><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 1 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) v1-9. Cf Dt 31:7,8. List the promises God made to Joshua. What conditions of success was he given? What picture of Joshua is given in this chapter? 2) What principles, warnings, or encouragement to be found here can I apply to my own life? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Lord promised Joshua: to give him every place he set foot, no one able to stand up against him all his life, will be with you, never leave nor forsake you, will lead the people to inheritance, will be prosperous and successful. The key instruction is to "be careful to do everything written in it (the Law)" and "do not turn from it to the right or to the left." Obedience is what God wants from you and me. May we direct our prayers in a servant-like manner, rather than a "give me, give me..." way. Let us truly learn to obey our Master, and be His obedient servants. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 1 God's Faithful Call God called "the servant of Moses", Joshua, to conquer the promised land, He made it clear to J that, regardless what the circumstances "--- I will not fail you or forsake you." 1:5b. This verse was coded in Hebrews 13:5b -6 for living a faithful Christian life because of He is faithfulness - "--- He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' *so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?'" Then, Joshua accepted the call and directed His people, 1:10-11. It is important to hear the response of supporting the ministry, 1:16-18. Otherwise, it would not show unity in actions. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter presents the passing of the mantle of leadership from Moses to Joshua. God promised Joshua that the land where the people tread would be theirs. He also promised that no one would be able to withstand them. He is given the encouragement - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS 3 times. THe first reason is that v6 you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. God keeps His promises. THe second reason is in v7 be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or tho the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. God wants obedience. The 3rd reason is in v9, do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. God is with us. 2) The warnings and encouragement are clear BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS WHY? - God Keeps HIs promises, God desires obedeince, and He is with us. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 2 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How does the story in this chapter juistify the statement in Heb 11:31? Compare Rahab's words with the actual position of the Israelites at the time, and not especially verse 11. 2) Observe how Rahab's faith kindled the faith of the spies. What stimulus does this give us in the life of faith? What parallel is suggested to you by the house protected by the scarlet thread? With v19,cf Ex 12:22. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Rahab stepped out in FAITH - that's why she is commended for her actions in the Bible. Although technically she lied, which is against the Law, it was out of FAITH. Praise God, even Rahab, a "sinful woman" was considered righteous. Clearly, the Israelites were feared by all their enemies. God Almighty was with them, and the people of Jericho sensed that. Rahab's faith in Israel's God was bold and clear. She risked her own life to access the safety she believed would come from Israel's God and His warriors. The scarlet thread certainly parallels the blood of our Lord Jesus, covering our sins. Also the passover. His blood makes us clean in the sight of God. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 2 Melted Away "---- all the inhabitants of the land, moreover, have melted away before us." 2:24 So often, we do not realize the blessing and strength within us as a Christian. However, the enemy observes carefully of what is in us. Praise God for the indwelling Spirit makes the distinction within us and scares away the evil ones. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1)Heb 11:31 tells us of Rahab's faith. 31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. Rahab's words were they are not in this house - they were on the roof. Her cunning and trust in God was great - this caused her and her family to be spared. 2) Rahab's faith helped the faith of the spies. They were spurred onward in their faith through hers. This is true of us today. We must strive to spur one another on in our faith. THe house protected by the scarlet thread was like the passover in Ex 12:22. 22 "You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning. These both are a symbol of Christ's blood shed on the cross to cover our sins. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 3-4 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Work out the order of events, as the people entered the promised land. Note the parts played by God and by the people. What principles of progress in the Christian life are here illustrated? 2) Compare and contrast the position and attitude of the people here with that of their fathers in Num 14:1-10. Which group reflects your own attitude? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 3-4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The people started early in the morning, camped before crosing over. They followed the ark of the Lord step by step, always keeping about a thousand yds distance behind it. They had to CONSECRATE themselves, "for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." They placed twelve stones at Gilgal in memorial of the Lord's stopping the flow of the Jordan river that they might cross safely. v24, "HE did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 3 and 4 Crossing the Jordan - Establishing Joshua's Ministry Israelites ate the Passover Lamb prior to crossing Red Sea; it implies that our salvation came from blood of the Lamb. Now, they need to be sanctified, 3:5, to enter the promised land. There are two piles of memorial stones recorded in these chapters. One pile in the middle of the river and the other at Gilgal, on the West bank of Jordan River, just north of Dead Sea - Our old selves were buried in the Jordan River before entering the Kingdom of God. The Gilgal Memorial is important in our lives. It reminds us each day that we are now living a kingdom life. The crossing of Jordan took place in March/April (the tenth day of the first month, 4:19, five days before Passover) during the flooding season of the river. At this time the river flows not only channel full and also bank full. At that time the enemies, in the promised land, would think that it is impossible for them to come and attack them. Throughout the Bible, we learn that there nothing impossible to God. This miracle was performed "that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever." 4:24. Where Israelites crossed the river Jordan was also the vicinity where Jesus was baptized 1400 years later. [Halley's bible Handbook] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Prior to crossing the Jordan, the people needed to be prepared. This is like the Holy Spirit's preparation of the heart of the unbeliever. When they crossed, they needed to take a leap of faith step. There was no shoreline or beach portion to slowly gradually test the waters. The men entering needed to jump in. This is the same way it is for us as Christians. We cannot test the waters of Christianity, we are either all the way, or no way. Next, the people place 12 stones in the Jordan to symbolize their old nature. This is like baptism - a drowning of the old nature. Finally, after crossing, there was no turning back, it was full steam on for God's service. 2) The people here were ready to forget Egypt(the world). They were ready to enter into God's promised land. They setup rememberance stones Josh 4:24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever." May each of us set up our own remembrance stones to track the touches of the hand of the Lord on our lives. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 5-6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Before the conquest of Jericho come the events described in chp 5. NOte their order. What is their significance a) for the Jews, b) for Josh, c) for us? 2) 6:1,2 cf Hev 11:30. What may we learn here concerning the conditions and demands of conquering enemy strongholds by faith? Have you a faith that perseveres? Cf Heb 3:14;6:11,12;10:35,36. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 5-6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Circumcision was required for the Passover, and was a mark for the Lord's service. Actually, physical circumcision is not important to our Lord, Gal 5:6, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." A circumcision of the heart. The commander of the army of the Lord expressed no "political partiality", but was the Lord's servant. Joshua was commanded to remove his sandals, like Moses at the burning bush. This symbolized worship and reverence, as well as a "bare soul" before God. Capturing Jericho required the people's obedience & trust. Blind faith; if they had questioned why they needed to walk around Jericho, it would not have worked. Do we often grumble to the Lord - why am I in this job, or why isn't anything happening in this area of my life?? May we be *humble*, recognizing that He knows what is right and good for our lives. And may He grant us the strength to endure the difficult trials. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 5 and 6 Chapter 5 - Circumcision and Passover restored and Manna Ceased In Chapter 5, Joshua restored the law of circumcision and renewed the Passover ceremony to honor and worship God. Israelites might have good reason for not practicing circumcision due to the inconvenience and lack of sanitation facilities. However, to ignore Passover is inexcusable. They might feel that Moses made a wrong move to take them out of Egypt. Then, manna ceased to come because they reached the productive land and should work for their own food, 5:12. The Captain of the Lord's host came to confirm his mission, 5:14. Joshua 6 The Fall of Jericho - The Promised Land The Arabic Countries are always have argument against the Promised land. The fact is who should argue against God. "--- If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31:b -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Chp 5 we see the Israelites about to take Jericho. Before they could do this, they needed to reestablish their traditions. The Lord reinstituted Circumcision(separation from the world - sign of the Abrahamic covenant), and the Passover(remembrance of God's covenant of mercy). After this, the manna (God's special provision) was taken away. We too must make sure that before we take on the world we are set apart for God, in good communion with God, and that we are working within His provision for us. 2) Josh 6:1,2 1 ¶ Now Jericho was tightly shut because of the sons of Israel; no one went out and no one came in. 2 The LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors. Heb 11:30 tells us: 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. When we take on the enemy strongholds in our lives, we must have pure faith and not waver. Heb 6:11,12 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 10:35,36 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 7 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What sins are described here? What were their results? Cf also Is 59:1,2. 2) What steps were necessary to rectify the situation? Why was the punishement so drastic? How ought this chapter, Is 53:5 and 1Pet 2:24 to affect our view of sin? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 7 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Achan was greedy and deceptive, and audaciously disobeyed the Lord's command not to take any of the devoted things. He lusted after material things, resulting in his own death. Joshua said about the devoted things, v13, "You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it." Likewise we need Christ's blood to stand before God and against Satan. Without Christ, we are prey to all the evils and lust of this world. God have mercy on those who have not received Christ yet. May we express our gratitude for His cleansing sacrifice by our obedience. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 7 Achan - A Troubled and Foolish Man Ai was a small city and Joshua did not feel the needs of full force for taking over the City. They sent out 40,000 men to fight against Jericho, 4:13, and only 12,000 for the battle against Ai. The reason that they lost the fight was not because of how less the number of soldiers they sent out. Joshua was told, 7:19, that they were defeated due to their sin. Achan (means trouble) sinned for stealing a good looking Babylonian garment, and two hundred shkels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, 7:21(KJV). This foolish man lost his stolen goods, his sons, daughters, oxen, asses, sheep, tent and all that he had, 7:24. Above all, he polluted the Alter of the Lord and caused 36 of godly men's lives. What a stupid man is he! Lord! Help me to be watchful and not let Satan enter into my heart doing silly things like Achan did. The same "Achan" concept is applicable to our church life. May the Lord have mercy on us to root out the "Achans" in His Church so that His blessing will not be blocked. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The sins described here are sins of breaking the covenant law. The Lord had setup several rules for plundering and seizing property. Achan was foolish and disobeyed these rules. Is 59:1,2 1 ¶ Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. 2) It was necessary for purification to happen to rectify the situation. Achan had to be burned. This is true within the church body too. Those who refuse to repent need to be disciplined. This example is an extreme one. 1Pet 2:24 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. May this be our view of sin and may we repent from our sin that we may win the victories God has prepared for us to claim.