Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary
This sermon explores the jarring but intentional transition in Joshua 8 from military victory to covenant worship. After Israel’s devastating defeat at Ai due to hidden sin, God graciously restores them and gives them victory through divine strategy. Immediately following this triumph, Joshua leads the people in a covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. This abrupt shift from combat to covenant teaches us that true victory isn’t found in conquering our battles, but in maintaining our relationship with God. The passage emphasizes three key themes: the priority of God’s presence in our struggles, the preeminence of God’s word in our lives, and the pattern of blessing and cursing that flows from our obedience or disobedience to God’s covenant.
Key Points
- God’s presence and empowerment are essential for victory in any area of life
- After failure and discipline, God graciously restores His people to service
- True victory is maintaining covenant relationship with God, not just winning battles
- God’s word must be our highest priority – all of it, not just the comfortable parts
- God’s covenant includes both blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience
- The altar on Mount Ebal points to God’s provision for cursed sinners through Christ
Small Group Questions
- After Israel’s devastating failure at Ai, God immediately encourages Joshua with “Do not fear and do not be dismayed.” How does God typically encourage you after you’ve experienced failure or made mistakes? Share about a time when you felt God’s gracious restoration after a spiritual failure.
- The sermon points out that God used Israel’s previous defeat to set a perfect trap for Ai – turning their failure into a strategic advantage. How have you seen God redeem or use your past mistakes for good in your life or the lives of others?
- Joshua abruptly transitions from military victory to building an altar and renewing the covenant. This teaches us that “covenant obedience has priority over military victory.” In your own life, when have you gotten so caught up in fighting battles (work, relationships, finances) that you forgot the ultimate goal of a relationship with God?
- Joshua read “all the words of the law, the blessings and the curses” to the people – not just the comfortable parts. Why do you think we tend to prefer selective Bible reading that focuses on encouraging passages while avoiding challenging ones? How can we better embrace the complete counsel of God?
- The covenant renewal ceremony included both native-born Israelites and sojourners like Rahab’s family. What does this teach us about God’s inclusivity, and how should it shape our church community today?
- The altar was built with uncut stones – “no human craftsmanship, no artistic enhancements.” How does this principle of “all of God and none of man” apply to our understanding of salvation and our relationship with God?
- The sermon concludes that our highest calling is “not conquest, but covenant faithfulness.” What would it look like practically for you to prioritize maintaining your relationship with God over winning the battles you’re currently facing?
Key Verses
Joshua 8:1-35, Deuteronomy 27:1-8, Romans 3:23, Galatians 3:13-14
Application On The Way
This week, identify one area where you’ve been trying to fight a battle without seeking God’s presence and direction. Commit to pausing before taking action in this area to pray and ask for God’s guidance. Additionally, set aside time to read a challenging passage of Scripture that you’ve been avoiding, asking God to help you embrace both His grace and His truth.
Want to Go Deeper?
Additional Scripture References: Exodus 17:8-16, Deuteronomy 11:26-32, Deuteronomy 27:1-26, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:22-25, 1 John 1:9
Personal Reflection Questions:
Read Deuteronomy 30:11-20 where Moses presents the choice between life and death, blessing and curse. How does this passage challenge you to take God’s commands seriously while also trusting in His grace? What specific areas of obedience is God calling you to embrace?
Reflect on the phrase “salvation is by grace alone” as demonstrated by the altar built on Mount Ebal (the mountain of cursing). How does understanding that Christ became a curse for you on the cross change your perspective on both your failures and your need to earn God’s approval through performance?