Pastor's Blog

Staying True to the Lord- Joshua 23

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• Why are believers so prone to forget about the Lord’s past faithfulness and goodness?
• Is it wrong to be scared to obedience?  Why does God give warnings in His word?
• What will help you stay faithful to God for the rest of your life?

Other passages to consider:

Dt 6:4-15; Josh 1:6-9; Ps 105; 136; Lam 3:22-24; Rom 11:20-22; 12:1-2; Gal 6:7-10; 1 Th 5:23-24; 1 Tim 6:11-16; 1 Pet 1:3-9; 2 Pet 1:3-11.

 Fervent for Loyalty to Christ – Joshua 22

Notes:

1)      ______________________ – vv1-9

2)      ______________________ – vv10-20

3)      ______________________ – vv21-29

4)      ______________________ – vv30-34

Digging Deeper:

• Why did the western tribes think the eastern tribes built the altar?  How would that have been a breach in the covenant?
• Why were the western tribes so fervent that the eastern tribes not break the covenant?
• What personal habits will help you stay loyal to Christ?  How should we be helping each other remain faithful?
• How is God glorified when the church is united in its loyalty to Christ?

Other Passages to Consider:

Num 25:1-9; 32:16-27; Deut 4:32-40; 12:5,13-14; Josh 1:12-18; 7; Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 12:3; 1 Pet 5:1-4.

Faith in the Promises of God – Joshua 14:6-15

Notes:

1)      Caleb’s devotion – vv6-8

2)      God’s promise – v9

3)      God’s faithfulness – vv10-11

4)      Caleb’s confidence – vv12-14

Digging Deeper:

• How was Caleb’s faith demonstrated:  …when he was young and sent by Moses as a spy?  …during the 45 years since?  …here in v12?  
• Has your devotion to Christ ever caused you to be shunned?  What sustained you during the time?
• How is faith in the promises of God demonstrated in the Christian’s life?
• Where is God calling you to have a courageous faith?

Other passages to consider:

Num 13:30; 14:6-10; Deut 1:36; Josh 15:13-14; 2 Cor 1:20; 7:1; Eph 3:6; 2 Tim 4:16-17; Heb 10:23; 10:36; 2 Pet 1:3-11. 

Promised Inheritance – Joshua 13-19

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

-How does listing the cities and borders demonstrate the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises?

-What is the Christian’s inheritance?  How did we receive it?  How is the Holy Spirit a down payment?

-How can we already be enjoying our inheritance?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 12:1-3; 15:13-21; Ps 16; 73:25-26; 142:5; Lam 3:24; Eph 1:11-14; 3:14-19; Heb 11:10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Rev 21:1-22:5.

The Power and Faithfulness of God – Joshua 11-12

Notes:

1)      Observing God’s Power and Faithfulness

2)      Living in Light of God’s Power and Faithfulness

Digging Deeper:

• How is God’s power and faithfulness displayed through the Gospel?  How will these qualities of God be seen at Christ’s return?
• What fears challenge your trust in the Lord?  How do these fears get in the way of you moving forward in your walk with Christ?
• What examples do you see of God’s power and faithfulness in your life?  How can you call them to mind throughout your days?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 15:16; Ex 23:29-30; 34:11-16; Num 33:51-54; Dt 20:16-18; Ps 121:2; Lam 3:22-24; Heb 3:7-8; 10:36; 2 Tim 1:7; Rev 11:15. 

The Lord fights for His people-Joshua 10 

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• How does the Lord fight for His people today?
• Are you amazed when God answers your prayers?  If so, why?
• How does King Jesus treat anyone who comes to Him for mercy?  At the end, what will Jesus do to His enemies?

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 15:16; Deut 10:14; Josh 1:5-9; Ps 18; 24; 33:6; Acts 2:36-41; 1 Cor 15:24-26; Com 1:13-14; 2:14-15; Heb 10:12-13; Rev 19:11-16. 

Sin’s deceit & God’s power – Joshua 9

Notes:
 

1)                                                                                                             -vv3-13

2)                                                                                                            -vv14-21

3)                                                                                                           -vv22-27

Digging Deeper:

• How does Satan use deception to steal, kill, and destroy?
• When are you most tempted to handle things yourself rather than seeking wisdom or prayer?
• How do we see God’s purposes prevail even in the face of sin and opposition?

Other passages to consider:

Deut 7:1-4; 20:10-20; Ps 119:105; Prov 3:5-6; Acts 4:24-28; Rom 8:28-29;  2 Cor 11:3,14; Eph 6:10-18; Jam 1:5; 1 Pet 5:8.

God’s Blessing or Curse?- Joshua 8

Notes:

1)      _________________________ of God’s blessing – vv1-18

2)      _________________________ of God’s curse – vv19-29

3)      ________________________ of God’s curse or blessing – vv30-35

4)      ___________________ from God’s curse & ________________ of God’s blessing – Gal 3:13-14

Digging Deeper:

• Why did God need to assure Joshua in v1?
• Under the Old Covenant, what determined if Israel was blessed or cursed?  How is that different for people in the New Covenant?
• How does the saying “cursed is any one hanging on a tree” relate to the death of Christ?  How did Jesus secure God’s blessing for all united to Him in faith?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 12:6-7; Lev 18:24-25; Deut 9:4-5; 11:29-32; 27:1-4; Matt 27:45-50; Rom 5:6-11; Gal 3:13-14; Eph 1:3; 1 Th 5:9-10.

Take sin seriously – Joshua 7

Notes:

1)      ________ of Israel’s sin – v1a

2)      ________ of Israel’s sin – v1b-9

3)      ________ of Israel’s sin – vv10-12

4)      ________ of Israel’s sin – vv13-26

Digging Deeper:

• What does Joshua 7 teach you about sin and God?
• No one sins in isolation.  How might your sin affect others?
• As God reveals sin in our lives, what should we do?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 3:6-8; Deut 7:25-26; Hos 2:14-15; Amos 3:1-2; Acts 5:1-11; Rom 5:9; 1 Cor 5:1-13; Phil 2:14-15; Col 3:5-11; 1 Thes 1:10; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Jn 2:15-17.

Faith in God’s Powerful Promise- Joshua 6 

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• Why does God often use weak or untraditional ways to accomplish His purposes?
   
• What examples of faith do we see in this chapter?  How is that faith demonstrated to be real?  What is the result of these displays of faith?
   
• In what way(s) is God calling you to obey Him in faith?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 15:16; Lev 18:24-25; 27:28; Deut 7:1-5; 20:16-18; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-18; Heb 11:30-31; Jam 2:14-17.

Renewing their Relationship with God -Joshua 5

Notes:

Before starting the conquest, Israel must recognize they are…

1)       

2)

3)

4)       

Digging Deeper:

• How are the four descriptions of Israel from the sermon outline true of believers under the New Covenant?
• What impact might this encounter with the commander of the Lord’s Army have on Joshua moving forward?
• Describe the blessings and responsibilities that come from having a relationship with God.  How can you remember these blessings and seek God’s help in living as a child of God?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 17:10-14; Ex 3:2-6; 12; Eph 1:7; 4:30; Col 2:6-15; Titus 2:13-14; 1 Pet 2:9-10. 

 Remember what God has done- Joshua 3:1-5:1

Notes:

DIgging Deeper:

• How did the crossing of the Jordan affect Israel?  What impact did it have on the Canaanite nations?
• Why was it important for Israel to remember what God did for them at the Jordan River?
• What can we do to remember what God has done for us in Christ?

Other passages to consider:

Ex 25:10-22; Num 10:33-36; Ps 103:2; Luke 22:19; Heb 13:5; 2 Pet 1:12-15.

 The Reach of God’s Sovereign Grace – Joshua 2

Notes:

Rahab’s Deception – vv1-7

Rahab’s Faith – vv8-24

                _______________ of her faith – vv8-14

                _____________ of her faith – vv15-21

                _____________ of her faith – vv22-24

Digging Deeper:

-What are the components of true, biblical faith?  How does Rahab demonstrate true faith?

-How is Rahab’s conversion a partial fulfillment of the promise made in God’s covenant with Abraham?  What else is special about Rahab? (think Jesus!)

-How does the account of Rahab encourage you as you follow Christ?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 12:1-3; Ex 14; 15:13-16; Num 13:25-32; 21:21-35; Deut 4:35,39; 7:9; 10:17; Matt 1:5; 1 Cor 5:7; Col 1:5-6; Heb 11:31; Jam 2:25-26.

Commissioned by God – Joshua 1

Notes:

1)      The surety of God’s __________

2)      The confidence from God’s _________

3)      The centrality of God’s ______

4)      The partnership of God’s _________

Digging Deeper:

• How did the participation of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh encourage all of Israel?
• How does the centrality of God’s word make a difference in your life?
• How has the assurance of God’s presence given you confidence in your walk with Christ?
• What promises of God encourage you during difficult times?

Other passages to consider:
 

Gen 12:6-7; 15:7; 17:8; Ex 3:12-15; 33:12-16; Num 32:6-15; Ps 19:7-14; Matt 28:18-20; Rom 8:31-38; Heb 13:5-6; 1 Pet 1:22-2:3.