Joshua 7 – 8 Israel and the Battle of Ai / Sin and Consequences
The Lord specified what to do with certain spoils from Jericho. Let’s read about how one person responded to those directions.
Joshua 7: 1-15
One man sinned Achan – What were the consequences?
4 Battle lost to a few Ai-s.
5 36 men died.
5 The people’s hearts became like water.
6 Joshua and the Elders lost faith in God. (Why?)
12 Israel cannot stand before their enemies.
12 Israel has become accursed.
12 I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things in your midst.
Why did Achan’s sin result in consequences for the whole nation?
Let’s spend a few minutes looking at how wide the impact of our sin goes.
I’ll pick something easy. Let’s say that someone makes some bad decisions – like Achan – and sees something he wants – like Meth – and takes it- and gets hooked on the drug. It destroys the person’s body, but what else happens? Family – friends – the public – all suffer.
Now let’s bring it home. What about your sin? How wide are those consequences spread?
Family – Friends-Church- community- work?
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What was Joshua’s concern after the defeat in Battle? Why did you bring us here? What about your (God’s reputation). Why was Joshua concerned about God’s reputation?
What was God’s concern after the battle? –Israel’s sin/ Obedience - how were these two different?
Joshua 7:16-26
More stones – Another reminder
Why do you think God commanded them to kill and burn Achan and all that belonged to him?
Sin is Serious.
Joshua 8:1-13 and 18 and 25-29.
Israel won the 2nd battle of Ai with God’s help.
What was the difference for most of Israel (all but Achan) between Battle #1 and Battle #2?
What do these events say about God’s character?
What does this story tell us about our sin?
If you look at your daily schedule as a battle, how should you prepare for it in light of this story?
8:30-35 – Another Rockpile. This alter, with the commandments written on it, served as a reminder to Israel of the consequences of disobedience. What serves as a reminder to obey God in your life?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Whose side are you on? - Jerico
Joshua 5:13-6:27 Whose side are you on? – Jerico
When was the last time you went to a T-High – A-High football game?
Which side did you sit on?
Are you” for us” or “against us” is important in many settings. Joshua, as the leader of Israel, heading into battle had an “us versus them” attitude.
Israel was headed into their first battle in the new land.
Read Joshua 5:13-15. This is a Theophany – a physical appearance of God, in the form of a man (the pre-incarnate Christ). In this appearance, he had drawn a sword. It wasn’t unusual for Joshua to ask whose side He was on, but the answer he got was probably not what he expected.
NO
What does this answer say about God being on the Israelites “side”?
What was Joshua’s response to the Lord in v. 14? And in v. 15?
How close do you have to be to God to worship Him? A physical encounter, a church service, a Bible study, a prayer time, a challenge to your faith?
Chapter 6:1-16 and V20
How would an army normally take over a walled city like Jerico?
Why do you think God commanded them to do it this way?
Has God ever told you to do something in a way that is not the normal way? How did you respond?
What happened in the camp during those 6 days of marching around Jerico once a day? What was it like?
V2 says “See, I have given Jerico into your hand, with its king and valiant warriors”. Past Tense. Had He done it yet? How did that work?
6:21-25 Utter destruction.
This seems harsh. Why do you think God had them kill everyone except Rahab and her family?
Look back at 5:13 (the Theophany) This whole battle began with the Lord’s sword drawn. Once the fire was out, do you think there was any question about how this victory was won?
When was the last time you went to a T-High – A-High football game?
Which side did you sit on?
Are you” for us” or “against us” is important in many settings. Joshua, as the leader of Israel, heading into battle had an “us versus them” attitude.
Israel was headed into their first battle in the new land.
Read Joshua 5:13-15. This is a Theophany – a physical appearance of God, in the form of a man (the pre-incarnate Christ). In this appearance, he had drawn a sword. It wasn’t unusual for Joshua to ask whose side He was on, but the answer he got was probably not what he expected.
NO
What does this answer say about God being on the Israelites “side”?
What was Joshua’s response to the Lord in v. 14? And in v. 15?
How close do you have to be to God to worship Him? A physical encounter, a church service, a Bible study, a prayer time, a challenge to your faith?
Chapter 6:1-16 and V20
How would an army normally take over a walled city like Jerico?
Why do you think God commanded them to do it this way?
Has God ever told you to do something in a way that is not the normal way? How did you respond?
What happened in the camp during those 6 days of marching around Jerico once a day? What was it like?
V2 says “See, I have given Jerico into your hand, with its king and valiant warriors”. Past Tense. Had He done it yet? How did that work?
6:21-25 Utter destruction.
This seems harsh. Why do you think God had them kill everyone except Rahab and her family?
Look back at 5:13 (the Theophany) This whole battle began with the Lord’s sword drawn. Once the fire was out, do you think there was any question about how this victory was won?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Remembering what God has done
Joshua 3:1-5:12
Remembering What God has done
How has God blessed you this week?
This week we are going to see how Israel tried to remember their miraculous crossing into the Promised Land. We pick up the story in Chapter 3. The spies have reported back, It’s full steam ahead.
Read Joshua 3:1-5. The people had 3 days to think about the next steps. They were entering into the land God had promised, a lot of uncertainty lie ahead. Joshua called for the people to consecrate themselves.
One definition of consecration is to set apart or dedicate yourself to the service of God.
Back in Exodus 19:14-15 Israelites consecrated themselves by washing their clothes and abstaining from sexual contact. This was just before they were given the 10 commandments, another important occasion.
Have you ever consecrated yourself? When? How? What would be a time when you might want to do that?
Time to go – Read 3:6-13 & 17
What did God Promise Joshua? (v7) I will exalt you in the sight of Israel. I will be with you .
They were consecrated, they were going to do all God had for them to do. They had likely heard the story of the Exodus. Who do you think this miracle affected them? Do you think they learned something about God through this experience?
God wanted them to remember what He had done for them, so He commanded them to do something special. Read 4:1-8
God commanded them to haul out 12 big rocks and stack them up as a memorial. Why?
Earlier, we shared some blessings that God has given us. Is it important for us to remember God’s blessings? Why?
How do you remember what God has done for you? Memory? Stones? What about sharing your experiences with others? Children? Family? Others?
Ch 5 tells about the males all getting circumcised with flint knives and how one of their potential enemies was scared off by the miracle at the crossing of the Jordan.
V10-12- The manna stopped. Wow. How important was that stack of stones on the first day with no manna?
God changed the way he provided for Israel from Manna to the produce in the promised land. When he changes the way he provides for us, those previous blessings can be an important reminder of His love and provision.
Remembering What God has done
How has God blessed you this week?
This week we are going to see how Israel tried to remember their miraculous crossing into the Promised Land. We pick up the story in Chapter 3. The spies have reported back, It’s full steam ahead.
Read Joshua 3:1-5. The people had 3 days to think about the next steps. They were entering into the land God had promised, a lot of uncertainty lie ahead. Joshua called for the people to consecrate themselves.
One definition of consecration is to set apart or dedicate yourself to the service of God.
Back in Exodus 19:14-15 Israelites consecrated themselves by washing their clothes and abstaining from sexual contact. This was just before they were given the 10 commandments, another important occasion.
Have you ever consecrated yourself? When? How? What would be a time when you might want to do that?
Time to go – Read 3:6-13 & 17
What did God Promise Joshua? (v7) I will exalt you in the sight of Israel. I will be with you .
They were consecrated, they were going to do all God had for them to do. They had likely heard the story of the Exodus. Who do you think this miracle affected them? Do you think they learned something about God through this experience?
God wanted them to remember what He had done for them, so He commanded them to do something special. Read 4:1-8
God commanded them to haul out 12 big rocks and stack them up as a memorial. Why?
Earlier, we shared some blessings that God has given us. Is it important for us to remember God’s blessings? Why?
How do you remember what God has done for you? Memory? Stones? What about sharing your experiences with others? Children? Family? Others?
Ch 5 tells about the males all getting circumcised with flint knives and how one of their potential enemies was scared off by the miracle at the crossing of the Jordan.
V10-12- The manna stopped. Wow. How important was that stack of stones on the first day with no manna?
God changed the way he provided for Israel from Manna to the produce in the promised land. When he changes the way he provides for us, those previous blessings can be an important reminder of His love and provision.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Joshua 1
Joshua Week 1
Where did you go the first time you drove a car by yourself?
Joshua – The Book
History (Joshua – Ester)
Themes – Conquering Canaan, Obedience, God as the ultimate promise Keeper, and Courage under pressure.
Taking Responsibility
Joshua 1:1-9 (Look for Promises)
2)I am giving you the land
3)I have given it to you
4)describes the boundaries
5)No man will be able to stand before you all of the days of your life.
9)God is with you.
Joshua was put in charge of Israel – ordered into battle – and given clear marching orders.
He was also given a lot of encouragement (Strong and Courageous)
V6,V7,V9 –God
V18 – Israel Speaking
Deuteronomy 31:7 Moses Speaking
Why do you think Joshua needed so much encouragement to be strong and courageous?
Truth Honor and Bravery!
When do you need encouragement?
How do you give encouragement to others?
Look again at verse 8 –
What is the relationship between God’s law and Joshua’s success?
Is that relationship valid today?
What does it mean for a Christian to have success?
16-18 Israel’ response
Off to the right foot, but has a hollow ring. They did not obey Moses.
They had good intentions.
As you face challenges you can:
Look to God’s promises
Meditate on His Word
Take encouragement from others, and
Take Command – V10-15
Where did you go the first time you drove a car by yourself?
Joshua – The Book
History (Joshua – Ester)
Themes – Conquering Canaan, Obedience, God as the ultimate promise Keeper, and Courage under pressure.
Taking Responsibility
Joshua 1:1-9 (Look for Promises)
2)I am giving you the land
3)I have given it to you
4)describes the boundaries
5)No man will be able to stand before you all of the days of your life.
9)God is with you.
Joshua was put in charge of Israel – ordered into battle – and given clear marching orders.
He was also given a lot of encouragement (Strong and Courageous)
V6,V7,V9 –God
V18 – Israel Speaking
Deuteronomy 31:7 Moses Speaking
Why do you think Joshua needed so much encouragement to be strong and courageous?
Truth Honor and Bravery!
When do you need encouragement?
How do you give encouragement to others?
Look again at verse 8 –
What is the relationship between God’s law and Joshua’s success?
Is that relationship valid today?
What does it mean for a Christian to have success?
16-18 Israel’ response
Off to the right foot, but has a hollow ring. They did not obey Moses.
They had good intentions.
As you face challenges you can:
Look to God’s promises
Meditate on His Word
Take encouragement from others, and
Take Command – V10-15
Sunday, May 2, 2010
James 4b
James 4b
4:13-17 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." 14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." 16But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
If the Lord Wills … Latin Phrase Deo Volente. Meaning “Lord Willing”. Or D.V. used after a signature on a letter regarding future plans.
Vapor / Fireworks in Dallas.
The hypothetical here is very specific. City/year/business/profit.
Does this verse teach us that we should not make plans for the future?
How should we plan for the future?
Last week we discussed what we think will happen during the next few months.
Are our plans “World Friendly”?
Do your plans take into account what the Holy Spirit within you is guiding you to do?
Chapter 5:7-11
5:7-11 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11We count those blessed who endured You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
Remember James 1:2-5?
2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Endurance – Patience – Suffering
Chapter 1 – Perfect and complete
Chapter 5 – See the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of Compassion and is merciful.
Testimony that the outcome of the Lord’s dealings ?
13Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
More suffering. We talked about endurance, what other suggestions does James have for those who are suffering or sick? PRAYER
16Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Can we do this? Where?, How?, When?
4:13-17 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." 14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." 16But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
If the Lord Wills … Latin Phrase Deo Volente. Meaning “Lord Willing”. Or D.V. used after a signature on a letter regarding future plans.
Vapor / Fireworks in Dallas.
The hypothetical here is very specific. City/year/business/profit.
Does this verse teach us that we should not make plans for the future?
How should we plan for the future?
Last week we discussed what we think will happen during the next few months.
Are our plans “World Friendly”?
Do your plans take into account what the Holy Spirit within you is guiding you to do?
Chapter 5:7-11
5:7-11 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11We count those blessed who endured You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
Remember James 1:2-5?
2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Endurance – Patience – Suffering
Chapter 1 – Perfect and complete
Chapter 5 – See the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of Compassion and is merciful.
Testimony that the outcome of the Lord’s dealings ?
13Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
More suffering. We talked about endurance, what other suggestions does James have for those who are suffering or sick? PRAYER
16Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Can we do this? Where?, How?, When?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
James 4a
James 4a
4:1-8
Quarrels and Conflicts – Source – Pleasures
V2-3 No ask / ask no get / ask with wrong motives (for pleasure)
A selfish attitude brings quarrels and conflict – not pleasure.
1:2 (12) My Brethern – 1:19 (3) My Beloved Bretheren 4:4 You adulteresses.
V4 Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.
What does this world offer that tempts us to be friends with “the World”?
Money, relationships, position, power, prestige, comfort, entertainment.
When we become friendly to these things, why does that affect our relationship with God?
The word Friend is a little sneaky here. Usually we think of friendship as a good thing. 4B says that if we want to be a friend of the world, we are making ourselves an enemy of God.
V5 What is God’s desire for us in V5? – The Holy Spirit to Dwell in us.
Take 6 and 7 together.
But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God, Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.
Proud –God is opposed / Grace to the Humble / Submit to God / Devil Flee
Pride /Grace /Submit/ Flee
V8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you; cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
That works- When we seek God does that change the way we see ourselves? How?
Skip to V13-16
If the Lord Wills … Latin Phrase Deo Volente. Meaning “Lord Willing”. Or D.V. used after a signature on a letter regarding future plans.
Vapor / Fireworks in Dallas.
The hypothetical here is very specific. City/year/business/profit. Does this verse teach us that we should not make plans for the future?
How should we plan for the future?
This morning we discussed what we think will happen during the next few months.
Are our plans “World Friendly”?
Do your plans take into account what the Holy Spirit within you is guiding you to do?
4:1-8
Quarrels and Conflicts – Source – Pleasures
V2-3 No ask / ask no get / ask with wrong motives (for pleasure)
A selfish attitude brings quarrels and conflict – not pleasure.
1:2 (12) My Brethern – 1:19 (3) My Beloved Bretheren 4:4 You adulteresses.
V4 Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.
What does this world offer that tempts us to be friends with “the World”?
Money, relationships, position, power, prestige, comfort, entertainment.
When we become friendly to these things, why does that affect our relationship with God?
The word Friend is a little sneaky here. Usually we think of friendship as a good thing. 4B says that if we want to be a friend of the world, we are making ourselves an enemy of God.
V5 What is God’s desire for us in V5? – The Holy Spirit to Dwell in us.
Take 6 and 7 together.
But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God, Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.
Proud –God is opposed / Grace to the Humble / Submit to God / Devil Flee
Pride /Grace /Submit/ Flee
V8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you; cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
That works- When we seek God does that change the way we see ourselves? How?
Skip to V13-16
If the Lord Wills … Latin Phrase Deo Volente. Meaning “Lord Willing”. Or D.V. used after a signature on a letter regarding future plans.
Vapor / Fireworks in Dallas.
The hypothetical here is very specific. City/year/business/profit. Does this verse teach us that we should not make plans for the future?
How should we plan for the future?
This morning we discussed what we think will happen during the next few months.
Are our plans “World Friendly”?
Do your plans take into account what the Holy Spirit within you is guiding you to do?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
James 2b
James 2 Second Lesson
2:14-17
What kind of works is James talking about? (Besides helping with food and clothing).
Jesus preached about some works in Luke 6:27-45
Let’s read this passage and see how many “works” ideas we can identify in Jesus’ sermon.
Love your enemies
Bless those who curse you
-Golden Rule
Love those who don’t love you.
Be merciful
Do not judge
Give
Learn
Look at your own life
Produce good fruit
What kind of faith is James talking about here?
Saving faith is discussed in Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
and Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
18-20 – Useless
How do you know if someone has a true faith in God (v. 18)?
20 close comparisons between James and the Sermon on the Mount
Luke 6:46- 49 talks about those who have a true relationship with Jesus and those who do not.
V47-He hears my words and acts on them.
-Time Permitting-
James 21-26
Abraham / Rahab
What was the tie in (relationship) between these two’s faith in God and their works?
Their works was a demonstration of their faith.
These “works”. Can they be done without faith? Consistently?
2:14-17
What kind of works is James talking about? (Besides helping with food and clothing).
Jesus preached about some works in Luke 6:27-45
Let’s read this passage and see how many “works” ideas we can identify in Jesus’ sermon.
Love your enemies
Bless those who curse you
-Golden Rule
Love those who don’t love you.
Be merciful
Do not judge
Give
Learn
Look at your own life
Produce good fruit
What kind of faith is James talking about here?
Saving faith is discussed in Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
and Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
18-20 – Useless
How do you know if someone has a true faith in God (v. 18)?
20 close comparisons between James and the Sermon on the Mount
Luke 6:46- 49 talks about those who have a true relationship with Jesus and those who do not.
V47-He hears my words and acts on them.
-Time Permitting-
James 21-26
Abraham / Rahab
What was the tie in (relationship) between these two’s faith in God and their works?
Their works was a demonstration of their faith.
These “works”. Can they be done without faith? Consistently?
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