Spys 'R Us
A History of Christ and His Church
September 20, 2026
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
Using Numbers 13 and the failed spy report as a warning, the sermon urges believers to actively mortify the sinful "old man"—which seduces with worldly promises and can overpower our flesh though not the Spirit—so that we don't resist covenant blessings but instead rely on God's grace, resist the devil, and use the means of worship.
Summary
Drawing on Numbers 13, where the spies' factual reconnaissance turned into fearful fiction, the sermon identifies the "old man"—our sinful nature—as the primary threat to covenant faithfulness. Left unchecked it seduces us with worldly promises, acting like a practical atheist that undermines trust in God's promises. While the old man is stronger than our unaided will, he is not stronger than the Spirit; therefore we must actively put him to death by resisting the devil, refusing to flirt with sin, and availing ourselves of God’s grace and the means of worship. Practical holiness begins at the door of temptation and requires intentional dependence on Christ and the community of faith.
Key Points
- Context: Numbers 13 — Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan; their report shifted from factual to fearful fiction.
- Central danger: the "old man" (sinful nature) seduces and causes God’s people to resist covenant blessings.
- The old man’s tactic: enticement by worldly promises and practical atheism (acting as if God’s promises aren’t sure).
- Necessity: we must actively put the old man to death; passivity leads to rebellion and loss of blessing.
- Reality check: the old man is stronger than our unaided will but not stronger than the Holy Spirit.
- Response: resist the devil, don’t flirt with sin, and rely on God’s grace and the means of worship (church, sacraments, prayer).
- Practical takeaway: holiness is intentional—start at the front door of temptation and use community and spiritual disciplines to overcome the old nature.
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