July 13, 2009

Text: Numbers 16

DANGERS THAT ATTEND LEADERSHIP

1. Leaders

a) The sons of Korah    Numbers 16:1a

b) Dathan and Abiram    Numbers 16:1b

c) Two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation    Numbers 16:2
"Men of renown"    Numbers 16:2c

2. Contrary spirit

a) Against Moses and Aaron    Numbers 16:3

b) Charge
"You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, everyone of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"    Numbers 16:3

    i) Too much authority?

    ii) Self-Exaltation?

c) Theological basis

    i) Equality

    ii) God's name cite

RESPONSES TO CRISIS IN LEADERSHIP

1. First Response (personal)
"So when Moses heard it, he fell on his face"    Numbers 16:4

a) Humility

b) Sadness

2. Second Response (official)

a) Addressing Korah and company    Numbers 16:5

b) Addressing the sons of Korah personally    Numbers 16:8-11

c) Addressing Dathan and Abiram    Numbers 12:12

3. Content of address

a) The issue of being "Chosen"    Numbers 16:5-7

b) The issue of seeking the "priesthood"    Numbers 16:10

c) The issue of "complaining"    Numbers 16:11

COUNTER RESPONSE (Dathan and Abiram)

1. Refusal to respond to Moses' suggestion of discussion    Numbers 16:12

2. Charge of killing the children of Israel    Numbers 16:13b

3. Charge of acting like royalty ("a prince)    Numbers 16:13c

4. Charge of failure    Numbers 16:14

5. Charge of abuse and oppression ("putting out the eyes of these men")    Numbers 16:14c

ANGER OF MOSES

1. Provoked    Numbers 16:15

2. Great anger    Numbers 16:15a (Cf. Exodus 32:19)

3. Prayer
"Do not respect their offering; I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them"    Numbers 16:15

a) Prayer for vindication (Cf. Psalm 17)

b) Prayer for justice

c) Personal prayer