Lesson 9: Conquering Jericho

JOSHUA - Lesson 9: Conquering Jericho

Joshua 6

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Beloved King, thank you for taking me across Jordan—for the reality of my union with you in your death and resurrection. Truly you are my sufficiency, my victory and my very life! Thank you for Gilgal——f or the knife of the cross, for cleansing and separation unto you and your purposes. Thank you for your indwelling Spirit and for the joy of feasting in your presence. By your amazing grace I can face the Jerichos of my life—the potential obstacles to peace and rest in your kingdom.

1. Read Joshua 6:1-2. Like the Jordan river, the great fortified city of Jericho presented an "impossible situation." God’s people had neither tools nor weapons that could break down the obstacles ahead. But “nothing will be impossible with God”; for “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
     What is God showing you about His work on behalf of the “sons of Israel?"

2. (Personal) What impossible obstacle or circumstance might be keeping you from living the life of victory in Christ?

3. Read Joshua 6:3-20. List the instructions God gave Joshua and the people.

4. What was the central feature in the great procession around the city? Why was this object so significant?

5. God often asks His people to wait or to take steps of action that make little sense and seem unrelated to the victory you seek. Moses waited 40 years in obscurity before God used him to lead His people out of Egypt. Abraham was 100 years old when God gave him his promised son, who would make him "the father of many nations." (Romans 4:18) But the way we respond to our circumstances and His promptings help determine the outcome of each battle. What might God be asking of you today? How does God encourage you through Proverbs 3:5-7.

6. How did the people respond to His instructions?

7. What was God teaching Joshua and His people about Himself and His deliverance?

8. What did God show them about their enemy as they marched so near the wall? (See also 2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

9. How do the following Scriptures encourage you in your spiritual battles against some very real enemies to God's peace in your life?



       2 Corinthians 1:8-9

       2 Corinthians 10:3-5

       Hebrews 11:30

    Background information for the questions below: In Genesis 15:13, God told Abraham: “...your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs [Egypt], and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” Genesis 15:13

    By the time the Israelites entered the promised land four hundred years later, Canaan was an exceedingly corrupt. History, archeology and modern analysis of bodily remains have shown that its ancient pagan religions involved child sacrifice, prostitution, promiscuity and all kinds of perverted sexual practices. Sexually transmitted diseases were rampant. In other words, God used His people to judge, then cleanse, this wicked land. Any partnership with its corrupt leaders would have caused Israel to compromise their faith and relationship with God.

    In spite of these warning, God's holy people would eventually share in Canaan's tolerance of evil and participate in its deadly practices. The consequences were devastating.

10. Read Joshua 6:17-19. In verse 17, what did God ask this of his people? Why was this command given? (See also 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

11. Does that command carry a warning for us today?    Why or why not?

12. How did Jesus practice true separation unto His Father while still reaching out in love to all people -- including social outcasts?

13. Read Joshua 6:21-27. What steps of action showed Israel’s obedience to the call to holiness?

14. What might you “utterly destroy” in your own life in order to fully live the holy and victorious life in union with Christ?

15. What is the prayer of your heart concerning God's guidelines to victory?

Next: Lesson 10 - Victory after Failure