The people that are with thee are too many for me
William MacDonald teaches that while large numbers can be a blessing when led by the Spirit, true spiritual success depends on dependence on God, purity of motive, and faithful fellowship rather than mere statistics.
In this teaching sermon, William MacDonald explores the spiritual implications of valuing large numbers in ministry. He emphasizes that while large crowds can be a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work, true success is measured by dependence on God, purity of motive, and faithful fellowship. Using biblical examples such as Gideon and David, MacDonald warns against pride, compromise, and neglect of individual care within the church body. This sermon challenges believers to focus on God’s purposes rather than mere statistics.
Text
“The people that are with thee are too many for me…” (Judges 7:2)
Everyone of us has a subtle desire for numbers and a tendency to judge success by statistics. There is a measure of reproach connected with small groups whereas large crowds command attention and respect. What should our attitude be in this area?
Large numbers should not be despised if they are the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work. This was the case at Pentecost when about 3,000 souls were swept into the kingdom of God.
We should rejoice in large numbers when they mean glory for God and blessing for mankind. It is only proper for us to long to see multitudes lifting their hearts and voices in praise to God, and reaching out to the world with the message of redemption.
On the other hand, large numbers are bad if they lead to pride. God had to reduce Gideon’s army lest Israel should say, “Mine own hand hath saved me” (Judges 7:2). E. Stanley Jones once said he loathed our contemporary “scramble for numbers, leading, as it does, to collective egotism.”
Large numbers are bad if they lead to dependence on human power rather then on the Lord. This was probably the trouble with David’s census (2 Samuel 24:2-4). Joab sensed that the king’s motives were not pure and he protested—but in vain.
Large numbers are undesirable if, in order to achieve them, we lower standards, compromise Scriptural principles, water down the message, or fail to exercise godly discipline. There is always the temptation to do this if our minds are set on crowds rather than on the Lord.
Large numbers are less than ideal if they result in a loss of close fellowship. When individuals get lost in the crowd, when they can be absent and not be missed, when nobody shares their joys and sorrows, then the whole concept of body life is abandoned.
Large numbers are bad if they stifle the development of gift in the body. It is not without significance that Jesus chose 12 disciples. A huge crowd would have been unwieldy.
God’s general rule has been to work through a remnant testimony. He is not attracted by large crowds or repelled by small ones. We should not boast in large numbers, but neither should we be content with small numbers if they are the result of our own sloth and indifference.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The human tendency to equate success with numbers
- The positive role of large numbers when Spirit-led
- Examples like Pentecost demonstrating God’s blessing
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II
- Dangers of large numbers leading to pride
- Dependence on human power vs. dependence on God
- The example of David’s census and its consequences
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III
- Compromise of standards for the sake of numbers
- Loss of close fellowship and individual care
- Stifling of spiritual gifts in large crowds
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IV
- God’s preference for a faithful remnant
- Balancing contentment with small numbers and avoiding sloth
- Focusing on God rather than statistics
Key Quotes
“Everyone of us has a subtle desire for numbers and a tendency to judge success by statistics.” — William MacDonald
“God had to reduce Gideon’s army lest Israel should say, 'Mine own hand hath saved me.'” — William MacDonald
“God’s general rule has been to work through a remnant testimony.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Evaluate your ministry focus to ensure it prioritizes God’s glory over numerical growth.
- Guard against pride and dependence on human strength in your spiritual walk.
- Cultivate close fellowship and encourage spiritual gifts within your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the speaker caution against focusing on large numbers?
Because large numbers can lead to pride, dependence on human power, and compromise of biblical principles.
What biblical example illustrates God reducing numbers?
Gideon’s army was reduced by God to prevent Israel from boasting in their own strength.
How should believers view small groups or remnant testimonies?
They should value faithful remnant groups as God often works through them rather than large crowds.
What is the danger of lowering standards to increase numbers?
It compromises scriptural truth and hinders genuine spiritual growth.
What is the main lesson from David’s census?
That reliance on human strength rather than God leads to negative consequences.