Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary:
This sermon examines Joshua 9 and the deception of the Gibeonites, who used spiritual language and religious manipulation to deceive Israel’s leaders. The passage reveals how deception often comes disguised as faith, using flattery, manufactured evidence, and spiritual terminology to mask unchanged hearts. Through examples from Simon the Sorcerer and the Judaizers in Galatia, we see this pattern of spiritual manipulation throughout history. The Gibeonites’ approach contrasted sharply with Rahab’s genuine faith—while Rahab risked everything and demonstrated costly transformation, the Gibeonites acted purely from self-preservation without heart change. Israel’s failure to seek God’s counsel led to a compromised covenant, yet God’s redemptive purposes still prevailed. The sermon calls believers to develop biblical discernment to distinguish between genuine conversion and manipulation in our age of spiritual consumerism.
Key Points:
- Deception often comes disguised as faith, using spiritual language to mask unchanged hearts
- Spiritual manipulators use flattery and manufactured evidence to lower our defenses
- True faith produces costly transformation, while deception merely changes words
- Community provides essential protection against spiritual manipulation
- We must seek God’s wisdom rather than relying on our own understanding
- Even when deception succeeds, God’s redemptive purposes always prevail
Small Group Questions:
- The Gibeonites used flattery as their primary weapon, appealing to Israel’s ego and sense of importance. The sermon warns that “flattery is the devil’s favorite tool because it makes us feel spiritual while blinding us to the truth.” How do you recognize when someone might be using flattery to manipulate you spiritually? What safeguards help you stay discerning?
- In verse 14, we see the critical failure: “The men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.” Despite recent victories when they sought God’s guidance, Israel relied on their own understanding. Share about a decision you made without seeking God’s counsel that you later regretted. What helps you remember to seek God’s wisdom in decisions?
- The sermon mentions that we live in an age of “easy believism and spiritual consumerism” where people can follow multiple teachers online without accountability. How do you evaluate the spiritual influences in your life (podcasts, books, social media, teachers)? What role does your small group or church community play in helping you discern truth?
- The passage shows how Israel’s leaders’ poor discernment affected the entire community. The sermon notes that when leaders fail to exercise spiritual discernment, everyone suffers the consequences. How can we, as a small group, help protect each other from spiritual deception and hold each other accountable?
- Even though the Gibeonites deceived Israel, God worked redemptively in the situation, bringing them into covenant relationship through temple service. Share about a time when God worked good out of a situation where you or someone else was deceived or made a poor decision. How does this encourage you about God’s faithfulness?
- The sermon emphasizes that authentic community requires looking for “fruit that matches profession” rather than just accepting spiritual words. In our small group, how can we create space for genuine transformation and honest sharing rather than just “superficial Bible answers”?
Bonus Resource on Manipulation: https://daletompkins.com/understanding-alice-in-wonderland-manipulation/
Key Verses:
Joshua 9:3-6, Joshua 9:14, Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1, Galatians 2:4
Application On The Way:
This week, evaluate the spiritual influences in your life. Choose one podcast, book, or online teacher you regularly follow and research their background, accountability structure, and fruit in their personal life. Also, practice seeking God’s counsel in one decision you’re facing before relying on your own understanding.
Want to Go Deeper?
Additional Scripture Passages: Acts 8:9-24 (Simon the Sorcerer), Galatians 2:1-5 (False Brothers), 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (False Apostles), Matthew 7:15-20 (Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing), 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (Deceptive Spirits), 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (False Teachers), Titus 1:10-16 (Rebellious People), 2 Peter 2:1-3 (False Prophets), Jude 1:3-4 (Ungodly People)
Personal Reflection Questions:
- Read 2 Timothy 3:5, which describes people “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” How can you distinguish between genuine spiritual transformation and mere religious appearance in your own life?
- Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:16: “You will recognize them by their fruits.” What specific fruits should you look for when evaluating spiritual teachers or influences? How can you apply this principle to your own spiritual growth and authenticity?