Many people hold onto certain beliefs simply because they were raised that way. From childhood, they were taught ideas from pulpits and reinforced by their parents, making these beliefs deeply ingrained traditions. However, these traditions are often mistaken for Christianity, replacing the real Word of God. Generations have passed, and people continue to hold onto these teachings, despite the fact that they are not biblical truths.
This issue has existed since the time of Jesus. He confronted the religious leaders of His day, telling them that their traditions nullified the power of God’s Word. The same problem persists today. Many individuals unknowingly cling to ideas that have been passed down through generations without questioning whether they align with Scripture.
A revealing example of this occurred when a woman objected to a preacher’s message by quoting a song rather than the Bible. She placed more faith in the words of a hymn than in the written Word of God. This illustrates how deeply people rely on tradition rather than Scripture. The proper approach for any believer is to continuously examine what they believe and ask, “Where is it in the Book?” True biblical principles are consistently supported by multiple scriptures, confirming their validity.
Numbers 21:4 describes how the Israelites, during their journey, became discouraged and complained against God and Moses. Discouragement is a dangerous path, leading to darkness, failure, and destruction. First Corinthians 10:10 warns against murmuring, stating that it leads to destruction. Complaining and blaming others for hardships invite further trouble into one’s life. Instead of griping, believers should cultivate gratitude. Thankfulness brings light and revelation, lifting people out of despair.
A common struggle among believers is harboring resentment towards God. When prayers seem unanswered or life appears unfair, people may internally hold a grudge against God, failing to recognize their own disobedience. The truth remains that God has never failed anyone. He remains faithful, but people must align their actions with His will.
The Israelites exemplified this issue when they grumbled about their provision of manna. Instead of appreciating God’s miraculous sustenance, they grew tired of it and complained. Their own choices had prolonged their journey in the wilderness, yet they blamed Moses. This attitude displeased God, leading to consequences. Fiery serpents invaded the camp, but the protection of God had previously kept them safe. Their negative speech and ingratitude had removed that divine protection.
Believers today should remember that God’s protection still exists. Declaring trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 91, reinforces divine security. Speaking faith-filled words strengthens spiritual defenses, while negative speech opens doors to destruction. Recognizing the dangers of traditions, complaints, and doubt is crucial to walking in the fullness of God’s blessings.
Faith and Confidence
When the Israelites realized their mistake, they repented and asked Moses to intercede for them. In response, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. Anyone who looked at it in faith was healed. This act symbolized Jesus Christ, as confirmed in John 3:14. Just as Moses lifted the serpent, Jesus was lifted on the cross to bring salvation to all who believe.
Sin and judgment were represented in that bronze serpent. Brass symbolizes judgment, and the serpent represents sin. When Jesus hung on the cross, He bore the weight of humanity’s sin. Though many portray the cross as a beautiful symbol, it was actually a place of suffering and disgrace. Jesus took on sin so that believers could be free from it.
A major obstacle to faith is condemnation. Guilt and shame undermine confidence in God, making it difficult for believers to trust in His promises. This was evident in the story of the paralyzed man whose friends brought him to Jesus by lowering him through a roof. Jesus first addressed the man’s sin, telling him that he was forgiven. This was necessary before the man could receive healing.
Religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, but Jesus knew that faith cannot operate under condemnation. If the man still felt guilty, he would have struggled to believe in his healing. By first removing the burden of guilt, Jesus enabled the man to have the confidence needed to obey His command to get up and walk.
Many Christians today live with varying levels of guilt, which suppresses their faith. They may believe that God has forgiven them in theory, yet they still carry feelings of unworthiness. This hinders their ability to receive healing, provision, and other blessings. The key to overcoming this barrier is accepting the full power of Jesus’ sacrifice. His blood cleanses completely, removing all guilt and shame.
John 3:17 emphasizes that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. Condemnation blocks faith and keeps people from receiving God’s best. A believer must release guilt and confidently embrace their redemption. When they fully accept that they have been made clean and righteous through Christ, faith rises, allowing them to receive God’s promises.
Understanding the significance of the bronze serpent helps believers grasp the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice. Looking to Him in faith brings not only eternal salvation but also healing, freedom, and abundant life. By refusing to dwell in guilt and embracing confidence in God’s promises, believers can walk in faith and experience His fullness.
God’s desire is for His people to trust Him completely, free from condemnation and doubt. When faith is unshackled from guilt, miracles happen. By believing in His Word rather than traditions, choosing gratitude over complaints, and embracing confidence in redemption, believers step into the abundant life God has prepared for them.
Prayer Request Page: Lorna and Tony would be honored to pray for your healing personally. Let us stand in agreement with you today.
A Gift of Healing: Discover these 2 chapters from our book, designed specifically to boost your faith and help you receive God’s promises.
A Surprise Healing: Read this encouraging account written by Lorna that describes a surprise healing, when she prayed for someone.
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