close, but now far away, is living in blessings.
So, what is your charge? This is where we are right now — understanding the specific responsibility God has given you. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. This is the main point here. The Lord will use us to bring people into the Kingdom. But the devil can also try to use us to keep people out.
When you are a good witness, actively part of the body of Christ, and involved in ministry, you inspire others. If you attend, serve, and are excited about what God is doing, that excitement spreads. Your family, co-workers, and others around you begin to catch that same fire.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
But the opposite is also true. If you become negative, stop attending, or begin to drift away from the fire of God, you can be a negative influence. People notice when you do not participate. If they see you disengaged, sitting back with no involvement, they may think, “Why should I participate if they won’t?”
Jesus gave us the ministry of reconciliation. On the other hand, the devil can pull us into what might be called the ministry of de‑reconciliation. It is possible to influence people toward God or away from Him. That is why it is vital, in our church and in this time, to commit fully to being ministers of reconciliation — helping people reconnect with God and showing them how His love and purpose work in their lives.
Sunday night, we had a fantastic time in the Lord. Joyce King was hilarious. She was slain in the Spirit and went down to the floor. When she stood up, Chuck reminded us never to get someone up too soon after they’ve been slain in the Spirit. Sure enough, Joyce went right back down again.
Jerry Williamson had me laughing so hard. I was already emotional, but he took it over the top. He was so drunk in the Spirit that he couldn’t even sit up straight, let alone walk. It was a joy to see.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
We also had two visitors from Reading Circle. They had no idea what was happening, but they enjoyed it. They got the “Holy Ghost giggles” and laughed with everyone else. At first, they thought they were laughing at us, but really, the Spirit of God had touched them. They felt the joy of the Lord so strongly that they forgot all their worries and let God fill them.
That little girl’s laughter spread to everyone. She laughed, others laughed with her, and the joy of God filled the house. Without realizing it, we were in our joy and “foolishness” reconciling people to God and God to people. The visitors said they would be back. They can’t come on Wednesday due to school, but they promised to be here on Sunday.
What is your charge, and how are you doing with it? Are you working to reconcile people to God, or are you pushing them away? God has given us this charge. Right now, we must examine ourselves and see what is happening. Some believers who used to be close are now camping far away. They are being shaken and have lost the testimony they once had.
Staying Committed and Rekindling the Fire
This drifting happens when people neglect their charge. They stop presenting themselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. They no longer renew their minds or seek to know His good, acceptable, and perfect will. As a result, their spiritual fire grows cold.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
What can we do for these people? We can pray for them. We can ask God to open the eyes of their understanding. Also, we can continue to reach out with love and care, even if they seem far away. Beyond that, prayer is our greatest tool.
If the joy of the Lord is going to flow in this body, it will happen through the faithful few who remain committed. Without you, nothing will move forward — it will just be business as usual. But with you, everything that God intends can take place.
We must understand that much depends on us. I want to encourage you today. I am thankful for each of you. For the most part, you are doing your part, carrying your responsibility, and seeking ways to serve more. You are eager to find out what else God wants you to do.
At the same time, we must encourage those who are not as involved. We must also be watchful when we sense ourselves slipping back. I have never seen someone truly blessed after they began moving away from the center of God’s work. Sadly, those who drift away seem to experience everything but blessings. I wish it were not so, but that has been my observation.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Numbers 3:32-35
32 and Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest {was} the chief of the leaders of Levi, {and had} the
oversight of those who perform the duties of the sanctuary.
33 Of Merari {was} the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites; these {were} the families
of Merari.
34 Their numbered men in the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, {were} 6,200.
35 The leader of the fathers’ households of the families of Merari {was} Zuriel the son of Abihail. They
{were} to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle.
Now, on page 102, we come to the Marariites. Before reviewing their duties, I want to point out a principle. We have already looked at the Gershonites and the Kohathites. The Kohathites camped on the south side, and the Gershonites camped on the north side. The Marariites were positioned on the north side as well. This placement is part of God’s order for His people.
Moses, Aaron, and his sons camped right in front of the tabernacle. The rest of the tribes camped farther away. If I were back there, camped afar off, and looked toward the tabernacle and the presence of God, what would I see? I would see tents and people. The Kohathites, the Merarites, the Gershonites, and Moses and Aaron were positioned near the presence of God.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
This is the point — when you look toward the things of God, you will always see people. It is the same for others who look toward our church. They are not just looking at a building. They are looking at our lives and how we live.
In those days, everyone lived in tents. Imagine Judy and me living in one. One night, around 10 o’clock, she does something that makes me so angry, and I start yelling, fussing, and throwing things. How long would it take before the whole camp knew we were fighting? Not long. The entire nation would know.
And the question is — would that be a good witness? How we live and act in front of others becomes part of what they see when they look toward the presence of God.
When people look at what is happening in the church, they cannot help but notice it. Anytime we look toward the things of God, we are also looking at people. That is how God has designed it. We watch each other, and our lives influence one another. I can provoke you to love and good works, and you can do the same for me. But if I am slipping, what am I doing for you? Instead of inspiring you, I may be giving you something negative to talk about.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
If I act wrongly, people will notice. They might say, “The pastor shouldn’t behave that way,” or “He and Judy shouldn’t be arguing like that,” or “The pastor shouldn’t be cussing.” People relate to what they see. This is why the Lord’s reminder to us tonight is so important — we are witnesses. We are here to reconcile people to God and God to people. Our lives are on display, and others are watching. Sadly, some things said about Christians are not good.
The passage also mentions the Marariites. Two hundred years after Levi, there were 6,200 males — over 12,000 total descendants — who were a month old or older. That leads us to a sobering question: How many godly descendants will you have 200 years from now? What will your spiritual legacy look like?
Building God’s House with Precious Material
Numbers 3:36-38
36 Now the appointed duties of the sons of Merari {involved} the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, its
pillars, its sockets, all its equipment, and the service concerning them,
37 and the pillars around the court with their sockets and their pegs and their cords.
38 Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the
sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of
the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Here is the charge given to this group. They were responsible for the boards of the tabernacle, the bars that held the boards together, the pillars, and the sockets. We will discuss the pillars and sockets later. For now, I want to focus on the boards and bars.
The boards were made from shittum wood. This wood came from the wilderness, specifically from Abel Shittum. Some have taught that shittum wood was twisted and knotty, representing our flawed lives. I disagree with that view. These boards were straight, thick, and wide. They stood about 15 feet tall, which means the trees they came from had to be large and strong, not twisted and deformed. Each board was about 18 inches wide, showing they came from substantial trees.
This tells us the shittum wood used for the tabernacle was strong and straight, not weak or damaged. David and Solomon did not use shittim wood when building the temple. Instead, they used cedar and fir from Lebanon. But in the tabernacle, the boards were made from shittim wood, as God directed.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
When I study the size and dimensions of the boards, I see that they had to be straight. They were made from the very best wood available at the time. Israel could not travel to Lebanon to bring back cedar or fir. They did not have the means or the ability. They had to use what was available — the finest they could find in the wilderness.
It is the same in the Kingdom of God. God always uses the very best that is available. Maybe He would love to bring in the cedar and fir, but in the wilderness, He works with what He has — and that is us. I may not be cedar or fir, but I am standing here as the best God could use in this place at this time.
The truth is, you are the best God has to work with right now as well. With all your flaws, whether twisted or not, you are still a pillar in this house. You are necessary to support what God is building here. Every person in this church is needed. You are part of the finest material God can use in this season.
The main thing in the Kingdom of God is to be available. We may wish for the finest cedar from Lebanon, but often God uses what is at hand. Sometimes that means He uses me, the best available at the moment. That is all He asks of us: be usable. If we are available, He will find a place for us to serve.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Exodus 26:26-30
26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
29 And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.
30 And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.
When we yield to Him, He shapes us. He cuts, planes, and sands us smooth. Then He covers us completely with His presence. Just like the boards of the tabernacle — 15 feet high and 18 inches wide, covered with gold inside and out — He makes us precious and desirable. Gold speaks of His presence. When God covers us, we become valuable in His sight.
We should see each other the same way. Do we look at every member of the church as precious and desirable, even those who have stepped away? That is how God sees us. If we can see ourselves through His eyes, we will realize our worth to Him.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
You may think you do little, or that you could do more, or that you have resisted doing what He has asked. Still, you must see yourself as precious and desirable. If you will bring yourself to Him, be available, and allow Him to use you, He will place you in His house and make you a part of His work.
Exodus 26:15-16
15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.
Each board of the tabernacle measured ten cubits in height and a cubit and a half in width. That is about 15 feet tall and 18 inches wide. These were strong, straight boards — not twisted or warped.
In recent times, I have seen some strong, broad, and essential “boards” in the Kingdom of God remove themselves and begin camping afar off. These were great people — vital pillars in God’s work. They were precious and necessary, yet they stepped away. I do not know what to do except to keep praying, seeking God, and continuing the work He has given me. Still, I feel it must be said — God is using us right now. While there may be “better” materials somewhere, He values and uses these precious people — His boards — in His Kingdom today.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Scripture often compares God’s people to trees. Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous person as a tree planted by rivers of water. Psalm 96:12 says, “Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.” These trees represent God’s people. Just as a healthy tree stands tall, thrives, and bears fruit, God’s people are meant to stand firm and rejoice in Him.
Isaiah 7:2
2 When it was reported to the house of David, saying, “The Arameans have camped in Ephraim,” his
heart and the hearts of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake with the wind.
Isaiah 7, 2, again, his people as the trees of the wood. So we’re likened to his trees in the scriptures.
Psalms 1:3
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Psalms 96:12
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
These trees are cut to the correct size, planed down, sanded, and smoothed until they are ready for use. Once prepared, they are placed into God’s tabernacle as part of His structure. Each board, wrapped in gold, represents someone precious and desirable in God’s kingdom.
Unity and Strength: Tenoned Together
Exodus 26:17
17 Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
We must realize how essential each of us is in the body of Christ. Every person plays a necessary role in God’s work. The passage ends by describing each board with two tenons, which are joints that help the boards fit together. It is like a tongue-and-groove joint that connects and locks the boards to form a strong structure.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
The idea is that, just like these boards, we are meant to be joined together and connected. Visualizing this, when people lock together and support each other, they build a solid structure that can withstand storms. When the winds and rains come, like in Matthew’s gospel, and when the enemy rises up, a group that is truly joined and united cannot be easily broken. If we are tenoned together, nothing will be able to break our unity or the structure God has built among us.
We must be hooked together. That is the point behind the tenons. They locked the boards in place, giving strength to the structure. But there was also added strength from the bars described on the bottom of page 105 and into page 106. On either side and across the back of the tabernacle, there were five bars.
If you look at the drawings in your notes — especially on pages 103 and 106 — you can see these bars. Two were at the top, one in the center, and two at the bottom. These five bars held the boards together on each side, running through rings bored into the boards themselves.
When I see the number five in Scripture, it reminds me of the fivefold ministry — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Just as those bars connected and strengthened the boards, the fivefold ministry strengthens and unites the body of Christ. When we connect with them, and they connect with us, the structure becomes solid.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
The rings cut into each board remind me of the servant described in Scripture. At the end of his service, if he chose to remain with his master for life, his ear was pierced with an awl, and a ring was placed in it. From that moment, he was committed to serving his master forever. In the same way, when we are “ringed” into the work of God, we commit ourselves fully to Him for life.
If we are truly servants of Jesus Christ, then He has placed His ring in us. He has claimed us as His own. He has also put the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher into our lives to give us stability. Just as a ring and bar held the boards of the tabernacle together, these gifts keep us strong and united in the body of Christ.
When we genuinely listen to and follow these leaders, no storm of life can move us. No attack from the enemy can shake us. If we are genuinely His servants, joined together with the body of Christ, linked and locked in place, we will stand firm.
Scripture says He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the saints. As we are perfected, as we grow and mature in God, we reach a place where we have no desire to drift away. We remain steadfast and faithful, no matter what comes against us.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Equipping the Saints and Staying Spirit-Filled
As I prepared tonight, I felt I needed to share my heart with you. I wanted to read those letters because I want you to know that sometimes I don’t know what to do. We had decided as a church to focus on equipping the saints. On Sunday mornings, we realized we were “preaching sick and teaching weary.” I felt worn out, and I sensed many of you did too.
We recognized that after 52 Sunday messages — or even 156 if you attend multiple services each week — we were hearing plenty of preaching and teaching, but real change wasn’t happening. People were not truly being equipped. So, we decided to shift our focus from just delivering sermons to actively preparing believers to live out their faith.
That’s why we moved into care groups. Our goal was to help people grow, serve, and strengthen one another. But now I hear some do not like this either. This leaves me struggling at times, doing my best to hear from God about what direction we should take.
We must listen to what God is speaking to our church. We need to link together, form a strong house, and stand united in difficult times. Then we should be encouraging one another, building each other up, and becoming so connected that when storms and spiritual attacks come, no one falls away. No board in this house should come loose from its place.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
It all sounds good in theory, and I wish it were that easy. I truly do. Some people even tell me I teach too much, but that’s fine. For now, let’s let the Holy Spirit minister to us. We have just a few minutes, and we can allow Him to touch our hearts. Does anyone have any thoughts or comments on what we’ve shared tonight?
What I’ve learned is that you have to give yourself to it. The Bible says, “Be not drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Ghost.” How do you get drunk with wine? You drink it — again and again — until you are intoxicated and can’t even sit up.
It is the same in the body of Christ. It’s not about saying, “I’ll do this and that.” It’s about being so filled with Him that the actions follow. When He fills us, revives us, and reconciles us, our hearts naturally want to give ourselves back to Him.
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were in the upper room for some time. They were hungry for God. When the Holy Spirit came, they kept drinking in His presence until they were overflowing and appeared drunk — just like Terry Williamson did that night. Who here wants to be prayed for? Who would like to be ministered to, whatever your need or problem may be?
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Book Of Numbers 3:31-38: How to Stand Firm in God’s Design
Other Related Sermons:
Whosoever Shall Have Whatsoever – How to Make Your Dreams Come True
Book Of Numbers 3:23-26 – How to Fulfill Your Role
Disciplined Life – How to Develop Spiritual Disciplines
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