This post is written by Mike Brooks and is published as a companion to Unit 6, Session 2 of The Gospel Project for Adults Vol. 2 (Winter 2021-22): From Captivity to the Wilderness.
Bad habits are easy to form and difficult to get rid of. For good habits, the converse is often true as well. Popular opinions on the formation of habits suggest it takes anywhere from 21 to 66 days to form a routine. On the other hand, some particularly harmful habits take a lifetime to break.
For the people of Israel, sin was not a one-time occurrence. They could not disregard their poor behavior and unbelief as a mere symptom of their unusual circumstances. Their sin was habitual. Unfaithfulness led, over time, to patterns of sin.
The Israelites’ Patterns of Sin
In Numbers 20:1-5, the Israelites were, yet again, discontent with their present circumstances. Their unhappiness manifested itself in constant groaning and complaining. They were even convinced that their former condition in bondage in Egypt was better than their current situation. In a stunning series of grievances, the people questioned both God’s plans and Moses’ leadership—a catch-all complaint that signaled their disobedience and that would ultimately be their leaders’ undoing.
Viewing the situation objectively, it is clear Israel remained obstinate in their sin. They were a chosen people, yet they had immense distrust of the One who had chosen them. They failed to adequately address their sin and a pattern of sin arose. Their plight was marked by perpetual unfaithfulness.
Don’t Let Sin Go Unchecked
Sin left unchecked festers and grows into deadly patterns of discontent and disobedience. This is why it is critical for believers to constantly check in with themselves with regard to both their actions and their heart’s posture toward God and circumstances. The enemy is “prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” The devil is not sitting by passively. As John Owen famously quipped, it is important for the Christian to “be killing sin or it will be killing you.”
Thankfully, in Christ, we have all we need to do battle. He has won the victory over sin and its entrails and, today, he faithfully provides a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). Is there sin in your life that is left unchecked and roaming free? Confess your sin to God and to a trusted friend who can help you along the way. As you do, reflect on the enduring truth of the gospel, that “sin will not rule over you because you are not under the law but under grace.” (Rm. 6:14)
Mike Brooks serves as associate editor of For the Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently a PhD student in Historical Theology at MBTS and a member at Emmaus Church. Mike and his wife, Paige, reside in Kansas City.
