Preparing for Promise: Obedience and Identity in Christ
Summary
As we gather today, we find ourselves in the midst of a journey with the Israelites, as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This moment, however, is not one of immediate triumph but of preparation and pause. The Israelites, having wandered for 40 years, are now called to a significant act of obedience and identity—circumcision. This act, commanded by God, is not merely a physical ritual but a profound symbol of the covenant between God and His people, a mark that sets them apart and prepares them for the mission ahead.
The narrative takes us back to Genesis 17, where God establishes His covenant with Abraham, promising to make his descendants a great nation. Circumcision becomes the sign of this covenant, a physical reminder of their unique relationship with God. As the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan, this act of circumcision serves to renew their identity, rolling away the disgrace of their past in Egypt and marking them as God's chosen people.
This preparation is holistic, encompassing emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical dimensions. Emotionally and mentally, the Israelites are being reshaped from a people of slavery to a nation ready to claim God's promises. Spiritually, the act of circumcision and the observance of Passover reconnect them with God, reminding them of their covenant and their place in His family. Physically, they transition from manna to the produce of the land, symbolizing a new phase of provision and sustenance.
For us today, this story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and obedience in our spiritual journey. Just as the Israelites were marked by circumcision, we are marked by the Holy Spirit, who prepares and empowers us for our own missions. We are called to be set apart, to live lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. In times of waiting and preparation, we must trust in God's timing and provision, knowing that He is shaping us for His purposes.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of Waiting: The Israelites' journey teaches us the value of waiting on God's timing. Even in moments of pause, God is at work, preparing us for what lies ahead. This waiting is not passive but active, as we trust in His promises and allow Him to shape our identity. [50:09]
2. Covenant and Identity: Circumcision was a physical mark of the covenant, setting the Israelites apart as God's people. Today, the Holy Spirit marks us, reminding us of our identity in Christ and our call to live distinct lives that reflect His holiness. [52:35]
3. Holistic Preparation: God's preparation of the Israelites was comprehensive, addressing their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical needs. Similarly, our spiritual journey requires a holistic approach, as we allow God to transform every aspect of our lives. [55:41]
4. Spiritual Renewal through Obedience: The Israelites' obedience in circumcision and Passover renewed their spiritual connection with God. Our obedience to God's commands and the leading of the Holy Spirit renews our relationship with Him and prepares us for His work. [58:14]
5. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Just as the Israelites were empowered by their covenant with God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. He is our guide, teacher, and source of strength, equipping us for the mission God has for us. [01:07:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to the Series on Joshua
- [02:30] - The Israelites' Journey and Waiting
- [05:15] - The Significance of Circumcision
- [08:00] - Covenant with Abraham
- [10:45] - The Role of the Law
- [13:30] - Spiritual and Physical Preparation
- [16:00] - The Passover and Spiritual Renewal
- [18:45] - The Holy Spirit as Our Mark
- [21:30] - God's Provision and the Land of Canaan
- [24:00] - The Call to Obedience and Mission
- [26:45] - Joshua's Encounter with the Commander
- [29:00] - Our Call to Be Set Apart
- [31:30] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 5:1-12
2. Genesis 17:1-14
3. Romans 6:16-18
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the Amorite and Canaanite kings when they heard about the Israelites crossing the Jordan? How did this affect their courage? [50:09]
2. Why did God command Joshua to circumcise the Israelite men at this specific time, and what was the significance of this act? [52:35]
3. How did the Israelites' diet change after they observed the Passover in the Promised Land, and what did this signify about God's provision? [01:12:43]
4. What was the significance of the place being named Gilgal, and how did it relate to the Israelites' past in Egypt? [01:01:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of circumcision in Joshua 5 serve as a renewal of the covenant established in Genesis 17, and what does this renewal symbolize for the Israelites? [52:35]
2. In what ways does the transition from manna to the produce of the land represent a new phase in the Israelites' relationship with God and their journey? [01:12:43]
3. How does the concept of being "set apart" in the Old Testament through physical acts like circumcision compare to the New Testament understanding of being marked by the Holy Spirit? [58:14]
4. What does the story of the Israelites' preparation and waiting teach us about the importance of trusting in God's timing and provision in our own spiritual journeys? [01:04:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were in a period of waiting in your spiritual journey. How did you see God preparing you during that time, and what did you learn about His timing? [50:09]
2. The Israelites were marked by circumcision as a sign of their covenant with God. How do you experience the Holy Spirit marking your life today, and how does it influence your daily actions and decisions? [58:14]
3. Consider the holistic preparation of the Israelites—emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Which area do you feel God is currently working on in your life, and how can you cooperate with Him in this process? [01:04:13]
4. The Israelites transitioned from manna to the produce of the land, symbolizing a new phase of provision. What new provisions or opportunities has God provided in your life recently, and how are you responding to them? [01:12:43]
5. How can you actively live a life that is "set apart" in your community, reflecting God's holiness and righteousness? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this? [55:41]
6. In what ways can you be more obedient to God's commands and the leading of the Holy Spirit, and how might this obedience renew your relationship with Him? [58:14]
7. The sermon emphasized the empowerment by the Holy Spirit for our mission. Identify a mission or calling you feel God is leading you towards, and what steps can you take to prepare for it? [01:07:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Timing in Our Lives
In the journey of the Israelites, we see the profound significance of waiting on God's timing. As they stood on the brink of the Promised Land, their pause was not a delay but a divine preparation. This waiting period was an active time of trust and transformation, where God was at work shaping their identity and preparing them for the mission ahead. In our own lives, waiting on God is an opportunity to deepen our faith and trust in His promises. It is a time to allow Him to mold us, knowing that His timing is perfect and His plans are for our good. [50:09]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently waiting on God? How can you actively trust Him during this time of waiting?
Day 2: Our Identity in Christ
The act of circumcision for the Israelites was a physical mark of their covenant with God, setting them apart as His chosen people. Today, we are marked by the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of our identity in Christ. This identity calls us to live distinct lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are empowered to live out our faith boldly and authentically, knowing that we are set apart for His purposes. [52:35]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How does knowing your identity in Christ influence the way you live your daily life? What changes can you make to reflect this identity more clearly?
Day 3: Holistic Transformation in Our Spiritual Journey
God's preparation of the Israelites was comprehensive, addressing their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical needs. This holistic approach was essential for their transformation from a people of slavery to a nation ready to claim God's promises. Similarly, our spiritual journey requires us to allow God to transform every aspect of our lives. As we open ourselves to His work, we experience growth and renewal in all areas, becoming more aligned with His will and purpose for us. [55:41]
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel God is calling you to experience transformation? How can you invite Him to work in that area today?
Day 4: Renewing Our Connection with God through Obedience
The Israelites' obedience in circumcision and the observance of Passover renewed their spiritual connection with God. This act of obedience was a reaffirmation of their covenant and a preparation for the mission ahead. In our own lives, obedience to God's commands and the leading of the Holy Spirit renews our relationship with Him. It is through obedience that we align ourselves with His will and prepare ourselves for the work He has for us. [58:14]
John 14:21 (ESV): "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."
Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is calling you to greater obedience? What steps can you take today to respond to this call?
Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit for Our Mission
Just as the Israelites were empowered by their covenant with God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. He is our guide, teacher, and source of strength, equipping us for the mission God has for us. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we find the courage and ability to fulfill our calling and make a difference in the world. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with boldness and to be a light in the darkness. [01:07:35]
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: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life? What specific mission or calling do you feel He is leading you to pursue?
Quotes
When all the Amorite Kings across the Jordan to the West and all the Canaanite Kings near the sea heard how the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites, until they had crossed over, they lost heart and their courage failed because of the Israelites. So we have this moment again, everybody's scared of these people, but they haven't done anything yet. [00:49:47] (21 seconds)
And in verse two, at that time, the Lord said to Joshua, make flint knives and circumcise the Israelite men again. Now he says again, because he's saying the nation of Israel, these folks aren't getting circumcised twice, but it says flint knives and circumcise the Israelite men at Gilbeth Harloth. This, and then it goes on. We're going to hit that in a second. We'll stop there in verse three. [00:50:18] (21 seconds)
This is my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you, which you are to keep. Every one of your males must be circumcised. You must circumcise the flesh of your foreskin to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and you. Throughout your generations, every male among you is to be circumcised at eight days old. Every male born in your household or purchased from any foreigner and not your offspring. [00:54:34] (23 seconds)
So this uncomfortable sign, this act of the people of Abraham, the Hebrews, this is to show that they will keep their end of the bargain, their end of the covenant that God has made. It was a mark made on these people to set them apart, to show the world who they belong to. [00:55:19] (21 seconds)
The physical and very intimate sign was to not be just about obedience, but it was actually to be etched on their very being, a mark of who they were. With it came not only a reminder of their part of the covenant with God, but also a ticket to all the family things. [00:58:34] (25 seconds)
This very important family dinner, the Passover meal, a remembrance that God saved Israel, an indicator that you are a part of a spiritual and physical family, the family of God. And I say spiritual because you may think to yourself, if we as Gentiles, because that's what we are, we're not Jewish, we don't have a full understanding of the Passover meal. It was very spiritual. It wasn't just the intake of food, but it wasn't just a memorial of what God had done. [01:00:03] (35 seconds)
You see, this moment in time for the Israelites had to happen for them to be fully renewed, fully renew who they were, for they're waiting to come to an end. And God needed to fully reestablish them as a people, the people he made a covenant with way back in Abraham's days. [01:03:34] (22 seconds)
The act of obedience to circumcision was so important to Abraham that he was able to do it. He was able to do it. He was able to do it. The people needed to leave the harm of captivity and slavery under Egypt, the harm that it placed on their identity. Think of how your mind would be reshaped if you were in a foreign land as a slave for 400 plus years. [01:04:13] (23 seconds)
It's no coincidence that this washing away, this rolling away their disgrace so easily reflects what happens thousands of years, or hundreds of years later, excuse me, actually almost a thousand years later, when Christ dies for us, is resurrected, and the stone is rolled away, freeing us from our disgrace of sin, the harm that it does to us. [01:04:50] (33 seconds)
For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. It's not a mark of the flesh. On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is of the heart, by the spirit, not the letter of the law. [01:10:20] (19 seconds)
I've spoken these things to you while I remain with you, but the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. He will be your memorial. He will be your reminder. He will be the one that prepares you. He will be the one that empowers you. [01:11:27] (18 seconds)
To truly get up and follow the call of the Lord, it must be holistic. And God provided it. He does that for us. He does that for us too, folks. He provides for us physically and we need to see that in our lives because God wants to give it all to us. [01:13:30] (17 seconds)
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