"...and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiri­tual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were laid low in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us..." I Cor. 10:4-6

Father, by Your Spirit, teach us to be content where we are -- and with what You have given us.  Thank You!

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I. Read Numbers 3:1-13.
 
A. Who are anointed and ordained to serve as priests?
 
 
B.     1. Why did Nadab and Abihu die? (See also Lev. 10:1-3)
 
 
        2. (Challenge) What does this tell you about the holiness and justice of God?
 
C.     1. Who are the Levites? (See Gen. 35:22b-27)
 
 
        2. Summarize the duties of the Levites.
 
 
        3. Why does God say in V. 13, "They shall be mine?"
 
 
        4. Read and meditate on the words of I Cor. 6:19-20. What does this wonderful truth concerning your relationship to God mean to you personally?
 
 
II. In chapters 4-10:10, God is providing a framework of ordinances in which His people could live together loving and serving Him and each other. In the middle of this section is a beautiful blessing:
 
A. Personalize Nu. 6:24-26 by filling in the name of a loved one whom you would bless in His name.
 
 
B. What does God promise to do in v. 27? Why is this promise significant to you also? (Remember I Peter 2:9 and who you are.)
 
 
III. Read Nu. 9:15-23. In His covenant God has promised to be with His beloved people. How does He manifest His continual presence and guidance?
 
 
IV. Read Nu. 10:33-36. What did the Father “seek out" for His beloved children on their first journey beyond Sinai?
 
 
V. God is training His chosen people to believe in His faithfulness and sufficiency and to follow Him. He has demonstrated His love and power in magnificent ways; and yet His people refuse the inner peace and comfort of total trust in Him.

A. Fill in the section of this chart as you prayerfully consider what God may be saying.

 B. Compare Nu. 21:8-9 with the words of our Lord in John 3:14-16. Why is the fiery serpent a "type" (or picture) for Christ Jesus?
 
 
VI. Read I Corinthians 10:1-11

A. How does v. 4 affirm God's eternal covenant with His people and the fact that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever?"
 
 
B. Prayerfully consider vs. 6 and 11. What "instruction" have you received from these Old Testament examples?
 
 
VII. Read Nu. 27:12-23. The forty wilderness years are almost over. What prepara­tions are made to enter the Promised Land?
 
 
 
VIII. The final chapter of Numbers record a series of victories in battle as the
Israelites follow God toward the land He will give them. How does God manifest His covenant relationship with His people in v. 35:34b?
 
 
IX. (Challenge) Read Psalm 106. What additional insights do you gain concerning His covenant-relationship with you?
 
 

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SUGGESTED HYMN: Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

 Next: Lesson 19