As the Israelites have entered into the promised land to possess it, so we, by our identification with Jesus, have died to the old and entered into the new life, the resurrection life of our Lord. In the promised land, there are battles, but we have been given His victory over all our "enemies."  (II Corinthians 2:14, 3:4-6 and 4:7-11)

 

The crossing of the Jordan illustrates our identification with Jesus Christ--we have died with Him to the old life and entered into the new life, the resurrection life of our Lord.  (Romans 6:3-5 and Hebrews 4:10-11)

Lord, we long to walk in that victory moment by moment. Teach us to “put to death" all that keeps us from living in your triumph, so that your victorious life will be manifested.

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I. Read Joshua 5:1-12 and Deuteronomy 7:1-10, 16
 
A.   1. What enemies must be destroyed? (See also II Cor. 10:3-5)
 
 
      2. How does God prepare the way for His people to possess the land? (Josh. 5:1)
 
 
      3. (Personal) How has He prepared the path and "opened doors" for you recently?
 
 
B.   1. Why did God require that the "sons of Israel" be circumcised at this time? (See Gen. 17:10-13)
 
 
      2. (Challenge) How does "circumcision" relate to your covenant-relationship with God? (Col. 2:10-12
 
 
C. Why did manna cease, and what does this tell you about God's provision for you?
 
 
2. Read Joshua 5:13-15.
 
A.   1. Who is the "Captain of the Lord's hosts?"
 
 
      2. What message is God communicating to Joshua by this divine encounter?
 
 
B.  Read Deut. 8. Here we see some guidelines to victory as well as God's loving provision for His people. What warnings do you see? (Apply to your own life as well as to Israel.)
 
 
C. Remembering that we now live by grace and not by law, what must be our attitude and mind-set as soldiers and servants of our Captain and King?
 
 
    1. John 15:5
 
 
    2. Gal. 2:20
 
 
    3. Col. 3:1-10
 
 
    4. II Tim. 2:3-4
 
 
3. Read Joshua 6
 
A. What was man's part in winning the battle at Jericho?
 
 
B. What did God do in bringing about victory?
 
 
C.  1. What important lessons did God teach His people in the "battle”. (See vs. 2 and 16)
 
 
     2. (Personal) How do you apply this same lesson to the "battles" you face?
 
 
D.  1. What two words describe Israel's obedience to God's command given in Deut. 7:1-6?
 
 
     2. Why was it so important that they obey this command? (Deut. 7:3-4, 6, and 9-10)
 
 
E. According to vs. 17-19, to whom did all that was in the city belong? Why is this significant in your life with Him? (See also Rom. 11:33-36)
 
 
4. Read Joshua 7 and Deuteronomy 11:22-28
 
A.  1. Why was Israel defeated at Ai?
 
 
     2. What is there within us that prevents us from experiencing victory?
 
 
B.  1. What did God require in order to restore Israel to the position of standing strong and victorious in Him?
 
 
     2. How does this show you God's love and the relationship He desires to have with you?
 
 
     3. (Personal) Consider that we too, like Achan, deserve death, and that instead of judgment we have been granted mercy, grace and God's life. When there is loss of fellowship with Him, what does God ask of you and what is His promise to you in I John 1:7-9? (Ask Him to search your heart and see if there is any form of coveting or other form of sin, which must be dealt with by His blood.)
 
 
5. Read Joshua 8:1-8 18, 26-35
 
A.  1. What exhortation and promise do you see in v. 1?
 
 
     2. How do we act out this exhortation? (Look at Acts 4:29-31)
 
 
B. What was Israel's part and what was God's part in bringing about victory at this time?
 
 
C. In vs.30-35, how did Joshua acknowledge God's greatness and sovereignty before all the people? (Consider also how you acknowledge Him in your own life.)
 
 
VI. Read Psalm 66. Relate this psalm to the main points of this lesson.
 
 
 

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SUGGESTED HYMN:  May the Mind of Christ my Savior

 Next: Lesson 21