Chuck Smith emphasizes the dangers of unbelief as a thief that robs the Israelites of their promised land. He contrasts the reports of faith and unbelief, illustrating how faith sees God's power despite obstacles, while unbelief distorts reality and spreads fear. The tragic consequences of unbelief lead to despair and a failure to enter into God's promises, as the congregation succumbs to fear and rejects the encouragement of faithful leaders like Joshua and Caleb. Smith urges listeners to recognize the importance of faith in experiencing the fullness of life that God has promised, rather than remaining in a state of spiritual wilderness.

"UNBELIEF THE THIEF" Intro: The children of Israel suffered intolerable bondage in Egypt. God promised to give them their own land, to set them free in a good land. They are now on the border of that land. the spies have just returned. I. THE CONTRASTING REPORTS. A. How the land appeared through eyes of faith. 1. It flows with milk and honey. an exceedingly good land. 2. The cities are walled and very great, the children of Anax there. a. Faith is not blind. it sees the obstacles. b. Faith sees more than obstacles, it sees God's power to remove the obstacles. B. How the land appears through unbelief. 1. It eats up its inhabitants. 2. We saw giants there. 3. We were like grasshoppers in their sight. a. Unbelief distorts the truth, exaggerates. b. Fear and unbelief Siamese twins. C. The advise of faith. 1. Let us go up at once and possess it. 2. We are able to overcome it. 3. The giants are bread for us. 4. There defense is departed. 5. The Lord is with us. 6. Fear them not. D. The advise of unbelief. 1. We are not able to go against the people they are stronger than we. a. Unbelief does not take God into account. 1. It measures only its own resources. 2. It looks at own weakness. 3. They saw the giants not the Lord. II. THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCE OF UNBELIEF. A. Despair and fear gripped the whole congregation. 1. Unbelief never content to abide alone. a. It seeks to spread its doubts. 2. Fear is contagious. a. Soon all the congregation are crying and murmuring against God. b. If you have doubts. why not do people a favor and keep them to yourself. If you must talk about them. then talk to God. B. They wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for the good report and encouragement. 1. Those true friends that really want to help you, you strike out at them. C. They failed to enter into the promises. 1. These people lived and died. without coming into God's fullness for them. 2. They traveled 4th class when God had purchased 1st class for them. Ill. THE CAUSE OF UNBELIEF. A. Losing sight of God. 1. "I can do all things through Christ...." 2. Never see yourself apart from Him. B. Measuring ability by our own capacity. IV. WHAT LESSON IN THIS STORY FOR ME? A. Heb. 4. B. God has promised you a full, rich, overflowing life. 1. A life of peace, joy and rest. 2. Many of you have come out of the bondage of Egypt, but have not entered into the fullness of the Christian walk. a. You are in the wilderness. 1. God is with you, you see His works. 2. You lack joy and peace. C. What is the overflowing life God has promised? 1. Life in the Spirit. 2. You must enter in by faith.