Friday 4th July, 2025
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:10, John 12:50
Memory Verse: And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 1 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV)
In his message, “The Danger of Grumbling”, Minister Rob McCorkle wrote: Have you ever complained? Not long ago, I was studying a passage of scripture that challenged me in regards to the kinds of things that come out of my mouth. Have you ever considered the words that you speak? Jesus indicated that our words are so significant that they could actually condemn us (Matt. 12:37). Paul wrote saying that we are never to speak a fruitless word to another person (Eph. 4:29), and elsewhere, he stated that every word that we speak should be filled with grace and seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6).
Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63). Think about that statement: every word that Jesus spoke contained life. He spoke only as the Father prompted Him according to John 12:50; therefore, not one time did He ever speak in the flesh. That would mean that Jesus never grumbled or complained because grumbling, by its very definition, are words uttered in the flesh.
There’s an interesting passage that underscores the importance of not grumbling. Paul clearly stated that this passage was “written for our instruction” (1 Cor. 10:11). He referenced the Israelites who had experienced a number of supernatural occurrences while journeying through the wilderness. He wrote about them eating supernatural food, drinking supernatural water, and using a fountain that was a supernatural rock—which represented Christ.
However, in spite of these incredible experiences, the Israelites were dispersed and scattered in the desert because of the specific sins that they committed. Paul identified the first three sins that, to me, are no doubt serious enough to evoke God’s wrath. They were idolatry, immorality, and testing the Lord (1 Cor. 10:7-9). But the fourth sin is what caught my attention. Paul wrote, “Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer” (1 Cor. 10:10).
Grumbling? Are you serious? We grumble about the weather, economy, politics, church leadership, and even traffic during the holidays. Grumbling is a way of life for many of us. But I want to propose to you that it is a serious sin that aligns us to the work of darkness, and it was a costly sin for the Israelites that should warn every one of us. The word grumble (gongyzo) means to murmur or speak complaints under your breath against someone or something.
One expositor stated that grumbling comes from our agreement with something that is contrary to God’s will. It’s a symptom of faithlessness, and so our mouth declares our agreement with hopelessness. Given that fact that our mouths contain life and death (see Prov. 18:21), our complaints become negative prophecies over our lives and situations.
Quote: The proverb “A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 13:2) means that the outcome of a person’s life is shaped by their words, both positive and negative.
Prophetic Decree: Every evil word spoken against your destiny is cancelled by the power in the Blood of Jesus, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. I receive grace never to speak idle or vain words, in Jesus name.
2. Holy Spirit, saturate my heart and my words only with Spirit filled words, in Jesus name.
3. Whatever grumbling or complaining might have caused me, be reversed by mercy spoken through the Blood of the lamb of God, in Jesus name.
4. Purge my heart O Lord, and fill my mouth with grace and words of peace, in Jesus name.
5. Henceforth, I shall begin to shape my life with only faith-filled words, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 9-11
