Bad Girls of the Bible Miriam the Arrogant

Bad Girls of the Bible Miriam: the Arrogant Leader Numbers 12

Miriam’s Leadership Mistakes – Gossip with Aaron about their sister-in-law (12: 1) • This is not acceptable to God (1 Tim. 5: 13) • God expects us to build up with our words, rather than tear down (Eph. 4: 29) – Critical of God’s Chosen Leader (12: 2) • God expects us to respect His leaders (Heb. 13: 17) • God’s leaders are worthy of honor (1 Tim. 5: 17) – Arrogant in her evaluation of her own position (12: 2) • God resists proud people (James 4: 6, 10)

God’s Evaluation of Miriam’s Leadership – She should have been afraid to speak out against His chosen leader (12: 8) • She was not afraid to speak against Moses, and bad-mouthed her sister-in-law at the same time • Are we afraid to speak harshly about our spiritual leaders? (1 Pet 5: 5) – Moses was the most humble man on the earth (12: 3) • By contrast, Miriam clearly was not • Those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Matt. 23: 12) – Moses was a friend of God, rather than a prophet • How much higher a position was “friend” to God than “prophet” • What did this mean for Miriam’s evaluation of her own position? • Are we being a “friend” to God? (John 15: 14)

Lessons For Us from Miriam’s Example – How kind are we being in our interactions with our church family? – What kind of attitudes do we have toward God’s leaders? – Are we being examples of humility to those around us, or are we arrogant, secure in our own salvation?