Active Faith: Teaching and Trusting God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the importance of teaching God's Word and the significance of reminders in our faith journey. We continued our exploration of Joshua and Caleb, two Old Testament figures who exemplified unwavering faith and obedience to God's call. Unlike many who profess faith but remain inactive, Joshua and Caleb demonstrated what it means to truly follow God's command to "go." They were ready to conquer Canaan because they trusted in God's promise and presence.
We are reminded that our faith should not be passive. We are called to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, as our focus shifts from worldly concerns to divine purposes. However, this journey is fraught with challenges, much like the giants and rivers Joshua and Caleb faced. Yet, these obstacles serve as reminders of God's presence and His call to action.
The story of Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan River is a powerful illustration of faith in action. The miraculous parting of the waters, akin to the Red Sea crossing, symbolizes liberation from bondage and the necessity of seizing God's promises. Joshua's obedience to God's directive to take twelve stones from the Jordan's riverbed serves as a lasting memorial of God's faithfulness and presence. These stones were not just for the Israelites of that time but for future generations, emphasizing the importance of teaching our children about God's works.
The two sets of twelve stones—one visible and one submerged—represent both the seen and unseen aspects of God's presence. This duality teaches us that faith involves trusting in what we cannot see, as much as in what we can. The Israelites' haste in crossing the Jordan and their obedience to God's commands through Joshua exemplify a faith that is eager and active.
In our context, this means we must be diligent in teaching our children and living out our faith daily. Our actions, like the stones, serve as reminders and testimonies of God's enduring presence and promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Active Faith Over Passive Belief: Joshua and Caleb exemplify a faith that is active and obedient. They didn't just believe in God's promises; they acted on them, ready to face giants and cross rivers. This teaches us that true faith requires action and participation in God's mission. [01:32]
2. The Great Commission: We are called to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe Jesus' commands. This mission transforms our lives from ordinary to extraordinary as we focus on divine purposes rather than worldly concerns. Our faith should be evident in our daily actions and interactions. [02:52]
3. Memorials of Faith: The twelve stones taken from the Jordan River serve as a lasting memorial of God's faithfulness. These physical reminders are crucial for teaching future generations about God's works and presence. We, too, should create and uphold such memorials in our lives to remind us and our children of God's enduring promises. [07:03]
4. Visible and Invisible Presence of God: The two sets of twelve stones—one visible and one submerged—symbolize the seen and unseen aspects of God's presence. This teaches us that faith involves trusting in what we cannot see, as much as in what we can. Our faith should be rooted in the assurance of God's invisible presence and promises. [17:18]
5. Teaching the Next Generation: It is our responsibility to teach our children about God's works and presence. This is not just a task for parents but for the entire faith community. By doing so, we ensure that the knowledge of God's faithfulness is passed down and that future generations continue to walk in His ways. [11:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Active Faith Over Passive Belief
[02:52] - The Great Commission
[07:03] - Memorials of Faith
[11:38] - Teaching the Next Generation
[17:18] - Visible and Invisible Presence of God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 4:1-7 (ESV)
> When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”
2. Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the twelve stones from the Jordan River?
2. How did Joshua and the Israelites respond to God's command about the stones?
3. What is the significance of the two sets of twelve stones mentioned in the sermon?
4. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the three main actions Jesus commands His followers to take?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed Joshua to take twelve stones from the Jordan River and set them up as a memorial?
2. How do the actions of Joshua and Caleb contrast with the other ten spies, and what does this teach us about active faith?
3. In what ways does the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) transform our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones?
4. How can the visible and invisible presence of God, as symbolized by the two sets of stones, impact our understanding of faith?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith in God's promises help you overcome it?
2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can share your faith with this week. What steps will you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation?
3. What are some practical ways you can create "memorials" in your life to remind yourself and your family of God's faithfulness?
4. How can you teach your children or younger generations about God's works and presence in a way that is engaging and memorable?
5. Think about the "invisible" aspects of God's presence in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in what you cannot see?
6. Joshua and Caleb demonstrated active faith by being ready to face giants and cross rivers. What is one area in your life where you need to move from passive belief to active faith?
7. How can you incorporate the lessons from Joshua's leadership and obedience into your daily walk with God? What specific actions will you take this week to follow God's directives more closely?
Devotional
Day 1: Active Faith Over Passive Belief
Joshua and Caleb exemplify a faith that is active and obedient. They didn't just believe in God's promises; they acted on them, ready to face giants and cross rivers. This teaches us that true faith requires action and participation in God's mission. Their readiness to conquer Canaan was rooted in their trust in God's promise and presence. Unlike many who profess faith but remain inactive, Joshua and Caleb demonstrated what it means to truly follow God's command to "go." This kind of faith transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, as our focus shifts from worldly concerns to divine purposes.
We are reminded that our faith should not be passive. We are called to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, as our focus shifts from worldly concerns to divine purposes. However, this journey is fraught with challenges, much like the giants and rivers Joshua and Caleb faced. Yet, these obstacles serve as reminders of God's presence and His call to action. [01:32]
Joshua 14:8-9 (ESV): "But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been hesitant to act on your faith. What steps can you take today to move from passive belief to active faith?
Day 2: The Great Commission
We are called to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe Jesus' commands. This mission transforms our lives from ordinary to extraordinary as we focus on divine purposes rather than worldly concerns. Our faith should be evident in our daily actions and interactions. The Great Commission is not just a task but a lifestyle that requires us to be proactive in sharing the gospel and living out our faith.
This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, as our focus shifts from worldly concerns to divine purposes. However, this journey is fraught with challenges, much like the giants and rivers Joshua and Caleb faced. Yet, these obstacles serve as reminders of God's presence and His call to action. By embracing this mission, we align ourselves with God's greater plan and purpose for our lives, making every moment an opportunity to reflect His love and truth. [02:52]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you intentionally share the love and message of Jesus with them this week?
Day 3: Memorials of Faith
The twelve stones taken from the Jordan River serve as a lasting memorial of God's faithfulness. These physical reminders are crucial for teaching future generations about God's works and presence. We, too, should create and uphold such memorials in our lives to remind us and our children of God's enduring promises. These memorials can be physical objects, traditions, or even stories that we pass down to ensure that the knowledge of God's faithfulness is preserved.
The story of Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan River is a powerful illustration of faith in action. The miraculous parting of the waters, akin to the Red Sea crossing, symbolizes liberation from bondage and the necessity of seizing God's promises. Joshua's obedience to God's directive to take twelve stones from the Jordan's riverbed serves as a lasting memorial of God's faithfulness and presence. These stones were not just for the Israelites of that time but for future generations, emphasizing the importance of teaching our children about God's works. [07:03]
Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV): "that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."
Reflection: What are some "memorials" in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness? How can you share these with others, especially the younger generation?
Day 4: Visible and Invisible Presence of God
The two sets of twelve stones—one visible and one submerged—symbolize the seen and unseen aspects of God's presence. This teaches us that faith involves trusting in what we cannot see, as much as in what we can. Our faith should be rooted in the assurance of God's invisible presence and promises. The visible stones serve as a tangible reminder of God's works, while the submerged stones remind us of the hidden, yet equally real, aspects of His presence.
The Israelites' haste in crossing the Jordan and their obedience to God's commands through Joshua exemplify a faith that is eager and active. In our context, this means we must be diligent in teaching our children and living out our faith daily. Our actions, like the stones, serve as reminders and testimonies of God's enduring presence and promises. [17:18]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you trusted in God's unseen presence. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you apply that trust to your current circumstances?
Day 5: Teaching the Next Generation
It is our responsibility to teach our children about God's works and presence. This is not just a task for parents but for the entire faith community. By doing so, we ensure that the knowledge of God's faithfulness is passed down and that future generations continue to walk in His ways. Teaching the next generation involves more than just words; it requires living out our faith in a way that is visible and impactful to those who are watching.
The story of Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan River is a powerful illustration of faith in action. The miraculous parting of the waters, akin to the Red Sea crossing, symbolizes liberation from bondage and the necessity of seizing God's promises. Joshua's obedience to God's directive to take twelve stones from the Jordan's riverbed serves as a lasting memorial of God's faithfulness and presence. These stones were not just for the Israelites of that time but for future generations, emphasizing the importance of teaching our children about God's works. [11:38]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you incorporate teaching about God's faithfulness into your daily routine with your family or community? What practical steps can you take to ensure that the next generation knows and trusts in God's promises?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Far too many people, they profess a faith, but then they just sit, they don't do anything. Their so-called faith is basically relegated to a few obligatory prayers, an occasional devotional, and whenever their schedule permits, they come shine a pew somewhere in a church. But we know from reading the Word that that's not what we're called to do. We're actually called to be about the business of the kingdom every single day of the week." [01:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we do that, it transforms our everyday ordinary lives into these everyday extraordinary lives, because our new focus is not on our jobs. It's not on our families. It's not on our neighborhoods. It's actually focused on the Lord and making these disciples. But of course, as we all know, it's not easy. There are many giants that need to be slayed. There's many rivers that need to be crossed." [02:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Salvation involves two things. First, being liberated from bondage. That's what the parting of the waters of the Red Sea represents. And then second, we must take hold of God's promises. We can't just sit there. He promises to deliver us and to be true to all of his promises, and that's what the Jordan represents." [05:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is the certainty of what we do not see. These two sets of 12 stones mark this truth, that God's presence is with them, whether they can see it or not." [17:18] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "We're called to go make disciples. And of course, that's why we remind ourselves of this great commission we've received, our marching order, so to speak. It's the perfect representation of this middle voice that we always talk about. Everything begins and ends with God, and of course, that's what we see here. All authority on heaven and earth has been given to Him, and He promises to be with us till the end of the age. And then that stuff in the middle is on us. We actually got to go do something." [01:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So what we see here is that God directs Joshua, his chosen leader, to bring Israel into the promised land, and then Joshua promptly carries his tasks out, whatever they may be, and he does so in obedience to the Lord. So God directs, Joshua responds. Then Joshua directs Israel, and Israel responds to all that Joshua is carrying out from God." [07:03] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's a truth that we find all over scripture that God chooses his people and then they must respond in obedience. We saw this in Ephesians, we saw when we looked at numbers a few months ago and now we see it right here in Joshua. It's a truth every single one of us must embrace that God chooses his people and that we are to respond in obedience to God in our case God chooses us as his beloved children and our response go make disciples." [08:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the first thing we see is that these stones are a reminder of the importance of the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the importance of the ark of the covenant of God's presence. We sang about it to open up this service the fact that God is with his people even to the end of the age as the great commission reminds us and God is with his people to save them from their bondage and to save them for a purpose and we remind ourselves of that purpose by looking above the mantle up there our purpose is always for God's glory alone." [10:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So this memorial is specifically so that the parents can teach their children about God's presence so that's the second thing we learn from this particular text that we are to teach our children of course the stones in and of themselves don't do the teaching but they provide the reminder because of where they came from the very place where the ark of the covenant stood still in those waters so this is holy ground because God was present there but those stones weren't just for their children it says they are a memorial forever so they are for all God's children they're for you they're for me they're for our children and we must teach them about it too." [11:38] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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