Read the book of Joshua
1. Lets review the training of Joshua. Look at the following verses and tell what you learn about the building of the replacement of Moses - Joshua
Ex. 17:8-14
Ex. 24:13-18
Ex. 32:17,18
Ex. 33:11
Num. 11:28
Num. 13:16
Num. 14:6
Num. 27:18
Num. 32:12
Deut. 1:38
Deut 3:21
Deut 3:28
Deut 31:7
Deut. 34:9
2.Read Joshua 2. Why do you think Joshua sent out the spies?
Do you think God told him to?
What were the benefits of sending out the spies?
What does this tell you about God?
3. Read the following passages and write down what they teach us about finding or achieving God's will or plan for our life;
Josh. 3:3,4
Josh 3:15,16
Josh 5:2
Josh. 7:12
Josh 8:34,35
Josh. 9:14
3. Lets look at Rahab a little more in depth in Chapter 2.
Read Ruth 4:18-22 and Matt.1:5. What important part does she play in the history of mankind?
Read Heb. 11:32. Rahab is included in the faith chapter in Heb.11. How did she demonstrate faith in chapter 2 of Joshua?
It appears she lies in Chapter 2. Look at some other instances of "lying" that seemed to be condoned in the Bible;
1Sam. 16:1-5
Jer. 38:24-28
1Sam. 20:27-31
Ex. 1:18-20
John 7:8-10
Here are some other passages that don't condone lying;
Ex.20:16, Prov.6:16-19, Rev.21:8, John 8:44,, Col.3:9, Lev.19:11, Ps 34:13, 1Pet 3:10, Ps.119:163 (to name a few)
Come up with a policy,as a Christian, on lying.
4. Read Joshua 7&8. What sin did Achan committ?
What was the punishment?
Why was the punishment so harsh?
Look at 7:21. What are the 4 steps in stealing?
1. ________________________________
2. _______________________________
3. ______________________________
Hiding
4. _______________________________
What does the last step tell you about the folly of stealing, especially in light of the items he took?
Look at Joshua 8:2. What does that tell you about this sin?
5. Look at Joshua 7:2-4 and 9:14,15. What mistake did the Israelites make in both of these passages?
Read 9:9-11, 22-25. How did the Gibeonites show their faith in God?
Like Rahab, what does this show you about God?
6. Read Josh 15:63, 16:10, 17:12, 17:16. What is common to all these passages?
What does it reveal about the people?
Contrast this to Caleb, once again, in 14:6-14
Notes to teachers/students;
Even though these passages seem brutal we must remember that God gave them over 400 years to repent but their sins continued to grow to complete deprivation. Just like a rabid dog, something had to be done. Instead of a flood which God swore He would never do again, He used the Israelites to wipe them out - not that inside they were any better as we will see in Judges, but God chose to use them because of His love and His divine purpose to show the world His power thru them(4:24), to bring the Messiah thru them(5:13-15), and bring the Bible thru them(24:26). In the midst of this, if people bowed before God they still could be saved as in the cases of Rahab and the Gibeonites. It's interesting that God used the flaws of the Israelites to His advantage in both of these cases - the lack of faith in sending out spies and self sufficiency in making a treaty with the Gibeonites.
To enter into the promised land took wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Spiritually speaking, if we are stuck in the wilderness of the Christian life and we want to experience abundant life in Christ, these are some steps we have to take.
1) Follow God's lead - listen to Him. Have quiet times daily to listen to what He has to say. (Mark 1:35-39)
2) Step out in faith - the water was at flood stage and they had to step in it. The walls were impenetrable and they had to walk around them and yell. Are you willing to follow God even if it is dangerous and seems to make no sense?
3) Remove sinful areas from your life. Like circumcision these must be cut off and like Caananites, not a single one can remain even if they are determined to live there or seem unbeatable like iron chariots. God gives you the power thru the Holy Spirit that every sin can be defeated.
4) Get your own food. Are you waiting for the pastor to feed you or the Sunday School teacher? Have fun in the wilderness!
5) Become part of a body. You can't do this on your own.
The folly of Achan is in all of us. We see it in the paper all the time, someone steals -takes something they shouldn't. It affects you, your whole family, and everyone around you. Plus if he had just waited, in the next city they were allowed to take everything. And then if you do steal something, you can't use it because everyone will wonder where you got it. Stupid!
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