Hi, I'm Pastor Darrell Bailey of People's Valley Baptist Church. I want to welcome you to come and be with us at 68 Ledford Lane, Cartersville, Georgia. Our hope is that through God's word of truth that we can build up the kingdom of God into all of our lives. Now as we get ready to go into the wonderful Word of God. In the book of Numbers, a man, uh, Today, we look at Numbers chapter 32, verses 20 down to verse 32. Today, we're talking about how Jehovah expects. Jehovah expects. God expects His people to keep their promises and their commitments. Each and every one of us, we look at how that the preparation for the march into the promised land. It was the settlement east of the Jordan River, which is a picture of compromise and selfishness and covetedness and disloyalty and half-hearted commitment. You know, when you compromise with worldliness, it can destroy a person. Compromise can put us in jeopardy and endanger us. Compromise can discredit us and put us under suspicion. And so compromise can ruin, it can weaken, and it can destroy us. The things of the world attract us, appealing to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. And if we compromise with the things of this world, They will enslave us, putting us in bondage to them. It's always true when the things of the world, the things such as drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, gluttony, pornography, lust, covenants, greed, power, fame, false worship, profanity, indulgence, a spirit of disrespect, compromise with worldliness always weakens us, leading to disloyalty, half-hearted, commitment. And that's what happens in the present passage of Scripture that we look at here that Jehovah expects his people to keep their promises and their commitments. Each and every one of us as we go through life today. we begin to realize how the Lord wants each and every one of us to be able to continue and be that person that is devoted to the promises that we've made to Him. and to be able to stay faithful to those promises they made. And so Moses was forced to accept a compromise proposal. What more could he really do? You see, the two compromising tribes were insisting that their modified promises, their promised proposal, to be accepted. And that is one of the things that we always get in trouble here when we do things like that. And so as we look and realize that God wants to use us here, as we look and realize that God is doing some great things in all of our lives, amen, why do people go out and really change and don't stick to the promises that they made. God sticks to his, but somehow or another we are faulty in our promises, amen. And so it's sad when this happens and when it occurs, amen. Many of us, many Christians today, they fall in their service for Christ because they've not learned to deal with all the distractions that they face in their lives. You know, since 1971, uh... you know uh... actually nineteen seventy two i got saved uh... september the seventeenth nineteen seventy two eight man and uh... uh... ever since that day uh... there's been a battle everyday in my life a man and so many of us many churches in america have become so distracted from spreading the gospel of christ they've instead turned their attention to the social programs, to the entertainment type church services, with little or no Bible preaching at all. If it's ten minutes or just a little bit, boy, they're happy with that. They don't want to hear much of the preached word of gospel. They want to get up on the stage and dance and entertain somebody, and that's exactly what's happening in the world today. Life is full of distractions, one after another. They never seem to go away. I don't know about you, but I don't like them at all. I don't like anything that's going to distract me from doing what God wants me to do. And when one distraction is conquered or solved, another seems to pop up. And I found that how you deal with your distractions will determine what kind of Christian that you're going to be. Will you stay focused on the will of God for your life? Or will you get sidetracked from God's best for you? Will you waste the opportunities that God has placed on your path? Or will you be used of God to bless lives of others? How do we deal with these distractions? will determine the answers to our lives. And so in this study, we're going to look back at some key areas concerning distractions. We look at the commands, we look at concerning distractions, and what are some of the commands that God gives us about distractions? We will focus our attention upon the channels of distraction. In other words, what are the things that distract us? We look at the consequences from those distractions. What happens when we get distracted? And then we're going to look at confronting that distraction. How do we confront or avoid being distracted in our Christian life? Now, thank God, one of the blessings of being a Christ follower is knowing God always keeps his word. For example, our assurance of heaven is based on the faithfulness of God, just as the Lord keeps his promises and commitments. He expects the same from his followers and why others might lie, cheat, deceive believers and they're called to live by maybe a higher standard, Christ himself. as his representative, our lives should reflect his character in everything that we do and say. Anything less, it distorts his image. Amen? And so, here we begin to realize that before they entered the Promised Land, Israel had unfinished business with the Midianites, and since Balaam couldn't curse Israel, He seduced them into idolatry. Under Balaam's direction, the Midianites held a religious festival and invited all of the Israelites. The festival included acts of immorality and idolatry. God judged Israel, killing those who participated in the debauchery. Then the Lord turned his attention to Midian, sending the Israelites into battle against him. And this battle served two purposes. First, it would prepare the people for future battles and their conquest of Canaan. And second, it was God's divine judgment on the Midianites. This battle would also be Moses' last battle. Demonstrating the Lord was the Israelites. All the Midianite men were killed, including Balaam in Numbers chapter 31, verse 7. And so with the people ready to invade the Promised Land, two tribes of Israel described that they would stay on the east side of the Jordan River and not follow the other tribes in Numbers chapter 32. The Reubenites and the Gadites preferred the east side because it was better for raising livestock. And so after meeting with Moses, they promised that they would join the other tribes in conquering Canaan. Afterward, they would return to Jazar and Gilead region on the east side. You know, approaching the end of his life, Moses reviewed the wilderness travels of the Israelites in Numbers chapter 33, reminding the people that God was always with them. I'm glad we realize that God, Jehovah, expects his people to keep their promises and their commitments. Were the people ready to invade the promised land as we see all of this? Here, as Moses approached the end of his life, Moses reviewed the wilderness travels of the Israelites in Numbers chapter 33, reminding the people that God was always with them. Next, God outlined the boundaries of their new homeland in Canaan and the areas each tribe would inherit Numbers chapter 34. Since the Levites didn't receive an allotment of land, they were given 48 cities throughout the land so that they could serve all the tribes in Numbers chapter 35 verses 1 through 8. The six cities of refuge would serve as cities of a refuge in Numbers chapter 35 verses 9 through 24, places that provided protection for anyone who accidentally killed another person until a trial could be held or the situation rectified. So we look at the warning that is issued in Numbers chapter 32 verses 20 down to verse 24 and what we see of this warning that is issued that the Bible tells us and Moses in verse 20 said unto them If you would do this thing if you will go on before the Lord to war and will go all of you armed over Jordan before the Lord until he hath driven out his enemies from before him and In verse 22, and the land be subdued before the Lord, then afterward ye shall return and be guiltless before the Lord and before Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the Lord. In verse 23, but if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. In verse 24, build your cities for your little ones and folds of your sheep, and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth." Amen? Jehovah expects us to keep our promises and our commitments. standing on the edge of the promised land. With a second generation, Moses heard statements that reminded him of the rebellious first generation that perished out in the wilderness when they stood at the same place, refusing to follow God into the land. Being herdsmen, the tribes of Reuben and Gad felt they had all they needed just outside of Canaan, east of the Jordan River. The land there was ideally suited for the animals and for people. You know, some people choose to live on the border of God's blessings. They make their decisions on the basis of material gain. and not spiritual blessings. The two and a half tribes, they did not claim their inheritance in Canaan, and though they were very close to it. You know, on down further in verses 17 and 18, before we read our scripture, they assured Moses that they would help conquer the land, but the tribes still brought division to Israel. And in fact, When the land was fully conquered, the two and a half tribes had to put up an altar to let people know, we belong to Israel. You can read about that in Joshua chapter 22. Had they gone over the Jordan and claimed their inheritance, everybody would have known about their citizenship. But I see on down further in verses 31 and 32 that We realize that there's some folks that don't want to go all the way to receive their blessings, amen. And it's sad to see that. But we see, Oso, the sins of their fathers would once again bring God's anger and judgment. Moses responded quickly by issuing a warning. Every available soldier from the tribes of Reuben and Gad must assist in the war effort until the war was over and the land belonged to the Israelites. Only then could the two tribes return to the land on the other side of the Jordan and rejoin their families as a reward for their services. The transjordanaria would be their inheritance if they fulfilled their obligations first. Now, with a firm resolve, Moses was determined that nothing would stand in the way of obeying God, facing his mortality and feeling the sting not completing his task as a leader of the people, Moses insisted on everyone's obedience to God's will. In verses 23 and 24, Moses warned how both a positive and a negative side, if the two tribes kept their vow by providing warriors for the battle, they would receive their inheritance. If they didn't do as they promised, then God would judge them. And so, I'm glad as you remember reading the phrase of the scripture, be sure your sin will find you out, is sometimes today the original application, a word of warning for God's disobedient people and non-unbelievers. By disobeying, they would not only sin against Moses and the other tribes, but they would sin against the Lord himself. And as a sign of good faith, Moses encouraged them to proceed with their building endeavors, and Moses may have believed that by keeping his word. The two tribes would feel obligated to keep their word. And so Moses determined, or demanded, that they would fulfill their promise. Just as God had been with them from the beginning, they must be together as one army. God's purpose and promise was for all his people, not just for ten tribes. To disobey God is an act of rebellion that brings defeat and judgment. Hey, listen, Christians, believers, we must be aware of the cost of failing to fulfill God's purposes. Moses understood this, and it's why he demanded the allegiance of the tribes of Reuben and Gad. And to disobey God is an act of rebellion that brings defeat and judgment. And so it brings us not only from the time that we see the warning that was issued in verses 20 to 24, but we see the agreement that was given in verses 25 down to verse 27. The Bible says in verse 25, And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my Lord commandeth. Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle shall be there in the cities of Gilead. In verse 27, But thy servants will pass over every man armed for war before the Lord to battle, as my Lord saith. You see, in verses 25 and 27, the Gaddites and the Reubenites agreed with Moses' stipulations, leaving their families and possessions behind so that they could join with the other Israelites in taking possession the promised land. They only called themselves servant, indicating their word was their bond. And so, they called Moses Lord, a term of respect and honor, recognizing that Moses had been the leader of the people since the time of Exodus. Before any of them were born, they were used to Moses's authority. everyone is not eligible for war would remain at home in Gilead. The warriors would stand on alert, awaiting Moses' command to attack. Equipped means they were ready and armed, anticipating Moses' call, and without hesitation, they would move swiftly across the Jordan and join their brothers in battle. You know, as we look at the tribe's response, the conclusions can be made first that they were not abandoning their brothers and sisters after traveling through the wilderness all this time. They would not turn their backs on them now, but they knew going into battle was God's will for all the tribes, and this is something God had made clear from the very beginning. They knew their participation was not only expected, but demanded by Moses, the other tribes, and God. And they believed living this close to the promised land would be ideal for their tribe, since they would be just across the river as proof of their good intentions. They assured Moses they were ready for battle. Even if Moses didn't believe their words, they hoped their preparedness for war would persuade him otherwise. Boy, in the book of Joshua, the Gadites and the Reubenites kept their word. spearheading the campaign into Canaan until the opposition was subdued and the land was distributed among the other tribes. They fought beside their brothers, not holding back their resources or efforts. The Transjordan tribes returned to their desired land on the other side of Jordan, raising their families, building their homes, cultivating their herds, and being faithful, they did what they said they would do. The lesson here, as Jehovah expects people to keep their promises and commitment, is the willful obedience of Gad and Reuben, is that humble submission to those in authority that leads to God's blessing. Jesus modeled this lifestyle during his earthly ministry. He humbly followed God's purpose all the way to the cross. God rewards faithfulness. And on the other hand, he opposes those with a haunty spirit who have a blatant disregard for authority and who think that they're above everyone else or the law. In a world where people are constantly claiming their rights, God has a different standard for his people. And so we see the warnings that were issued in verses 20 to 24, the agreement that was given in verses 25 to 27. But lastly, there was an accountability that was established in verses 28 to 32. The Bible says in verse 28, So concerning them, Moses commanded Eliezer the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel. And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man to battle before the Lord and the land shall be subdued before you. Then you shall give them the land of Gilead for possession, verse 30, but if they will not pass over with you armed, "'They shall have possessions among you "'in the land of Canaan.'" Verse 31, "'And the children of Gad "'and the children of Reuben answered, saying, "'As the Lord hath said unto thy servants, "'so will we do.'" And verse 32, lastly, "'We will pass over arm before the Lord "'into the land of Canaan, "'that the possessions of our inheritance "'on this side Jordan may be ours.'" We see in verses 28 to 30, knowing that he wouldn't be alive to lead the Israelites in the Canaan, Moses made Eliezer, Joshua and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel aware of his decision regarding the Gadites and the Reubenites. In his absence, they would be responsible for making sure the tribes went into battle with the other tribes. If the tribes kept their commitment, they could live peacefully in the land of Gilead. If they didn't keep their promise, they would be forced to settle across the river in a much smaller area in Canaan. Moses left no room for misunderstanding after his death. First, he notified everyone publicly of his decision. Second, he clearly reinstated the details of the arrangement. And thirdly, he outlined the consequences of the two tribes if the two tribes didn't make good on their word. Moses knew the importance of accountability, and the leaders of Israel would be accountable for executing and enforcing the plan, and the two tribes would be accountable for fulfilling their part of the plan. Moses left a clearly defined set of checks and balances. Accountability doesn't indicate a lack of trust. It promotes trust by outlining duties and consequences. And when people understand the boundaries, it frees them to work without fear of suspicion or undue demands. A lack of accountability often breeds mistrust, creating a spirit of uneasiness between the parties involved. Realizing the 12 tribes were one family, Moses created unity and agreement and purpose by settling the qualifications up front. When we look at verses 31 and 32 of the whole assembly, the Gadites and the Reubenites confirmed that they would abide by Moses' decision, restating the terms of the agreement. Accountability can only work when both sides agree among Christian believers. Coercion seldom works. Believers need to reach unified decisions that are mutually beneficial for everyone. The Gaddites and the Reubenites made their choice based on what they perceived was best for them, preferring the rich grazing lands across the Jordan over the land of Canaan and ignoring God's choice for them. That's what a lot of people are doing today. They think their choices are better than what God's choices are. How sad it is, boy, to know that their decision not only separated them geographically from the other tribes, but later would separate them spiritually according to Joshua chapter 22. Read that when you get time. While the Lord's permissive will allowed them to live elsewhere, The reason he freed them from Egypt in the first place was so that they could enter the land and enjoy his blessings. By staying on the other side of the Jordan, they opened themselves up to unnecessary temptations and problems. Following in the steps of Moses, believers hold one another accountable for fulfilling their commitment to the Lord. Christian accountability is in a chain but a bond of love that strengthens our walk with Christ. Left to ourselves, we stray from the narrow pathway of blessings. Not only does God expect his people to keep their promises and commitments, the local church body is a part of the process that ensures everyone finishes life's race well. I'm so thankful for Peoples Valley. because they have always kept their promises and their commitments to me as a pastor. They have supported me and I'm so thankful of the warnings that were issued of the agreement that were given and the accountability that was established. I thank God each and every one of us when we realize today when we're dealing with distractions We gotta realize that all of us, the commands concerning distractions today, God commands us in his word not to get distraction. Don't turn aside that he tells us. Listen to the Lord. Draw close to the Lord. James 4.8, draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Don't be distracted by sinners, as He tells us in Proverbs 1.10. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Avoid and ignore sinful distractions. In Proverbs 4, verses 14 and 15, enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by, turn from it, and pass away. Don't be distracted. look back and quit going forward. The Bible tells us in Luke 9, 62, and Jesus said in him, no man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God. We see all of the channels of distraction that are out there in the world today. What are the things that distract us? The survey from the Bible from Genesis to Revelation reveals a pretty thorough list. Most distractions have negative consequences if we yield to them. However, we acknowledge that some distractions are good. Distractions that get our attention for good are beneficial. Such was the case with the prophet Moses. God wanted to get his attention for a purpose. And in Exodus chapter 3, verse 3, and Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bridge is not burnt. God distracted Moses with a burning bush to get his attention and to reveal himself and his will to Moses. This was of course a good thing. Most distractions however show us, they slow us down or they get us off course if we let them. And so we look at some of the things that distract us. We look at things out there in the world. Some folks get distracted when restraints are removed or when boundaries are not there. They get under, away from, under the protection of authority. They feel that they can do anything they wish. Our kids go off away from college and they think they can do anything they wish, but they soon find they get themselves in very bad trouble because they had the protection and the boundaries of their parents. We see the way the wicked leads people to stray as well. And so, each and every one of us, as we go through life, we begin to realize that some folks out there with a desire for sexual fulfillment is a huge distraction out there. The devil is out to allure and entice all of our children and folks out there, and many Christians have been distracted from doing what God wanted them to do because of sexual desires. Christian teenagers have gotten distracted by a boy or a girl that they were dating, and adults have been distracted because they married an unsaved person or a carnal Christian, and many marriages and ministries have been distracted and devastated by sexual immorality. If you're single, marry God's best for you. If that is His will. Wait for the best. If you're married, cherish your spouse. Sexual fulfillment in marriage is ordained of God and a great gift from the Lord. Enjoy your wife or your husband. Hebrews 13.4 says, marriage is honorable and all in the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers, God will judge. Sex inside of marriage is wonderful, but outside of marriage, it will become a burden and lead to a broken heart. and life and adultery splinters and obliterates families and will create a boatload of distractions for you as you reap the consequences of your sin. Double mindedness is another thing that distracts as well. James 1.8 says a double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. Matthew 6.24, no man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Trying to serve two masters is so distracting. And the distraction comes from the pull of the other master that you're trying to serve. You know that you should serve the Lord, but the pull of the crowd or yourself will distract you from doing what God wants you to do. And the constant pull between two desires leaves one fatigued, frustrated, flimsy and failing. The lack of decisiveness leaves one floundering with an inability to go forward for Christ. Boy, I tell you, there's an old fable that tells about an elderly man who was traveling with a boy and a donkey, and as they walked through a village, the man was leading the donkey and the boy was walking behind. The townspeople said the old man was a fool for not riding. So to please them, he climbed up on the animal's back. And when they came to the next village, the people said the old man was cruel to let the child walk while he enjoyed the ride. So to please them, He got off and set the boy on the animal's back and continued on his way. Well, they got to the third village and people accused the child of being lazy for making the old man walk. And the suggestion was made that they both ride. So the man climbed on and they set off again. in the fourth village. The townspeople were indignant at the cruelty to the donkey because he was made to carry two people. They frustrated the man and so, as frustrated as they were, was last seen carrying the donkey down the road. We smile because this story makes a good point. We can't please everybody. And if we try to end up carrying a heavy burden, well-meaning Christians may offer us advice, and much of it is valuable. But when we try to do everything other believers want us to do, we can easily become frustrated and confused. And that's why we need to remember that the one that we must please above all others is the Lord Jesus Christ. We do that by obeying God's Word, and I'm glad every one of you. Have you carried any donkeys lately? You don't have to if you're trying to please Jesus. Boy, I tell you, churches won't pastors to carry the donkey, the old man, and the child. And you know, we do the best that we can. But Lord, as things get further along, one of the most important priorities for the pastor is to focus on the preached Word of God to feed the sheep. He needs help if they're going to carry the donkey, the old man, and the son. Father, thank you so much for the Word of God. We thank you that believers must be aware of the cost of failing to fulfill God's purposes, to humble, to submission to others and authority that leads to God's blessing. Lord, believers, let them hold to each other accountability for fulfilling their commitments to God. And so Lord, I wanna thank you for giving us the privilege to be a part of the family of God. You're our blessing. Lord, I thank God, God for your love, your worship and your adoration that we let our hearts be committed. to keep the promises and the commitments that you expect of us as it is in the final days of Moses that he relayed everything over to the tribes that wanted to stay on the other side of Jordan and not take every bit of the blessings of God. How some people choose to live on the border of God's blessings and they make their decisions based on material gain and not spiritual blessings.