Take Hold of Truth - 1 Timothy 1:1-20 - October 1, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Take Hold Of Truth – October 1, 2006

This begins a new series of study “Equipped for Real Life.”

We will have five (5) lessons:

October 1 – Take hold of truth. – Being altered to false teaching and taking action. – 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:1-20)

October 8 – When we are well founded in truth, we take hold of Godliness and grow spiritually. (1Timothy 3:14 – 4:16)

October 15 – As we take hold of Godliness, it exposes the value we place on materialism. GOD desire is that we take hold of contentment. (1Timothy 6:3-19)

October 22 – As we become more secure in our faith, we become more committed to being obedient and useful to GOD as HE directs our lives. (2 Timothy 2:14-26)

October 29 – As we become more useful through obedience, GOD equips us to endure difficult times when we have the right relationship with HIM. (2 Timothy 3:1 – 4:8)

This is a fitting series to follow our journey into the Promised Land.

False teachers can have a devastating impact on Christians and particularly those not well founded in their faith. There are times a teacher may not realize he or she is teaching false doctrine. The problem is once the teacher gets on solid ground, the ones they have taught have a distorted belief system. False teaching is a very serious problem.

The HOLY SPIRIT will warn us when we are exposed to false or distorted teaching. When uneasy or questionable alarms go off in our being, which is the HOLY SPIRIT warnings us, we must respond immediately by seeking the truth. A wolf in sheep’s clothing can be devastating among the flock of sheep.

Our background and focus scripture is 1Timothy 1:1-20.
Let’s read 1Timothy 1:1-2:
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus, our hope: 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the[1] Other mss read our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Apostle Paul has written a letter to Timothy, who is the pastor of the church in Ephesus. Paul considers Timothy his spiritual son. Paul has been Timothy’s mentor over the years. Pastor Timothy has encountered some teachers in his church who have twisted or distorted the truth of what is required to be a Christian, faith.

Pastor Timothy did not have the Christian doctrines to reference that we have today. But he had Paul and the HOLY SPIRIT who were writing these doctrines.

Let’s read 1Timothy 1:3-7:
False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law
3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach other doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.

Ephesus was a mixed pot of many different religions and concepts about gods, myths, GOD and bragging about their genealogy. Timothy was encountering certain people in the church, who were teaching under the guise of being Christians but teaching Christian doctrine blended with myths and speculations. These teachers had added other things to what it takes for a person to become a Christian rather than faith in CHRIST.

In verses 4 and 5, Paul makes it clear that GOD’S plan for forgiveness of sin and death is faith in CHRIST and what HE has done for mankind through HIS obedience of dying for our sins, HIS resurrection and HIS ascension. The pure gospel must be taught and not some variation of the gospel.

This simple gospel produces the fruit of the Spirit, which manifests itself in love, coming from a pure heart (A heart completely committed to GOD through CHRIST), good conscience (Nothing hidden) and a sincere faith (No hypocrisy but complete trust and confidence in GOD). GOD’S plan is for each individual to respond in faith to HIS plan and not to some contrived plan of man.

These false teachers had a following and Timothy was very discouraged because he knew they were not teaching the truth. Paul urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus and told him to command those teaching such false doctrine to stop. Paul knew that Timothy knew the truth and he was the one to stop the false teachers. He in turn should teach the truth to the false teachers.

I know I have been in discussion groups who have discussed many Christian doctrines or probed the mysteries of the scriptures. We can discuss and pontificate until we can reach all sorts of conclusions. However, unless our conclusions are based upon the authority of GOD and HIS WORD, it is all useless and can lead to distortions of the truth.

When we embrace half truths or distortions and we test them, they fail. Our immediate response is to blame GOD. This is another reason we must have a loving intimate relationship with our LORD and build our own trust and confidence with HIM, as opposed to embracing the experiences of others to build our trust and confidence in HIM.

We have to be very careful of drinking from any spiritual spring because some sources may be contaminated. We must seek the pure water from the living spring of water and that is CHRIST Himself who dwells within each Christian. The HOLY SPIRIT within each Christian will set off alarms that there is something wrong or questionable with something being taught. The HOLY SPIRIT will also confirm the truth and reveal truth in the eyes of our hearts.

Pay attention to the promptings by the HOLY SPIRIT and seek the truth and the confirmation of the truth through prayer and studying the scriptures. This certainly includes any teaching coming from me. If you hear or sense something that sets of alarms, tell me immediately.

Let’s read 1Timothy 1:8-11:

8 Now we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. 9 We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.

The false teachers were trying to be scholars and mix the law with Christianity. They could have been Judaizers, who wanted to blend Judaism and Christianity; works with grace. But Paul mentions that they were also teaching myths and genealogies.

Paul and Timothy both knew that every Christian was no longer under the law but living under grace. Yes, there is a place for the law, to show those who are breaking the law, their need to be redeemed from the consequences of the law, which is death. The law has its place for those still under the law. It is also for Christians to show us when we are compromising our walk with the LORD, when our thought life is not what it should be.

Let’s read 1Timothy 1:12-17:
Paul’s Testimony
12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. Since it was out of ignorance that I had acted in unbelief, I received mercy, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy[2] 1 Tm 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tm 2:11; Ti 3:8 and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy because of this, so that in me, the worst [of them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , Christ Jesus might demonstrate the utmost patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only[3] Other mss add wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. • Amen.

Paul reminds Timothy that he (Paul) once knew the law better than anyone. He was a dedicated Pharisee. He thought he was serving and doing the will of GOD. He was “Arrogant.” This is an interesting statement. We think of arrogance as being stuck up but in this context it means that Paul liked to see the Christians, he arrested, suffer. He wanted them to experience pain.

Paul is feeling the heaviness of his past life and quickly goes to the marvelous gift of mercy and grace, he received from CHRIST. He gives Timothy a brief message to remind him of the grace of GOD through CHRIST. I think in essence, Paul is saying look at my past life, I had a distorted understanding of the law and the role of Christianity, so do not give up on these false teachers. Timothy you know the truth and it is up to you to teach them the truth. It is CHRIST who will reveal Himself to them and reveal the error of their teaching. CHRIST revealed Himself to me (Paul) and HE can reveal Himself to others. Your responsibility is to stop them from teaching false doctrine, point out to them their false teaching and to teach them the truth.

Let’s read 1Timothy 1:18-20:
Engage in Battle
18 Timothy, my child, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, 19 having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Paul is reminding Pastor Timothy that he is in a spiritual battle and he must remember that CHRIST has anointed him with HIS message. The HOLY SPIRIT had confirmed to Timothy that he was anointed with the message of truth. How this had been confirmed to Timothy, we are not sure but Paul saw evidence of this confirmation and so did Timothy.

The words Paul uses “strongly engage” carry a sense of urgency. Paul is telling Timothy, “You have an urgent obligation to deal with this very serious problem.” False teaching is a very serious problem and must be dealt with quickly.

Often when we are engaged in battle and may be discouraged, we have to be reminded of a moment in our lives that rekindles our calling to serve our LORD. Most of us do not like confrontation. We way try to rationalize, that what is being said or done is not that bad.
When Paul uses the words “having faith and a good conscience”, he is referring to the gospel. The very foundation of the Christian doctrine is at stake but Timothy, you know the truth and can teach that truth without any question. So do not hesitate!

Paul is telling Timothy just look around you. Hymenaeus (High meh NEE uhs) and Alexander are two (2) who have suffered shipwreck of their faith. They are drifting without direction and smashing into the rocks. As a result they have been removed from the protection of the LORD and will suffer the consequences of their actions. They are being controlled by Satan, who is a deceiver. Hopefully, they will see their error and return to the truth and fellowship with CHRIST. Paul is saying he has hope that they will see the error of their teaching, repent and be restored to the Christian fellowship.

In our previous lessons, there were stones of remembrance to recall certain encounters or events to mark encounters with GOD. The HOLY SPIRIT will recall certain moments in our lives or prompt a friend to remind us of a special moment of remembrance. Any of us can be discouraged and need to be reminded of our calling to serve our LORD.

My wife is going through the Beth Moore study on Daniel. She shared with me this week that GOD could have kept Daniel out of the lions den but HE allowed Daniel to be placed in the lions den, not only for Daniel to witness the power of GOD but, also, as a witness to the king and others throughout the land.

Pastor Timothy had a serious problem in his church. His tendency was to leave but Paul said you have the truth and you are the one who has to correct it. False teachers must be confronted immediately because they can mislead many people. If alarms go off in your being about a teacher or preacher, do not ignore it. Your spiritual development and the development of others are too important to ignore.

Pass on the Baton - Joshua 24 - September 24, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Pass On The Baton – September 24, 2006

This is our final lesson in our series “Joshua on Leadership.”

The Israelites have journeyed into the Promised Land, conquered it and living there under the leadership of GOD and Joshua. Joshua realizes he is getting old and begins to prepare the people for the time he will go to be with the LORD. He prepares them for the time when they will have to rely upon the leadership of GOD.

To me here is the heart of this lesson:

The Israelites have conquered the Promised Land. The battles are over and they have the opportunity to live in the land and serve the LORD. GOD’S purpose for them was for them to be an example and witness to the rest of the world, so that other nations would seek and come to know the GOD of the Israelites. GOD had been THE ONE WHO had led them and revealed Himself to them. In leading them and revealing Himself through the various miracles, HE also revealed Himself to others and those they had conquered.

Joshua makes it abundantly clear to the Israelites what GOD requires of them for them to be HIS people. The people agree that they will serve the LORD. Joshua makes a new covenant with them and uses a stone, next to a mighty oak, which is next to the sanctuary, where GOD comes, to seal this new covenant. This stone will be a reminder for them and future generations about them agreeing to this new covenant.

Let’s compare this to our journey, as a Christian, into our Promised Land.

We have walled cities in our lives which can represent our habits, natures and false notions that need to be conquered. As the HOLY SPIRIT reveals the areas in our lives that need to be conquered and we are obedient; GOD shows us, that when we are obedient to HIM, there is victory and the land is conquered.
Once the battles are over and the land has been conquered, we are free to live in this land that is ours. It is the land where GOD wants us to dwell but for the purpose of serving HIM and to reveal HIM to those around us.

Once the battles are over, we still have to make choices. Do we continue to serve GOD or do we slip into complacency? We dwell in the Promised Land for the purpose of serving the LORD. We have been through many things in our lives and we know how GOD has helped us through them. We are now equipped, better than ever, to help others.

CHRIST in us is the hope of glory. We have the wonderful treasure of CHRIST within us, which the world seeks. Will others see CHRIST in us? Will we be the salt of the earth, so others will be thirsty for what we have? Will we reveal the light we have to others or will we hide the light?

As a Christian we have a new covenant with GOD and that covenant is through JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT is a constant reminder of the rock that is our witness that we are HIS children.

As Christians, we must invest in our children, grandchildren, loved ones and those around us the rich heritage of dwelling in the Promised Land and what GOD expects of those who want to live there. It is important that we have prepared them for the time we are no longer with them. Such preparation will prepare them to continue to dwell in the Promised Land and help them prepare the next generation for living in the Promised Land.

When we were praying about our mission trip to Poland, the LORD gave us 2 Timothy 2:2 for our mission.

2 Timothy 2:2:
2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
The short version is “Each One Teach One.”

It is important that we invest, in others, what the LORD has revealed and invested in us. When we are no longer with them, they will carry on the LORD’S work and continue to grow in the LORD and walk with HIM. This is true at home or others places we may go to minister.

Our scripture is Joshua 24:1-33.

Our focus scripture is Joshua 24:13-18, 19-24, 25-27, 28-31. (Joshua 23:1-3 and 14-16 are for background.)

First let’s read Joshua 23:1-3 and 14-16 to set the stage for what is about to take place.

1 A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest from all the enemies around them, Joshua was old, getting on in years. 2 So Joshua summoned all Israel, including its elders, leaders, judges, and officers, and said to them, “I am old, getting on in years, 3 and you have seen for yourselves everything the LORD your God did to all these nations on your account, because it was the LORD your God who was fighting for you.

14 “I am now going the way of all the earth,[3] and you know with all your heart and all your soul that none of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. 15 Since every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come about, so He will bring on you every bad thing until He has annihilated you from this good land the LORD your God has given you. 16 If you break the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and worship other gods, and bow down to them, the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly disappear from this good land He has given you.”

Joshua is preparing the Israelites for his death.
Let’s read Joshua 24:13-18: (In verse 2 - 2 Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: then continues to give a review how GOD has cared for them from Abraham to that present day. Verse 13 is a transition verse that helps us better understand the scripture in today’s study.)

13 I (GOD) gave you a land you did not labor for, and cities you did not build, though you live in them; you are eating from vineyards and olive groves you did not plant.’
The Covenant Renewal
14 “Therefore, • fear the LORD and worship Him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship the LORD. 15 But if it doesn’t please you to worship the LORD, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD.” 16 The people replied, “We will certainly not abandon the LORD to worship other gods! 17 For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, the place of slavery and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us all along the way we went and among all the peoples whose lands we traveled through. 18 The LORD drove out before us all the peoples, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will worship the LORD, because He is our God.”

Joshua reminds the Israelites of what GOD has done for them throughout the ages, therefore “fear” HIM and “worship” HIM in “sincerity” and “truth”.

Therefore refers back to all that GOD has done for them. They have been told and have witnessed HIS mighty hand at work in their lives, “Therefore” pay special attention to what comes next.

“Fear” is a sense of awe and a reverential respect for GOD.

“Worship” means to serve HIM and be obedient to HIM in whatever HE asks us to do. This requires us having an intimate loving relationship with our LORD.

“Sincerity” means wholeness, completeness, perfection, without any hidden thing.

“Truth” is faithfulness, total and complete commitment to our LORD.

Joshua is telling them that they must worship GOD with all their heart and soul. They must be completely dedicated to HIM and cannot have any thing in their lives that will compromise their relationship to the LORD. GOD wants dedicated, obedient followers. GOD does not want people that sit on the fence. This reminds me of:

Revelation 3:15-16:

15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit[14]you out of My mouth.


GOD says being lukewarm makes HIM sick. Make a choice, be either “Hot” or “Cold”. Joshua is telling the people that if they choose to worship GOD that means no compromise.

They must get “rid of”, “throw away”, “abandon” any thing that can compromise their relationship with GOD. Some of the people had held onto some of the idols and pagan practices of their ancestors. It is interesting that they had conquered the Promised Land but they still had artifacts from their ancestors. The people had to get rid of these artifacts and practices.

This is something we need to be aware of in our lives as well.

Our heritage can “bring in” or “open us up to”, both good and bad, natures that can influence our lives. The bad natures, that compromise our relationship with our LORD, must be dealt with and cast out of our lives.

We embrace superstitions, horoscopes, fortune tellers, idols, prejudices, fears, false notions and many others things that compromise our relationship with GOD.

Do we still embrace practices that compromise our relationship with GOD, which influences others, such as our children, to do the same thing?

As you know the real estate market is going south in some areas. Some who were making lots of money flipping houses, all of a sudden are finding it hard to move their real estate investments.

Just this week, I read about the practice of burying a stature of St. Joseph upside down, some where on the property to be sold. When you do this, the property sells. So people are buying these statures and burying them. Even today many embrace the practice of compromising and doing what ever is necessary to get what we want. Often we say, “Well if it works, why not?” Who sells the property? Does the end justify the means? These are questions some Christians are faced with and have to choose.

We can even use Christianity to accomplish what we want. I know years ago some people had a house that would not sell and the Christian realtor knelt in the front yard of the house, by the "FOR Sale” sign and prayed. The house sold in a few days. The words got out and guess what? If you want to sell your house you need to call “so and so” because he has a direct line to heaven. Some even thought that praying in the front yard was the right place to pray.

Praying is good but what happened was some took the person’s action as a formula to sell their house or property. If a property did not sell quickly, then you had to kneel or certainly go to the front yard and pray for the house to sell.

Do not take this wrong. Prayer is important and prayer is important for all areas of our lives, including selling property. Prayer becomes a problem, when we try to use a formula to get GOD to do what we want done.

In verse 15, Joshua urges the people to choose who or what they will worship. Who or what we worship is left up to each of us. GOD never removes our right to choose. HE wants us to choose HIM because HE first loved us and sent HIS SON to die for us.

Joshua gives them three (3) choices of who they will worship:
- The LORD - YAHWEH.
- The gods from their ancestors – heritage – ancestral baggage.
- The gods of the inhabitants in the Promised Land that they had not destroyed, as commanded by GOD.

Joshua tells them what choice he has made. He and his family will serve the LORD – YAHWEH.
Joshua takes a stand and makes it public.

The people say they will worship the LORD, also.

Then Joshua makes an interesting statement.

Let’s read Joshua 24:19-24:

19 But Joshua told the people, “You will not be able to worship the LORD, because He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not remove your transgressions and sins. 20 If you abandon the LORD and worship foreign gods, He will turn against [you]* , harm you, and completely destroy you, after He has been good to you.” 21 “No!” the people answered Joshua. “We will worship the LORD.” 22 Joshua then told the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you yourselves have chosen to worship the LORD.” “We are witnesses,” they said. 23 “Then get rid of the foreign gods that are among you and offer your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 So the people said to Joshua, “We will worship the LORD our God and obey Him.”

This is an interesting statement by Joshua. He tells them that they are not able to worship the LORD because HE is Holy, is jealous and HE will not remove their transgressions and sins. This seems harsh. After all, they stated that they would worship the LORD.

The word’s Joshua uses gives us a clue about what he has in his mind.

“Holy” – GOD is Holy and HE expects those who worship HIM to be Holy.

“Jealous” – GOD is jealous and HE expects those who worship HIM to be loyal to HIM as a wife is loyal to her husband. Any compromise on loyalty by worshipping idols will be considered as spiritual adultery by GOD.

“Transgressions” – Transgressions are considered willful, deliberate rebellion against GOD.

“Sin” – Sin is missing the mark of total faithfulness and obedience to GOD.

Joshua is saying, “I hear what you are saying “BUT”, I know your hearts.

Joshua knows there is a problem with their hearts. Why? Because they still have idols. One cannot be too careful. We still need our “rabbit’s foot” or “four leaf clover” or our favorite “idol.”

The people are saying the words but are they really understanding and committed to do what they are saying? Are they willing to not only follow the LORD themselves but are they willing to prepare future generations to be committed to GOD? History tells us that they did not prepare the future generations to be committed to the LORD and later generations suffered the consequences.

Many times we give lip service to the LORD. We say wonderful prayers and sing songs that say we will give it all to JESUS or follow HIM any where, but, do we really mean the words we say or sing? We say the words but when it comes to being obedient and putting what we say into action, do we miss the mark? Do our children and others around us see a difference in our lives? Do we live such that others see CHRIST in us? Are we preparing our loved ones and children to serve our LORD?

The people respond that they are sincere and will serve the LORD.
In fact they did serve the LORD during the lifetime of Joshua and the elders but after that, they did not.

Joshua tells them their words will be a witness against them.

Does this remind you of scripture in the book of Matthew about the final judgment?

Matthew 7: 21-23: JESUS is speaking.

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only]* the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’[9] [10]

Let’s read Joshua 24:25-27:

25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people at Shechem and established a statute and ordinance for them. 26 Joshua recorded these things in the book of the law of God; he also took a large stone and set it up there under the oak next to the sanctuary of the LORD. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone—it will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD said to us, and it will be a witness against you, so that you will not deny your God.”

Joshua records the fact that the Israelites agree to worship the LORD with all their hearts and are willing to get rid of their gods. Then Joshua takes a large stone and places it under the oak.

Here again we have a stone of remembrance placed under the oak, next to the sanctuary as a witness to their covenant.

JESUS is our rock and HE is the witness that mankind will be measured against on the Day of Judgment.

It is interesting that the stone was placed under the oak. I think the tree is a foreshadow of the deliverance that GOD will provide for all who accept CHRIST WHO died upon the tree, the wooden cross for our sins. As a Christian, CHRIST is our rock and covenant. HE is the visible witness for all mankind to consider and make a decision. HE is the visible rock to remind all mankind there is a new covenant. HE reminds those who do not know HIM of their need for HIM and HE has chosen us to be HIS representatives to a lost world.

Let’s read Joshua 24:28-31:

28 Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance.
Burial of Three Leaders
29 After these things, the LORD’s servant, Joshua son of Nun, died at the age of 110. 30 They buried him in his allotted territory at Timnath-serah, in the hill country of Ephraim[4] north of Mount Gaash. 31 Israel worshiped the LORD throughout Joshua’s lifetime and during the lifetimes of the elders who outlived Joshua, and who had experienced all the works the LORD had done for Israel.

Joshua sent the people back to their normal family life. They honored their covenant for the rest of Joshua’s lifetime and the lifetimes of the elders.

Did the people, who had journeyed to the Promised Land, stress and teach the importance of serving the LORD with all their hearts, minds and souls to the next generations?
Let’s go back and examine several things. The people brought gods from their past with them to the Promised Land. Joshua told them they had to get rid of them.

GOD had conquered the Promised Land for the Israelites to dwell in and given them victory but they had to deal with the gods they brought with them.

GOD can help us conquer and live in the Promised Land. But in order for us and our family to dwell throughout generations in the Promised Land, we must get rid of all baggage that keeps us from serving the LORD.

Joshua sent the people back to their normal lives where they were free to choose how they would live and how they would prepare their children for the future. We have the same opportunity. The scripture makes us a promise in Proverbs 22:6 - 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The Agony of Defeat - Joshua 7:1-29 - September 17, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – The Agony of Defeat – September 17, 2006

This is lesson three (3) in our series “Joshua on Leadership.”

Our background scripture is Joshua 7:1-29.

Our focus scripture is Joshua 7:6-7, 10-13, 16-21, 24-26.

Last week I mentioned that, “in our Christian journey it is often more difficult for us to handle a victory than a defeat. With a victory or a series of victories, we have to be careful of our attitude. Victory can feed our human nature and we begin to expect victory over everything that comes our way. Then it is easy for our attitude to change so that we become independent of GOD and self begins to rule. We can become cocky or flippant. This is why we must have and maintain a loving intimate relationship with our LORD as HE works mightily through us and maintains proper balance in our lives.”

We must keep in mind that it is GOD and HIS power working through us and not our power. For us to maintain HIS power flowing through us, we must maintain our relationship with HIM. Maintaining is resting in HIM, fellowshipping with HIM, talking to HIM, listening to HIM, reading HIS word, meditating on HIS word, being obedient to HIS commands, abiding in HIM. In my opinion it is not performing by being busy and doing a lot of activity. It is being obedient to what GOD reveals to us and asks us to do.

This week’s lesson confirms how victory can result in relying upon our strength and relegating GOD to the sidelines. This can happen to any dedicated Christian, along with those who were called of GOD in the Old Testament such as Moses and Joshua.
Joshua and the Israelites were obedient to GOD and conquered Jericho. They followed HIS instructions completely and the well fortified walls surrounding the city of Jericho tumbled down at the right moment.

The next city to be conquered is Ai (A eye). Ai is a well fortified military outpost located about 12 miles northwest of Jericho. Ai is a small city compared to Jericho. Joshua sends spies and they come back with their report as recorded in Joshua 7:2-3.

Joshua 7:2-3:

2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and scout the land.” So the men went up and scouted Ai. 3 After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000[1] Or send two or three military units of men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”

Let’s compare verse 3 to the report of the spies who scouted Jericho as recorded in Joshua 2:24.

Joshua 2:24:

24 They (the spies) told Joshua, “The Lord has handed over the entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking because of us.”[9] Or also panics at our approach

When they fought against Jericho it is clear their trust was in the LORD but little Ai was a piece of cake. They were saying in essence, “We can do this in our own strength, no need to bother to include GOD.” GOD teaches them, along with us thousands of years later, several lessons regarding this defeat.

Lesson 1 – Often we say, “We do not need to seek GOD’S guidance in the little things in our lives.” However, we must always place our trust in the power of GOD and not in our own sufficiency, regardless of our perception for the need of GOD’S involvement. GOD wants to be involved in all things in our lives, no matter how small. We pause at mealtime to thank GOD for the food we are about to consume. This is a small thing but a good thing.

Lesson 2 – A problem is identified in Joshua 7:1, which Joshua is unaware of at the time. When something does not go according to plans, we need to ask why. Did we pray about it? Did we follow GOD’S instructions? Do we have sin or unconfessed sin in our lives? Is there sin among those involved with the plan? We need to be careful about jumping to conclusions and blaming GOD. Often frustration for a failure, results in us blaming someone for the failure. If Joshua and the Israelites had sought GOD’S guidance before they went to conquer Ai, GOD would have had the opportunity to reveal that sin was in the camp and needed to be dealt with, before the battle.

So what happened?

Let’s read Joshua 6:17-19: (Background for Joshua 7:8-13.)

GOD gave specific instructions to the Israelites who entered Jericho. The rules of engagement are given in verses 17-19. When GOD gives instructions HE expects them to be followed to the letter. Set apart means dedicated for use by the LORD.

17 But the city and everything in it are • set apart to the Lord for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone with her in the house will live, because she hid the men[2] Lit messengers we sent. 18 But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you[3] LXX reads you covet and; Jos 7:21 take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster on it. 19 For all the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron, are dedicated to the Lord and must go into the Lord’s treasury.”

Joshua 7:1:

1 The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things • set apart for destruction. Achan (A kinn) son of Carmi (KAHR mye), son of Zabdi (ZAB die), son of Zerah (ZEE ruh), of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the Lord’s anger burned against the Israelites.

Achan of the tribe of Judah was disobedient. During the defeat of Jericho, he took some of the spoils of war for himself. It is interesting that the lineage JESUS comes from the tribe of Judah. Joshua was unaware that Achan had taken these items when Jericho was conquered. Now they go to conquer Ai in their own strength.

Let’s read Joshua 7:4-7:

4 So about 3,000 men[2] Lit men from the people went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck down about 36 of them and chased them from outside the gate to the quarries,[3] Or to Shebarim striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people’s hearts melted and became like water.

The next scripture tells us how Joshua responds to their defeat at Ai.

Joshua 7:6-7:

6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the ark of the Lord with his face to the ground until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads. 7 “Oh, Lord God,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring these people across the Jordan to hand us over to the Amorites for our destruction? If only we had been content to remain on the other side of the Jordan!

Joshua is distraught and frustrated over this defeat. He tears his clothes and goes to the LORD for an answer. The elders join him in his disappointment and frustration and also go before the LORD. They put dust on their heads, which is a sign of grief. It was grief over their defeat. In verse 7, it is clear that Joshua is disappointed with GOD and blames GOD for the defeat but he seeks an answer from GOD. Joshua does not turn his back on GOD, which is something many are tempted to do when we suffer a defeat in our lives. We want to blame GOD or others for the things that go wrong in our lives. This blame game began in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:8-13:
Sin’s Consequences
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] Lit at the wind of the day and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.[8] Jb 34:22–23 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard You[9] Lit the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I had commanded you not to eat from?” 12 Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me [some fruit]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from the tree, and I ate.” 13 So the Lord God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.”[10] Rm 7:11; 1 Tm 2:14

Notice verses 12 and 13. Transferal of guilt, blaming someone else began when man first sinned and it has been going on ever since.

Notice “If only” in Joshua 7:7. “If only” we had done “so and so”. “If only” you had done “so and so”.

“What if” we had done “so and so” is another response.

Let’s read Joshua 7:8-10:

8 What can I say, Lord, now that Israel has turned its back [and run]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from its enemies? 9 When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do about Your great name?”

Oh my, Joshua is telling GOD that HIS reputation is at stake. GOD is in real trouble now. How many ways do we try to bargain with GOD to get HIM to do what we want HIM to do or to ensure our success the next time we encounter a situation? I know I have.

Joshua 7:10-13:

10 The Lord then said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why are you on the ground?[4] Lit Why have you fallen on your face?


11 Israel has sinned. They have violated My covenant that I appointed for them. They have taken some of what was set apart. They have stolen, deceived, and put [the things]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with their own belongings. 12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs [and run]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from their enemies, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from you what is set apart. 13 “Go and consecrate the people. Tell them to consecrate themselves tomorrow, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘There are among you, Israel, things set apart. You will not be able to stand against your enemies until you remove what is set apart.

GOD has to straighten Joshua out. Joshua, “Stand up!” Joshua, “Don’t blame ME. You have a problem among your people.”

Often we think that sin does not impact others but sin always has far reaching effects. Most often sin impacts one’s family with devastating consequences. Our lesson reveals that sin had devastating results on Achan’s family.

Let’s read Joshua 7:14-26: (The LORD will reveal to Joshua the culprit(s) and once revealed what the punishment will be.)

14 In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord selects is to come forward clan by clan. The clan the Lord selects is to come forward family by family. The family the Lord selects is to come forward man by man. 15 The one who is caught with the things set apart must be burned,[5] Lit burned with fire along with everything he has, because he has violated the Lord’s covenant and committed an outrage in Israel.’ ”
Achan Judged
16 Joshua got up early the next morning. He had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected. 17 He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the Zerahite (ZEE ruh hight) clan was selected. He had the Zerahite clan come forward by heads of families,[6] Lit forward man by man and Zabdi was selected. 18 He then had Zabdi’s family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. 19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him.[7] Or and praise Him I urge you, tell me what you have done. Don’t hide anything from me.” 20 Achan replied to Joshua, “It is true. I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I did: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Babylon,[8] Lit Shinar 200 silver • shekels,[9] About 5 pounds of silver and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels,[10] About 1 pound of gold I coveted them and took them. You can see for yourself. They are concealed in the ground inside my tent, with the money under the cloak.” 22 So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there was the cloak, concealed in his tent, with the money underneath. 23 They took the things from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out in the Lord’s presence. 24 Then Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, and the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his ox, donkey, and sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? Today the Lord will trouble you!” So all Israel stoned him to death. They burned their bodies,[11] Lit burned them with fire threw stones on them, 26 and raised over him a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor[12] Or of Trouble to this day.

Achan admitted he coveted the cloak, silver (about 5 pounds) and bar of gold (1 pound and 4 ounces) and took them. A shekel is 0.4 ounces in weight.

So why did GOD punish Achan? After all, he confessed to what he had done.

Achan had an opportunity to confess his sin to Joshua but he waited until he was confronted and caught before he confessed.

Achan, his family, belongings, animals were brought to the Valley of Achor and destroyed.

Why was his family destroyed? It is believed that his family had knowledge of what Achan had done and likely helped him hide the spoils of war. They helped him keep his secret. The family was his accomplices.

The word for Achor means trouble; therefore the Valley of Achor is the valley of trouble. This is the place Achan; his family were stoned to death and burned. Their remains were covered with a pile of stones. Stones of remembrance marked the miracle of crossing the Jordan. Now a pile of stones is a reminder for the consequences of sin, disobeying GOD’S instructions.

The LORD revealed to a wonderful Christian lady in our class, the correlation of the pile of stones covering the sin of Achan to JESUS, our rock, covering our sins. JESUS died where we should have died. The rock that covers our sins still lives today and HE is our remembrance for being set free from sin and death.

We have been comparing our Christian journey to that of the Israelites journey into the Promised Land. Entering the Promised Land with our LORD does not mean we are immune to temptation and falling into sin.

Verse 21, tells us when Achan saw the cloak, silver and gold he just had to have them. He coveted them. When sin first entered earth, Eve was tempted because the forbidden fruit was pleasing to look at in Genesis 3:6.

Genesis 3:1-7:

1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”[1] 2 Co 11:3 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”[2] Gn 2:17 4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3] Jn 8:44 5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] Lit on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] Or gods, or divine beings knowing good and evil.” 6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; she also gave [some]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to her husband, [who was]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with her, and he ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[6] Jms 1:14–15; 1 Jn 2:16 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Eve knew better than to partake of the forbidden fruit but she took matters into her own hands. The forbidden fruit looked good and it would make you wise. She said, GOD said not to even touch the forbidden fruit. GOD never said, “Do not touch it.” HE said, “Do not eat it.” We get into trouble when we expand upon what GOD tells us. Wrong notions about truth, provides Satan with an opportunity to mislead us. I can almost hear Satan picking up on the point, “GOD said for you not to even touch it? See I can touch it. Why don’t you touch it?” We do not know if that was part of the conversation but misconceptions give opportunity for disaster.

We must be careful when we take matters into our own hands. Yes, we have to take the action but it is essential we take the action the LORD leads us to take. GOD’S expectation for HIS children is for us to be obedient to HIM.

We can learn from the defeats in our lives by asking GOD to reveal to us what HE wants us to learn or we can complain. Defeats are hard but important lessons for us to learn, as we journey with our LORD. As a leader, GOD expects us to maintain our relationship with HIM and seek HIS guidance in all matters both large and small.

The Thrill Of Victory - Joshua 3 and 4 - September 10, 2006

Sunday school Lesson – The Thrill of Victory – September 10, 2006

This is lesson two (2) in our series on Joshua about leadership.

Last week we prepared to enter the Promised Land. This week we enter.

Let’s review:

Joshua 1:1-5 – 1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua[1] = The Lord Will Save, or The Lord Is Salvation; Joshua is related to the name Jesus. son of Nun, who had served Moses: 2 “Moses My servant is dead.[2] Dt 34:5–8 Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.[3] Dt 11:24 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea.[4] Lit and to the Great Sea, the going down of the sun [5] Dt 11:24 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.[6] Heb 13:5

After the death of Moses, GOD chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. GOD reconfirmed to Joshua the boundaries of the Promised Land. Last week we compared the journey of the Israelites to our journey with the LORD. JESUS, in the great commission, confirmed the boundaries of our Promised Land, the world. Just as GOD confirmed to the Israelites that HE would never leave them nor forsake them, JESUS tells us that HE will be with us always until the end of the age.

Joshua 1:6-9 – 6 “Be strong and courageous,[7] Jos 1:7,9,18; 10:25; Dt 31:7 for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.[8] Gn 15:18; Ex 32:13 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?[9] Jos 1:6–7,18; 10:25; Dt 31:7 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

GOD tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because he is going to lead the Israelites. We as Christians are also leading family, friends and others into the Promised Land and need to be spiritually prepared. As a Christian, we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are leaders whether we like it or not. Who better for us to lead than our family and friends? We are to be an example.

GOD instructed Joshua to “obey the law Moses gave you and not to deviate from it to the left or to the right but to meditate on it day and night.” We must keep our eyes upon JESUS as we enter into the Promised Land. We need to move from a performance mode, doing it in our own strength, to an abiding/obedient/trusting mode.

This is why we, as Christians, must have the relationship with our LORD through the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT. It is GOD and HIS power being manifested through our lives as we live in obedience to HIS will and purpose. Joshua and the Israelites had GOD “with” them but we have GOD “in” us. GOD spoke to Joshua and the people trusted that GOD was speaking to Joshua and took action accordingly. As we get our orders from GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT, we take action.

In Joshua 1:10-11 - 10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.’ ”

Even though we have the HOLY SPIRIT “in us” we need to be prepared to enter into the Promised Land. Are we willing for the LORD to tear down and conquer the strongholds and bad habits in our lives?

In Joshua 3:5 - 5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow.”

Even though we have CHRIST “in us”, we also need to ask the LORD to search our hearts to see if there is any sin, evil, or wrong doing that needs to be identified and confessed. When we are about to enter the Promised Land, we need to have no chink in our amour that makes us vulnerable to the enemy.

Joshua 1:12- 15 - 12 Joshua said to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh: 13 “Remember what Moses the Lord’s servant commanded you when he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’[10] Dt 3:18–20 14 Your wives, young children, and livestock may remain in the land Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan.[11] East of the Jordan River But your fighting men must cross over in battle formation[12] Or over armed ahead of your brothers[13] Fellow Israelites and help them 15 until the Lord gives our brothers rest, as [He has given]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. you, and they too possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. You may then return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of what Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”

Verse 12 tells us that some of the Israelites worked it out with Moses to stay on the east side of the Jordan River. Some of us can help others enter and dwell in the Promised Land. Those who are able can go, help and return. Half of the tribe of Manasseh chose to go west into the Promised Land and the other half chose to stay east of the Jordan. Moses agreed to this arrangement, provided those capable of fighting among the half that remained, helped the half that chose to go and conquer and dwell in the Promised Land.


Our background scripture is Joshua 3:7-17 and Joshua 4:1-24.

Our focus scripture is Joshua 4:1-9, 10-18 and 19-24.

Today we will study the victory in being obedient to our LORD and remembering that victory.

In our Christian journey it is often more difficult for us to handle a victory than a defeat. With a victory or a series of victories, we have to be careful of our attitude. Victory can feed our human nature and we begin to expect victory over everything that comes our way. Then it is easy for our attitude to change so that we become independent of GOD and self begins to rule. We can become cocky or flippant. This is why we must have and maintain a loving intimate relationship with our LORD as HE works mightily through us and maintains proper balance in our lives. We must keep in mind that it is GOD and HIS power working through us and not our power.

Last week we discussed entering the Promised Land. The Promised Land is a land flowing with milk and honey and luscious fruit. There are also giants in the Promised Land and well fortified walled cities that must be conquered.

GOD had specific instructions about what to do when conquering each area in the Promised Land. This will be true when we conquer the strongholds, human natures, notions and habits in our life as we enter the Promised Land.

Let’s read some background Scripture. GOD gave specific instructions about what they were to do when they conquered each area in the Promised Land. Let’s consider those instructions, as Christians, when we enter our Promised Land:

- Numbers 33:50-53, 55-56:

50 The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan [across from]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. Jericho, 51 “Tell the Israelites: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 you must drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you, destroy all their stone images[39] Lv 26:1; Ezk 8:12 and cast images,[40] Ex 32:4,8; 34:17; Lv 19:4; Dt 27:15 and demolish all their • high places. 53 You are to take possession of the land and settle in it because I have given you the land[41] Gn 12:7; 15:18; 24:7; 35:12 to possess. ------------- 55 But if you don’t drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become thorns in your eyes and in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you will live. 56 And what I had planned to do to them, I will do to you.”[42] Dt 28:15

Who inhabits your Promised Land?

We all have natures, some are good and some are not so good. We have human natures which are driven and controlled by self and we have spiritual natures which result from being born-again through our LORD JESUS CHRIST and the work of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Vices in scripture: Virtues in scripture:
Sexual Immorality Love
Impurity Joy
Lust Peace
Hatred Patience
Discord Kindness
Jealousy Goodness
Anger Faithfulness
Selfish ambition Gentleness
Dissension Self-control
Arrogance
Envy
Murder
Idolatry
Witchcraft
Drunkenness
Wild Living
Cheating
Adultery
Homosexuality
Greed
Stealing
Lying

These are some of the well fortified areas in our lives that will need to be conquered. Once the HOLY SPIRIT identifies an area which needs to be conquered, we must conquer it completely and not hang onto a single remnant or else it will raise its’ head again in our lives.

If you have something in your past, do not be discouraged.

Let’s look at Joshua 2:1 - 1 Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies from Acacia Grove,[1] Or from Shittim saying, “Go and scout the land, especially Jericho.” So they left, and they came to the house of a woman, a prostitute named Rahab, and stayed there.

Rahab is a prostitute and is also in the ancestry of JESUS. GOD used Rahab because GOD knew Rahab’s heart. Notice in Joshua 2:8-11:

8 Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that dread of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you.[2] Or land panics at your approach 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the • Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt,[3] Ex 14:21–30 and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you • completely destroyed[4] Nm 21:23–30, 33–35; Dt 2:32–34; 3:1–3 across the Jordan. 11 When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone’s courage failed[5] Lit and spirit no longer remained in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.

Notice Rahab’s statement of faith in GOD, “I know” – “For the Lord Your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.”

Do not let your past rule your future. In CHRIST we have been forgiven of our sins. HE has cleansed us and made us righteous in HIM. Romans 3:23 tells us - 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Rahab, because of her profession, lived in the wall of the city. She was an outcast. Hebrews 11:30-31 tells us - 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

WOW! The walls fell down. GOD destroyed Rahab’s house. Do you think she changed her profession after she saw GOD’S power at work? I believe she did.

GOD uses us all, regardless of our past. The important thing for us to remember is, “What do we do for the LORD from this moment on?” Do we serve our LORD in obedience or do we let our past dictate our future?

Additional background leading to our scripture study – Joshua 3:7-17:

Joshua 3:7-8:

7 The Lord spoke to Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses. 8 Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters,[4] Lit waters of the Jordan stand in the Jordan.’ ”

GOD assured Joshua that HE would let him and the Israelites know that HE is the ONE WHO will give fight the battles and give the victory. As Christians the HOLY SPIRIT confirms in our hearts that we are the children of GOD. We are the ark and the HOLY SPIRIT WHO confirms in our heart that GOD is “in us”. We are standing at the waters edge of our Promised Land are we willing to place our feet into the water?

Joshua 3:9-17

9 Then Joshua told the Israelites, “Come closer and listen to the words of the Lord your God.” 10 He said, “You will know that the living God is among you and that He will certainly dispossess before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites 11 when the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth goes ahead of you into the Jordan. 12 Now choose 12 men from the tribes of Israel, one man for each tribe. 13 When the feet[5] Lit soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, come to rest in the Jordan’s waters, its waters will be cut off. The water flowing downstream will stand up [in]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. a mass.” 14 When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan, their feet touched the water at its edge 16 and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up [in]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. a mass that extended as far as[6] Alt Hb tradition reads mass at Adam, a city next to Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the • Arabah (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed opposite Jericho. 17 The priests carrying the ark of the Lord’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

Who is occupying your Promised Land? GOD will show you. As you enter the Promised Land, HE will confirm HIS presence in you.

This is in the spring of the year. In spring the Jordan River is at flood stage. It is the worst time to cross the river. GOD wants all to know it is HIM WHO is the ONE WHO stops the flow of the water. The river is overflowing its banks. As long as the priests stand and look at the raging river, it rages on, but the moment they are obedient and place their foot into the river, the river stops flowing. The priests are walking on dry ground and stand firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until all are safely across the Jordan. GOD uses this miracle to confirm to the Israelites that HE is with Joshua and with them.

Can you imagine standing firm knowing that a wall of water is up stream? But we have to remember that the Israelites had been told and even some had experienced GOD parting the Red Sea. GOD had already given them a remembrance of miracles to recall during this time of obedience. Soon they would have another time of remembrance of GOD’S power working in their lives and history.

FATHER I ask that YOU confirm in each person’s heart, which has chosen to enter in the Promised Land, YOUR presence.

Let’s read Joshua 4:1-9:
The Memorial Stones
1 After the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, 2 “Choose 12 men from the people, one man for each tribe, 3 and command them, ‘Take 12 stones from this place in the middle of the Jordan where the priests’ feet are standing, carry them with you, and set them down at the place where you spend the night.’ ” 4 So Joshua summoned the 12 men selected from the Israelites, one man for each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go across to the ark of the Lord your God in the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each[1] Lit shoulder according to the number of the Israelite tribes, 6 so that this will be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 you should tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.” 8 The Israelites did just as Joshua had commanded them. The 12 men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each[2] Lit Jordan according to the number of the Israelite tribes, just as the Lord had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. 9 Joshua also set up 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests[3] Lit feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are there to this day.

This is a day GOD wanted them to remember, not only for those crossing the Jordan that day, but for generations to come. So HE instructed Joshua to select a representative from each of the 12 tribes to gather a stone from where the priests were standing in the dry river bed. These are stones of remembrance to mark this miracle. GOD wanted these stones to remind generations to come of the miracle HE performed that day.

There are times GOD will give us stones or milestones of remembrances as we journey with HIM. These stones of remembrance may be specific scriptures that HE has revealed to us. It can be a specific revelation of truth or a miracle or just the still small voice assuring us that HE is with us. As a preacher of years ago would say, “You have to practice in the dark what you have learned in the light.”

The greatest stones of remembrances are the birth of CHRIST, HIS sinless life of obedience, HIS death for each of us upon the Cross, HIS resurrection which is proof that HE conquered sin and death and the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO confirms that these facts are true and we are GOD’S children through the miracle of the rebirth and have eternal life.

Let’s read Joshua 4:10-18:

10 The priests carrying the ark continued standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything was completed that the Lord had commanded Joshua to tell the people, in keeping with all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people hurried across, 11 and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the Lord crossed in the sight of the people. 12 The Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh went in battle formation in front of the Israelites, as Moses had instructed them. 13 About 40,000 equipped for war crossed to the plains of Jericho in the Lord’s presence. 14 On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him throughout his life, as they had revered Moses. 15 The Lord told Joshua, 16 “Command the priests who carry the ark of the • testimony[4] The ark of the covenant to come up from the Jordan.” 17 So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.” 18 When the priests carrying the ark of the Lord’s covenant came up from the middle of the Jordan, and their feet[5] Lit and the soles of the feet of the priests stepped out on solid ground, the waters of the Jordan resumed their course, flowing over all the banks as before.

As a Christian what is our ark? As a Christian, our body is the ark, because the HOLY SPIRIT indwells our body. The ark represented the presence of GOD to the Israelites. Remember we are priests and we carry the HOLY SPIRIT “in us”. GOD is “in us”. We represent GOD where ever we go.

Let’s read Joshua 4:19-24:

19 The people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month,[6] = Nisan (March–April) and camped at Gilgal on the eastern limits of Jericho. 20 Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the 12 stones they had taken from the Jordan, 21 and he said to the Israelites, “When your children ask their fathers in the future, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ 22 you should tell your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the Lord your God did to the • Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. 24 This is so that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord’s hand is mighty, and so that you may always • fear the Lord your God.”

The priests came up out of the Jordan River on the tenth day of the first month.

The tenth day of the first month is the day the Passover lamb was chosen and kept until it was sacrificed on the fourteenth day. This means the Israelites celebrated the Passover four (4) days after crossing the Jordan River.

The crossing of the Jordan River is representative of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, 40 years earlier, when they were freed from the bondage of slavery. Now GOD is parting the Jordan River leading them into the Promised Land and fulfilling HIS promise to them.

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan they set up base camp in Gilgal. Gilgal is located near the stones of remembrance until they conquer all of the Promised Land.

As we journey to conquer the Promised Land, we too must camp in a place we can remember that the LORD is our strength and it is the LORD we must wait upon and obey. It is the LORD we need to trust and have the relationship with. When we have the right relationship with the LORD, we are always in the center of HIS will for our lives.

Most of us have gone to church, studied the Bible, prayed, taught bible studies but have never said, here I am use me, send me or here I am, as I am take my life, make me, mold me and use me as YOU want me to be used. Often these are very scary steps for us to take. Why?

Often it is because we do not trust the LORD and what HE might ask us to do. HE may ask us to do something we do not want to do. This is why we must first have the personal intimate relationship with HIM. When we know and trust someone, we trust them with our lives.

We all have our favorite doctor or surgeon and trust our lives to their skilful hands and care. Many of us trust our spouse with our life to the extent of giving them power of attorney to pull the plug if we become incapacitated. How can we do such a thing? We have built a trust relationship with our spouse so that we trust them with our lives.

This is why our relationship with GOD is so important for us to move into the Promised Land. GOD can build that trust as we journey with HIM but we have to allow HIM to build that trust.

Victory = obedience and trust in our LORD. The LORD gives the opportunity but we have to take the steps of obedience as HE directs our lives.

Who Me? A Leader? - Joshua 1:1-18 - September 3, 2006

Sunday School Lesson - Who Me? A Leader? – September 3, 2006

We begin a new series of study. It is amazing to me how our LORD works. This series continues where we left off in our five (5) part series study on Exodus. Our study will center on the life and leadership of Joshua. Joshua is first mentioned in Exodus 17 where he led the fighting men of Israel against the Amalekites (uh-MAL-uh-kights). Joshua became the servant of Moses and accompanied Moses part of the way up Mount Sinai when GOD gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Joshua was also with Moses when he came down the mountain and found that the Israelites had made a golden calf.

Joshua was one of the twelve (12) spies who scouted the Promised Land and brought back a positive report along with Caleb. Joshua stood with Caleb urging Moses and Aaron to enter the Promised Land at that time. The other ten (10) negative spies prevailed and they did not enter the Promised Land until forty (40) years later. The LORD placed Joshua in the position to be Moses under study to prepare him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. After Moses death, Joshua fulfilled his calling to conquer and possess the Promised Land.

The outline of Book of Joshua is:
Israelites crossing the Jordan – Chapters 1-4
The conquest of Canaan – Chapters 5-12
The distribution of the land among the tribes – Chapters 13-21
Joshua’s final address to the Israelites – Chapters 22-24

Our series of study will be:
Leadership Qualifications – Joshua 1:1-18 (Sept. 3)
The joy of victory – Joshua 4:1-24 (Sept. 10)
Handling Defeat – Joshua 7:1-26 (Sept. 17)
Leaving a legacy - Joshua 24:1-34 (Sept. 24)

As you may recall, our series of study in Exodus gave us a graphic description of our journey as Christians. Again the LORD has revealed that this study is a continuation of our journey as Christians. This revelation brought tears to my eyes and a joy to my heart that almost took my breath. My prayer is that each of you will see the LORD’S hand at work in your life as we study HIS work in the life of Joshua and the journey of the Israelites.

In Exodus we saw the parallel of GOD delivering the Israelites from the bondage of slavery in Egypt with our deliverance from the bondage of slavery to sin and death through the death and resurrection of JESUS. When we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR, JESUS’ death and resurrection prepared the way for the human body to be indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT. When we ask CHRIST to forgive us of our sins and to come into our lives the HOLY SPIRIT indwells our human body. GOD has moved from being “with us” to GOD being “in us”. This allows us to move from knowing “about” GOD, through intellectual pursuit, to “knowing” GOD intimately through experiencing HIM in the most intimate way possible, “in us”. GOD “in us” can now, with our permission, change us from “within”.

Self help courses and motivation speeches appeal to our human senses. I am not saying these are not good, only that they work from the exterior to reach our interior. GOD wants to work on our interior, our core and change us from within.

The Ten Commandments attempt to shape us from the outside and lead us to GOD and reveal that we need GOD’S help for us to abide by the Ten Commandments. That is why we need a SAVIOR. Again, it is left up to us to choose. Do we choose to partner with HIM to build a loving intimate relationship? Do we want to enter the Promised Land of knowing GOD in a real and intimate way?

Our series of study in July brought us to the Promised Land, where it was scouted by twelve (12) spies. Of the twelve (12) spies only two (2), Joshua and Caleb, had faith and trust in GOD to be willing to enter the Promised Land at that time. The other ten (10) spy’s negative opinion prevailed and the decision not to go into the Promised Land was made. This decision displeased GOD which resulted in the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for forty (40) years. This series of study opens up a continuation of our journey into the Promised Land.

Let’s compare this to our Christian journey. When we ask CHRIST to forgive us of our sins and to come into our lives, we are delivered from the bondage of sin and death. Accepting CHRIST as our SAVIOR begins our Christian journey. We experience GOD with us as depicted by the miracles GOD performed and the Ten Commandments. We also arrive at the Promised Land by committing our lives to CHRIST and scouting it out. Can we trust GOD? Will we follow HIM or will we follow our own desires? If we commit to going into the Promised Land, can we trust GOD to help us stay the course and be a committed Christian? Can we trust our selves to stay the course? Will GOD ask us to do something we do not want to do?

Moses was disobedient to GOD and was denied entrance into the Promised Land. Are many of us denied entrance to really knowing and experiencing GOD because of our disobedience? Moses trained Joshua to be his successor. Because of Joshua’s obedience, he was granted entrance into the Promised Land. But the entrance is not without concerns.

Many of us have been faced with committing our lives to CHRIST but out of fear, have decided not to be obedient to HIS call. I know I fought the call for many years. Some respond to the call and enter into the Promised Land. Others of us for a variety of reasons delay. In fact some will enter into the Promised Land of heaven without experiencing the Promised Land of earth. We wander in the wilderness for years wanting to experience GOD. We see HIS hand at work all around us but never trust HIM enough to move out of our comfort zone and allow HIM to direct our lives. GOD sustains us during these times as HE sustained the Israelites by caring for them while they wandered in the wilderness. They never experienced the land that GOD had promised them.

So here we are again at the borders of the Promised Land. Shall we enter? Oh yes! We are going in to enter and conquer the land. We will see the hand of our LORD work in our lives.

We have gone to church, studied the Bible, prayed, taught bible studies but have never said here I am use me or send me or here I am as I am oh LORD take my life, mold me and use it as YOU want. Often these are very scary steps for us to take. Why?

Because we do not trust the LORD and what HE might ask us to do. HE may ask us something we do not want to do. This is why we must first have the personal intimate relationship with HIM. When we know and trust someone, we trust them with our lives.

We all have our favorite doctor or surgeon and trust our lives to their skilful hands and care. Many of us trust our spouse with our life to the extent of giving them power of attorney to pull the plug if we become incapacitated. How can we do such a thing? We have built a trust relationship with our spouse so that we trust them with our lives.

This is why our relationship with GOD is so important for us to move into the Promised Land. GOD can build that trust as we journey with HIM but we have to allow HIM to build that trust.

The question becomes who is the leader in our lives? Self or GOD?

When we enter the Promised Land, the land GOD has given to us, HE is the only ONE WHO can give us victory. HE is the only ONE WHO can give us power to conquer. There will be times of joy and times of disappointment. As we are on this journey we need to share with others – family, friends – so that our obedience will to partner with GOD and build a loving intimate relationship with HIM. They will be the future leaders and the future sojourners through life in relationship with our LORD.

Let’s read Joshua 1:1-5:

1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua[1] = The Lord Will Save, or The Lord Is Salvation; Joshua is related to the name Jesus. son of Nun, who had served Moses: 2 “Moses My servant is dead.[2] Dt 34:5–8 Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.[3] Dt 11:24 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea.[4] Lit and to the Great Sea, the going down of the sun [5] Dt 11:24 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.[6]

JESUS marked off our territory before HE ascended into heaven. What is our territory?

Matthew 28:18-20:

18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of[6] Lit and instruct, or and disciple (as a verb) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[7] Lit look I am with you always,[8] Lit all the days to the end of the age.”

The world is our territory but the key is the last part of verse 20, “And remember I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Allowing CHRIST to have full control of our lives is to enter into the Promised Land where GOD reigns as King of Kings and LORD of LORD’S. But to enter is a choice we make.

We read books about an area we wish to travel to. We can see pictures and videos of that area but until we go there we have not experienced it. Are we apprehensive when we plan a trip? Yes! But we choose to go, realizing there are concerns.

The same is true with our journey when we commit our lives to our LORD. When someone we love is in another place, we long to go to that place because of our relationship to him or her. This is why our relationship with our LORD is so important.

We need to spend time with HIM and tell HIM that we want to have the best possible relationship with HIM. Allow HIM to build that relationship with us. We cannot build a relationship by doing more things to try to please GOD but spending time with HIM through reading the scripture and talking to HIM through prayer. Then, as HE brings things to our mind, we can work on them together. We need to be honest with GOD and tell HIM about concerns we have with our relationship and then be still and allow HIM to open the eyes of our heart and reveal the area(s) in our lives that need attention to enhance our relationship.

Let’s read Joshua 1:6-9:

Heb 13:5 6 “Be strong and courageous,[7] Jos 1:7,9,18; 10:25; Dt 31:7 for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.[8] Gn 15:18; Ex 32:13 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?[9] Jos 1:6–7,18; 10:25; Dt 31:7 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
When we serve our LORD, we must be obedient to HIM. We are filled with and guided by the HOLY SPIRIT. We must always look to HIM and not be led by our selfish desires. Our nature will rise up and try to take control, because our nature is at war with GOD. We can not look at the circumstances around us and let them discourage us. This is why we must have the relationship with our LORD to trust HIM in all circumstances and situations.

Let’s read Joshua 1:10-11:

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.’ ”

Preparation is always something the LORD asks us to do. Preparation is important from physical and spiritual points-of-view. Spiritual preparation is by asking the LORD to search our hearts for any unconfessed sin in our lives, prayer and Bible study. It is important that we move as GOD leads us and not as we lead ourselves. Sometimes we get tired of waiting on the LORD and we take matters into our own hands and do something.

When called, some of us need to raise support money or gather provisions to do the job. GOD directs our paths as we go about securing the provisions needed for the job.

When we have the relationship with GOD, we are in the center of HIS will for our lives and we will know which way to turn as HE directs. That is why our relationship with HIM is so important.

Let’s read Joshua 1:12-18:

12 Joshua said to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh: 13 “Remember what Moses the Lord’s servant commanded you when he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’[10] Dt 3:18–20 14 Your wives, young children, and livestock may remain in the land Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan.[11] East of the Jordan River But your fighting men must cross over in battle formation[12] Or over armed ahead of your brothers[13] Fellow Israelites and help them 15 until the Lord gives our brothers rest, as [He has given]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. you, and they too possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. You may then return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of what Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on the east side of the Jordan.” 16 They answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. 17 We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. 18 Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”[14] Jos 1:6–7,9; 10:25; Dt 31:7

The Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh had asked Moses to allow them to remain on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses gave them permission to do that, provided they helped the others conquer their portion of the land. They agreed.

I think this shows that we can make special requests of the LORD when we serve HIM. It is up to HIM to give the permission and that permission may have certain provisions attached.

Who is the leader in our lives? Self or the HOLY SPIRIT?

Where are you dwelling? In the wilderness, waiting to enter the Promised Land or are you in the Promised Land? Are you where you want to be?
Joshua is preparing to cross the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. Are we willing to cross over from our self controlled lives to following our LORD through the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT?

As we commit out lives to the leadership of our LORD, others will be influenced by our decision. Those influenced are the ones closest to us, our family and friends. So as we follow our LORD, then we become leaders and influence others. JESUS said it best when HE said we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Who better to influence than those closest to us?