Strength, Obedience, and Wisdom in God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to discuss the upcoming Bible studies for the fall season at Fellowship Baptist Church. We have three exciting studies planned: "All Things New" led by Sarah Correll on Tuesday evenings, "Free of Me" led by my wife on Thursday mornings, and "Experiencing God" which I will lead on Tuesday mornings. These studies are designed to cater to different groups within our congregation, and we encourage everyone to find a time that works for them and sign up in the foyer.
We then transitioned to our main message, focusing on the story of Joshua and the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. Joshua faced the daunting task of leading a nation known for its complaints and lack of faith. God repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous, a reminder that strength and courage are essential when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. The Israelites experienced miraculous victories, such as the parting of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, which demonstrated God's power and faithfulness.
However, the story also highlighted the importance of obedience and seeking God's guidance. The sin of Achan, who took forbidden items from Jericho, led to Israel's defeat at Ai. This incident underscored the need for honesty and repentance. When Joshua and the Israelites sought God's guidance and followed His instructions, they achieved victory. Conversely, when they acted on their own understanding, they faced defeat.
The narrative also emphasized the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness. Joshua built altars and read the law to the people, ensuring that they remembered God's commands and blessings. This practice of remembrance helps us maintain faith and trust in God's promises, even when facing new challenges.
Finally, we were reminded of the necessity of seeking God's wisdom in all decisions. The Gibeonites deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making an alliance, a mistake that occurred because they did not seek God's counsel. This serves as a powerful reminder that we need God's wisdom to navigate life's complexities and avoid pitfalls.
### Key Takeaways
1. Strength and Courage in Leadership: Joshua's repeated encouragement to be strong and courageous highlights the necessity of these qualities in leadership. Leading a group, especially one prone to complaints and doubts, requires unwavering strength and courage, which can only be sustained through faith in God's promises. [32:15]
2. The Importance of Obedience: The story of Achan's sin and Israel's defeat at Ai underscores the critical importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience not only brings personal consequences but can also affect the entire community. True repentance and honesty before God are essential for restoration. [41:22]
3. Remembering God's Faithfulness: Joshua's practice of building altars and reading the law to the people serves as a powerful reminder to remember God's past faithfulness. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith and trust in God's continued guidance and provision. [52:18]
4. Seeking God's Wisdom: The deception by the Gibeonites illustrates the dangers of making decisions without seeking God's wisdom. Even after experiencing God's guidance and victory, it is easy to fall into the trap of self-reliance. Continual dependence on God's wisdom is crucial for making sound decisions. [01:02:29]
5. Peace vs. Rest: The distinction between peace and rest is vital. While God promises us peace in our hearts amidst life's storms, He does not guarantee a life free of challenges. True peace comes from trusting in God's control over our circumstances, not from the absence of difficulties. [38:32]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [14:41] - Introduction to Fall Bible Studies
3. [15:33] - All Things New Study
4. [19:47] - Free of Me Study
5. [21:28] - Experiencing God Study
6. [30:12] - Joshua's Leadership Challenge
7. [31:46] - God's Encouragement to Joshua
8. [32:52] - Crossing the Jordan River
9. [33:55] - Remembering God's Power
10. [35:17] - Building Altars of Remembrance
11. [36:24] - The Battle of Jericho
12. [37:27] - Vulnerability After Victory
13. [38:32] - Peace vs. Rest
14. [41:22] - The Sin of Achan
15. [45:52] - Victory at Ai
16. [49:00] - Building an Altar After Victory
17. [52:18] - Importance of Remembrance
18. [01:02:29] - Deception by the Gibeonites
19. [01:03:56] - Seeking God's Wisdom
20. [01:07:38] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:6-9 (ESV)
> "Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
2. Joshua 7:10-12 (ESV)
> "The Lord said to Joshua, 'Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.'"
3. Joshua 9:14-15 (ESV)
> "So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them."
### Observation Questions
1. What qualities did God repeatedly encourage Joshua to have in Joshua 1:6-9? Why were these qualities important for Joshua's leadership? [31:46]
2. What was the consequence of Achan's sin for the Israelites in Joshua 7:10-12? How did this affect their battle at Ai? [41:22]
3. In Joshua 9:14-15, what critical step did Joshua and the Israelites skip before making a covenant with the Gibeonites? What was the result of this oversight? [01:02:29]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasized the need for strength and courage to Joshua multiple times? How might this apply to modern-day leadership within the church? [32:15]
2. How does the story of Achan illustrate the broader impact of individual sin on a community? What lessons can we draw from this for our own lives and communities? [41:22]
3. What does the deception by the Gibeonites teach us about the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our decisions? How can we apply this lesson in our daily lives? [01:02:29]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Joshua's need for strength and courage, what are some areas in your life where you need to be strong and courageous? How can you rely on God's promises to help you in these areas? [31:46]
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where your actions negatively impacted others, similar to Achan's sin? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? [41:22]
3. Joshua built altars to remember God's faithfulness. What are some practical ways you can remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in your life? [52:18]
4. The Israelites faced defeat when they did not seek God's guidance. Can you recall a time when you made a decision without seeking God's wisdom? What was the outcome, and how might things have been different if you had sought His counsel? [01:02:29]
5. The distinction between peace and rest was highlighted in the sermon. How do you find peace in your heart amidst life's challenges? What practices help you maintain that peace? [38:32]
6. How can you cultivate a habit of seeking God's wisdom in your daily decisions? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are consistently seeking His guidance? [01:03:00]
7. Joshua read the law to the people to remind them of God's commands and blessings. How can you incorporate regular reading and reflection on God's Word into your routine to stay aligned with His will? [50:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Strength and Courage in Leadership
Joshua's journey as a leader of the Israelites is a powerful testament to the necessity of strength and courage in leadership. Leading a nation known for its complaints and lack of faith, Joshua faced numerous challenges that required unwavering resolve. God repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing that these qualities are essential when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This divine encouragement was not just for Joshua's benefit but also for the people he led, as his strength and courage would inspire them to trust in God's promises.
In our own lives, we often encounter situations that test our leadership and faith. Whether we are leading a family, a team at work, or a community group, the call to be strong and courageous remains relevant. This strength and courage are not self-generated but are sustained through faith in God's promises and His presence with us. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, we can draw inspiration from Joshua's example and God's unwavering support for him. [32:15]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Think of a leadership role you currently hold. How can you rely on God's strength and courage to face the challenges in this role today?
Day 2: The Importance of Obedience
The story of Achan's sin and Israel's subsequent defeat at Ai underscores the critical importance of obedience to God's commands. Achan's disobedience, by taking forbidden items from Jericho, brought not only personal consequences but also affected the entire community. This incident highlights that our actions, whether obedient or disobedient, have a ripple effect on those around us. True repentance and honesty before God are essential for restoration and moving forward in His plans.
Obedience to God is not always easy, especially when it goes against our desires or understanding. However, the story of Achan serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience can lead to defeat and setbacks. Conversely, when we align our actions with God's commands and seek His guidance, we position ourselves and our communities for victory and blessings. This principle is as relevant today as it was for the Israelites. [41:22]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to obey God's commands? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?
Day 3: Remembering God's Faithfulness
Joshua's practice of building altars and reading the law to the people serves as a powerful reminder to remember God's past faithfulness. These acts of remembrance were not just rituals but were meant to strengthen the Israelites' faith and trust in God's continued guidance and provision. By recalling God's past deeds, the people were encouraged to remain faithful and obedient, even when facing new challenges.
In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to forget the ways God has been faithful to us in the past. Taking time to remember and reflect on His blessings and interventions can fortify our faith and trust in Him. Whether through journaling, sharing testimonies, or setting aside moments of reflection, we can build our own "altars" of remembrance. These practices help us to stay grounded in God's promises and to face future challenges with confidence in His faithfulness. [52:18]
Deuteronomy 6:12 (ESV): "Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you create a tangible reminder of this event to strengthen your faith in future challenges?
Day 4: Seeking God's Wisdom
The deception by the Gibeonites illustrates the dangers of making decisions without seeking God's wisdom. Despite their previous experiences of God's guidance and victory, Joshua and the Israelites fell into the trap of self-reliance, leading to an unwise alliance. This story serves as a powerful reminder that continual dependence on God's wisdom is crucial for making sound decisions and avoiding pitfalls.
In our daily lives, we are faced with numerous decisions, both big and small. It is easy to rely on our own understanding or past experiences, but the story of the Gibeonites teaches us the importance of seeking God's counsel in every situation. By prioritizing prayer and seeking God's guidance, we can navigate life's complexities with greater wisdom and avoid the mistakes that come from self-reliance. [01:02:29]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. Have you sought God's wisdom in this matter? What steps can you take today to seek His guidance?
Day 5: Peace vs. Rest
The distinction between peace and rest is vital for understanding God's promises. While God promises us peace in our hearts amidst life's storms, He does not guarantee a life free of challenges. True peace comes from trusting in God's control over our circumstances, not from the absence of difficulties. This peace allows us to navigate life's trials with a sense of calm and assurance, knowing that God is with us.
In our pursuit of a peaceful life, we may mistakenly equate peace with the absence of problems. However, the biblical concept of peace is more about an inner tranquility that comes from a deep trust in God's sovereignty. By focusing on God's presence and promises, we can experience peace even in the midst of life's storms. This peace is a testament to our faith and a witness to others of God's sustaining power. [38:32]
John 16:33 (ESV): "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the problem to trusting in God's control and experience His peace today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes we're afraid of what the future is going to hold. We're afraid of what God has asked us to do. We're afraid of so many decisions and situations in our life, but what we have forgotten is that we serve a God that is more powerful than we could ever imagine." [33:24] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We go through our life as if we serve a God who has no power, who doesn't answer prayer, who doesn't hear us, who doesn't listen to us, and really can't do anything in our life. But when we stop and we look to see what God has done, and that word that we saw Moses repeat over and over again in his final charge to the nation of Israel is the word remember." [33:55] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Peace means inside. That in my heart and in my soul, I understand that I serve a God who has control of the winds and the waves that are around me. And I don't need God to make everything still. And I don't need God to make everything easy because I know and I have the peace of the Lord in my heart." [38:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you go into battle with the Lord, you win. When you go into battle without him, you lose. It's that simple. It's that easy. There is never a moment and a time in all of scripture throughout thousands of years in history where we can point to one instance where God went with Israel into battle and they lost." [44:42] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's a simple thing, but it is so important for us in our life to simply follow the leading of the Lord. That what he tells us to do, just do it. It doesn't matter if it makes sense. It doesn't matter if it's what you would do. It doesn't matter if you think it's a good idea. If it's what God says to do, just do it. Allow him to worry about the outcome." [48:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It's sometimes those moments in our life where we are most vulnerable. We're most vulnerable. We're most vulnerable to making mistakes. We're most vulnerable and susceptible to falling away when we've had success. When we've seen God do great things, everything seems great. Everything seems wonderful. And that is where we see temptation make its way in our life." [37:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes God places struggles and difficulties in our life, not so that everything would be smooth and everything would be easy, but instead the blessing down the road is greater because we've had the struggle, because we've had that problem and that difficulty. And we've made our way through it. We've seen God to be faithful and God has blessed us on the other side." [40:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Hiding sin doesn't make it go away. Hiding the mistakes and failures of our life don't make them disappear. They are still there. They're just simply not cared for. They're not dealt with. And he says, let's glorify God by admitting what we've done and then understanding that there might be consequences that follow that." [44:15] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to do something that memorializes us. He does that in our hearts and in our life. Why? Because the point of an altar, it simply takes stones and stack them on top of each other and leave this here and no one is supposed to touch it. It's not supposed to be moved. It's supposed to stay right here. What's the point of that altar? The point of that altar is that every person that comes by, it says, I remember what happened here." [52:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need the Lord's guidance. We need his wisdom. We need his wisdom because he knows things that we don't know. Because he sees things that we don't see. We have a limited and narrow view of the world. It's our experience. It's our life. It's what we see and what we know. God sees the whole picture. He sees what's going on and we need his wisdom." [01:03:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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