Faithful Living: Lessons from Joshua and Caleb
Summary
### Summary
In our study of the book of Joshua, we have been deeply inspired by the lives of Joshua and Caleb, two men who were fully devoted to God and obedient to His commands. Today, we paused to reflect on how we can apply the truths from Joshua 3 and 4 in our daily lives. Our goal is not just to inform our minds but to stir our hearts and align our wills with God's truth. We reviewed and applied five key truths: the importance of consecration, how God uses obstacles to build our faith, the necessity of faith to be freed from sin, the faith required to take hold of God's promises, and the imperative to teach the next generation.
First, consecration is critical for our mission. Just as Joshua instructed the Israelites to consecrate themselves before God performed wonders among them, we too must purify and prepare ourselves daily. This involves a continual process of repentance and renewal, turning away from sin, and seeking holiness. Consecration is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to live lives that glorify God.
Second, God often uses obstacles to build our faith. The Israelites faced the Jordan River at flood stage, but God used this obstacle to demonstrate His power and build their faith. Similarly, we must see obstacles as opportunities for growth. By shifting our perspective, we can trust that God is with us and will use these challenges for our good.
Third, it takes faith to be liberated from the bondage of sin. Just as God parted the Red Sea to free the Israelites from Egypt, He liberates us from sin through faith in Christ. This new life in Christ should be evident in our joy, gratitude, and transformed behavior. Our salvation is a gift of grace, and our faith is the mechanism through which we receive it.
Fourth, it also takes faith to take hold of God's promises. The Israelites had to step into the Jordan River in faith to enter the Promised Land. Likewise, we must actively trust and obey God to experience His promises. This involves putting on the armor of God daily and engaging in the spiritual battles we face.
Finally, we must teach the next generation. Joshua instructed the Israelites to tell their children about God's mighty acts. We too must be intentional in discipling the next generation, whether through our families, church ministries, or community involvement. This is a crucial part of our mission and cannot be neglected.
### Key Takeaways
1. Consecration is a Daily Commitment: Consecration involves a continual process of repentance and renewal, turning away from sin, and seeking holiness. It is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to live lives that glorify God. This daily consecration prepares us to be used by God and to see His wonders in our lives. [02:55]
2. Obstacles as Faith Builders: God uses obstacles to build our faith, just as He used the Jordan River to demonstrate His power to the Israelites. By shifting our perspective, we can see challenges as opportunities for growth and trust that God is with us. This mindset helps us to not be paralyzed by fear but to move forward in faith. [09:05]
3. Faith to Be Freed from Sin: Liberation from sin requires faith in Christ's sacrifice. This new life in Christ should be evident in our joy, gratitude, and transformed behavior. Our salvation is a gift of grace, and our faith is the mechanism through which we receive it. This faith leads to a life of obedience and transformation. [12:36]
4. Taking Hold of God's Promises: To experience God's promises, we must actively trust and obey Him. This involves putting on the armor of God daily and engaging in the spiritual battles we face. Our faith must be both belief and behavior, leading us to take steps of faith and see God's promises fulfilled in our lives. [15:44]
5. Teaching the Next Generation: Discipling the next generation is a crucial part of our mission. We must be intentional in teaching our children and others about God's mighty acts and living in a way that demonstrates our faith. This involves prayer, involvement in church ministries, and using our resources to support children's and student ministries. [18:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - Five Key Truths from Joshua
[02:17] - Consecration for Our Mission
[06:53] - Obstacles as Faith Builders
[11:08] - Faith to Be Freed from Sin
[13:57] - Taking Hold of God's Promises
[17:24] - Teaching the Next Generation
[21:45] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 3:5 - "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"
2. Joshua 3:14-17 - "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."
3. Joshua 4:21-24 - "He said to the Israelites, 'In the future when your descendants ask their parents, "What do these stones mean?" tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Joshua give to the Israelites before crossing the Jordan River? ([02:17])
2. How did God demonstrate His power to the Israelites at the Jordan River? ([07:32])
3. What was the purpose of the stones taken from the Jordan River, and what were the Israelites supposed to tell their children about them? ([18:55])
4. How does the sermon describe the process and importance of consecration in our daily lives? ([02:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is consecration described as a daily commitment rather than a one-time event? How does this ongoing process impact a believer's life? ([05:28])
2. In what ways can obstacles in our lives serve as opportunities for faith-building, according to the sermon? ([09:05])
3. How does the sermon connect the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River to the concept of taking hold of God's promises in our lives today? ([15:44])
4. What role does teaching the next generation play in the mission of the church, and how can this be practically implemented in our communities? ([18:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Consecration: What specific steps can you take to consecrate yourself daily? Consider areas of your life that need repentance and renewal. ([02:55])
2. Obstacles as Faith Builders: Think of a current obstacle in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and faith-building? ([09:05])
3. Faith to Be Freed from Sin: Reflect on your journey of faith. How has your life changed since you accepted Christ? What evidence of transformation can you identify? ([12:36])
4. Taking Hold of God's Promises: What promises of God are you currently holding onto? How can you actively trust and obey God to see these promises fulfilled in your life? ([15:44])
5. Teaching the Next Generation: Identify one way you can intentionally disciple the next generation. This could be through family, church ministries, or community involvement. How will you start this week? ([18:55])
6. Sabbath Observance: How can you incorporate a regular Sabbath into your weekly routine to rest and refocus on God? What changes do you need to make to honor this practice? ([06:10])
7. Spiritual Armor: Review the Armor of God. Which piece do you feel you need to focus on putting on daily? How will you remind yourself to do this each day? ([17:24])
Devotional
Day 1: Consecration as a Daily Commitment
Consecration is a daily commitment that involves a continual process of repentance and renewal. It means turning away from sin and seeking holiness, preparing ourselves to be used by God. Just as Joshua instructed the Israelites to consecrate themselves before God performed wonders among them, we too must purify and prepare ourselves daily. This is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to live lives that glorify God. By doing so, we position ourselves to see God's wonders in our lives and be effective in our mission. [02:55]
Joshua 3:5 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to consecrate yourself and prepare for God's work in your life?
Day 2: Obstacles as Faith Builders
God often uses obstacles to build our faith. The Israelites faced the Jordan River at flood stage, but God used this obstacle to demonstrate His power and build their faith. Similarly, we must see obstacles as opportunities for growth. By shifting our perspective, we can trust that God is with us and will use these challenges for our good. This mindset helps us to not be paralyzed by fear but to move forward in faith, knowing that God is using these moments to strengthen us. [09:05]
James 1:2-3 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Reflection: Think of a current obstacle in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to build your faith?
Day 3: Faith to Be Freed from Sin
Liberation from sin requires faith in Christ's sacrifice. Just as God parted the Red Sea to free the Israelites from Egypt, He liberates us from sin through faith in Christ. This new life in Christ should be evident in our joy, gratitude, and transformed behavior. Our salvation is a gift of grace, and our faith is the mechanism through which we receive it. This faith leads to a life of obedience and transformation, reflecting the joy and gratitude of our salvation. [12:36]
Romans 6:22 (ESV): "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your faith in Christ's sacrifice through your daily actions and attitudes today?
Day 4: Taking Hold of God's Promises
To experience God's promises, we must actively trust and obey Him. The Israelites had to step into the Jordan River in faith to enter the Promised Land. Likewise, we must put on the armor of God daily and engage in the spiritual battles we face. Our faith must be both belief and behavior, leading us to take steps of faith and see God's promises fulfilled in our lives. This involves a daily commitment to trust and obey God, even when the path is uncertain. [15:44]
Ephesians 6:11 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: What is one specific promise of God that you need to actively trust and obey Him for today? How can you take a step of faith in that area?
Day 5: Teaching the Next Generation
Discipling the next generation is a crucial part of our mission. Joshua instructed the Israelites to tell their children about God's mighty acts. We too must be intentional in teaching our children and others about God's mighty acts and living in a way that demonstrates our faith. This involves prayer, involvement in church ministries, and using our resources to support children's and student ministries. By doing so, we ensure that the next generation knows and follows God. [18:55]
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 be intentional today in teaching and demonstrating God's mighty acts to the next generation? What specific actions can you take to disciple someone younger in their faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. I mean, can you imagine being told that? If someone were to come up in here today and be like, Y'all need to consecrate yourselves because tomorrow, God is going to blow your minds. He's going to do wonders among you." [02:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We don't just want our minds to be informed, right? We want our hearts to be stirred by truth. And then we want our wills to respond. We want to behave in step with what we are convinced is true." [01:14] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God often uses obstacles to build our faith. As I crawled up into the story, I imagined how excited I would have been. Finally, we are getting to leave this wilderness, right? Finally. Finally, we're getting to do and go what we've been dreaming of for 40 years. But there's this river, right? And it's at flood stage between us and the promised land." [06:53] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are running ragged, but God has actually built into every single one of our weeks, 24 hours to rest, to rest our bodies, our minds, our souls, and our hearts in Him to worship and refocus, to be renewed, consecrated, so that we can be set apart for His glory." [06:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We aren't just saved from something, we are saved for something. We are saved for obedient, abundant life in the kingdom of God. So how do we live this way? Well, no one else can do it for us, right? I can't do it for you. You can't do it for me. Each and every one of us has to choose to put on our armor every day and then stand in the strength and the power of God." [17:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We must consecrate ourselves for our mission. Chapter 3 opens with, The whole congregation traveling from Shittim right up to the bank of the Jordan. After being there for three days, the officers went throughout the camp and they told everyone exactly what would be happening." [02:17] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When a person is consecrated for their mission, they are ready to go. They are ready to respond what God wants to do in and through their lives, from the time they get up in the morning until the time their head hits the pillow at night." [03:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God uses obstacles in all of our lives to build our faith. Church, this requires a shift in our perspective, a complete change of mindset. And so what it will look like when we start seeing obstacles as faith builders is that we won't be paralyzed by faith. We won't be paralyzed by fear or unbelief." [09:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It takes faith to be freed from the bondage of sin. So this truth actually takes us back to another point in time in Israel's history, but it's one that Joshua refers to in chapter four. The heaping up of the Jordan River was a reminder to them of the miracle that God performed when their parents crossed the Red Sea." [11:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We must teach the next generation. And Joshua said to the people of Israel, when your children ask their fathers in times to come, what do these stones mean? Then you shall let your children know. Israel was to keep telling the next generation what God did at the Red Sea and what He did at the Jordan, that their God was with them, that He's mighty, and that they must fear Him forever." [18:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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