Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary
This sermon explores how God makes His promises concrete and tangible in our lives through the lens of Joshua 15-19, particularly focusing on Joshua 18:1. The pastor emphasizes that God is not a God of abstract ideas but of concrete reality – He takes His promises and makes them real in ways we can walk on, build on, and live on. The detailed land distribution to Israel’s twelve tribes demonstrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises made to Abraham 400 years earlier. The establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh shows that God doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances to meet with His people. The central question posed is: “Where is your Shiloh?” – your place of consistent, faithful worship and meeting with God.
Key Points
- God’s promises are concrete and detailed, not abstract ideas or spiritual metaphors
- The same God who cared about specific boundaries and cities cares about the specific details of your life
- God doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances to establish His dwelling place among His people
- God’s promises should be stimulants for action, not sedatives that make us passive
- Consistent worship and meeting with God is essential for taking possession of His promises
- Biblical community and studying God’s Word together is God’s design, not solo spirituality
- Your “Shiloh” – your regular place of meeting with God – becomes the center from which you experience His faithfulness
Small Group Questions
The sermon describes God as caring about specific details like “pasturelands” and exact boundaries. Share about a time when you experienced God’s care in a very specific, tangible way in your life.
Israel waited 400 years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. What promises from God are you currently waiting to see fulfilled? How does knowing about this 400-year wait affect your perspective?
The text shows that “the land was subdued” but not completely conquered when they set up the tabernacle at Shiloh. What does it mean that God doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances to meet with us? How might this apply to your current situation?
The pastor asks, “Where is your Shiloh?” – your consistent place of meeting with God. How would you honestly answer that question? What helps or hinders your consistency in meeting with God?
The sermon states that God’s promises should be “stimulants for action, not sedatives.” Share about a promise of God that has motivated you to take action rather than just wait passively.
The sermon emphasizes that Bible study was meant to happen in community, not isolation. How has studying Scripture with others been different from studying alone? What have you learned from others that you might have missed on your own?
The pastor warns against getting so busy doing “good and godly things” that we neglect our personal time with God. How do you balance serving others with maintaining your own spiritual health?
Key Verses: Joshua 18:1, Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:18-21, 2 Peter 1:3-4, Deuteronomy 12:5-7
Application On The Way
This week, establish or recommit to your “Shiloh” – a specific time and place where you will consistently meet with God. Whether it’s daily quiet time, regular church attendance, or faithful small group participation, choose one area to strengthen your consistency in meeting with God. Write down your commitment and ask someone to hold you accountable.
Want to Go Deeper?
Additional Bible Passages: Hebrews 11:8-16, Deuteronomy 8:7-10, 1 Kings 8:56, Psalm 105:42-45, Romans 4:16-21, Hebrews 6:13-20, Numbers 23:19, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:20
Personal Reflection Questions:
Read Hebrews 11:13-16. How does understanding that we are “strangers and exiles on the earth” change your perspective on God’s concrete promises for this life versus eternal promises?
Reflect on 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.” How does Jesus serve as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s concrete promises? What specific promises find their “yes” in Christ for your current circumstances?