WINNERS AND LOSERS THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
By Frank Eiklor and Cecilia Contreras
LESSON 37
INTRODUCTION
When Jesus and the apostles pointed out the Scriptures, they were referring to the 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures that Christians refer to as the Old Testament. As the New Testament was being written, its writers affirmed the importance of the Old Testament examples – good and bad – and the wisdom in learning from them. Twice, Paul repeats God’s warning to heed those examples (I Corinthians 10:6, 11).
You’re about to continue an exciting journey as we view examples of nations and individuals in the Old Testament – and apply their lessons to our lives today. We have already studied Genesis through Deuteronomy. This second series will offer you scriptural insights from Joshua through 2 Samuel. I suggest you go back and review the lessons from the first five books of Moses (lessons 19-23).
I have deliberately placed the word “example” before every case presented, not to be redundant, but to prevent the student of Scripture from rushing through any part of the Word of God without pausing to think, to pray, and to apply the passage and adjust one’s life accordingly.
JOSHUA
1:5-9—Example – Total observance to God’s Word is a prerequisite to “success”.
2:1, 4, 9-13—Rahab – Example of a Gentile’s perceptive faith in Israel’s true and living God.
3:7, 10-13—Example – God knows how to vindicate the call and ministries of those who obey Him. Note also that God dried up waters to bring Israel out of Egypt and dried up waters to bring them into Canaan (4:23). Note also His servant Joshua aware of Israel’s call to witness to the nations (4:24).
6:2-5, 10—Example – God uses Joshua to teach His people to trust and His enemies to tremble. (Jericho a 7 day project.)
CANCER OF COVETOUSNESS
7:1,4,5,8-11, 14, 19-21, 25—Achan – Example of the cancer of covetousness and its deadly results.
9:3-6, 14—Example – Lack of obedience always results in a price to pay.
10:11-14—Example – Obedience to God can bring miracles from God.
11:1-4, 6, 14, 15, 18-20—Example – God’s long patience with men and nations finally comes to an end.
THE GREATEST INHERITANCE
13:14, 33—Example – God used the tribe of Levi to demonstrate the greatest and most lasting inheritance of God Himself (choose the spiritual over the material).
13:22—Example – The tragic end of one who wished to curse Israel.
14:6-15—Example – Caleb rewarded for obedience – 45 years later. (God never forgets. Hebrews 6:10)
21:43-45—Example of the glorious future that yet awaits Israel.
22:1-5,10,16,18, 22, 24-29—Example of Jewish concern for the spiritual welfare of their children to come. (Put your children’s spiritual needs first.)
23:2-16—Example of a godly man’s final thoughts and concerns for others – not himself – when facing death.
24:13-15, 19-22—Example of God’s messenger who allowed no compromise with evil; who tickled no ears with false messages.
TO BE CONTINUED
