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The Complaining Spirit

Text: Exodus 17
30 June 2015

THE COMPLAINING SPIRIT

1. It is pervasive

2. It is powerful (in the negative sense)

THE DEMAND FOR WATER

1. The lack of water   (Exodus 17:1)

2. Response of the people

a) Contention with Moses   (Exodus 17:2)
b) Complaining spirit noted   (Exodus 17:3)
c) Content of the complain
i) Why the exodus from Egypt?
ii) If they were to die for the lack of water

MOSES DISTURBED

1. At wit’s end

a) What shall I do with this people?
b) They are almost ready to stone me   (Exodus 17:4)

2. To the people

a) Why do you contend?
b) Why do you tempt the Lord?   (Exodus 17:2)

3. Crying out to the Lord

a) In desperation
b) With anxiety

GOD’S RESPONSE

1. He will use the occasion to speak to the children of Israel

2. Lessons to learn

a) His Presence
b) His Promise
c) His Power

3. Moses and the elders of the people to be present

4. The rod of Moses will be used to strike a Rock in Mount Horeb

5. Water will gush from the Rock   (Exodus 17:6)

COMMEMORATIVE NAME

1. Massah and Meribah

a) Massah – Tempted
b) Meribah – Contention

2. The doubt(s) of the children of Israel

a) Is the Lord among us?   (Exodus 17:7)
b) Unbelief
c) Rebellion