Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. – 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NASB)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
…so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. – 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NASB)
(vv.1-2)
adoni: zedek adon: Lord tsedeq: righteousness (BD&B)
Jerusalem: Foundation of Peace (BD&B)
(v.6) Joshua-Yehoshua: The Lord is Salvation (BD&B)
(vv.7-9) After being awake all day, they will march all night, 25 miles uphill over 3000 ft. and that’s just the beginning
(vv.12-13)
“Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” – Genesis 18:14 (NASB95)
How to Experience Victory in The Battle:
The principle of the (v.1)
What is my God-Given ?
I have to believe God’s (v.8)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
What does God’s say about my ?
The principle of (v.7)
…including all the best fighting men. – Joshua 10:7 (NIV)
…including his best fighting men. – Joshua 10:7 (NCV)
What skills do I need to ?
The principle of (v.9)
What is my ?
The principle of the (v.9)
You foolish person! Must you be shown that faith that does nothing is worth nothing? – James 2:20 (ICB)
I have to
The principle of
So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all (kol) the people of war with him, and all (kol) the valiant warriors. – Joshua 10:7 (NASB)
all: kol – A particle meaning each, every, all, everything, the whole, entire. It has an inclusive meaning of all or every one of something (CWSBD)
What am I willing to ?
NOTICE: (v.11) God when I
The supernatural takes place when we do all we’re capable of doing in the , and then God steps in and adds His to it
The principle of (v.12)
You do not have because you do not ask. – James 4:2 (NASB)
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. – James 5:17 (NASB)
“Or the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its fruit…” – Deuteronomy 11:17 (NASB95)
Three Steps to Spiritual Depression (vv.1-5)
1. Elijah forgot about God’s
2. Elijah focused on and
3. Elijah was
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. – Psalms 34:19 (NASB95)
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NASB95)
God Lifts Elijah out of His Depression (vv.6-21)
1. God meets Elijah’s
2. God provides Elijah with
3. God allows Elijah to
4. God wanted to meet Elijah
How Do We Hear from God?
1. It starts with a to hear from God
2. I need to for God in my life
3. I need to listen for God’s
Be still, and know that I am God… – Psalms 46:10 (KJV)
5. God gives Elijah a
6. God provides Elijah with a
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalms 34:18 (NASB)
I. Satan’s Schemes – Craftily: ormah – schemes, craftily (CWSBD)
1. and (vv.3-6)
…Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. – 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NASB)
…so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. – 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NASB)
2. Use lots of (vv.8-10)
…the fame of the LORD (Yahweh) your God (Elohim)… – Josh 9:9 (NASB)
You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. – James 2:19 (NASB)
3. Enemy says (vv. 6&11)
“We are your servants (ebed); now then (attah), make a covenant with us.” – Joshua 9:11 (NASB)
Now then: attah – at this time, now, straightway (OTESD)
II. 5 Questions to Ask Before Big Decisions
1. What does the ?
“Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst.” – Exodus 34:12 (NASB95)
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. – Psalms 119:105 (NASB)
Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ERV)
…this is the will of God, …that you abstain from sexual immorality (pornea)… – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NASB)
2. Have I about it? (v.14)
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5 (NASB)
3. What else do I ? (v.14)
So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD. – Joshua 9:14 (NLT)
4. What would change if ? (v.16)
It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. – Proverbs 20:25 (NASB95)
The bigger the decision the
5. Do I have about this? (v.7)
The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you are living within our land; how then shall we make a covenant with you?” – Joshua 9:7 (NASB95)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… – Colossians 3:15 (NASB95)
III. I’ve Messed Up…Now What????
1. the mistake and in righteousness (vv.17-19)
When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (NIV)
(Hundreds of years later) Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” – 2 Samuel 21:1 (NASB95)
2. Realize failure is an not an
3. Allow God to
“You will never be released from service (ebed) as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” – Joshua 9:23 (NIV)
eḇeḏ: a servant, a slave. Although the most basic concept of this term is that of a slave, slavery in the Bible was not the same as the slavery of modern times. Slaves had rights and protection under the Law (Ex. 21:20). It was also possible for slaves to attain positions of power and honor (Gen. 24:2; 41:12). The people under the king were called his servants (Gen. 21:25); as well as his officers. (CWSBD)
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NASB)
(About a thousand years later) Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, also made repairs for the official seat of the governor of the province beyond the River.
– Nehemiah 3:7 (NASB95)
My today is my tomorrow
“…The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people…” – 1 Samuel 13:14 (NASB95)
The Four Steps to David’s Sin:
(vv.1-4)
Step 1. David’s laziness to sin
(Paul) …but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NASB95)
Spiritual Apathy Self-Test:
Am I noticing a decreased desire for the things of God?
Am I losing sight of the urgency of the Gospel?
Am I becoming comfortable with “good enough”?
Step 2. David to his sin
“I have made a covenant with my eyes…” – Job 31:1 (NASB)
Step 3. David his sin
Step 4. David on his sin
(Moses) …choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin… – Hebrews 11:25 (NASB95)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16 (NASB)
Important Lessons from David’s Sin:
1. Unrepented sin leads to (vv.14-15)
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. – Proverbs 28:13 (NASB95)
2. Our sin doesn’t just affect ourselves, it (vv.18-21)
For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths. – Proverbs 5:21 (NASB95)
3. Find your (vv.1-12)
What Does True Repentance Look Like?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. – Psalms 51:10-13 (NASB95)
4. Forgiveness of sin is not freedom from the (vv.13-14)
5. After repentance comes (vv.24-25)
The Main Point: God can redeem our
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! – Psalms 32:1 (NASB95)
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
– 1 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV)
Topical Teaching: A Calvary Perspective
(v.1) The principle of a , God-Given
What is my ?
Topical Teaching: How to Gain a God-Given Personal Life Vision
The principle of
Faith involves God’s and my
(v.2) The things that Achan was willing to disobey God over
(Chapter 7:1), were the very things that God was going to give him, in , if he would only put
“Then it shall come about when the LORD your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, then watch yourself, that you do not forget the LORD who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” – Deuteronomy 6:10-12 (NASB95)
(v.3) The principle of
They returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.” – Joshua 7:3 (NASB95)
What am I willing to ?
The principle: knowledge of the
Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. – Joshua 7:2 (NASB)
What do I need to ?
The principle of
…He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men… – Joshua 8:3 (NIV)
…thirty thousand men, tough, seasoned fighters… – Joshua 8:3 (Message)
What do I need to develop?
The principle of (vv.4-9)
What’s my ?
The principle of
How can I to change?
(vv.10-12) The principle of
Are the people of wisdom ?
Topical Teaching: Decisions, Decisions
Prepare for the
What could ? (…with the elders… (v.10)
He took about five thousand men…between Bethel and Ai… (NASB) (v.12))
(vv.18-26)
Many times our greatest come after our greatest
(God) I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… – Joel 2:25 (ESV)
From Chapter 6
God gave the Promised Land to His people, but the always belongs to
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income. Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10 (GWT)
(v.1) Achan…took some of the designated (cherem) things… – Joshua 7:1 (NASB)
Achan: trouble (OTESD)
Cherem: dedicated thing, devoted thing, ban, accursed (OTESD)
(v.2)
Ai: heap (OTESD)
Beth-aven: House of Iniquity (BD&B)
Beth-el: House of God (OTESD)
Somewhere between the House of God and the House of Iniquity there will be a heap of trouble
(v.11) Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted (cherem) things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.
– Joshua 7:11(NIV)
(v.12) Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough?
– 1 Corinthians 5:6 (NLT)
(vv.20-21)
(Eve) saw (ra-ah) …desired (hamad) …she took (laqah) – Genesis 3:6 (KJV)
(Achan) When I saw (ra-ah) …I coveted (hamad) …and took (laqah) – Joshua 7:21 (KJV)
Achan’s Problems:
- Achan doesn’t until he’s
- Achan his sin
Achan called it (v.21)
God called it (cherem)
- Achan took what
“All the silver and gold, as well as bronze and iron items, belong to the LORD. They must go into the LORD’s treasury.” – Joshua 6:19 (NET)
LATER GOD WILL SAY: “You will destroy them as you destroyed Jericho and its king. But this time you may keep the plunder and the livestock for yourselves.” – Joshua 8:2 (NLT)
“Them” are the articles (vv.22-23)
(vv.24-26)
Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin. – Deuteronomy 24:16 (NIV)
The use of the plural “Them” probably has reference to Achan’s , not his (Guzik)
Achan’s thought taking what was (cherem) to God would make him
Ultimately taking what was dedicated (cherem) kept Achan (trouble) from all that God to him
Achan’s family will be as a result of his
…called the Valley of Achor () to this day. – Joshua 7:26 (NASB)
Achor: troubled, trouble (OTESD)
They erected a to make sure they would (read Acts 5)
Then they erected over him a large (great [KJV]) heap of stones that stands to this day. – Joshua 7:26 (NASB)
Joshua in the Hebrew is in Greek
Jesus: iesous – is a transliteration of the Hebrew “Joshua,” meaning “Jehovah is salvation” (VCED)
(vv.1-2) Jericho is about
Jericho: yerichah Moon: yareach (OTESD)
Jericho: moon city (MCED)
The walls of Jericho were high and thick
But the people who live there are strong, and their cities are large (fortified [ESV]) and walled. – Numbers 13:28 (CEV)
It looks , but from God’s perspective it’s a
(God) I have given Jericho into your hand… – Joshua 6:2 (NASU)
Like Joshua, God brings all of us to the point where all we have to go on is:
The Plan: (vv.3-5)
Notice: The battle plan is not too kosher
- Priests were exempt from war (Numbers 1:47-53)
- Ark wasn’t to be taken into war (1 Samuel 4&5)
- Trumpet for war was to be made of silver (Numbers 10:2&9)
- On the Sabbath they travel 7 times farther
(vv.6-14)
3 Lessons While Marching:
1. We understand the of the situation
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6 (NASB95)
2. We develop
…so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. – Hebrews 6:12 (NASB95)
3. We learn (v.10)
…avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. – 2 Timothy 2:16-17 (NASB)
Israel’s marching will be a final for Jericho
(vv.16-17)
…all who are with her in the house, for she hid the messengers (mal-awk) whom we sent… – Joshua 6:17 (YLT)
Messengers: mal-awk’ – a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher) (OTESD)
“Shout! (rua) For the LORD has given you the city.” – Joshua 6:16 (NASB)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise (rua) to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise (rua) unto him with psalms. – Psalms 95:1-2 (KJV)
Now the part that most miss:
(God) I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. – Joshua 1:3 (NIV)
…houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant… – Deuteronomy 6:11 (NIV)
And as for you, you are to be careful of the devoted things, lest you defile yourselves by taking some of the devoted things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. – Joshua 6:18 (LBT)
God gave the Promised Land to His people, but the always belongs to (v.17)
However, a firstborn among animals, which as a firstborn belongs to the Lord, no man may consecrate it; whether ox or sheep, it is the Lord’s. – Leviticus 27:26 (NASB95)
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income. Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10 (GWT)
The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. – Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB)
Joshua in the Hebrew is in Greek
Jesus: iesous – is a transliteration of the Hebrew “Joshua,” meaning “Jehovah is salvation” (VCED)
(v.3) …and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. – Joshua 5:3 (NKJV)
(vv.4-7) To what God , His people had to come into
500 years earlier God said to Abraham: “This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised…” – Genesis 17:10 (NKJV)
Circumcision is a sign of from the
No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. – Romans 2:29
Method: performed by (vv.2&3)
Their response determines whether they can with God or not
God sometimes steps in and cuts something out in a time when it makes us most
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95)
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” – John 15:1-2 (NKJV)
What has about?
Spiritually speaking, when I allow God to some things away, that’s when things get spiritually (v.9)
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away (galal) the shame of Egypt from you.” So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. – Joshua 5:9 (NASB)
Rolled away: galal – to roll, roll away (OTESD)
Gilgal: rolling (OTESD)
(vv.10-12) But if a stranger resides with you and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, all of his males are to be circumcised…But no uncircumcised male may eat it. – Exodus 12:48 (NASB)
Once things are rolling spiritually, they could say goodbye to the (manna) and move into (v.11)
… and they eat of the increase (tebuw’ah) of the land of Canaan in that year. – Joshua 5:12 (YLT)
tebuw’ah: income, produce fruit, gain, increase, produce (OTESD)
God wants us to go beyond
The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. – Psalms 115:14-15 (KJV)
The miracle of the manna never produced
So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. – Hebrews 3:19 (NASB95)
After being obedient in letting God painfully cut away some things, things will get rolling spiritually and God gives
And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? – Joshua 5:14 (KJV)
Joshua in the Hebrew is in Greek
Jesus: iesous – is a transliteration of the Hebrew “Joshua,” meaning “Jehovah is salvation” (VCED)
…having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore… – Ephesians 6:13-14 (NASB)
The first memorial will be (vv.1-8)
…these stones shall become a memorial (zikron) to the sons of Israel forever.” – Joshua 4:7 (NASB)
Memorial: zikron – memorial, reminder, record (OTESD)
Then they erected over him a large heap of stones that stands to this day… – Joshua 7:26 (NASB)
A memorial is a
Memorials remind us what God in the
Memorials us in times of
…his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. – Psalms 91:4 (NIV)
Help to inspire in generations (v.6)
And now that I am old and gray, don’t forsake me. Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles. – Psalms 71:18 (TLB)
This memorial is a declaration
A great memorial is a
The second memorial will be (v.9)
Will be a reminder of God’s faithfulness as it will only be seen in the time of ()
(v.19) “This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year for you. Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are, each one, to take a lamb for themselves, according to the fathers’ households, a lamb for each household.’ – Exodus 12:2-3 (NASB 2020)
While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. – Joshua 5:10 (NASB)
Joshua “appointed” , Jesus “appointed”
(Jesus) You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit… – John 15:16 (NASB)
Joshua leads God’s people into the Jesus leads us into the
Like Joshua, Jesus will establish memorials
The first is which is
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.
– Romans 6:1-4 (NASB)
“Walk in newness of life” declares
The second is and is
And when He had taken a cup and given thanks (eucharisteo)… – Luke 22:17 (NASB)
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (koinonia) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (koinonia) of the body of Christ? – 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NKJV)
Communion: koinonia – fellowship (CWSBD)
…the Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 (NASB)
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? – Romans 8:32 (NASB)
(Moses) He brought us out of there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers. – Deuteronomy 6:23 (NASB)
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and a very large amount of the land remains to be possessed.” – Joshua 13:1 (NASB)
The Lord spoke to Joshua… “arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people…” – Joshua 1:1-2 (NASB)
(v.1) Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. – Joshua 3:1 (NKJV)
The Jordan River is about a and (v.15)
Faith requires stepping out our
My step of faith was simply preparation for my step of faith
The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you. – Deuteronomy 7:22 (NASB95)
Principle: builds upon
(David) “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37 (ESV)
Two thousand cubits is about a (v.4)
Before confrontation we need (v.5)
Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate (qadesh), (sanctify [KJV]) yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do miracles (amazing things [NIV]) among you.” – Joshua 3:5 (NASB)
Consecrate: qadesh – “to be holy; to sanctify” (VCED)
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes… – Exodus 19:10 (CWSB)
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
– 1 Peter 3:7 (NASB)
Faith steps based upon what (v.6)
When Joshua acts on what God has already said, then God speaks again giving (vv.7-8)
If not hearing, ask: “What’s the God said?”
(v.8) …Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
– Exodus 14:21-22 (NASB95)
Joshua doesn’t hype up the people, he reminds them of (vv.9-13)
(Exodus 3:8 & 34:11) (Deuteronomy 5:26)
“Come here, and hear the words of the LORD (YAHWEH) your God (Elohim).” – Joshua 3:9 (NASB)
Stepping out in faith has the potential to look
God is working beyond what (v.16)
…for we walk by faith, not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB)
Here faith required before we see anything happening (v.17)
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm… – Joshua 3:17 (NASB)
Because they were willing to step and stand firm based only on what God there will be a (v.17)