Sunday, June 19th, 2016
The book of Joshua records the culmination of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. Here we see God fulfill His promise to give the land of Canaan to Jacob’s descendants. Joshua portrays the Lord as their general, the One who would lead His people in victorious battle if they would trust and obey.
God is the ultimate promise-keeper. As faithful and present as He was with Israel, so He is with us. “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
As you read and study together, make sure to work hard at hearing from everyone that has gathered together. Pray for one another and be accountable to applying the word of God to your lives.
Questions for this week:
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Consecrate means to have a solemn dedication for a special purpose or service, toset apart as sacred. Read Exodus 13:2 and Leviticus 20:7. Joshua told the Israelites to consecrate themselves. Why? How?
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How might the crossing of the Jordan River establish Joshua’s leadership over Israel? Read Joshua 3:14-17.
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Why did God have the people cross the Jordan at flood stage?
- Why did Joshua have the people set up a monument of 12 stones? What memorials has God given us by which we can remember him? (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
- Instead of just doing His will himself, God chooses to exalt Joshua, so that the people know God is with Joshua. Discuss how this is similar to how Christ works today with his “body”? How does it make you feel that God often chooses people to enact His will? How do you deal with the responsibility?
- How do ceremonies and protocols like the treatment of the ark influence the Hebrew’s sense of identity? Why does God set up these reminders? Discuss ways the modern church similarly uses sacraments like the Lord’s Supper. How does it build a sense of culture and who God is?