Binge the Bible – Episode 4

Warm-Up

1. Where have you seen God at work this week?

2. When have you been on your way to something, physically or a laid out plan, and been sidetracked?

Message Summary

The book of Numbers tells the story of how God formed His people in the wilderness, shaping their character on the journey from promise to fulfillment. At Mount Sinai, Israel was organized around God’s presence and called to follow His leading, but soon their faith faltered through complaints, fear, and rebellion. When ten spies saw giants instead of God’s power, the people’s unbelief led to decades of wandering. Yet even in the desert, God remained faithful, raising up a new generation ready to trust Him. Numbers reminds us to build our lives around God, follow His guidance, and trust that delay is not the absence of God. Times of difficulty and desert experiences still shapes us today, and all of it points to Jesus. God is the same, faithful to guide and save His people for all generations.

Know It

Read the following passages: Numbers 1:1 and Numbers 14:17-31.

1. How would you summarize the book of Numbers? In Chapters 1-10, how did the people respond to their circumstances?

Read 1 Peter 2:9 – How does this passage relate to the book of Numbers?

2. What characteristics of God are revealed in Numbers? God describes Himself as “slow to anger, abounding in love, and forgiving sin.” How have you personally experienced these qualities of God?

Own It

1. How has God formed and prepared you in the past?

Read Numbers 9:15-23 – What wildernesses have you walked through and how did God reveal His presence to you in them?

2. When have you had “spiritual amnesia” and forgotten what God has already done?

Read Numbers 11:4-6 – What “Egypt” are you tempted to return to when things get hard?

Next Steps

1. How can you see opportunities instead of obstacles in your circumstances? God instead of giants?

Read Numbers 13:1-2, 26-33 – How can you ensure that you are listening to the right voices in your life and don’t miss the promises of God?

2. What does it look like for you to be a participant in God’s plans and promises and build your life on Him?

What is a practical step you can take to start choosing trust over comfort and faith over fear?

Digging Deeper

Watch The Bible Project’s overview video of Numbers.

1. How do you see God’s justice and discipline balanced with His mercy and grace throughout Numbers?

2. What does the contrast between Joshua and Caleb and the other spies tell us about how they see God?

3. How do you see foreshadowing to Jesus throughout the book of Numbers? Specifically, what is the story of the bronze snake in chapter 21 setting up?

4. What does Numbers teach us about God’s character?

5. What other “wilderness stories” are you familiar with throughout Scripture? What differences and similarities do you notice between them?

Challenge

Read through the entire book of Numbers this week.