MIXED MULTITUDE IN THE CHURCH

MIXED MULTITUDE IN THE CHURCH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 12:38

Supporting Texts: Numbers 11:4-6, Matthew 13:24-30, 1 John 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:10

INTRODUCTION:
The Church of God is called to be a holy and sanctified people, a spiritual house built upon the foundation of Christ. However, throughout Scripture and history, there has always been the presence of what the Bible refers to as a "mixed multitude" — people who are physically part of the congregation but spiritually disconnected. These individuals often influence God's people negatively, create division, and draw others into compromise. Understanding the dangers and signs of the mixed multitude helps the Church stay spiritually alert and preserve its purity.

Just as in the days of Moses, when Israel left Egypt with a mixed multitude, today's Church also contends with those who claim to follow God but are driven by personal interest, worldliness, and rebellion. God desires a pure Bride, and this message is a call to vigilance and separation unto holiness.

This sermon helps the Church identify the traits of the mixed multitude, their effects, and how to overcome their influence while maintaining the unity and power of the Spirit in the body of Christ.

1. THE MEANING OF THE MIXED MULTITUDE

a) Carnal companions with spiritual people (Exodus 12:38)
The mixed multitude were Egyptians and others who left Egypt with Israel, but they were not of the covenant. They represent those in the Church who are physically present but not spiritually reborn.

b) Professing without possessing (Matthew 13:24-30)
Like tares among the wheat, these are people who profess Christ but do not have a genuine transformation of heart.

c) Churchgoers but not disciples (John 6:66)
They follow for bread and miracles, but abandon the faith when commitment and truth are required.

d) Blending without belonging (1 John 2:19)
They are among us but never truly with us. Their fruits reveal their roots.

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot was among the twelve disciples but had a heart of betrayal.

2. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIXED MULTITUDE

a) Always complaining and murmuring (Numbers 11:4-6)
They are not content with the things of God. They crave the pleasures of Egypt (worldliness) over the presence of God.

b) They cause division and strife (Jude 1:18-19)
Their presence often leads to gossip, cliques, and spiritual pollution in the Church.

c) They oppose spiritual authority (Numbers 16:1-3)
They question God’s order and often rebel against leadership.

d) They are driven by selfish interests (2 Timothy 4:10)
Their motivation is not to serve but to be served. They follow for what they can get, not what they can give.

Biblical Example: Demas loved the present world and abandoned Apostle Paul.

3. THE DANGERS OF THE MIXED MULTITUDE

a) They hinder the move of God (Acts 5:1-11)
Their presence can bring delay, death, or destruction to what God is building.

b) They corrupt the faith of the sincere (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Bad company within the Church weakens the faith of new or immature believers.

c) They provoke divine judgment (Numbers 11:1)
Their rebellion can bring God’s displeasure upon the whole assembly.

d) They pollute the testimony of the Church (Romans 2:24)
When the world sees hypocrisy, the name of the Lord is blasphemed.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira brought sin into the early Church, which led to immediate divine judgment.

4. HOW TO DEAL WITH THE MIXED MULTITUDE

a) Sound teaching and discipleship (2 Timothy 2:15)
The Word of God helps separate truth from error and shines light on hidden motives.

b) Spirit-led discernment (1 John 4:1)
We must not judge by appearance but by spiritual discernment.

c) Church discipline and correction (Titus 3:10-11)
Unrepentant offenders must be lovingly corrected or separated from the body.

d) Personal examination and consecration (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Every believer must constantly examine their own walk to ensure they are not deceived.

Biblical Example: Peter rebuked Simon the sorcerer for trying to buy the gift of God with money (Acts 8:18-23).

5. GOD’S PURPOSE FOR A PURE CHURCH

a) To display His holiness and glory (Ephesians 5:27)
God wants a Church without spot or wrinkle.

b) To carry His power with integrity (Acts 4:31-33)
A pure Church is a powerful Church.

c) To advance the kingdom agenda without delay (Isaiah 52:11)
God moves swiftly with a sanctified people.

d) To preserve the witness of Christ (Philippians 2:15)
The world must see the true light through the Church.

Biblical Example: The early Church, after cleansing through judgment, walked in great fear and power (Acts 5:11-14).

CONCLUSION:
The mixed multitude in the Church is not a new phenomenon. It is a challenge that must be faced with wisdom, vigilance, and the fear of God. Every believer must choose to be among the faithful, not just the followers. God's purpose is to have a Church that is pure, holy, powerful, and prepared for the return of Christ. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1.  Lord, separate me from every attitude or relationship that pollutes my walk with You.

2.  Father, purge Your Church of every corrupting influence in the name of Jesus.

3.  Lord, give me discernment to identify and resist the influence of the mixed multitude.

4.  Father, let Your Word transform my heart and keep me faithful till the end.

5.  Lord, raise a generation of believers who will uphold holiness and truth in the Church.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You shall not be counted among the mixed multitude in the name of Jesus!

2.  The Lord is purging His Church, and you shall be a vessel of honour in His hands!

3.  Every spirit of rebellion and compromise around you is silenced now!

4.  Your spiritual walk shall be marked by truth, purity, and power!

5.  God will keep you blameless until the return of Jesus Christ!