People of God: Week 1 – Moses
[Exodus 1-4]
Exodus 1 – The Plan of the New King
The Israelites are still in Egypt
Joseph & all his brothers died (1:6)
The Israelites multiplied – powerful & filled the land (1:7)
New king in power – he did not know anything about Joseph (1:8)
New king decides planned to keep Israelites from growing even stronger (1:9-22)
Make Israelites their slaves & overwork them
When Israelite women give birth, kill the boys
Exodus 2 – The Plan of Moses’ Parents
Levite woman became pregnant (2:1)
She gave birth to a baby boy & hid him 3 months (2:2)
Sent him sailing in basket on Nile River (2:3)
Adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (2:10)
Exodus 3 & 4 – The Plan of God
1 – Attention toward God to hear
Moses sees a burning bush not consumed (3:3)
God will get our attention in any way He desires
2 – Responding to God (“I’m listening” or “I’m your humble servant”)
Moses says, “Here I am” (3:4)
3 – Recognition and reverence of the Lord’s presence and His plan
Remove your sandals (3:5)
I am God (3:6)
4 – Accept His glorious plan
God told Moses “You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” (3:10)
EXCUSES GET IN THE WAY OF FULLY EMBRACING THE PLAN
Who am I? (3:11)
Doesn’t matter. I’m with you. I qualify you.
Who are You? (3:13) – what if the people ask for your name?
I AM WHO I AM (3:14)
What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? (4:1)
Perform these signs
Hand of a leper (4:6-7)
Nile River turned to blood (4:8-9)
But I’m not good with words (4:10)
Who makes the mouth? (4:11)
Lord, please! Send anyone else (4:13)
What about your brother Aaron? He will be your mouthpiece (4:14-16)
OBSTACLES BEFORE EVEN STEPPING FORWARD
God tells Moses Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened and he will refuse to listen.
What is the difference between a calling and being called by God? Are we all called by God?
How can we better fix our attention toward God to hear?
What is involved when responding to God? How should we respond?
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
What is keeping you from His glorious plan?
What excuses are you giving?
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People of God: Week 2 – Pharaoh
[Exodus 5-15]
Stepping Up and Standing Firm for God
Exodus 5 – Moses goes to Pharaoh – “Let my people go”
Who is the Lord? (v. 2)
Why should I listen to Him? (v. 2)
Why are you distracting people from tasks? (v. 4)
God’s work is NOT a distraction, but the world sees it otherwise.
They are just lazy (v. 8)
Load them down with more work – That will teach them to listen to lies (v. 9)
Moses returns to the LORD and protests:
Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people? (v. 22)
Why did you send me? (v. 23)
You have done nothing. (v. 23)
Exodus 6 – I heard the groans THEREFORE
I will free you
I will rescue you
I will redeem you
I will claim you
More excuses – Exodus 6:12, 30 – “my own people won’t listen to me anymore,” “I’m such a clumsy speaker”
Serpent (Staff) – Aaron’s staff swallowed up the staffs of Egyptian magicians
Plagues
Blood – magicians could do it too / Pharaoh refused to listen
Frogs – magicians could do it too / Pharaoh begs for the frogs to be removed. He will bet people go so they can offer sacrifices
Gnats – magicians fail & say “this is the finger of God” / Pharaoh refused to listen
Flies – Pharaoh says go and offer sacrifices “HERE IN THIS LAND” / Moses says they must take 3-day trip / Pharaoh says okay but “don’t go too far away”
Livestock – Pharaoh refused to listen
Boils – Even the magicians were unable to stand before Moses / Pharaoh refused to listen
Hail – Some of Pharaoh’s officials were afraid / Never in all history of Egypt had there been storm like that / Pharaoh says, “This time I have sinned. The LORD is the righteous one, and my people and I are wrong. Please beg the LORD to end this … We’ve had enough. I will let you go”
Locust – Pharaoh says, “Go and worship the LORD… but who exactly will be going with you.” / Moses says, “We will ALL go… we MUST all join together in celebrating a festival to the LORD.” / Pharaoh threw them out.
Darkness – People could not see each other so no one moved / Pharaoh says, “Go and worship… but leave your flocks & herds here. You may even take your little ones with you.” / Moses says, “No, you must provide us with animals for sacrifices & burnt offerings.” / Pharaoh says, “Get out of here. I’m warning you. Never come back to see me again! The day you see my face, you will die.” / Moses response: “Very well. I will never see your face again.” – PHARAOH SHUT THE DOOR
Firstborn – Loud wail for Egyptians, “so peaceful” for Israelites -1st Passover
Mark of blood – protection from death
All plagues to this point are not sufficient to free God’s people until death of firstborn sons. All sacrificial systems Israel instituted are not sufficient, until the death of God’s only Son.
Exodus 12:35-36 – Egyptians gave Israelites things just as God said
Red Sea (Exodus 14:13):
Don’t be afraid
Stand still
Watch
“They were filled with awe before Him. They put their faith in the LORD and in His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31)
Read Exodus 5:1-5. Pharaoh asks questions everyone asks at times (usually before knowing Jesus).
What are the three questions? Answer the three questions.
Read Exodus 14:13. Moses tells the people three things.
What are the three things? How can we do these three things?
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
Are you stepping up?
Are you standing firm?
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People of God: Week 3 – Complaints
[Exodus 15-17]
We all face things that can make us BITTER or BETTER.
Look for the treasure in every trial. WE ARE BLESSED!
[Philippians 2:14-15] “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Marah (15)
Left Red Sea – desert of Shur – found no water for 3 days – when found water, it was bitter
v. 24 “Then the people COMPLAINED and turned against Moses. ‘What are we going to drink?’ they demanded.”
Manna & Quail (16)
Went to wilderness of Sin – a month after Egypt departure
v. 2 “The whole community of Israel COMPLAINED about Moses and Aaron.” Actual COMPLAINTS against God, not Moses and Aaron (see v. 7)
v. 3 “IF ONLY the LORD had killed us back in Egypt.”
TESTED – whether or not follow God’s instructions
GOT TO SEE GOD’S GLORY (see v. 10-11)
Evening – meat / Morning – bread {Ate manna for 40 years}
“IT’S THE FOOD THE LORD HAS GIVEN YOU TO EAT.” (v. 15)
Everyone had JUST ENOUGH (v. 18)
Don’t keep leftovers – TRUST
SABBATH – God’s gift to you (v. 29) – told to rest, went out anyway
Massah & Meribah (17)
Left wilderness of Sin – camped at Rephidim
No water to drink.
v. 2 “So once more the people complained against Moses.”
Moses said: “Quiet! Why are you COMPLAINING against me? And why are you testing the LORD?”
Tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses – “why did you bring us out of Egypt?” (v. 3)
Strike the rock. Water will gush out. People will drink.
Massah “test” – people tested the Lord / Meribah “arguing” – Israel argued with Moses
Complaining and Lamenting are different.
Crying out to God (Lament) – Psalm 142:1-2 – looks to hope in God
He wants us to pour out what is on our heart.
Complaining has no hope.
COMPLAINTS DECLARE THAT GOD IS NOT good, faithful, loving, wise, or powerful.
Complaints ignore God’s potential – focused on negative
Gossip, slander, false witness, jump to wrong conclusion
Every time you feel like complaining—thank God instead
[Colossians 4:2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Read Exodus 16:1-3.
The whole community of Israel complained. What was the “if only”?
What are we doing when we have our own “if only” moments?
How can we keep ourselves from having “if only” moments?
Read Exodus 16:4-5. God says He will test to people and see if they follow instructions. Why was the test necessary?
Read Exodus 16:17-18. How much did they have?
Read Exodus 16:26-30.
What did they find on the 7th day? Why?
What does it mean that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift?
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
Have you been lamenting or complaining?
How can you live with an attitude of gratitude?
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People fo God: Week 4 – Jethro
[Exodus 18]
[Psalm 90:12] “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” [NIV]
v. 13 – Moses sat before the people and heard disputes from MORNING TILL EVENING – ALL DAY!!!
v. 14 – Jethro asks – WHAT ARE YOU REALLY ACCOMPLISHING HERE?
WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO DO ALL THIS ALONE?
V. 15-16 – Moses responds – Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God
I am the one who settles the cases
I inform the people of God’s decrees & give His instructions
v. 17 – Jethro says – THIS IS NOT GOOD
You’re going to wear yourself out
You’re going to wear the people out
The job is too heavy a burden
Continue to be the people’s representative before God
Teach them God’s decrees
Give them instructions
Show them how to conduct their lives
DELEGATION
Select from all the people others to assist
Capable, honest, fear God, hate bribes
Appoint them as leaders of groups: 1000, 100, 50, 10
Only bring major issues to you
They will help carry the load, making it easier for you
All the people will go home in peace
Read Exodus 18:14.
What are the two main questions Jethro asked Moses?
Try to answer these two questions from your own personal experience.
What is the danger of doing this?
When Jethro told Moses how to delegate, he gave a description of the people to be chosen. What qualities were mentioned? Why are these qualities so important?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Where do you need to delegate more? What do you need to let go? How can you equip & empower others?
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People of God: Week 5 – Sinai
[Exodus 19-40]
Faithful obedience for harmony & order
Ten Commandments – God’s absolutes for how to live
[Ecclesiastes 12:13] Fear God (because He is greater), Keep commands Whole duty of man
Exodus 19:1-8 {Lord reveals Himself at Sinai}
Exodus 20 / Exodus 34 {10 Commandments}
First 4 – Teach how to LOVE GOD, Last 6 – Teach how to LOVE OTHERS
No Other God v. 3 [Romans 1:25]
No Idols v. 4-5
No Name in Vain v. 7 (“God bless you” or “Praise the Lord” but don’t mean it) [Luke 6:46] “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Observe Sabbath v. 8
Honor Parents v. 12
No Murder v. 13
No Adultery v. 14
No Stealing v. 15
No Lying v. 16 (Lying – Slander & Gossip, Flattery, Exaggeration, Silence)
No Coveting v. 17
Ten Commandments catch everyone in sin Only hope of salvation is JESUS
[Romans 5:20-22] God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[Romans 3:19] Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.
[Galatians 3:24] Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.
Jesus quotes Exodus 20:12-17
Matthew 5:27 (Sermon of Mount) – Adultery “just looking”
Mark 7:10 – Honor your parents
Luke 18:20 (Rich Man) – Adultery, Murder, Steal, Lying, Parents
[Matthew 5:17-18] Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.
[Mark 12:30-31] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these
Exodus 32-33 {Gold Calf}
[Hebrews 9:22] In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
Exodus 33:16 Your presence among us
Exodus 33:18 Show me your glory
Exodus 34:6-7 God of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin
Augustine said, “Love God and do as you please”
Read Exodus 20:1-17. Read Mark 12:30-31.
The first four commandments teach us how to love God. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Explain how each of these four commandments teach us how to love God
How can we live this out? (How can we be intentional about following commands?)
The last six commandments teach us how to love others. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Explain how each of these six commandments teach us how to love others.
How can we live this out? (How can we be intentional about following commands?)
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People of God: Week 6 – Scouts
[Numbers 13-14]
The LORD commands that one leader from each Israelite tribe explore the land of Canaan (13:1-2) … THE LAND I AM GIVING TO THE ISRAELITES
Moses gives instructions for intel mission (13:18)
See what the land is like—good or bad, walled or unprotected, soil quality, trees, crop samples
Find out if the people there are strong or week, few or many
Explored the land for 40 days (number of testing)
Single cluster of grapes so large it took two people to carry (13:23)
Land flowing with milk & honey (13:27)
BUT… (13:28)
People living there are powerful… even giants there
Towns are large & fortified
Courageous Caleb – tries to quiet the people (13:30)
Let’s go at once to take the land
We can certainly conquer it
The People Rebel
If only we had died in Egypt… If only we had died in the Wilderness (14:2)
Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt (14:3)
The Faithful Few: Joshua & Caleb
Tore their clothing (14:6)
Wonderful land (14:7)
Lord will bring us safely into the land & give it to us (14:8)
Do not rebel & don’t be afraid of the people (14:9)
The LORD is with us!
People wanted to stone them
Glory of LORD appeared to the Israelites
How long will these people treat me with contempt?
Will they never believe me, even after the miraculous signs?
God wants to disown & destroy them – Moses intercedes for the people
God punishes everyone but the faithful few – “a different attitude” (14:24)
40 days = 40 years (14:34)
Ten Fearful struck dead (14:37)
More Rebellion
People wanted to go anyway – “we are ready now” (14:40)
It’s too late – they go anyway & are chased back (14:41-45)
What were the reasons given by the fearful scouts?
What was their focus?
What was the faith over fear response given by the faithful few (Caleb & Joshua)?
What was their focus?
Read Numbers 14:24. What is this “different attitude” all about?
Read Psalm 34:4. What does it mean to be freed from all your fears?
Personal Reflection: What are your biggest fears? Are these fears keeping you from walking in faith? Pray that the Spirit will reassure you of His promises and strengthen you in your walk.
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People of God: {ASH WEDNESDAY 2017}
Stand in Awe
Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of Him. [Psalm 33:8]
Lent is a season of fasting and renewal. When you fast (stop doing something), but you also replace it with something else—something beneficial to your relationship with Jesus.
For this Lenten season, let us stand in awe and worship our God. We were made to worship God, to glorify God. But as we go through our days, we often add other things to the mix.
[LEVITICUS 10]
Unauthorized fire – Hebrew word “zara” means strange, from outside
[Leviticus 10:3]
“’Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.” Aaron remained silent. [NIV]
“I must be treated as holy”
Holy is used more often as a prefix to God’s name more than any other attribute in Scripture.
Holy – “Set Apart” – [Exodus 3:14] I AM WHO I AM
[Revelation 22:13] He is the Alpha. The Omega. The First. The Last. The Beginning. The End.
[Revelation 1:8] He was and is and is to come.
[1 Samuel 2:2] Hannah says – “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you.”
As we see in this story in Leviticus, the closer you are to God – the more careful you need to be about His holiness so not to dishonor God.
The sad thing is not only do some people treat the things of God with contempt, but they also can cause others to follow suit, as possible with this instance with the strange fire.
During this Lenten season, let us ask…
What are you adding to your offering to God that isn’t meant to be there?
What is getting in the way of you fully offering yourself to Him? Fully worshiping Him as He deserves?
[Exodus 33:20] We read about Moses asking to see God’s glory…. God’s holiness is so blindingly radiant we cannot see it and live. Moses had to be hidden behind a rock for the glory of God to pass by.
It was this Holy Ground that required man to remove the unclean shoes and hide his face.
[Isaiah 6:1-4]
Only when we encounter God in His holiness is it possible for us to see our own self – “I am a sinful man”
This is something we must all come to recognize. I AM A SINNER!
Today, we don’t tread on the same Holy Ground as Moses. We don’t have the same need for a veil to shield us from the glory. Instead, we have the glory of God within us because of Christ.
[2 Corinthians 4:3-7] If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
Our foreheads are marked tonight by ashes as we are reminded that we are but dust, that we are like fragile clay jars containing the great treasure from God Himself. We are reminded that without Jesus, we are nothing. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Our lives are marked WITH AND FOR CHRIST.
This should lead us to Awe * Worship * Adoration
[Isaiah 40:12-31] God has no equal
God….
Loves perfectly
Speaks perfectly
Creates perfectly
Acts perfectly
Chooses perfectly
Teaches perfectly
Disciplines perfectly
[Exodus 15:11]
Who is like YOU –
glorious in holiness,
awesome in splendor,
performing great wonders
What is keeping you from falling at his feet?
In Revelation 1:17, John sees Jesus and he immediately falls at His feet.
What’s keeping you from this?
What’s keeping you from the AWE?
A – Always thankful [1 Thessalonians 5:18] CONTINUALLY THANKFUL
W – Worship everywhere – IN ALL THAT YOU DO AND SAY [Colossians 3:17] – this isn’t just singing (everything you do should point to Him)
You should continually be aware of His presence everywhere.
E – Eyes on Him – Eyes on Jesus [Hebrews 12:2] Perfecter of Faith
Consider the ashes on your forehead this evening… here’s a picture of what is coming…
[Revelation 22:3-5] No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and His servants will worship him. And they will see His face, and His name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there–no need for lamps or sun–for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” [Revelation 4]
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People of God: Week 8 – Rebellion
[Numbers 16-17]
Respecting authority… Respecting God’s plan… Honor Who He has chosen…
Korah’s Rebellion [16]
Korah – Levite (descendent of one of Levi’s three sons Kohath)
Dathan
Abiram
On – Reubenite
Whole community set apart [v. 3]
What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people?
Tomorrow God will show us who belongs to Him and who is holy
The Lord will allow only those whom He selects to enter His own presence
To the Levites, says – Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near Him, so you can serve the Lord & minister to the people. [v. 9]
Korah has already been given this special ministry. Are you demanding priesthood? [v. 10]
The Rebellion
Dathan & Abiram refused to come [v. 12-14] – no respect for authority
Korah stirred up the ENTIRE COMMUNITY [v. 19]
Took something that could have been addressed in a peaceful way and handled it by attempting to overpower – how can you overpower God Almighty?
Getting a group of people emotionally charged against God does nothing to help his cause.
Why did Korah take this disagreement and allow it to be a stumbling block for so many?
Is it not worse to lead others to hell with you? Misery loves company.
Glory of the Lord appeared
Told Moses & Aaron to move
Moses interceded on behalf of the people
Get away from the wicked
Swallowed up [v. 28-35]
Aaron stands between them [v. 41-50]
Aaron’s Bud [17:1-10]
12 wooden staffs to represent each tribe
Buds will sprout on staff of the man I choose.
Read Numbers 16:3. The question is what right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people. How does God display who belongs to Him today?
Verse 5 says that God will allow only those whom He selects to enter His own presence. James tells us that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (see James 4:8). Would that then mean if we draw near to Him, He brings His presence to us? What is involved in this?
A question is posed to the Levites. The question was does it seem insignificant to you that God chose you from among Israel to serve the Lord and minister to the people. What is this questions getting at? Have you ever felt that the work you were doing for the Lord was insignificant?
In verse 19, we read that Korah got the entire community stirred up. What is the danger in doing this? What could he have done?
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People of God: Week 9 – Balaam
[Numbers 22-24]
Blessing God’s People
[Numbers 22:1-3] Balak, king of Moab, saw everything the Israelites did to the Amorites. He saw how many Israelites there were and was terrified.
Balak, king of Moab, believed that Israel was threatening him (v.5) so he sent a message to Balaam
“In the morning I will tell you whatever the LORD directs me to say” (v.8)
God asks him, “Who are these men visiting you?” (v. 9) … “Don’t go with them. You are not to curse these people. They have been blessed.” (v. 12)
[Numbers 22:18] But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD my God.
God gives permission Since they came for you, get up and go with them but do only what I tell you to do (v. 20)
GOD WAS ANGRY (v. 22)
Some say the anger was because he didn’t wait for them to take him and leave. He started the action. Others believe though God allows us to do something, it doesn’t mean He wants us doing it. God would never want someone to curse who He blessed – nor does anyone have the ability to do so. God’s Word stands.
[2 Peter 2:15] They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.
The Donkey
Angel – standing in the road to block him
Donkey asks, “What have I done to you that deserves your beating three times?”
“You made me look like a fool…. If I had my sword, I would kill you.”
Donkey says “I’m the same donkey you’ve ridden all your life.”
Lord opens Balaam’s eyes and he falls to the ground (v. 31)
[Numbers 22:32] “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the LORD demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me.
I HAVE SINNED (v. 34)
Only can say what God has put in my mouth (v. 38)
[Numbers 23:8] How can I curse whom God has not cursed?
[Numbers 23:20] God blessed them I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.
Read Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 18:18-19, Numbers 22:12, and Numbers 23:19. Summarize these passages and what King Balak was not grasping about God and blessing.
God has made man in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). We may be faulty image-bearers but we are made in His image. Throughout His Word, God speaks of the many blessings we receive as children of God, including eternal life and being co-heirs with Christ. As believers, we are called His prized possession. How do we curse both non-believers and believers in our daily lives when we are called to be a blessing?
Read Isaiah 52:7. This verse speaks of beautiful feet that bring good news. This speaks about proclaiming peace, brining good tidings, proclaiming salvation. How does our actions of cursing keep us from being one with beautiful feet?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 10:24. As the body of Christ, we are called to encourage one another, to build each other up, and to motivate each other to acts of love and good works. Cursing others is opposite these commands. What can we do to aim to be a blessing and not a curse to the body of Christ?
Read Matthew 5:16. When we are living a life that curses others, what does this verse say we are doing or not doing?
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People of God: Week 10 – Joshua
[Numbers 20, Deuteronomy 32-34, Joshua 1]
Being Courageous for God
Moses Strikes the Rock [Numbers 20]
Death of Miriam
No water – people rebelled against Moses & Aaron
God commands – speak to rock & it will pour out water
Moses acts – strikes the rock twice with the staff
“You will not lead them into the land I am giving them” (v. 14)
Death of Moses [Deuteronomy 32-34]
Death Foretold [32]
Moses blesses the people [33]
Death [34]
Buried by the Lord (v. 6)
Joshua son of Nun
The Lord’s Charge to Joshua [Joshua 1]
The time has come (v. 1)
No one will be able to stand against you – I am with you (v. 5)
Be strong & courageous (v. 6-7, 9)
Study & obey the Word (v. 8)
Joshua begins his “great work” (v. 10)
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the Wilderness. It was nearly time for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land; however, they would not be led by Moses due to his disobedience. Read Deuteronomy 31:1-8 and Joshua 1:1-5.
Before Moses died, he publicly recognized the transfer of power to Joshua. What did he do?
After the death of Moses, the Lord speaks to Joshua. What does God tell Joshua?
How would you feel being placed into the position of Joshua?
God often tells us that the time has come for us to do something. What are some of the promises that He has given us, that He gave to Moses and Joshua?
Read Joshua 1:8. What does this verse tell us? What can we do to live this out? Why is this important?
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People of God: Week 11 – Jericho
[Joshua 6]
Moving in Rhythm with God
Gates of Jericho tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites (v. 1).
God promises to give Jericho (v. 2).
Instructions:
#1 – to march around the city once a day for six days straight – God, the divine King marking the city as His own. THIS IS MINE.
#2 – seven priest to bear seven trumpets before the ark (this signaled start of a holy war because the ark is God’s throne). THIS IS GOD’S BATTLE.
#3 – seven priests to march seven times on the seventh day (repeated 3 times – signifies perfection). PERFECTION / COMPLETION
#4 – People were to give shout when they heard last blast of horns (giving voice to their faith). VERBALIZING FAITH “I BELIEVE.”
#5 – Each warrior attack the city – GOD HAS PROVIDED VICTORY
God is giving Israel the land but they much make it theirs through faithful obedience.
“It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.” – Hebrews 11:30 [NLT]
Rescue of Rahab
“It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” – Hebrews 11:31 [NLT]
Rahab and her family were outside the camp (ceremonially unclean) – living with pagans
Rahab now lives with the Israelites (v. 26).
Rahab marries Salmon and gives birth to Boaz (Matthew 1:5)
Boaz marries Ruth Obed
Obed Jesse David Solomon…..
Joseph marries Mary JESUS
Scarlet rope tied to wooden frame symbolizes God’s salvation.
Jesus wore a scarlet robe while He was mocked and beaten, leading to His death on the cross, for God’s salvation to be offered to all who believe in Him.
God gave the Israelites Jericho. They simply had to show up and move in rhythm with God.
Move when He says, “Move.”
Be still when He says, “Be still.”
Read Joshua 6:2. The verse says, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand.” God is talking to Joshua, telling him to see. Part of moving in rhythm with God involves seeing. What does it mean to see?
Why is it so important for us to “see” if we are to move in rhythm with God?
A big part of the marching around the walls of Jericho involved silence. We are not told the reason the people had to be quiet. Read Exodus 14:14 and Psalm 46:10-11. Why is silence important to moving in rhythm with God?
Notice that God gave Joshua the instructions for all seven days, but Joshua did not do the same thing. He only was giving the instructions as they went along (see v. 10). The people that were marching quietly each day did not know when this would end. They continued to march onward, following the command to march silent. What can we glean from this process?
Tania Gutekunst 