Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary
This study explores Joshua 12-13, which at first glance appears to be tedious lists of defeated kings and tribal boundaries. However, these chapters reveal fundamental truths about living as God’s people between promise and ultimate fulfillment. The Israelites had experienced God’s incredible faithfulness through victories like crossing the Jordan and conquering Jericho, yet they discovered God’s promises were both fulfilled and still being fulfilled. They controlled the land but still had work to do, living in the tension between “already” and “not yet.” This mirrors the Christian experience today – we have eternal security through salvation, yet we still face spiritual battles in this fallen world. Like ambassadors living in embassies within hostile territory, we must remember God’s past faithfulness, recognize present dangers, and rest in our eternal inheritance in the Lord himself.
Key Points:
- God’s past faithfulness should be regularly rehearsed and remembered
- The tension between “already” and “not yet” characterizes both Israel’s experience and Christian life
- Spiritual vigilance is required to maintain the ground God has given us
- Present dangers often come through gradual compromise rather than dramatic falls
- Our ultimate inheritance is not earthly possessions but the Lord himself
- Past victories serve as down payments on future grace
- Anxiety diminishes when we remember God’s proven faithfulness
Small Group Questions:
Joshua 12 lists 31 defeated kings as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. What are some specific ways you’ve seen God’s faithfulness in your own life that you could “rehearse” when facing new challenges?
The sermon describes Christians as “ambassadors setting up embassies in enemy territory.” How does this metaphor help you understand the spiritual battles you face daily? What does it mean practically to live as heaven’s ambassador?
In Joshua 13:13, we see that Israel “did not drive out” certain enemies, showing their waning vigilance. Share about a time when you became spiritually complacent during a “peaceful” season. What happened, and what did you learn?
The sermon mentions we often “stumble over the daily grind” more than major crises. Why do you think gradual compromise is sometimes more dangerous than dramatic temptation? How can we maintain spiritual vigilance in ordinary moments?
Peter’s response to Jesus’ fishing instructions was “at your word, I will let down the nets” despite it seeming pointless. Describe a time when you had to obey God’s direction even when it didn’t make sense. What was the result?
The Levites received “the Lord God of Israel” as their inheritance instead of land. How does viewing God himself as your ultimate inheritance change your perspective on material blessings or losses?
The sermon states that “anxiety is the loss of confident security in God.” How can remembering God’s past faithfulness practically help you combat anxiety about current or future challenges?
Key Verses:
Joshua 12:1, Joshua 13:1, Joshua 13:13, Joshua 13:14, Joshua 13:33, Psalm 73:26, Romans 8:31-32
Application On The Way:
This week, create a personal “Joshua 12” – write down specific ways God has been faithful to you in the past year. When you face challenges this week, refer back to this list before praying about your current situation. Ask yourself: “How has God proven himself faithful before, and how does that give me confidence for today?”
Want to Go Deeper:
Additional Passages: 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 11:13-16, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Galatians 6:9, Revelation 21:1-4
Personal Reflection Questions:
Read 1 Peter 2:11 about being “sojourners and exiles.” How does this perspective change how you view your current circumstances and challenges?
Reflect on Hebrews 11:13-16. The heroes of faith “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” What would it look like for you to live with this same eternal perspective while still faithfully engaging your current responsibilities?