Unbelief Versus Faith
Base Text: Numbers 13:17–34
Purpose
To demonstrate the difference between unbelief and faith through the report of the spies, and to exhort the church to react with faith in the face of trials.
Introduction
Faith will always be tested. In the face of every trial, there will be two primary reactions: faith or unbelief.
In Numbers 13, we see twelve spies sent into Canaan: ten returned with a spirit of unbelief, but two—Joshua and Caleb—returned with a spirit of faith.
Faith is essential because “without faith it is impossible to please him [God]” (Hebrews 11:6).
This account teaches us a critical lesson about how to react to difficulties: Do we trust God and His promises, or do we doubt and retreat?
TRANSITION: Let us observe three spiritual realities revealed in this passage: the sending of the spies, the report of unbelief, and the report of faith.
I. The Sending of the Spies (Numbers 13:17–24)
1. God Authorized the Sending, But the Initiative Came from the People
God allowed it (Num. 13:1–3), but the original idea was born in the hearts of the people, who requested it out of anxiety (Deut. 1:22). Often, like them, we want to “see first” before we trust.
2. God's Word Should Have Been Sufficient
God had already promised a land flowing with milk and honey (Lev. 20:24; Deut. 8:7–10). His word alone should have been enough, but they insisted on checking it out for themselves. Unbelief always demands human evidence to confirm divine truth.
3. Unbelief Leads to Distrusting the Promises
Would God lie? Never! Yet, Israel doubted even after hearing the promise. We often act the same way: we doubt the promise of eternal life, the promises of provision, and the promises of protection. Like Thomas (John 20:25), many want to “see to believe.”
4. Faith Walks by What God Said, Not by What is Seen
The Scripture reminds us: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). How are we walking today: by faith, resting on the divine promise, or by sight, being governed by external appearances?
II. The Report of Unbelief (Numbers 13:31–33)
1. The Ten Spies Doubted Despite Seeing the Promised Land
They declared: “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we” (v. 31). Although they confirmed that the land was exactly as God had described—rich and fruitful (v. 27)—they still doubted.
2. Unbelief Exaggerates the Problems
They saw giants (the Nephilim). They saw themselves as grasshoppers ("we were in our own sight as grasshoppers"). When faith is lost, problems always seem bigger than God. Fear distorts reality.
3. Though God Promises Help, Unbelief Paralyzes
Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33); by faith, we overcome the world (1 John 5:4). God always provides a way out of trials (1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 2:9). But the one who doubts is “like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6).
4. Unbelief Brings Consequences
Israel was condemned to wander for 40 years in the wilderness, losing the promised inheritance (Num. 14:30, 33–35). Today, the unbeliever will not wander for 40 years, but will face an eternity of condemnation (Rev. 21:8).
5. Unbelief Discourages Others
The people wept and were utterly disheartened by the negative report (Num. 14:1). Our own unbelief, fear, and negativity can also discourage other believers and drive those searching further away from God.
III. The Report of Faith (Numbers 13:30)
1. Faith Says: “Let Us Go Up and Conquer”
Caleb silenced the people and said: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (13:30). Faith always looks at God’s power, not at the size of the obstacles. Faith focuses on the ability of the Promiser.
2. Faith Recognizes God's Sovereignty and Will
Joshua and Caleb affirmed: “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land” (14:8). Faith rests in God's will and power, not in human calculations or military strength.
3. Faith Does Not Fear Because It Knows God Is With His People
“Do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them” (Num. 14:9–10). Where there is faith, there is courage; where there is unbelief, there is fear.
4. Faith Receives the Promise
Of the twelve spies, only Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land (Num. 14:30). Likewise, only those who live by faith will inherit eternal life (Heb. 11:6).
5. Which Group Are We In Today?
Are we among the ten men of unbelief, paralyzed by fear and focused on the giants? Or are we among the two men of faith, ready to advance because we know the Lord is with us?
See also
- Preaching on Seeing God Face to Face
- Preaching on Romans 8:35 Who Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ?
- Preaching on Great Flood: Lessons for our Spiritual Lives
Conclusion
In the Book of Numbers, we see two groups:
1. Those who believe and move forward to claim the promise.
2. Those who doubt and draw back to destruction (Heb. 10:39).
Let us reject the paralytic report of unbelief and embrace the courageous challenge of faith. Let us fix our eyes on God, knowing that we are well able to overcome through Him who strengthens us.
