Faith and Obedience: Lessons from Jericho
Summary
### Summary
The story of Jericho is often viewed in isolation, leading to misconceptions about the nature of faith and obedience. However, when examined in the broader context of Joshua and Caleb's journey, it becomes clear that the story is fundamentally about obedience and faith. Joshua and Caleb exemplify what it means to act when God commands, demonstrating that true faith involves both belief and corresponding behavior. This is a significant issue in the modern church, where many profess faith in Jesus but fail to live out His teachings.
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, baptize, and teach others to observe Jesus' commands. This mission transforms our mundane lives into extraordinary ones, much like the lives of Joshua and Caleb. Their courage and obedience led to miraculous victories, such as the crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho. These events underscore the importance of spiritual strength and faith over physical might.
The story of Jericho highlights the necessity of obedience to God's commands. God assured Joshua of victory, but it required Israel's faith and precise adherence to His instructions. The Israelites' faith was evident in their silent marches around Jericho, a strategy that defied conventional military tactics but demonstrated their trust in God's plan. This obedience led to the miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls, showcasing God's power and the importance of following His directives.
The number seven, symbolizing perfection and completeness, is prominent in the story, emphasizing that God's plan is flawless and His control is absolute. The destruction of Jericho and the preservation of Rahab and her family illustrate the consequences of faith and disobedience. Rahab's faith saved her, while the rest of Jericho faced destruction due to their lack of repentance.
The story concludes with a reminder that Israel's victory was due to God's presence with Joshua. This same divine presence is available to us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live lives of faith and courage. True exaltation comes from being recognized as someone with whom the Lord is present, a testament to our faith and obedience.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith and Obedience Go Hand in Hand: True faith is not just about believing in God's promises but also about behaving in accordance with that belief. Joshua and Caleb exemplified this by acting on God's commands, leading to miraculous victories. This principle is crucial for modern believers who often profess faith but fail to live it out. [01:06]
2. The Great Commission Transforms Lives: When we focus on making disciples, baptizing, and teaching others about Jesus, our ordinary lives become extraordinary. This mission gives purpose and meaning, much like it did for Joshua and Caleb, who saw their lives transformed through their obedience to God. [02:35]
3. God's Plans Require Our Participation: While God could achieve His purposes without us, He chooses to involve us in His plans. This partnership requires our obedience and faith, as seen in the story of Jericho, where Israel's precise adherence to God's instructions led to their victory. [06:59]
4. The Symbolism of Seven: The number seven in the story of Jericho represents perfection and completeness, underscoring that God's plans are flawless and His control is absolute. This symbolism reminds us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan for our lives. [14:25]
5. Victory Through God's Presence: Israel's victory at Jericho was not due to their might but because the Lord was with Joshua. This same divine presence is available to us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live lives of faith and courage. True exaltation comes from being recognized as someone with whom the Lord is present. [25:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - The Broader Context of Jericho
[01:54] - The Great Commission
[02:35] - Transforming Ordinary Lives
[03:19] - Israel's Journey to the Promised Land
[04:14] - Building Spiritual Strength
[05:09] - Rahab's Faith in Action
[06:03] - Jericho's Defensive Posture
[06:59] - God's Promise to Joshua
[07:35] - Israel's Obedience
[08:35] - Fighting from a Position of Victory
[09:56] - The Spiritual Battle
[11:23] - The Strategy for Jericho
[12:58] - Psychological Warfare
[14:25] - The Significance of Seven
[15:57] - Devotion to the Lord
[17:34] - The First Fruits Offering
[19:00] - The Reality of Faith
[20:35] - Rahab's Salvation
[22:03] - Taking Hold of God's Promises
[23:33] - The Curse on Jericho
[25:03] - The Lord's Presence with Joshua
[26:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 6:1-5 (The Fall of Jericho)
2. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
3. Hebrews 11:30-31 (Faith of Rahab)
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua for the fall of Jericho? How did the Israelites respond to these instructions? ([06:59])
2. How does the story of Rahab illustrate the concept of faith and obedience? ([20:35])
3. What is the significance of the number seven in the story of Jericho, and how does it relate to God's plan? ([14:25])
4. According to the sermon, what was the key reason for Israel's victory at Jericho? ([25:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) transform the lives of believers, according to the sermon? ([02:35])
2. In what ways does the story of Jericho challenge conventional military tactics, and what does this say about God's methods? ([11:23])
3. How does Rahab's faith and subsequent actions serve as a model for modern believers? ([20:35])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith, obedience, and experiencing God's promises? ([06:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to act in faith but hesitated. What can you learn from Joshua and Caleb's example of immediate obedience? ([01:06])
2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, baptize, and teach. How can you actively participate in this mission within your community? ([01:54])
3. God's plan for Jericho involved precise instructions and timing. How can you cultivate a habit of listening and responding to God's guidance in your daily life? ([06:59])
4. Rahab's faith led to her and her family's salvation. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? How can you share your faith with them this week? ([20:35])
5. The number seven symbolizes perfection and completeness. How can you trust in God's perfect timing and plan, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or impatient? ([14:25])
6. Israel's victory was due to God's presence with Joshua. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life, and how might this awareness change your actions? ([25:03])
7. The sermon mentioned that many believers profess faith but fail to live it out. What steps can you take to ensure your actions align with your professed beliefs? ([01:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
True faith is not just about believing in God's promises but also about behaving in accordance with that belief. Joshua and Caleb exemplified this by acting on God's commands, leading to miraculous victories. This principle is crucial for modern believers who often profess faith but fail to live it out. Joshua and Caleb's journey shows that faith and obedience are inseparable; one cannot exist without the other. Their actions were a testament to their unwavering trust in God's promises, and their obedience led to extraordinary outcomes.
In today's world, many people claim to have faith in Jesus but struggle to live according to His teachings. This disconnect between belief and behavior can lead to a superficial faith that lacks the power to transform lives. By examining the story of Joshua and Caleb, we can learn that true faith requires us to act on God's commands, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive. This kind of faith is not passive but active, demonstrating our trust in God's plan through our actions. [01:06]
Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV): "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have been hesitant to act on God's commands. What steps can you take today to align your actions with your faith in that area?
Day 2: The Great Commission's Transformative Power
When we focus on making disciples, baptizing, and teaching others about Jesus, our ordinary lives become extraordinary. This mission gives purpose and meaning, much like it did for Joshua and Caleb, who saw their lives transformed through their obedience to God. The Great Commission is not just a task but a calling that infuses our daily lives with divine purpose. By participating in this mission, we become part of God's grand plan, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving Him.
The Great Commission challenges us to look beyond our personal concerns and invest in the spiritual growth of others. This outward focus transforms our perspective, helping us see our lives as part of a larger narrative. As we engage in disciple-making, we witness the power of God at work in the lives of those we mentor, and our own faith is strengthened in the process. This transformative power is available to all who choose to obey Jesus' command to make disciples. [02:35]
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 you can disciple. What practical steps can you take this week to invest in their spiritual growth?
Day 3: Participating in God's Plans
While God could achieve His purposes without us, He chooses to involve us in His plans. This partnership requires our obedience and faith, as seen in the story of Jericho, where Israel's precise adherence to God's instructions led to their victory. God's plans often involve us in ways that stretch our faith and challenge our understanding. By participating in His plans, we become co-laborers with God, experiencing the joy of seeing His purposes unfold through our obedience.
The story of Jericho illustrates that God's plans are not always conventional or easy to understand. The Israelites' silent marches around the city were a test of their faith and obedience. Their willingness to follow God's unusual instructions demonstrated their trust in His wisdom and power. This same principle applies to us today; when we obey God's commands, even when they seem difficult or illogical, we position ourselves to witness His miraculous work in our lives. [06:59]
Hebrews 11:30 (ESV): "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel God is asking you to step out in faith. What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your trust in His plan?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Perfect Plan
The number seven in the story of Jericho represents perfection and completeness, underscoring that God's plans are flawless and His control is absolute. This symbolism reminds us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan for our lives. The prominence of the number seven in the story of Jericho serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways are perfect, and His timing is impeccable. When we trust in His plan, we can rest assured that everything will unfold according to His divine purpose.
In our lives, we often face situations that seem chaotic or uncertain. During these times, it is essential to remember that God's plan is perfect, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. The story of Jericho encourages us to trust in God's timing and to have faith that His plan will bring about the best possible outcome. By surrendering our worries and doubts to Him, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing that He is in control. [14:25]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge or uncertainty in your life. How can you trust in God's perfect timing and plan for this situation?
Day 5: Empowered by God's Presence
Israel's victory at Jericho was not due to their might but because the Lord was with Joshua. This same divine presence is available to us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live lives of faith and courage. True exaltation comes from being recognized as someone with whom the Lord is present. The presence of God in our lives is the source of our strength and courage. Just as Joshua led Israel to victory because of God's presence, we too can overcome challenges and achieve great things when we rely on the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly and courageously. When we are filled with the Spirit, we can face any obstacle with confidence, knowing that God is with us. This divine presence transforms our lives, enabling us to accomplish things that would be impossible on our own. By seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength, we can live lives that reflect God's power and glory. [25:03]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you in this area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "When we start making the Great Commission our focus, it doesn't matter how mundane or boring our jobs may be. It transforms our lives from everyday ordinary into everyday extraordinary. Just look at how extraordinary the lives of Joshua and Caleb are. They go when God says go. They're of good courage. They're strong. They're bold. They're firm. They have this mindset that they will prevail. It's a liberating and an exhilarating way to live our lives." [02:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is the mechanism that saves us. It's believing in God and his promises, and then it's behaving in step with that belief. Being obedient to his word is how we take hold of God's promises. We have so many amazing gifts from God at our disposal, and yet we take hold of so few of them." [22:03] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is the most precious thing we have. It is the mechanism that allows us to be reconciled to God. We must build it. We must protect it. We must exercise it, strengthen it every single chance that we get. Faith is the mechanism that saved Rahab, and it's the same mechanism that saves us." [23:33] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Lord was with Joshua, and Joshua knew this. And so he obeyed the commander of the army of the Lord. Like Rahab, Joshua also had faith in God. He not only believed his promises, but he behaved in step with those beliefs. He was obedient to God." [25:03] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we've been born again into a new life in Christ, then the Lord is with us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and we too are standing on holy ground. We need only have faith to take hold of these promises, all of them." [26:37] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Believing. Believing and then behaving in step with that belief. And that's perhaps the biggest problem in the church these days. Is that many people profess a faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but then they don't do what he says. He really isn't their master. They don't go carry out the great commission that they've been given." [01:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God demanded that Israel do exactly as he commanded. Notice too, God says, I have given Jericho into your hand. So this is the present perfect tense. This is a divine command. This is a done deal. The victory is assured. That's what God has promised. Joshua need now only to obey him." [06:59] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God directs and empowers, and that his people respond in faith. There's elements of belief, and there's elements of behavior. Their minds, as we learned from Rahab, were first instructed. Their hearts were then stirred. Their wills responded by behaving in step with that belief, which allowed them then to take hold of God's promise." [07:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's sovereign hand is in control of this battle and it will result in certain victory. God makes this point crystal clear to Israel by saying and the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the lord for destruction. So this means that Israel won't get to enjoy any of the spoils of this war it must all be devoted to the lord." [15:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is not clean, it's not soft, it's not easy going, it's messy, it's a battle, life and death often hang in the balance. We cringe at the destruction of war that we often see on TV. How could God order the destruction of women and children? That's just not the Jesus that I know." [19:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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