Murmuring is a blight upon the people of God. It muffles the clear sound of God’s word with its incessant clamor for something “better” and “different.” The murmurer is dissatisfied with the things of God, and mistakenly thinks he will be satisfied by fulfilling his own, selfish desires (cf. Num. 11:1-6).

The murmurer fails to see God’s mercy and grace in his life. When this person considers his new life in Christ, he only sees restrictions (“what I cannot do”) instead of God’s merciful forgiveness of past transgressions, along with present spiritual blessings. Like Israel, who was not content with God’s blessing of manna, the murmurer in the church is not pleased with God’s pattern, provisions and ways. He does not trust in God and His truth. He trusts in himself (cf. Num. 16:3, 41).

Murmuring destroys unity among Christians (Phil. 2:1-4). It elevates self over others instead of being a humble servant one to another (Eph. 5:21). The murmurer is a complainer, not a problem solver (Phil. 2:14-15). Murmuring is a first cousin to bitterness and factiousness (Jas. 3:9-14). Feelings get hurt, bitterness sets in, and before you know it, brethren are complaining against each other instead of speaking with one another to resolve every dispute, whether real or imagined (read Eph. 4:29-32). Truly, “if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Gal. 5:15)

The result of murmuring is spiritual destruction (1 Cor. 10:10). It is not an accident that within this context of warning against murmuring we are also warned not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (1 Cor. 10:10-12). Murmuring is the fruit of an attitude of conceited self-importance and prideful self-righteousness.

The remedy for murmuring is a humble heart before God and toward each other (Phil. 2:5-8). Murmuring is overcome by having fervent love and kindness for one another (1 Pet. 4:8-9). When we are content to trust God, submit to His will and develop the mind of Christ, murmuring will cease. 

"Grace that is Greater than All My Sin"
Joe R. Price

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 1:12–16)

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is a model for us all of the abundant grace and mercy of God which is offered and obtained in Christ. Christ’s complete forgiveness of Paul’s sins, great though they were, assures us Christ is willing and able to forgive all our sins.

Some would tell us God’s grace overcomes sin without the sinner’s obedient faith. This is false. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). And again, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas. 2:17). Saul was saved “by grace, through faith” when he arose and obeyed the Lord’s command to be baptized (Acts 22:16; Mk. 16:16). While salvation is indeed God’s gift by grace, that gift is received through faith. God’s grace offers salvation from every sin. Through faith, we receive His gift of salvation.

Some believe they have sinned so much Christ cannot possibly forgive them. This too, is wrong. God’s forgiveness of Saul is sufficient proof Christ can forgive you. Do not doubt the power of God’s grace to forgive you; have faith in God (see verse 16).

God’s grace is indeed greater than sin (Rom. 5:20-21). Yet, God does not save by grace until one obeys in faith. Saul had to repent of his sins in order to obtain salvation by grace (Acts 9:9-11). Saul had to be baptized in order to obtain the blessing of grace (Acts 22:16). He had to discipline himself daily to be in subjection to Christ, else he would be lost (1 Cor. 9:24-27). He could not live in sin and expect God’s grace to abound in his life (Rom. 6:1-2, 12-14). Neither can we. He could not teach error and expect God’s grace to overlook it (Gal. 1:6-9). Neither can we.

Yes, God’s grace is greater than all our sins (Rom. 5:1-2). But God’s grace must never be viewed as giving us liberty to teach and practice error with freedom from God’s censure or condemnation (Titus 2:11-14). Beware of turning the grace of God into lasciviousness (Jude 4). 

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Patterns to Follow

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 3:15-21

1. Patterns are valuable and save lives.
2. God has given patterns for individuals and the church. Blessed when followed, sin when we do not. Matter of eternal life and death.

I. THE OT SHOWS THAT GOD-REVEALED PATTERNS EXIST AND ARE VALUABLE, 1 Cor. 10:11.

  A. The Tabernacle was Built by an Exacting Pattern, Exo. 25:9, 40; 26:30; Num. 8:4 (Acts 7:44; Heb. 8:5).
  B. Adam was Used as a Type (Pattern) of Christ, Rom. 5:14.

II. GOD REVEALS PATTERNS FOR US TO OBEY.

  A. The New Testament of Christ, 2 Tim. 1:13.
  B. Apostolic Examples (Patterns), 1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9.
  C. Salvation Patterns: How to be Saved, Rom. 6:17-18; 1 Tim. 1:15-16.
  D. Moral and Ethical Patterns, Titus 2:11-12. Acts 20:33-35 (shown you)
  E. Doctrinal Patterns, 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:8-9.
  F. When You Follow God’s Patterns, You become a Pattern for Others, Phil. 3:17.
    1. Preachers, 1 Tim. 4:12.
    2. Elders, 1 Pet. 5:3.
    3. Faithful Christians, 1 Thess. 1:6-7.

Conclusion
1.  Some call us “legalists” for insisting on following NT patterns. They do not intend to be confined and restricted by a “thus saith the Lord” (Col. 3:17).
2. We must imitate the patterns God has given us, 3 Jno. 11; Heb. 6:12.

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

1. Communication is key in every relationship.
2. Good communication skills draw a couple closer together.
3. Lack of effective communication is a leading threat to successful, fulfilling marriages, Prov. 15:1-2, 4, 7; Jas. 3:5.
4. Some things that must be said and heard regularly in marriages.

I. "I LOVE YOU."

  A. Love is a Decision of the Will, Col. 3:19; Eph. 5:25.
  B. Romance Ebbs and Flows, but Love Must be Constant, 1 Cor. 13:4-8; 1 Jno. 3:16-18.

II. "I WAS WRONG, I AM SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME." Eph. 4:31-32 (Col. 3:12-13)

  A. Sins against Your Spouse Require Repentance and Forgiveness, Just like Any Other Sin. 2 Cor. 7:9-10.
  B. Application: Common Sins in Marriage.

III. "I FORGIVE YOU." Luke 11:4

  A. Holding Grudges is Devastating to a Marriage, Matt. 6:14-15; 5:7; Col. 3:19.

IV. "THANK YOU."

  A. Gratitude Strengthens Bonds, cf. Lk. 6:35.

V. "LET US PRAY." 1 Pet. 3:7

  A. Prayer in the Home: Faith-Strengthening Event, 1 Tim. 4:4-5; Jas. 5:16.

Conclusion
We honor our spouse and our marriage when we improve our communication with each other. Furthermore, we honor God, who gave it.