Paige opened by saying that Bible study is work and cautioned against “studies” that say “Just come, you won’t have to do any work, it’s all done for you.” She quoted David Neinhues, a professor at Seattle Pacific University who found his students had not truly been trained to study the whole Bible but to be “Bible quoters” by those who taught the Bible by taking scriptures out of context to support pre-determined ideas and to help them with “successful Christian living.” They see the Bible as a reference book with useful God quotes, or a way to address cultural hot topics, rather than reading the whole Bible through, tracing the Biblical story arc, and letting it shape their lives.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
I. No Falling Words (Standard for God: The Covenant and the Certainty of God’s Record)
History of the Promises
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done?
Humdrum of the Land
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
Preparatory Inheritance
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9)
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them?
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites?
11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching?
II. No False Hearts (Standard for Us: The Charge for Our Full Response)
Demands
12. In Joshua 23, what has God done? What does He ask of them?
13. Read Joshua 24:14-22
A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15) (How is this unique in the Old Testament?)
B. What is the application for us? For you?
C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20)
D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like?
14. Read Joshua 24:23-24.
A. This is the theological lens through which you can understand everything this book demands. Explain.
B. How is this like a marriage covenant?
C. She said the choice is between God and nothing. Explain. How would this apply to one of your idols, your false gods?
Decision
15. According to Leviticus, in what areas can we not serve Him? How does the Sermon on the Mount take obedience to a higher level?
16. She said “There is a great market for religious experience but not for holiness. We’ve have a “tourist mindset.” Is that true of you? Why should we doubt our easy expression of faithfulness?
Display
17. What did the Puritans say when someone who had prayed to receive Christ asked, “Am I saved now?”
18. She says Caleb is her favorite Bible character. What do you find out about him from the following passages that are exemplary?
A. Numbers 13:30
B. Numbers 14:6-10
C. Joshua 14:6-12
19. What else stood out to you from this part?
20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises?
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life? There is so much information out there. I lean on Holy Spirit and the Bible as well as commentaries and teachers known for expositive teaching. Dee, one of your studies impressed that upon me I’m not sure which one. The Jesus who surprises come to mind. I’m fighting against worry and anxiety recently, but I know I need to turn to Him and cast my burdens.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing God is the same God who parted the Red Sea with Moses as leader and the Jordan River with Joshua as leader showing He was behind their leadership.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest God did all the work and gave the Israelites the land He had promised as their inheritance.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is? A formal arrangement for a life love relationship that is bonded in blood. It is initiated by the Lord, the superior. It is not a decision we make it is because He(the Superior) has made the covenant and we are to obey it.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part? Then Lord gave them rest from all their enemies. The Lord fought for them. Be strong and be very careful to obey all He has written in the Book of the Law, don’t turn aside to the right or to the left. Don’t associate with nations left among them or worship their gods or invoke their names. Instead hold fast to the Lord as you have until now.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part? If the Israelites broke the covenant, God would bring the disaster He said He would. Israelites were to obey. I
Thanks, Judy for getting us started! So much here to learn. I am challenged by what Paige has gleaned from her study of Joshua. I was following along and she said something at around 36 minutes. And I just paused and cried when she talked about “preparatory inheritance”-God setting the stage for the inheritance of all of earth’s people, to those who believe in Jesus. This made me love the Word of God more and more and appreciate these passages that I have skipped over before. Now, I am excited about Judges!
Praying for you to give your worries and anxieties to God.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
I never knew that the Bible was only one story, about Jesus! I remember when Nancy Leigh (Demoss) Wogelmuth did a series on Rahab and talked about the red cord; oh my! I never knew He was there! But, he was. She said He was written all through the scriptures. I had not been taught that in my youth. I learned it when I was about 45. Wow. What would my life had been like had I known that all along?
I credit with Reformed teachers like Nancy Leigh Demoss, Keller, and Paige for making this so very clear — for it so important. I remember the impact Nancy had on you, Laura!
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring? The inheritors of the land.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…) I’m looking at Josh 12 so may be in wrong chapter Vs 8 talks the hill country, the western foothills, Arabian, mountain slopes the wilderness and the Negev. Then lists the lands they received and the 31 kings that God would have defeated
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33) they did it to determine ownership, but God determined who got what section.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance? That the daughters would get land also. Their father’s name wouldn’t be missing from recons and it allowed for limited rights of Jewish women to own land
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence Because God’s promises never fail, He delivered into the hands of the Israelites the land He had promised to them..
I bought some peaches from a student selling them for an FFA fundraiser. How can eating one bring a lump to my throat? It seems like, nowadays, tears come so easily to me. The practice of being in the Word, trusting Him for the dailies, and not worrying have made for a week of sincere thanksgiving and gratitude. God loves me and my tears are pleasing to Him.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
I know that being here for the last 10 years has given me more of a discerning heart for sound teaching. I see you, Dee, and the women here as fellow pilgrims with insight and reflective questions that challenge my preconceived ideas about God’s Word. I love the light bulb moments and I know the Spirit has used so many of you to give those moments to me.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
The God who led the Israelites through the Red Sea is the same God who led them through the Jordan River.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
He cares about the people who were included during the conquest: Rahab, Achan, and Joshua.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. The conquest was not to show any powers of any of the Israelites, not even Joshua, but the victory was all through God. He uses people to be instruments to judge His enemies.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
A covenant is a formal codified arrangement for a life and love relationship and it is bonded in blood unilaterally and authoritatively initiated by the Lord. It is not between two equal parties. It is a superior coming and binding himself to those who are lesser than him but there is a response to be had. “Therefore” is significant as the application is not up to us. It is for God to tell us.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
God’s part is that there are no failing words. God did what He has done, and He will do what He has said. Our part is to hold fast to God and His laws.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
God has fulfilled all of His promises to them. They were not to violate the covenant and serve other gods.
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done. But I took YouTube father Abraham. I gave him Issac and I gave Jacob and Esau I assigned hill country to Esau. I sent Moses and Aaron I afflicted the Egyptians. I brought you out I brought you to the land of Amorites I gave them to you and destroyed them I sent the hornet ahead of you. I gave you the land and cities and vineyards and olive groves that you did nothing for. God is main character. It was all given to the people they did nothing.
I am struggling to get to this study, this week. Evil is at my doorstep and I am having to fight it off. I will be honest, I am feeling overwhelmed with my life and although I know I need to be here first, I am drawn into the world and the nastiness of it all. I will do what I can and read the blog posts to help me through. Continued prayers for our family are appreciated because I am weak.
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God. A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
God provided a way for the Israelites to cross the Red Sea and the Jordan River. He is the same God.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
God made a way to conquer the kingdoms each time even though it seemed impossible.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
A covenant is a promise. It’s a formal application of love and life. It is bonded in blood. It is a superior/lesser relationship. “Therefore” means we are not in charge. It is God’s doing. There is application for us, given by Him.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
Joshua recognizes to the people all turned has done for him and them. He acknowledges the covenant and how it has been followed. God helped them conquer the land. He protected them. They did what God asked and would continue that in the future. They were to cling to him and follow Moses’ law. They should not associate with others in the land who were not with God.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
What He gives He could also take away. They needed to be faithful. They were to worship Him only.
Laura, I hear you. I tell myself the same: just go in and do what you can. And I know I have been blessed so far. God will reveal to us what He has for each one of us even in the most nil of efforts on our part. He will bless our faithfulness to be in the Word. I know others may not have the mental bandwidth to participate at this time due to personal pressing circumstances but for sure, they are following along. “Fly over” Paige said. It sure is!
Oraying for you!
Laura — I think this has been her most challenging study – but I think it will get easier when we slow down in Judges. You see how few are not participating — so kudos to you!
I’ve been praying for you Laura. You have so much going on in your life. I am awed by your faithfulness in this study. I don’t know how you find the time.
Dawn, Thank you for your prayers. I know I need to be here more than any other place. I need God so desperately right now. I am learning about myself right now, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am not perfect and have made wrong choices in our situation. Trying to right the wrongs is difficult and painful. Pray that I might be strong, humble, courageous, and kind. Life is hard. Paige’s message to me this morning (about the land?!) is that God takes care of us.
Yes, Laura. He will take care of us. I am so tired tonight that your words also comforted me.
Laura - dancer
September 21, 2024
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done?
I led Abraham into Canaan.
I gave him many descendants.
I gave Jacob and Esau to Isaac.
I sent Moses and Aaron.
I brought you out of Egypt.
I destroyed the enemies.
The main character is God. The people have done nothing.
My thoughts are going in many directions this morning. First I am not at home or in the routine of being there. We are in the Black Hills and have been off roading with our daughter and her husband and two other couples that are close friends. In the night I was wide awake and decided to listen to all of Paige’s teaching. I see why she is hard for many to listen to but yet the depth of what she teaches and the truths she draws from the scriptures continues to amaze me. She began with the reality that Bible study is hard and that resonated completely with me. I love to study God’s Word but it is hard and like Laura I feel an opposition to doing it. I personally believe we are living in a very oppressive time where evil influence is rampant and our enemy is working overtime against believers. It takes much prayer to navigate daily life. In considering a God Hunt I questioned why I would look for one thing to call my God hunt. After listening to the teaching I had to realize I don’t have to hunt for God. He is right here with me in the moment. And I desperately need him. We experienced his beautiful Creation for the last two days immersed in the woods in the mountains with colors of red, yellow, green and the smell of pine. Sweet fun and fellowship with other believers but yet at the same time in my heart I am carrying a heavy sadness. Our next door neighbor who we have prayed for a number of years asking God to save him has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife just told us right before we left home to come on this vacation. On the same day one of our very closest friends was having an MRI on his brain because he is having significant memory loss. We expect the same diagnosis. My closest friend is losing strength right before my eyes physically and trying to doctor through some very hard pain issues. And the moment I look at the state of our country and world it is bleak. I am tearful just seeing God in small ways because the needs are huge right now. I need Him close in sustaining ways.
Paige’s point at the end of her teaching speaks to how throughout the Bible we see how God chooses people over and over again but at the end of Joshua the crux is that the people have to choose Him. And the application of that truth to my life is that everyday in every moment I have to choose Him. He is right here with me and in his faithfulness He chose me and now I have to choose Him by loving Him first and foremost and by clinging (gluing myself) to Him. It is always good to look for Him and recognize how He shows up in my life but I am finding I need to acknowledge He is always right here in the moment because sadly I forget (like the Israelites) and then don’t lean into Him in all of my weakness and then move out letting Him lead my life. As with my husband and my marriage I have to continue and keep walking in my commitment to the Lord. I have to live it out. But on this side of Heaven in a fallen broken world it is hard.
Bev, I have struggled too, listening to so much material by Paige. I feel a resistance to listening as I am used to having things done quickly. But as I continue to listen and ask God to deal with my resistance, He begins to let me grasp the personal lesson He has for me. I mentioned in a previous comment, how I was just following along until the 36-minute point, and suddenly, tears came. It’s as if God was telling me, “Stay and linger and listen to me through Paige”.
I admire her for her obedience to share God’s Word with her intelligence and her large capacity for words and study. Dee mentioned that her book, The Jesus Who Surprises” didn’t do too well. To some degree, both she and Paige have a depth that many are not used to. But we know that they both have enriched our lives very much! We are recipients of god’s blessings through them.
So glad to read of your adventure with family and friends. Sad to hear about the challenges of your friends and their diagnoses. So much to pray for.
I. No Falling Words (Standard for God: The Covenant and the Certainty of God’s Record) History of the Promises
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done? I took your father Abraham
I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac, I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau,
I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out.
I brought you to the land of the Amorites but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, I delivered you out of his hand.
I gave them into your hands. I sent the hornet ahead of you, I gave you a land
God is the main character here and the people have not done anything to deserve what He has done for them. Humdrum of the Land Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
For the recipients of the inheritance.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…) The lands included the hill country, the western foothills, the Arabah, the mountain slopes, the wilderness, and the Negev. Of Sihon: from the middle of the gorge—to the Jabbok River, which is the border of the Ammonites. This included half of Gilead. 3 He also ruled over the eastern Arabah from the Sea of Galilee[a] to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea), to Beth Jeshimoth, and then southward below the slopes of Pisgah.
I was just struck about this now as I think of the lot that our house was built on 3 years ago. Richard showed me the boundary lines to our neighborhood south of us and the street to the north of us. There is a good feeling to know we own this lot. We will be passing this on to our daughter. It is a personal inheritance to her.
These repetitive patterns of the allotment to Israel and its specificity helped me appreciate all the more everything that God has given us in Christ. He takes care of all the details.
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
Casting lot was God’s way of instructing the Israelites. We don’t do that now because we have God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
They were given an allotment as well. God shows no favoritism among his people. Jesus’s death puts everyone on the same level. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
Whatever God promised to the Israelites was fulfilled by His power.
And so would God’s promises to us be fulfilled. He is faithful to His Word.
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9) Our heavenly home and inheritance
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why. That He will never leave or forsake me. The assuring that He will always be there. He won’t abandon me or leave me to sit in any mess I’ve gotten into.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you. Psalm 91:4 for some reason the translation I pulled up was KJ. It says under His wing shalt thou trust. That’s what He is desiring of me and encouraging me to do.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them? The excitement and amazement that they were going to live in this home
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites? The stories they had heard during the wandering, the loss of family members, will we ever get there.. and then there it is it and it’s being given to us.
11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching?
My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
When it’s my land.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
“The Jordan River marked the western boundary for the tribe of Reuben. The towns and their surrounding villages in this area were given as a homeland to the clans of the tribe of Reuben.”
Joshua 13:23 NLT
Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
They knew the land was to be divided, because God wanted it done. It didn’t really matter who got what, rather that they got it from God. It was His to give to whomever He wanted.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
God said to give the daughters of Zelophehad a parcel for each of them. I guess the significance is that he didn’t leave them out? Everyone needed a place and God was making sure all were accounted for.
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
God takes care of His people and always keeps His promises.
15. According to Leviticus, in what areas can we not serve Him? How does the Sermon on the Mount take obedience to a higher level? We are to serve God in all areas of our lives. In relationships, our possessions and our time. Jesus deepens the obedience into the issues of our heart, emotions and our possessions and prayer life including anger, lust, divorce.
16. She said “There is a great market for religious experience but not for holiness. We’ve have a “tourist mindset.” Is that true of you? Why should we doubt our easy expression of faithfulness? I don’t know that I have a tourist mindset but don’t serve and obey the way I should. I keep seeking and trying to move into greater obedience but I fail.
17. What did the Puritans say when someone who had prayed to receive Christ asked, “Am I saved now?” We will see.
18. She says Caleb is her favorite Bible character. What do you find out about him from the following passages that are exemplary?
A. Numbers 13:30 Despite the opposition expressed by the majority. Caleb stood strong in faith that they could take possession of the land,
B. Numbers 14:6-10 Tore his clothes and encouraged others to trust the Lord because He would keep His promises. The Lord was with them and not to be afraid.
C. Joshua 14:6-10 he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.
19. What else stood out to you from this part? To take the promises of God and pray them back to Him.
20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises? Fear that as I continue to make mistakes God will not help or take care of me. Even this lesson on wholehearted following is concerning for me. Psalm 23&24 the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
21. What is your takeaway and why? . This was very good teaching and a lot of information in a short time. God promised and God delivers. I need to believe that.
Love this comment from Judy:
This was very good teaching and a lot of information in a short time. God promised and God delivers. I need to believe that.
History of the Promises
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done? I took your father Abraham from beyond the River… I gave him Issac… I sent Moses and Aaron… I brought your fathers out of Egypt… I brought you to the land of the Amorites… I gave you a land …
The main character is God!
The people have done nothing.
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring? Those to whom they were being given to.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…) The (partial description) of allotment for Judah…reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south. Their south boundary ran from the end of the Salt Sea, from the bay that faces southward.
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33) So the decision would be of the Lord.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance? Give the inheritance to the daughters. He is a fair God and a God of grace,
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
All of God’s promises came to pass.
(I just want to share that this last week we were in the ER twice as my sister had such pain in her hip (She had a hip replacement in 2019) she couldn’t walk, took her to an orthopedic appointment where she has go go back next week and have fluid aspirated to make sure there’s no infection. I would appreciate your prayers for my sister, Ruth, but more importantly that her heart would be softened to the Lord and my life would be a witness and words to say if necessary. Thank you🙏)
Prayers that Ruth’s hip is healed quickly, no infection develops, and doctors have wisdom so this doesn’t happen again. Prayers her heart is soften and ears open as she sees and hears about God’s love and concern for her. I ask Lord that you give Sharon the words and the timing to speak Your life giving words. In Jesus name.
Share a God Hunt from last week – One of our pastors had a birthday and his wish was to sit or even drive in an older mustang. His wife put a post on facebook about it and was trying to surprise him with fulfilling his wish. There wasn’t an older mustang to drive in our congregation but Joe, my husband, has a 2012 Boss 302 mustang, that he let him drive. It was so fun to see such a huge smile on his face knowing he was going to ride in a mustang, and drive it. He was smiling from ear to ear and it was nice that we could bless him with that experience. He still smiles when he talks about it.
REVIEW: Paige opened by saying that Bible study is work and cautioned against “studies” that say “Just come, you won’t have to do any work, it’s all done for you.” She quoted David Neinhues, a professor at Seattle Pacific University who found his students had not truly been trained to study the whole Bible but to be “Bible quoters” by those who taught the Bible by taking scriptures out of context to support pre-determined ideas and to help them with “successful Christian living.” They see the Bible as a reference book with useful God quotes, or a way to address cultural hot topics, rather than reading the whole Bible through, tracing the Biblical story arc, and letting it shape their lives. 1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life? – It’s so important to read the Bible on my own, and not just once, so I can really understand what it is saying. In order for me to learn and grow, I have to put in the work and not just check the box that I did it. I have to think about what the Bible is trying to tell me, find God in all of it and learn what his promises are. I’m learning through Paige, and you Dee and even my own Pastor and Life Group that it all ties together, from Genesis to Revelation, it is all one big book about God. I can’t skip over it because it may be dull or confusing, I have to dig in, and find the Gospel in each book. Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.” 2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God. A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing – I loved this reminder that God never changes. The circumstances, the people the location may change, but God is God. The same yesterday, today and tomorrow and forever. His promises stand strong for us today, just like they did in the past. B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest – I can’t conquer my trials without God. I need to reach out to Him. I need to start with Him before my very first step. If I don’t start with Him, my journey will be long and hard, but with Him, it will be a peaceful journey, though it may be long and hard, the peace I receive is only because I started with God and he is along on the journey with me. 3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant” A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is? – A covenant starts with God and reveals his heart toward us. It’s a formal arrangement for life and love and is bonded in blood. ‘Therefore’ is the application, but it is not decided by us. God gives us the ‘therefore’ directly from himself. B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part? – God’s part was going before them in battle. He arranged everyone to be where He wanted them to be. Their part was to be strong and not fear their enemies. They needed to know that God was with them. C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part? – God’s part was not to show favoritism. His promise good or bad would be fulfilled. Their part was to stand strong on the covenant of God and not turn away from Him.
God hunt: The weather has been warm and beautiful. We’ve got to experience the Northern lights and the gorgeous harvest moon. I love God’s creation! 1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? With a lot of prayer and staying in the Word. How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one storythat goes together? How does that shape your life? I think that it was a combination of you, Tim Keller and Paige that really changed how I understand the bible. It was life changing when I understood that all of the bible point to Jesus. The fact that every story, prophesy, and event tells what has or is going to happen. I always look for Jesus in everything that I read in the bible. Plus I am less concerned with how my life is going when I know that God not only sees the big picture, but orchestrates it according to His design. 2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God. A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Neither time nor circumstance changes that. B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest God not only accomplishes His will in the big picture, but He has “side stories” that involve individuals as well.
First of all, dear Dee, I feel badly that it appears so few are participating in this study, including me. I wonder if they are like me. Life is so very very busy, but I am trying to take time 1-2 times a week in the late evening (it is now after midnight and I work early in the morning) to do the Bible study with Paige. I take notes as she teaches, for there is so much richness to what she is saying and I don’t want to miss anything. It always amazes me, however, that I always do miss lots of things which others highlight in their answers here. I always think, “How on earth did I miss that?! I was listening so carefully and taking such copious detailed notes??” But anyway, it seems I just have no time to answer the questions here but I SO much want to do so! I just hope you are still doing this wonderful blog study when I finally am able to retire and can be a more vital participator! Please don’t quit, Dee!! I read your blog each week with great interest and delight, and so much love to read what others are learning and writing here for all of us to see.
I have found lately that I am listening to many podcasts and sermons online and find them so wonderful and needful. But I am also missing the part where I personally dig into the Scriptures and study for myself. That activity can’t be replaced by others doing it for us. I remember old Vernon McGee saying years ago that most of us enjoy being spoon-fed the Bible in easily digestible portions instead of studying and eating on the meat of the Word. I never forgot that illustration especially as I find myself now being spoon-fed a lot. But I also rest in the fact that God knows He would take a woman who is retirement age and make her a single mother of teens from lots of trauma, so He knows the seasons of our lives. I can look on podcasts and online sermons as a blessing from His hand of love for me at such a time as this. But I still long for the day when I can study more for myself as well.
I’ve been going to physical therapy for the past few months. One of my sweet therapists, upon learning that I work as a hospice nurse practitioner, gingerly asked me if she could talk with me about the dying process of my patients. Our conversation drifted to spiritual aspects, and I was so thrilled to find out she was a new believer. She told me that her church is starting a new life group session and that most young couple like her are choosing to be in marriage life groups. She said, “I don’t want to be in that kind of life group. I’m choosing a life group that is focusing on learning more about the Gospel itself. I just want to know more about the Gospel. This is all so new to me!” I was lying on the mat doing my prescribed exercise plan, but I excitedly told her that the Gospel is present in every single book of the Bible! How exciting to know that God is still saving souls and revealing Himself to individual hearts even as we see the darkness coming in like a cloud to this world.
I had much more to say to try to answer the specific questions, but I better try to get some much needed beauty sleep! 🙂
Miriam,
Blessed to read your comments and catch up on where you are right now. What sweet encouragement to read about your therapist and hear how God is working.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other?
—I think it starts with prayer. Praying first and asking the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to the truth of God’s Word as I study it and seeking Him for a deeper and clearer knowledge of Him.
Also it is important to be discerning and careful about the teaching we listen to. I appreciate Paige’s insistence her listeners measure what she says against the Bible and to keep our focus on God’s Word. My son often prefaces his sermons with the same instruction for his congregation to not just take his words but to open the Bible and examine the Word for ourselves.
How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
—Actually at my age the good teaching and preaching I have had the privilege to sit under and listen to are too many to list. But what a wonderful thing when a person realizes the true and whole context of the Bible and treasure it is as God’s clear way of revealing Himself to us and it is all about Jesus. Old and New Testaments both. Jesus revealed in every single part.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
—The God who was all powerful and parted the Red Sea for the Israelites under the leadership of Moses was the very same God who parted the Jordan River for the new generation of Israelites again under the leadership of Joshua. God is eternally the same yesterday, today and for ever.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
—First we have to understand the holiness of God and that judgment belongs to him alone. The Israelites were the instrument of God against his enemies. It is always the Lord fighting for Israel. But God will receive anyone who comes to Him (like Rahab). So the surprise is not the judgement but the mercy of God displayed.
It’s the same for us because of Jesus we don’t have to come under judgement for our sin but we can experience his mercy because of the Cross.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word
“therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
—In the Bible a covenant is a formal arrangement that is codified for a life love relationship and it is bonded in blood. It was authoritatively initiated by the Lord and not a contract between two equal parties. “Therefore” the application of it is not up to man but to the Lord.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
—God had given them his promises to drive out and defeat the nations and He was giving them the land.
Their part was take the land and cling to Him. He was keeping his covenant to them.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
—None of God’s promises had failed to be fulfilled. Their part was to obey Him and worship Him only.
Beautiful summer from Bev:
—In the Bible a covenant is a formal arrangement that is codified for a life love relationship and it is bonded in blood. It was authoritatively initiated by the Lord and not a contract between two equal parties. “Therefore” the application of it is not up to man but to the Lord.
I. No Falling Words (Standard for God: The Covenant and the Certainty of God’s Record) History of the Promises 4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done? – “I took Abraham beyond the river”; “I gave Abraham Isaac”; “I plagued Egypt”; “I brought your fathers out of Egypt”; “I gave them into your hand”. God is the main character and it shows how much love he has for us. He goes before us in every situation and will bring justice and even death to those who fall away. The Israelite people did a little here and there, but it was all God who walked in front. Humdrum of the Land Personal Inheritance 5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum. A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring? – I think the person receiving the land and their family members or descendants of those who received the land would be very interested in what was described. B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…) – The allotment of Judah: reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south. South boundary ran from the end of the Salt Sea from the bay that faces southward. It goes out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, and goes up south of Kadesh-barnea along by Hezron up to Addar, turns about to Karka, passers along to Azmon, goes out by the Brook of Egypt and comes to its end at the sea. And this is just the description going south, there is so much more that was received. C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33) – They did it as a random selection or distribution of things. But it came down to the Lord’s direction D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance? – He said they each get their own portion, just like the sons would have been given and he also said to write it in the law. I think the significance is showing the love God has for everyone. He didn’t discard the women, they were just as important to him as the men were. It shows that he is a fair and just God. E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence. – God’s promises are true. We can count on his promises to be fulfilled as he said they would. He always keeps his promises. His Word never fails.
Preparatory Inheritance 6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9) – It is all a way to start seeing the true promise, the biggest promise of all that God has given to us. The blessing of Jesus Christ dying on the cross in our place and all the promises from creation to resurrection. 7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why. – The promise that Jesus took my place on the cross so I can spend eternity with God in heaven is so huge for me. For Jesus to care that much for me, is just amazing. The other is that he will never leave me. He will always be with me as I walk this journey on earth and as I leave this place, I will still have him by my side all the way. What a comfort to me that there is someone, so huge and powerful that loves me that much. 8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you. – It said that God doesn’t bring us new truths, but shows us the old truths in a new and current way that applies to our needs now. When Joe and I were reading through the Bible in a year with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, a whole new meaning came to me when he talked about the veil being torn. I had heard this before, but didn’t really HEAR the true meaning. Joe and I both were like, oh my gosh, this is huge, I don’t need a mediator to remember everything I said and hope they take it all to God, I can go to Him directly and one on one with the Only One who can save my soul and redeem me. 9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them? – I can just imagine their faces. How excited and shocked they probably were to know they now have a home to live in that has rooms for them all. What a precious moment that had to have been for their mom. 10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites? – I’ve had my own apartment before I was even married, but what was more memorable, was being able to buy my own home after my divorce and messed up credit got restored. What a blessing it was to know that God was taking care of me and my boys. It’s wasn’t a huge home, but it was ours, one that I never thought I would ever be able to have. But God provided the strength I needed to persevere and work hard to obtain it. I was sad to sell it when the time came, because I know that God was behind it all. I think for the Israelites, they knew that it was all from God. They did hardly anything to receive the promise, but God loved them enough to keep his promise and provide them with His land. He placed them all right where he wanted them to be. It had nothing to do with them or their worth, but it had everything to do about God, his power and authority. 11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching? – God is faithful. He knows what I’ve been through and what I will go through and has placed me where he knows I need to be. His promises of ‘land’ came to us when we moved to Tennessee. With the Appalachian Mountains outside my door and the Smokey Mountains, not far away, his beauty, his creation is surrounding us. We both feel wrapped in his arms with the people that we encounter. His love abounds, and his promises are true for me today, just like they were for the Israelites.
Preparatory Inheritance
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9) Our inheritance and future promise.
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why. ”God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19 This promise is always a reminder to me of who God is…He never changes, faithful and trustworthy. I go to it when I have times of doubt and need to refocus on Him. ” But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10 I clung to this promise after we lost our son as it brought me comfort to know that God was in control and He had a purpose even when I didn’t know what it was at the time.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you. I didn’t take notes so I don’t know the exact quote. Our study through the 23rd Psalm became new to me in praying it for my daughter…a whole new and fresh perspective and at just the right time.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them? They couldn’t believe that is was their home, that they were actually going to live there and they had their own rooms.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites? Our first home was a mobile home and I remember being so excited looking at different homes, picking one out, seeing it set up on the lot we picked out and making it our home…so cozy with a wood stove and it was ours! It must of been so exciting for the Israelites to finally have a place that was their home after wandering in the wilderness, living in tents and constantly moving and to be in the place that God promised to them.
Preparatory Inheritance
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9)
The land is just the warm-up “band. It is setting the stage for the Lord to fulfill all of His promises. The “vortex” to bless the entire earth. Whoa! “vortex” I had to look that up. “whirlpool” a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn. That is such a picture of how God is drawing people to Himself. One cannot stop being swept into it!
To lean in more fully to the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. The promises are specific.
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why.
Philippians 1:6 He who began a good work in you…Because I long for my daughter to return to Jesus.
Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate me from the love of God. Whenever I feel discouraged.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me those who are heavily laden… and I will give you rest… whenever I feel physically exhausted.
Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ… for when I feel condemned.
God’s promises are as tangible as the land. Not just well wishes. He has not lowered His standards. How much would God give to keep His covenant? Jesus!
Love this from Bing:
The “vortex” to bless the entire earth. Whoa! “vortex” I had to look that up. “whirlpool” a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn. That is such a picture of how God is drawing people to Himself. One cannot stop being swept into it!
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you.
“…Old truths applied to a new need…”
Well, finding out that the entire Bible is about Jesus was a shocker to me! I found myself searching for passages that would assuage that fact. It was fun to look, and more fun to know this little “secret.” Then to make sense of it all! I’m still doing that 😉. His lineage included a prostitute! WOW.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them?
The kids couldn’t believe the house was theirs. They were unbelieving and ecstatic at the same time.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites?
I felt excited when my family bought a house. The Israelites had been enslaved and wandering for so long. I’m sure they were relieved.
From Laura 😉
Well, finding out that the entire Bible is about Jesus was a shocker to me! I found myself searching for passages that would assuage that fact. It was fun to look, and more fun to know this little “secret.” Then to make sense of it all! I’m still doing that 😉. His lineage included a prostitute! WOW.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you. This is how God reassures His children, Not by unveiling to them some new truths that were previously unknown but reaffirming the promises He has already given to us. These same promises take on special power because of the present pressing need this is what God’s people usually need, not new truth but old truth freshly applied to our new need. It is sealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God’s Word old truth applied to my need:
I have been doing Scripture writing this month of September and the prompts are under the title “God’s promises”. Zephaniah 3:16 “The Lord God is with you…” This was the verse one day of last week and I received a card from a friend with the exact words the same week. Interestingly, one of her lines inside said, “I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this sent, but hopefully this is when you need it.” And I sure needed it the whole week!
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them?
They could hardly believe that the house and their rooms were theirs.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites?
Yes. I lingered and looked around my room and felt very grateful, bursting with joy They have been wandering for so many years and now they have an inheritance, a place they can call their very own.
11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching?
“Preparatory inheritance” what a beautiful picture of what is in store for me and everything here is just a foretaste.
God Hunt from Bing;
I have been doing Scripture writing this month of September and the prompts are under the title “God’s promises”. Zephaniah 3:16 “The Lord God is with you…” This was the verse one day of last week and I received a card from a friend with the exact words the same week. Interestingly, one of her lines inside said, “I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this sent, but hopefully this is when you need it.” And I sure needed it the whole week!
I find Paige’s choice to study Joshua VERY interesting in light of the events going on with Israel today. Maybe I am late to the party? I can see why Israel would defend their land so vehemently, if they know their Bible stories well 😉. “…from the River to the Sea.”
“I have allotted to you as your homeland all the land of the nations yet unconquered, as well as the land of those we have already conquered—from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.”
Joshua 23:4 NLT
12. In Joshua 23, what has God done? What does He ask of them?
He had fought off the enemies and provided the land. He has given them rest from their enemies.
He tells them to be faithful. To love only but “…the Lord your God.”
Humdrum of the Land
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
—They are not boring for the person they are being given to.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
—“King Sihon of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, was defeated. His kingdom included Aroer, on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, and extended from the middle of the Arnon Gorge to the Jabbok River, which serves as a border for the Ammonites. This territory included the southern half of the territory of Gilead.” Joshua 12:2
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
—“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” Prov. 16:33
God is in complete control of how they fall.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
—God had instructed Moses to give the daughters of Manasseh an inheritance along with the sons of his brothers. It showed God’s respect for women and their place in the lineage of Jacob & his son Joseph.
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
—Verse 45 says it all. God kept all his promises to Israel.
“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”
II. No False Hearts (Standard for Us: The Charge for Our Full Response)
Demands 12. In Joshua 23, what has God done? What does He ask of them? -God has pushed back all the enemies that had come up against the Israelites. He has protected them and walked before them. He asks them to not turn away from what they know, away from His Word and ways. 13. Read Joshua 24:14-22 A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15) (How is this unique in the Old Testament?) – They were told to fear and serve the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness. They were to put away their other ‘gods’ that their fathers served. They needed to choose who they would follow. The Old Testament had so many that would follow God and then because of one little incident they didn’t like they would take things in to their own hands and worship idols. Things, objects they thought would help them more than God. B. What is the application for us? For you? – We need to search our hearts and look at how we do life. This would also apply to me. I need to see if what I’m doing and how I’m doing things is pleasing to the Lord. Where are my priorities in my life. What or who do I turn to in my time of needs. Where is God fitting in, is he at the number one spot, or somewhere down below. C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20) – It seems that they answered they would follow and serve the Lord, because they knew all that he had done for them, but it didn’t feel like they truly meant it with their whole being. Joshua replied back that they are not able to serve the Lord, because his a holy, jealous and just God and will turn away if they turn away. It seems like Joshua knew their hearts. D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like? – I fail daily in pleasing the Lord, but I think my faithfulness comes when I go to him with my struggles, I repent and cry out to him to help me. He can see my heart and I hope he sees that I’m not just checking the boxes. I hope he can see me really struggling to please him daily and me growing in my faithfulness. I’m eager to learn more about Him and His Word. 14. Read Joshua 24:23-24. A. This is the theological lens through which you can understand everything this book demands. Explain. – Clean house! Remove anything from my sight that gets in the way of me seeing the whole picture of God and who he is and what he has done for me. I need to be attuned to God and listen for his voice at all time. B. How is this like a marriage covenant? – Our faithfulness to God is telling him that we are committed to him. That we will do what it takes to bring him glory. We need to show him that he is important to us and that his spot in our life is number one. C. She said the choice is between God and nothing. Explain. How would this apply to one of your idols, your false gods? – Without God all we have is meaningless, imitations of what appears to be good. But they are not even close to what God provides for us. Those imitations will break down and not be of any help to us. But God withstands everything. He is always near, he never leaves us or forsakes us. He is with us and working in us and around us until our last breath.
Decision 15. According to Leviticus, in what areas can we not serve Him? How does the Sermon on the Mount take obedience to a higher level? – WOW, there is so much this week. It was hard to keep up with everything she was saying. We wouldn’t be able to serve Him in our sinful ways. God can’t be with sin. We need to strive to be pure in all areas of our lives so we can serve him completely and bring him glory. As we learn we should be growing in a quicker obedience. Our walk in obedience should help the next generation see what true obedience to Christ is and help them easily say yes to Jesus. 16. She said “There is a great market for religious experience but not for holiness. We’ve have a “tourist mindset.” Is that true of you? Why should we doubt our easy expression of faithfulness? – Jesus said it would not be easy to follow him. If we are ‘skating’ along, we may want to check ourselves and see what areas we need to really be giving over to Christ. Each day we should be working to glorify Him. It’s not just a one and done kind of thought. Our part is in our daily walk.
Display 17. What did the Puritans say when someone who had prayed to receive Christ asked, “Am I saved now?” – They said ‘we will see’. This is good and a great reminder that our salvation is just not in our words, it also needs to be seen in our actions and deeds. 18. She says Caleb is her favorite Bible character. What do you find out about him from the following passages that are exemplary? A. Numbers 13:30 – he was encouraging the people to remember the power and strength they had. B. Numbers 14:6-10 – They seemed deflated and frustrated that the people could not see the victory over their fear. C. Joshua 14:6-12 – he has not forgotten the promises of the Lord. He is not worried about his age or abilities now. He knows that if God promised the land, God will give them the land. It’s not about him, it’s about the Lord and his promise. 19. What else stood out to you from this part? – God provides, God gives and takes away. How we live, who we follow and serve determines the outcome. IF we follow the Lord and not turn away, his promises are ours. 20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises? – I try not to be fearful, but there are times it gets the best of me. I think my most dreadful fear would be falling out of the grace of God. But ones that I can’t seem to get over is drowning and this goes way back to freshman year in high school. I know God promises that he will be with me always, so I wonder why I still have this fear. 21. What is your takeaway and why? – It’s all about perspective. What we hear, see and know about God and his promises comes down to how much faith we have in Him. It’s ok if we see the power of God in a scary situation and others do not. Our faith alone in God and no one else’s will be seen by God and honored by him.
21. What is your takeaway and why? The “therefore” in all of this. Therefore is a conclusion, not an option. After seeing all that the Lord has done, you must give all of yourself to Him and follow Him with all of your heart, soul and mind. Anything else isn’t a compromise, it is turning your back on Him and serving another god.
I am so grateful for all of the faithful sisters here who take the time to answer the questions online. You are an encouragement to me and often shed a whole new light on what we are learning. I’m thankful for Dee’s willingness to continue to teach us. I hope that as the activities of summer have passed, I will be able to answer the questions online and be a more active participant.
What else stood out to you from this part?
I have so much to write about in the last section but my notes are all over the place. Paige has so much good to say and I marvel at her passion for truth and emphasis on Jesus which melted my heart. I plan to re-read Joshua one of these days. Having this intensive flyover was such a shot in the arm for me instilling my desire to follow God wholly. I have a choice to make -a long obedience in the same direction.
I didn’t get to finish listening before the video was taken down 😫. I will do my best to answer. 13. Read Joshua 24:14-22 A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15) (How is this unique in the Old Testament?)
Serve the Lord, fear the Lord only. Some groups would serve many Gods for different reasons.
B. What is the application for us? For you?
Stay focused and love the Lord. C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20)
They say they will never abandon God because He took them out of Egypt and rescued them. Joshua says they will not serve the Lord because they are rebellious. He warns them that God is jealous and holy.
D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like?
For me, it looks like being consistent with my study of the Bible. It means letting go of my fears and trusting Him.
14. Read Joshua 24:23-24. A. This is the theological lens through which you can understand everything this book demands. Explain.
It’s all about serving the Lord. You are bound to Him
B. How is this like a marriage covenant?
In marriage, you are bound to one person.
C. She said the choice is between God and nothing. Explain. How would this apply to one of your idols, your false gods?
God is Supreme. He protects and provides for us. Nothing else will do these things.
Idols do not provide you anything other than temporary pleasure. They have no ability to give anything else.
I am so sorry I neglected to put the transcript up before the weekend! Oh! It’s there now — but too late to do it with her as you listen. I am so sorry. Will bear fruit worthy of repentance.
Laura, I pray God’s peace permeate your heart as life seems spinning out of control. Let the vortex of His love bring you into His everlasting arms. I hear you. Some of my beloved friends here are caught in major challenges of physical health, mental anguish over the injustices they are receiving and I seem to feel the the changes of growing older more acutely. I have to remember God is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. One step at a time, dear friend for both of us. Let us have him hold our hands .
Ernema T. Boettner
September 25, 2024
20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises?
Anak and Nephilin the giants. Be a Caleb! The Lord is with us. If God is with me, I can slay giants.
Our most dreadful fears are covered by the promises of God.
For a little bit of these past studies in Joshua, I felt that what Paige was talking about was familiar to me. This week, and especially last night as I was putting my last notes together did it dawn on me that Numbers 13 particularly verses 26-31 is the passage that God gave me before I came to the U.S.. Caleb’s response stood out: “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
It is the same passage when I thought of having to live among the “Nephilims”. I am barely 5 feet tall and tall Americans were like the people of Anak to me! I had all the fears of having to live among foreign people with their foreign culture and tongue, etc. Caleb’s words, “The Lord is with us!” surely have helped me adapt here without having to do anything. After 30 years plus of living here, things about Caleb make sense to me except perhaps, that I have a lack of his whole devotion to God.
I was comforted and challenged by what Paige said, though: Our hearts are not right, but they’ve got to be wholly given, even in their wrongness, completely to him.
At this point, even though my heart is often not right, I want to be wholly devoted to God and I agree to heed Eugene Peterson’s words: A long obedience in the same direction.
21. What is your takeaway and why?
Caleb’s full response and what motivated him: “The very ones that made the Israelites’ hearts melt so that they disobeyed are the ones that fire him up so that he goes running towards what the Lord has promised.”
And oh, I so love the words to the hymn, “O Jesus I have promised”. It could indeed be “Caleb’s Song”!
“Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end. Be thou forever near me, my master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. Oh, let me see thy footprints and in them plant my own. My hope to follow duly is in thy strength alone. Oh, guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end, and then to rest receive me, my savior and my friend.”
Dee, thank you for including Paige again as one of our studies. I love her spunk (smile) and a clear devotion to preaching God’s word unapologetically. Her rhetoric pricks my heart and even though at times, it stings, I know it is the truth. I pray she will continue to be a herald for Jesus Christ as are you. May the good Lord protect her and you as you both lead others to a “long obedience in the same direction”.
And this was the verse of the day for me on Monday.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Habbakuk 2:3
And talking about God’s promises coming to fruition:
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Demands
12. In Joshua 23, what has God done? He fought for them against their enemies. Allotted to them as their homeland all the land yet unconquered as well the land already conquered.
What does He ask of them? Be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of instruction and don’t deviate from it. Don’t associate with the other people still remaining in the land. Don’t mention the names of their gods, much less swear by them, serve them or worship them. Cling tightly to the LORD your God. Be very careful to love the LORD your God.
13. Read Joshua 24:14-22
A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15) Fear the LORD, serve Him wholeheartedly, put away the idols of your ancestors, serve the LORD alone and choose today whom you will serve.
(How is this unique in the Old Testament?) Almost all of the language of choice in the OT is about the Lord choosing. Now He’s turning that around and making it their choice.
B. What is the application for us? For you? What choice are we/am I going to make…who am I going to serve?
C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20) We would never abandon the LORD our God and serve other gods and then they go into all the LORD had done for them. He warns them…”you are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. It you abandon the LORD and serve other gods, He will turn against you and destroy you, even though He has been good to you.”
D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like? Clinging/being glued to Him…making Him first place.
88 comments
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life? There is so much information out there. I lean on Holy Spirit and the Bible as well as commentaries and teachers known for expositive teaching. Dee, one of your studies impressed that upon me I’m not sure which one. The Jesus who surprises come to mind. I’m fighting against worry and anxiety recently, but I know I need to turn to Him and cast my burdens.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing God is the same God who parted the Red Sea with Moses as leader and the Jordan River with Joshua as leader showing He was behind their leadership.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest God did all the work and gave the Israelites the land He had promised as their inheritance.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is? A formal arrangement for a life love relationship that is bonded in blood. It is initiated by the Lord, the superior. It is not a decision we make it is because He(the Superior) has made the covenant and we are to obey it.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part? Then Lord gave them rest from all their enemies. The Lord fought for them. Be strong and be very careful to obey all He has written in the Book of the Law, don’t turn aside to the right or to the left. Don’t associate with nations left among them or worship their gods or invoke their names. Instead hold fast to the Lord as you have until now.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part? If the Israelites broke the covenant, God would bring the disaster He said He would. Israelites were to obey.
I
Thanks, Judy for getting us started! So much here to learn. I am challenged by what Paige has gleaned from her study of Joshua. I was following along and she said something at around 36 minutes. And I just paused and cried when she talked about “preparatory inheritance”-God setting the stage for the inheritance of all of earth’s people, to those who believe in Jesus. This made me love the Word of God more and more and appreciate these passages that I have skipped over before. Now, I am excited about Judges!
Praying for you to give your worries and anxieties to God.
Oh Bing — I love how your heart was moved by “preparatory inheritance!” We have no idea what awaits us!
Thanks for that encouragement, Judy — that’s a book that didn’t do too well, so that means a lot.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
I never knew that the Bible was only one story, about Jesus! I remember when Nancy Leigh (Demoss) Wogelmuth did a series on Rahab and talked about the red cord; oh my! I never knew He was there! But, he was. She said He was written all through the scriptures. I had not been taught that in my youth. I learned it when I was about 45. Wow. What would my life had been like had I known that all along?
I credit with Reformed teachers like Nancy Leigh Demoss, Keller, and Paige for making this so very clear — for it so important. I remember the impact Nancy had on you, Laura!
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring? The inheritors of the land.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…) I’m looking at Josh 12 so may be in wrong chapter Vs 8 talks the hill country, the western foothills, Arabian, mountain slopes the wilderness and the Negev. Then lists the lands they received and the 31 kings that God would have defeated
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33) they did it to determine ownership, but God determined who got what section.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance? That the daughters would get land also. Their father’s name wouldn’t be missing from recons and it allowed for limited rights of Jewish women to own land
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence Because God’s promises never fail, He delivered into the hands of the Israelites the land He had promised to them..
Share a God Hunt from the Last Week:
I bought some peaches from a student selling them for an FFA fundraiser. How can eating one bring a lump to my throat? It seems like, nowadays, tears come so easily to me. The practice of being in the Word, trusting Him for the dailies, and not worrying have made for a week of sincere thanksgiving and gratitude. God loves me and my tears are pleasing to Him.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
I know that being here for the last 10 years has given me more of a discerning heart for sound teaching. I see you, Dee, and the women here as fellow pilgrims with insight and reflective questions that challenge my preconceived ideas about God’s Word. I love the light bulb moments and I know the Spirit has used so many of you to give those moments to me.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
The God who led the Israelites through the Red Sea is the same God who led them through the Jordan River.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
He cares about the people who were included during the conquest: Rahab, Achan, and Joshua.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. The conquest was not to show any powers of any of the Israelites, not even Joshua, but the victory was all through God. He uses people to be instruments to judge His enemies.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
A covenant is a formal codified arrangement for a life and love relationship and it is bonded in blood unilaterally and authoritatively initiated by the Lord. It is not between two equal parties. It is a superior coming and binding himself to those who are lesser than him but there is a response to be had. “Therefore” is significant as the application is not up to us. It is for God to tell us.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
God’s part is that there are no failing words. God did what He has done, and He will do what He has said. Our part is to hold fast to God and His laws.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
God has fulfilled all of His promises to them. They were not to violate the covenant and serve other gods.
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done. But I took YouTube father Abraham. I gave him Issac and I gave Jacob and Esau I assigned hill country to Esau. I sent Moses and Aaron I afflicted the Egyptians. I brought you out I brought you to the land of Amorites I gave them to you and destroyed them I sent the hornet ahead of you. I gave you the land and cities and vineyards and olive groves that you did nothing for. God is main character. It was all given to the people they did nothing.
Such a foreshadowing of the gospel!
I am struggling to get to this study, this week. Evil is at my doorstep and I am having to fight it off. I will be honest, I am feeling overwhelmed with my life and although I know I need to be here first, I am drawn into the world and the nastiness of it all. I will do what I can and read the blog posts to help me through. Continued prayers for our family are appreciated because I am weak.
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
God provided a way for the Israelites to cross the Red Sea and the Jordan River. He is the same God.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
God made a way to conquer the kingdoms each time even though it seemed impossible.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
A covenant is a promise. It’s a formal application of love and life. It is bonded in blood. It is a superior/lesser relationship. “Therefore” means we are not in charge. It is God’s doing. There is application for us, given by Him.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
Joshua recognizes to the people all turned has done for him and them. He acknowledges the covenant and how it has been followed. God helped them conquer the land. He protected them. They did what God asked and would continue that in the future. They were to cling to him and follow Moses’ law. They should not associate with others in the land who were not with God.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
What He gives He could also take away. They needed to be faithful. They were to worship Him only.
Laura, I hear you. I tell myself the same: just go in and do what you can. And I know I have been blessed so far. God will reveal to us what He has for each one of us even in the most nil of efforts on our part. He will bless our faithfulness to be in the Word. I know others may not have the mental bandwidth to participate at this time due to personal pressing circumstances but for sure, they are following along. “Fly over” Paige said. It sure is!
Oraying for you!
♥️
Laura — I think this has been her most challenging study – but I think it will get easier when we slow down in Judges. You see how few are not participating — so kudos to you!
I’ve been praying for you Laura. You have so much going on in your life. I am awed by your faithfulness in this study. I don’t know how you find the time.
Dawn, Thank you for your prayers. I know I need to be here more than any other place. I need God so desperately right now. I am learning about myself right now, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am not perfect and have made wrong choices in our situation. Trying to right the wrongs is difficult and painful. Pray that I might be strong, humble, courageous, and kind. Life is hard. Paige’s message to me this morning (about the land?!) is that God takes care of us.
Yes, Laura. He will take care of us. I am so tired tonight that your words also comforted me.
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done?
I led Abraham into Canaan.
I gave him many descendants.
I gave Jacob and Esau to Isaac.
I sent Moses and Aaron.
I brought you out of Egypt.
I destroyed the enemies.
The main character is God. The people have done nothing.
My thoughts are going in many directions this morning. First I am not at home or in the routine of being there. We are in the Black Hills and have been off roading with our daughter and her husband and two other couples that are close friends. In the night I was wide awake and decided to listen to all of Paige’s teaching. I see why she is hard for many to listen to but yet the depth of what she teaches and the truths she draws from the scriptures continues to amaze me. She began with the reality that Bible study is hard and that resonated completely with me. I love to study God’s Word but it is hard and like Laura I feel an opposition to doing it. I personally believe we are living in a very oppressive time where evil influence is rampant and our enemy is working overtime against believers. It takes much prayer to navigate daily life. In considering a God Hunt I questioned why I would look for one thing to call my God hunt. After listening to the teaching I had to realize I don’t have to hunt for God. He is right here with me in the moment. And I desperately need him. We experienced his beautiful Creation for the last two days immersed in the woods in the mountains with colors of red, yellow, green and the smell of pine. Sweet fun and fellowship with other believers but yet at the same time in my heart I am carrying a heavy sadness. Our next door neighbor who we have prayed for a number of years asking God to save him has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife just told us right before we left home to come on this vacation. On the same day one of our very closest friends was having an MRI on his brain because he is having significant memory loss. We expect the same diagnosis. My closest friend is losing strength right before my eyes physically and trying to doctor through some very hard pain issues. And the moment I look at the state of our country and world it is bleak. I am tearful just seeing God in small ways because the needs are huge right now. I need Him close in sustaining ways.
Paige’s point at the end of her teaching speaks to how throughout the Bible we see how God chooses people over and over again but at the end of Joshua the crux is that the people have to choose Him. And the application of that truth to my life is that everyday in every moment I have to choose Him. He is right here with me and in his faithfulness He chose me and now I have to choose Him by loving Him first and foremost and by clinging (gluing myself) to Him. It is always good to look for Him and recognize how He shows up in my life but I am finding I need to acknowledge He is always right here in the moment because sadly I forget (like the Israelites) and then don’t lean into Him in all of my weakness and then move out letting Him lead my life. As with my husband and my marriage I have to continue and keep walking in my commitment to the Lord. I have to live it out. But on this side of Heaven in a fallen broken world it is hard.
Bev, I have struggled too, listening to so much material by Paige. I feel a resistance to listening as I am used to having things done quickly. But as I continue to listen and ask God to deal with my resistance, He begins to let me grasp the personal lesson He has for me. I mentioned in a previous comment, how I was just following along until the 36-minute point, and suddenly, tears came. It’s as if God was telling me, “Stay and linger and listen to me through Paige”.
I admire her for her obedience to share God’s Word with her intelligence and her large capacity for words and study. Dee mentioned that her book, The Jesus Who Surprises” didn’t do too well. To some degree, both she and Paige have a depth that many are not used to. But we know that they both have enriched our lives very much! We are recipients of god’s blessings through them.
So glad to read of your adventure with family and friends. Sad to hear about the challenges of your friends and their diagnoses. So much to pray for.
Bing you bless my heart. Thankyou for your thoughts. 💕
I. No Falling Words (Standard for God: The Covenant and the Certainty of God’s Record)
History of the Promises
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done?
I took your father Abraham
I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac, I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau,
I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out.
I brought you to the land of the Amorites but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, I delivered you out of his hand.
I gave them into your hands. I sent the hornet ahead of you, I gave you a land
God is the main character here and the people have not done anything to deserve what He has done for them.
Humdrum of the Land
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
For the recipients of the inheritance.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
The lands included the hill country, the western foothills, the Arabah, the mountain slopes, the wilderness, and the Negev.
Of Sihon: from the middle of the gorge—to the Jabbok River, which is the border of the Ammonites. This included half of Gilead. 3 He also ruled over the eastern Arabah from the Sea of Galilee[a] to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea), to Beth Jeshimoth, and then southward below the slopes of Pisgah.
I was just struck about this now as I think of the lot that our house was built on 3 years ago. Richard showed me the boundary lines to our neighborhood south of us and the street to the north of us. There is a good feeling to know we own this lot. We will be passing this on to our daughter. It is a personal inheritance to her.
These repetitive patterns of the allotment to Israel and its specificity helped me appreciate all the more everything that God has given us in Christ. He takes care of all the details.
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
Casting lot was God’s way of instructing the Israelites. We don’t do that now because we have God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
They were given an allotment as well. God shows no favoritism among his people. Jesus’s death puts everyone on the same level. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
Whatever God promised to the Israelites was fulfilled by His power.
And so would God’s promises to us be fulfilled. He is faithful to His Word.
Everyone — I think this is her hardest study because of the “fly over.” I do think Judges, when she slows down, will be easier.
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9) Our heavenly home and inheritance
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why. That He will never leave or forsake me. The assuring that He will always be there. He won’t abandon me or leave me to sit in any mess I’ve gotten into.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you. Psalm 91:4 for some reason the translation I pulled up was KJ. It says under His wing shalt thou trust. That’s what He is desiring of me and encouraging me to do.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them? The excitement and amazement that they were going to live in this home
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites? The stories they had heard during the wandering, the loss of family members, will we ever get there.. and then there it is it and it’s being given to us.
11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching?
My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
When it’s my land.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
“The Jordan River marked the western boundary for the tribe of Reuben. The towns and their surrounding villages in this area were given as a homeland to the clans of the tribe of Reuben.”
Joshua 13:23 NLT
Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
They knew the land was to be divided, because God wanted it done. It didn’t really matter who got what, rather that they got it from God. It was His to give to whomever He wanted.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
God said to give the daughters of Zelophehad a parcel for each of them. I guess the significance is that he didn’t leave them out? Everyone needed a place and God was making sure all were accounted for.
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
God takes care of His people and always keeps His promises.
Laura — with all your stress and your sadness you know where to go! I’m so proud of you.
♥️
15. According to Leviticus, in what areas can we not serve Him? How does the Sermon on the Mount take obedience to a higher level? We are to serve God in all areas of our lives. In relationships, our possessions and our time. Jesus deepens the obedience into the issues of our heart, emotions and our possessions and prayer life including anger, lust, divorce.
16. She said “There is a great market for religious experience but not for holiness. We’ve have a “tourist mindset.” Is that true of you? Why should we doubt our easy expression of faithfulness? I don’t know that I have a tourist mindset but don’t serve and obey the way I should. I keep seeking and trying to move into greater obedience but I fail.
17. What did the Puritans say when someone who had prayed to receive Christ asked, “Am I saved now?” We will see.
18. She says Caleb is her favorite Bible character. What do you find out about him from the following passages that are exemplary?
A. Numbers 13:30 Despite the opposition expressed by the majority. Caleb stood strong in faith that they could take possession of the land,
B. Numbers 14:6-10 Tore his clothes and encouraged others to trust the Lord because He would keep His promises. The Lord was with them and not to be afraid.
C. Joshua 14:6-10 he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.
19. What else stood out to you from this part? To take the promises of God and pray them back to Him.
20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises? Fear that as I continue to make mistakes God will not help or take care of me. Even this lesson on wholehearted following is concerning for me. Psalm 23&24 the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
21. What is your takeaway and why? . This was very good teaching and a lot of information in a short time. God promised and God delivers. I need to believe that.
Love this comment from Judy:
This was very good teaching and a lot of information in a short time. God promised and God delivers. I need to believe that.
I so agree with Dee, such truth in your comment. My husbands comment after this weeks lecture was, “phew…I could never talk that fast!”
History of the Promises
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done?
I took your father Abraham from beyond the River…
I gave him Issac…
I sent Moses and Aaron…
I brought your fathers out of Egypt…
I brought you to the land of the Amorites…
I gave you a land …
The main character is God!
The people have done nothing.
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
Those to whom they were being given to.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
The (partial description) of allotment for Judah…reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south. Their south boundary ran from the end of the Salt Sea, from the bay that faces southward.
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
So the decision would be of the Lord.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
Give the inheritance to the daughters.
He is a fair God and a God of grace,
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
All of God’s promises came to pass.
(I just want to share that this last week we were in the ER twice as my sister had such pain in her hip (She had a hip replacement in 2019) she couldn’t walk, took her to an orthopedic appointment where she has go go back next week and have fluid aspirated to make sure there’s no infection. I would appreciate your prayers for my sister, Ruth, but more importantly that her heart would be softened to the Lord and my life would be a witness and words to say if necessary. Thank you🙏)
Prayers that Ruth’s hip is healed quickly, no infection develops, and doctors have wisdom so this doesn’t happen again. Prayers her heart is soften and ears open as she sees and hears about God’s love and concern for her. I ask Lord that you give Sharon the words and the timing to speak Your life giving words. In Jesus name.
Thank you Judy❣️
Sharon, agreeing here with Judy’s prayers for Ruth.
I too agree with Judy’s good prayers. Every word. Amen!
😊❤️
Sharon,
So sorry about your sister’s troubles. Agreeing in prayer for her
😊❤️
I will pray for Ruth.🙏🙏🙏
Share a God Hunt from last week – One of our pastors had a birthday and his wish was to sit or even drive in an older mustang. His wife put a post on facebook about it and was trying to surprise him with fulfilling his wish. There wasn’t an older mustang to drive in our congregation but Joe, my husband, has a 2012 Boss 302 mustang, that he let him drive. It was so fun to see such a huge smile on his face knowing he was going to ride in a mustang, and drive it. He was smiling from ear to ear and it was nice that we could bless him with that experience. He still smiles when he talks about it.
How cool is that!
Julie what a delight to hear. The men in my family love cars. How sweet to hear how your husband blessed him with that experience. 😊
That is such a funny wish, but not to a lot of guys. Glad you could be wish fulfillers.
I love this Julie…how fun!
Love this!
REVIEW:
Paige opened by saying that Bible study is work and cautioned against “studies” that say “Just come, you won’t have to do any work, it’s all done for you.” She quoted David Neinhues, a professor at Seattle Pacific University who found his students had not truly been trained to study the whole Bible but to be “Bible quoters” by those who taught the Bible by taking scriptures out of context to support pre-determined ideas and to help them with “successful Christian living.” They see the Bible as a reference book with useful God quotes, or a way to address cultural hot topics, rather than reading the whole Bible through, tracing the Biblical story arc, and letting it shape their lives.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life? – It’s so important to read the Bible on my own, and not just once, so I can really understand what it is saying. In order for me to learn and grow, I have to put in the work and not just check the box that I did it. I have to think about what the Bible is trying to tell me, find God in all of it and learn what his promises are. I’m learning through Paige, and you Dee and even my own Pastor and Life Group that it all ties together, from Genesis to Revelation, it is all one big book about God. I can’t skip over it because it may be dull or confusing, I have to dig in, and find the Gospel in each book.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing – I loved this reminder that God never changes. The circumstances, the people the location may change, but God is God. The same yesterday, today and tomorrow and forever. His promises stand strong for us today, just like they did in the past.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest – I can’t conquer my trials without God. I need to reach out to Him. I need to start with Him before my very first step. If I don’t start with Him, my journey will be long and hard, but with Him, it will be a peaceful journey, though it may be long and hard, the peace I receive is only because I started with God and he is along on the journey with me.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word “therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is? – A covenant starts with God and reveals his heart toward us. It’s a formal arrangement for life and love and is bonded in blood. ‘Therefore’ is the application, but it is not decided by us. God gives us the ‘therefore’ directly from himself.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part? – God’s part was going before them in battle. He arranged everyone to be where He wanted them to be. Their part was to be strong and not fear their enemies. They needed to know that God was with them.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part? – God’s part was not to show favoritism. His promise good or bad would be fulfilled. Their part was to stand strong on the covenant of God and not turn away from Him.
I have a grand-daughter who has David Neinhues as a professor and loves him.
God hunt: The weather has been warm and beautiful. We’ve got to experience the Northern lights and the gorgeous harvest moon. I love God’s creation!
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other? With a lot of prayer and staying in the Word. How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life? I think that it was a combination of you, Tim Keller and Paige that really changed how I understand the bible. It was life changing when I understood that all of the bible point to Jesus. The fact that every story, prophesy, and event tells what has or is going to happen. I always look for Jesus in everything that I read in the bible. Plus I am less concerned with how my life is going when I know that God not only sees the big picture, but orchestrates it according to His design.
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Neither time nor circumstance changes that.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest God not only accomplishes His will in the big picture, but He has “side stories” that involve individuals as well.
Wonderful God Hunt. We feel we got a bonus month of summer here in Northern Wisconsin. I’m still swimming in the lake!
First of all, dear Dee, I feel badly that it appears so few are participating in this study, including me. I wonder if they are like me. Life is so very very busy, but I am trying to take time 1-2 times a week in the late evening (it is now after midnight and I work early in the morning) to do the Bible study with Paige. I take notes as she teaches, for there is so much richness to what she is saying and I don’t want to miss anything. It always amazes me, however, that I always do miss lots of things which others highlight in their answers here. I always think, “How on earth did I miss that?! I was listening so carefully and taking such copious detailed notes??” But anyway, it seems I just have no time to answer the questions here but I SO much want to do so! I just hope you are still doing this wonderful blog study when I finally am able to retire and can be a more vital participator! Please don’t quit, Dee!! I read your blog each week with great interest and delight, and so much love to read what others are learning and writing here for all of us to see.
I have found lately that I am listening to many podcasts and sermons online and find them so wonderful and needful. But I am also missing the part where I personally dig into the Scriptures and study for myself. That activity can’t be replaced by others doing it for us. I remember old Vernon McGee saying years ago that most of us enjoy being spoon-fed the Bible in easily digestible portions instead of studying and eating on the meat of the Word. I never forgot that illustration especially as I find myself now being spoon-fed a lot. But I also rest in the fact that God knows He would take a woman who is retirement age and make her a single mother of teens from lots of trauma, so He knows the seasons of our lives. I can look on podcasts and online sermons as a blessing from His hand of love for me at such a time as this. But I still long for the day when I can study more for myself as well.
I’ve been going to physical therapy for the past few months. One of my sweet therapists, upon learning that I work as a hospice nurse practitioner, gingerly asked me if she could talk with me about the dying process of my patients. Our conversation drifted to spiritual aspects, and I was so thrilled to find out she was a new believer. She told me that her church is starting a new life group session and that most young couple like her are choosing to be in marriage life groups. She said, “I don’t want to be in that kind of life group. I’m choosing a life group that is focusing on learning more about the Gospel itself. I just want to know more about the Gospel. This is all so new to me!” I was lying on the mat doing my prescribed exercise plan, but I excitedly told her that the Gospel is present in every single book of the Bible! How exciting to know that God is still saving souls and revealing Himself to individual hearts even as we see the darkness coming in like a cloud to this world.
I had much more to say to try to answer the specific questions, but I better try to get some much needed beauty sleep! 🙂
Miriam,
Blessed to read your comments and catch up on where you are right now. What sweet encouragement to read about your therapist and hear how God is working.
I love this whole post — the encouragement, the insight, and the fabulous God Hunt! Thanks Missy!
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9)
Heaven!
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why.
I will always be your Father. He made that promise to me when I stood at my dying fathers bed when I was 12 yrs old.
I will protect you. As I look back on my life I realize how I have been covered.
1. How can you discern sound Bible teaching and avoid the other?
—I think it starts with prayer. Praying first and asking the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to the truth of God’s Word as I study it and seeking Him for a deeper and clearer knowledge of Him.
Also it is important to be discerning and careful about the teaching we listen to. I appreciate Paige’s insistence her listeners measure what she says against the Bible and to keep our focus on God’s Word. My son often prefaces his sermons with the same instruction for his congregation to not just take his words but to open the Bible and examine the Word for ourselves.
How has Paige’s teaching (or another Bible teacher) helped you to see this is all one story that goes together? How does that shape your life?
—Actually at my age the good teaching and preaching I have had the privilege to sit under and listen to are too many to list. But what a wonderful thing when a person realizes the true and whole context of the Bible and treasure it is as God’s clear way of revealing Himself to us and it is all about Jesus. Old and New Testaments both. Jesus revealed in every single part.
Paige has been showing us how to see Joshua within the context of the Biblical narrative, because, as Alec Motyer says, “All history is a declaration of God about God.”
2. Write a summary sentence for # A & # B and tell us what they teach you about God.
A. The Sameness of God in the Crossing
—The God who was all powerful and parted the Red Sea for the Israelites under the leadership of Moses was the very same God who parted the Jordan River for the new generation of Israelites again under the leadership of Joshua. God is eternally the same yesterday, today and for ever.
B. The Surprise of God in the Conquest
—First we have to understand the holiness of God and that judgment belongs to him alone. The Israelites were the instrument of God against his enemies. It is always the Lord fighting for Israel. But God will receive anyone who comes to Him (like Rahab). So the surprise is not the judgement but the mercy of God displayed.
It’s the same for us because of Jesus we don’t have to come under judgement for our sin but we can experience his mercy because of the Cross.
3. This week is “The Standard of God in the Covenant”
A. What is a covenant, and why is the word
“therefore” significant in showing that the application is not what we decide it is?
—In the Bible a covenant is a formal arrangement that is codified for a life love relationship and it is bonded in blood. It was authoritatively initiated by the Lord and not a contract between two equal parties. “Therefore” the application of it is not up to man but to the Lord.
B. How can you see this in Joshua 23:1-8? What was God’s part? Their part?
—God had given them his promises to drive out and defeat the nations and He was giving them the land.
Their part was take the land and cling to Him. He was keeping his covenant to them.
C. How can you see this in Joshua 23:14-16? What was God’s part? Their part?
—None of God’s promises had failed to be fulfilled. Their part was to obey Him and worship Him only.
Beautiful summer from Bev:
—In the Bible a covenant is a formal arrangement that is codified for a life love relationship and it is bonded in blood. It was authoritatively initiated by the Lord and not a contract between two equal parties. “Therefore” the application of it is not up to man but to the Lord.
Bev, your answer to #1 is so good and wise.
I. No Falling Words (Standard for God: The Covenant and the Certainty of God’s Record)
History of the Promises
4. Read Joshua 24:1-13 and list some of the phrases beginning with “I” that show God kept His promises. Who is the main character in this story? How much have the people done? – “I took Abraham beyond the river”; “I gave Abraham Isaac”; “I plagued Egypt”; “I brought your fathers out of Egypt”; “I gave them into your hand”. God is the main character and it shows how much love he has for us. He goes before us in every situation and will bring justice and even death to those who fall away. The Israelite people did a little here and there, but it was all God who walked in front.
Humdrum of the Land
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring? – I think the person receiving the land and their family members or descendants of those who received the land would be very interested in what was described.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…) – The allotment of Judah: reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south. South boundary ran from the end of the Salt Sea from the bay that faces southward. It goes out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, and goes up south of Kadesh-barnea along by Hezron up to Addar, turns about to Karka, passers along to Azmon, goes out by the Brook of Egypt and comes to its end at the sea. And this is just the description going south, there is so much more that was received.
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33) – They did it as a random selection or distribution of things. But it came down to the Lord’s direction
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance? – He said they each get their own portion, just like the sons would have been given and he also said to write it in the law. I think the significance is showing the love God has for everyone. He didn’t discard the women, they were just as important to him as the men were. It shows that he is a fair and just God.
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence. – God’s promises are true. We can count on his promises to be fulfilled as he said they would. He always keeps his promises. His Word never fails.
Preparatory Inheritance
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9) – It is all a way to start seeing the true promise, the biggest promise of all that God has given to us. The blessing of Jesus Christ dying on the cross in our place and all the promises from creation to resurrection.
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why. – The promise that Jesus took my place on the cross so I can spend eternity with God in heaven is so huge for me. For Jesus to care that much for me, is just amazing. The other is that he will never leave me. He will always be with me as I walk this journey on earth and as I leave this place, I will still have him by my side all the way. What a comfort to me that there is someone, so huge and powerful that loves me that much.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you. – It said that God doesn’t bring us new truths, but shows us the old truths in a new and current way that applies to our needs now. When Joe and I were reading through the Bible in a year with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, a whole new meaning came to me when he talked about the veil being torn. I had heard this before, but didn’t really HEAR the true meaning. Joe and I both were like, oh my gosh, this is huge, I don’t need a mediator to remember everything I said and hope they take it all to God, I can go to Him directly and one on one with the Only One who can save my soul and redeem me.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them? – I can just imagine their faces. How excited and shocked they probably were to know they now have a home to live in that has rooms for them all. What a precious moment that had to have been for their mom.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites? – I’ve had my own apartment before I was even married, but what was more memorable, was being able to buy my own home after my divorce and messed up credit got restored. What a blessing it was to know that God was taking care of me and my boys. It’s wasn’t a huge home, but it was ours, one that I never thought I would ever be able to have. But God provided the strength I needed to persevere and work hard to obtain it. I was sad to sell it when the time came, because I know that God was behind it all. I think for the Israelites, they knew that it was all from God. They did hardly anything to receive the promise, but God loved them enough to keep his promise and provide them with His land. He placed them all right where he wanted them to be. It had nothing to do with them or their worth, but it had everything to do about God, his power and authority.
11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching? – God is faithful. He knows what I’ve been through and what I will go through and has placed me where he knows I need to be. His promises of ‘land’ came to us when we moved to Tennessee. With the Appalachian Mountains outside my door and the Smokey Mountains, not far away, his beauty, his creation is surrounding us. We both feel wrapped in his arms with the people that we encounter. His love abounds, and his promises are true for me today, just like they were for the Israelites.
I love that you did that reading with the Gumbels!
Preparatory Inheritance
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9)
Our inheritance and future promise.
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why.
”God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19
This promise is always a reminder to me of who God is…He never changes, faithful and trustworthy. I go to it when I have times of doubt and need to refocus on Him.
” But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10
I clung to this promise after we lost our son as it brought me comfort to know that God was in control and He had a purpose even when I didn’t know what it was at the time.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you.
I didn’t take notes so I don’t know the exact quote.
Our study through the 23rd Psalm became new to me in praying it for my daughter…a whole new and fresh perspective and at just the right time.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them?
They couldn’t believe that is was their home, that they were actually going to live there and they had their own rooms.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites?
Our first home was a mobile home and I remember being so excited looking at different homes, picking one out, seeing it set up on the lot we picked out and making it our home…so cozy with a wood stove and it was ours!
It must of been so exciting for the Israelites to finally have a place that was their home after wandering in the wilderness, living in tents and constantly moving and to be in the place that God promised to them.
So true — the taking down and putting up of tents must have gotten so old!
Preparatory Inheritance
6. For what is this all just a warm-up show? (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corin. 2:9)
The land is just the warm-up “band. It is setting the stage for the Lord to fulfill all of His promises. The “vortex” to bless the entire earth. Whoa! “vortex” I had to look that up. “whirlpool” a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn. That is such a picture of how God is drawing people to Himself. One cannot stop being swept into it!
To lean in more fully to the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. The promises are specific.
7. Name two promises that are precious to you and explain why.
Philippians 1:6 He who began a good work in you…Because I long for my daughter to return to Jesus.
Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate me from the love of God. Whenever I feel discouraged.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me those who are heavily laden… and I will give you rest… whenever I feel physically exhausted.
Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ… for when I feel condemned.
God’s promises are as tangible as the land. Not just well wishes. He has not lowered His standards. How much would God give to keep His covenant? Jesus!
Love this from Bing:
The “vortex” to bless the entire earth. Whoa! “vortex” I had to look that up. “whirlpool” a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn. That is such a picture of how God is drawing people to Himself. One cannot stop being swept into it!
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you.
“…Old truths applied to a new need…”
Well, finding out that the entire Bible is about Jesus was a shocker to me! I found myself searching for passages that would assuage that fact. It was fun to look, and more fun to know this little “secret.” Then to make sense of it all! I’m still doing that 😉. His lineage included a prostitute! WOW.
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them?
The kids couldn’t believe the house was theirs. They were unbelieving and ecstatic at the same time.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites?
I felt excited when my family bought a house. The Israelites had been enslaved and wandering for so long. I’m sure they were relieved.
From Laura 😉
Well, finding out that the entire Bible is about Jesus was a shocker to me! I found myself searching for passages that would assuage that fact. It was fun to look, and more fun to know this little “secret.” Then to make sense of it all! I’m still doing that 😉. His lineage included a prostitute! WOW.
8. What was the Ralph Davis quote? Give an illustration of God’s Word became new to you in a fresh situation and helped you.
This is how God reassures His children, Not by unveiling to them some new truths that were previously unknown but reaffirming the promises He has already given to us. These same promises take on special power because of the present pressing need this is what God’s people usually need, not new truth but old truth freshly applied to our new need. It is sealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God’s Word old truth applied to my need:
I have been doing Scripture writing this month of September and the prompts are under the title “God’s promises”. Zephaniah 3:16 “The Lord God is with you…” This was the verse one day of last week and I received a card from a friend with the exact words the same week. Interestingly, one of her lines inside said, “I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this sent, but hopefully this is when you need it.” And I sure needed it the whole week!
9. What do you remember about Paige’s illustration of the reaction of 4 little boys to a home the church had provided for them?
They could hardly believe that the house and their rooms were theirs.
10. Can you remember the excitement of getting a place of your own for the first time — (your own bedroom or apartment or home)? Share something about how you felt. Why might this mean soooo much to the Israelites?
Yes. I lingered and looked around my room and felt very grateful, bursting with joy They have been wandering for so many years and now they have an inheritance, a place they can call their very own.
11. What else stood out to you from this part of her teaching?
“Preparatory inheritance” what a beautiful picture of what is in store for me and everything here is just a foretaste.
God Hunt from Bing;
I have been doing Scripture writing this month of September and the prompts are under the title “God’s promises”. Zephaniah 3:16 “The Lord God is with you…” This was the verse one day of last week and I received a card from a friend with the exact words the same week. Interestingly, one of her lines inside said, “I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this sent, but hopefully this is when you need it.” And I sure needed it the whole week!
I find Paige’s choice to study Joshua VERY interesting in light of the events going on with Israel today. Maybe I am late to the party? I can see why Israel would defend their land so vehemently, if they know their Bible stories well 😉. “…from the River to the Sea.”
“I have allotted to you as your homeland all the land of the nations yet unconquered, as well as the land of those we have already conquered—from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.”
Joshua 23:4 NLT
12. In Joshua 23, what has God done? What does He ask of them?
He had fought off the enemies and provided the land. He has given them rest from their enemies.
He tells them to be faithful. To love only but “…the Lord your God.”
That is interesting, Laura.
Humdrum of the Land
Personal Inheritance
5. My friend Ron did well reading through Joshua until he got to Chapter 12. The descriptions of the allotment of land to the 12 tribes are full of detail, and indeed can seem humdrum.
A. For whom would these descriptions not be boring?
—They are not boring for the person they are being given to.
B. Find one example of the specificity of a description of an allotment. (Look for boundaries like rivers, mountains…)
—“King Sihon of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, was defeated. His kingdom included Aroer, on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, and extended from the middle of the Arnon Gorge to the Jabbok River, which serves as a border for the Ammonites. This territory included the southern half of the territory of Gilead.” Joshua 12:2
C. Why did they cast lots for the land? (See Proverbs 16:33)
—“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” Prov. 16:33
God is in complete control of how they fall.
D. With one situation there were no sons, what did God say to do? Significance?
—God had instructed Moses to give the daughters of Manasseh an inheritance along with the sons of his brothers. It showed God’s respect for women and their place in the lineage of Jacob & his son Joseph.
E. She said Joshua 21:43-45 is the heart of Joshua. Summarize it in a sentence.
—Verse 45 says it all. God kept all his promises to Israel.
“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”
II. No False Hearts (Standard for Us: The Charge for Our Full Response)
Demands
12. In Joshua 23, what has God done? What does He ask of them? -God has pushed back all the enemies that had come up against the Israelites. He has protected them and walked before them. He asks them to not turn away from what they know, away from His Word and ways.
13. Read Joshua 24:14-22
A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15) (How is this unique in the Old Testament?) – They were told to fear and serve the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness. They were to put away their other ‘gods’ that their fathers served. They needed to choose who they would follow. The Old Testament had so many that would follow God and then because of one little incident they didn’t like they would take things in to their own hands and worship idols. Things, objects they thought would help them more than God.
B. What is the application for us? For you? – We need to search our hearts and look at how we do life. This would also apply to me. I need to see if what I’m doing and how I’m doing things is pleasing to the Lord. Where are my priorities in my life. What or who do I turn to in my time of needs. Where is God fitting in, is he at the number one spot, or somewhere down below.
C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20) – It seems that they answered they would follow and serve the Lord, because they knew all that he had done for them, but it didn’t feel like they truly meant it with their whole being. Joshua replied back that they are not able to serve the Lord, because his a holy, jealous and just God and will turn away if they turn away. It seems like Joshua knew their hearts.
D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like? – I fail daily in pleasing the Lord, but I think my faithfulness comes when I go to him with my struggles, I repent and cry out to him to help me. He can see my heart and I hope he sees that I’m not just checking the boxes. I hope he can see me really struggling to please him daily and me growing in my faithfulness. I’m eager to learn more about Him and His Word.
14. Read Joshua 24:23-24.
A. This is the theological lens through which you can understand everything this book demands. Explain. – Clean house! Remove anything from my sight that gets in the way of me seeing the whole picture of God and who he is and what he has done for me. I need to be attuned to God and listen for his voice at all time.
B. How is this like a marriage covenant? – Our faithfulness to God is telling him that we are committed to him. That we will do what it takes to bring him glory. We need to show him that he is important to us and that his spot in our life is number one.
C. She said the choice is between God and nothing. Explain. How would this apply to one of your idols, your false gods? – Without God all we have is meaningless, imitations of what appears to be good. But they are not even close to what God provides for us. Those imitations will break down and not be of any help to us. But God withstands everything. He is always near, he never leaves us or forsakes us. He is with us and working in us and around us until our last breath.
Loved your last response. So true.
Decision
15. According to Leviticus, in what areas can we not serve Him? How does the Sermon on the Mount take obedience to a higher level? – WOW, there is so much this week. It was hard to keep up with everything she was saying. We wouldn’t be able to serve Him in our sinful ways. God can’t be with sin. We need to strive to be pure in all areas of our lives so we can serve him completely and bring him glory. As we learn we should be growing in a quicker obedience. Our walk in obedience should help the next generation see what true obedience to Christ is and help them easily say yes to Jesus.
16. She said “There is a great market for religious experience but not for holiness. We’ve have a “tourist mindset.” Is that true of you? Why should we doubt our easy expression of faithfulness? – Jesus said it would not be easy to follow him. If we are ‘skating’ along, we may want to check ourselves and see what areas we need to really be giving over to Christ. Each day we should be working to glorify Him. It’s not just a one and done kind of thought. Our part is in our daily walk.
Display
17. What did the Puritans say when someone who had prayed to receive Christ asked, “Am I saved now?” – They said ‘we will see’. This is good and a great reminder that our salvation is just not in our words, it also needs to be seen in our actions and deeds.
18. She says Caleb is her favorite Bible character. What do you find out about him from the following passages that are exemplary?
A. Numbers 13:30 – he was encouraging the people to remember the power and strength they had.
B. Numbers 14:6-10 – They seemed deflated and frustrated that the people could not see the victory over their fear.
C. Joshua 14:6-12 – he has not forgotten the promises of the Lord. He is not worried about his age or abilities now. He knows that if God promised the land, God will give them the land. It’s not about him, it’s about the Lord and his promise.
19. What else stood out to you from this part? – God provides, God gives and takes away. How we live, who we follow and serve determines the outcome. IF we follow the Lord and not turn away, his promises are ours.
20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises? – I try not to be fearful, but there are times it gets the best of me. I think my most dreadful fear would be falling out of the grace of God. But ones that I can’t seem to get over is drowning and this goes way back to freshman year in high school. I know God promises that he will be with me always, so I wonder why I still have this fear.
21. What is your takeaway and why? – It’s all about perspective. What we hear, see and know about God and his promises comes down to how much faith we have in Him. It’s ok if we see the power of God in a scary situation and others do not. Our faith alone in God and no one else’s will be seen by God and honored by him.
21. What is your takeaway and why? The “therefore” in all of this. Therefore is a conclusion, not an option. After seeing all that the Lord has done, you must give all of yourself to Him and follow Him with all of your heart, soul and mind. Anything else isn’t a compromise, it is turning your back on Him and serving another god.
I am so grateful for all of the faithful sisters here who take the time to answer the questions online. You are an encouragement to me and often shed a whole new light on what we are learning. I’m thankful for Dee’s willingness to continue to teach us. I hope that as the activities of summer have passed, I will be able to answer the questions online and be a more active participant.
We love having you here, Dawn!
I agree Dawn, you guys keep me grounded! Thank you!!
What else stood out to you from this part?
I have so much to write about in the last section but my notes are all over the place. Paige has so much good to say and I marvel at her passion for truth and emphasis on Jesus which melted my heart. I plan to re-read Joshua one of these days. Having this intensive flyover was such a shot in the arm for me instilling my desire to follow God wholly. I have a choice to make -a long obedience in the same direction.
I didn’t get to finish listening before the video was taken down 😫. I will do my best to answer.
13. Read Joshua 24:14-22
A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15) (How is this unique in the Old Testament?)
Serve the Lord, fear the Lord only. Some groups would serve many Gods for different reasons.
B. What is the application for us? For you?
Stay focused and love the Lord.
C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20)
They say they will never abandon God because He took them out of Egypt and rescued them. Joshua says they will not serve the Lord because they are rebellious. He warns them that God is jealous and holy.
D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like?
For me, it looks like being consistent with my study of the Bible. It means letting go of my fears and trusting Him.
14. Read Joshua 24:23-24.
A. This is the theological lens through which you can understand everything this book demands. Explain.
It’s all about serving the Lord. You are bound to Him
B. How is this like a marriage covenant?
In marriage, you are bound to one person.
C. She said the choice is between God and nothing. Explain. How would this apply to one of your idols, your false gods?
God is Supreme. He protects and provides for us. Nothing else will do these things.
Idols do not provide you anything other than temporary pleasure. They have no ability to give anything else.
I am so sorry I neglected to put the transcript up before the weekend! Oh! It’s there now — but too late to do it with her as you listen. I am so sorry. Will bear fruit worthy of repentance.
You can find the transcript on the YouTube video with the three dots by the description, it says more with the dots, then hit show transcript
I didn’t know that Julie! I struggled because my life is out.of.control. right now…..
Laura, I pray God’s peace permeate your heart as life seems spinning out of control. Let the vortex of His love bring you into His everlasting arms. I hear you. Some of my beloved friends here are caught in major challenges of physical health, mental anguish over the injustices they are receiving and I seem to feel the the changes of growing older more acutely. I have to remember God is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. One step at a time, dear friend for both of us. Let us have him hold our hands .
20. What is your most dreadful fear? How is your fear covered by God’s promises?
Anak and Nephilin the giants. Be a Caleb! The Lord is with us. If God is with me, I can slay giants.
Our most dreadful fears are covered by the promises of God.
For a little bit of these past studies in Joshua, I felt that what Paige was talking about was familiar to me. This week, and especially last night as I was putting my last notes together did it dawn on me that Numbers 13 particularly verses 26-31 is the passage that God gave me before I came to the U.S.. Caleb’s response stood out: “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
It is the same passage when I thought of having to live among the “Nephilims”. I am barely 5 feet tall and tall Americans were like the people of Anak to me! I had all the fears of having to live among foreign people with their foreign culture and tongue, etc. Caleb’s words, “The Lord is with us!” surely have helped me adapt here without having to do anything. After 30 years plus of living here, things about Caleb make sense to me except perhaps, that I have a lack of his whole devotion to God.
I was comforted and challenged by what Paige said, though: Our hearts are not right, but they’ve got to be wholly given, even in their wrongness, completely to him.
At this point, even though my heart is often not right, I want to be wholly devoted to God and I agree to heed Eugene Peterson’s words: A long obedience in the same direction.
21. What is your takeaway and why?
Caleb’s full response and what motivated him: “The very ones that made the Israelites’ hearts melt so that they disobeyed are the ones that fire him up so that he goes running towards what the Lord has promised.”
And oh, I so love the words to the hymn, “O Jesus I have promised”. It could indeed be “Caleb’s Song”!
“Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end. Be thou forever near me, my master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. Oh, let me see thy footprints and in them plant my own. My hope to follow duly is in thy strength alone. Oh, guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end, and then to rest receive me, my savior and my friend.”
Dee, thank you for including Paige again as one of our studies. I love her spunk (smile) and a clear devotion to preaching God’s word unapologetically. Her rhetoric pricks my heart and even though at times, it stings, I know it is the truth. I pray she will continue to be a herald for Jesus Christ as are you. May the good Lord protect her and you as you both lead others to a “long obedience in the same direction”.
I love your post Bing. I didn’t get to this part and it seems like I missed a main point. Ugh! Thank you for filling me in.
And this was the verse of the day for me on Monday.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Habbakuk 2:3
And talking about God’s promises coming to fruition:
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Demands
12. In Joshua 23, what has God done?
He fought for them against their enemies.
Allotted to them as their homeland all the land yet unconquered as well the land already conquered.
What does He ask of them?
Be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of instruction and don’t deviate from it.
Don’t associate with the other people still remaining in the land.
Don’t mention the names of their gods, much less swear by them, serve them or worship them.
Cling tightly to the LORD your God.
Be very careful to love the LORD your God.
13. Read Joshua 24:14-22
A. What does Joshua charge them to do? (14-15)
Fear the LORD, serve Him wholeheartedly, put away the idols of your ancestors, serve the LORD alone and choose today whom you will serve.
(How is this unique in the Old Testament?)
Almost all of the language of choice in the OT is about the Lord choosing. Now He’s turning that around and making it their choice.
B. What is the application for us? For you?
What choice are we/am I going to make…who am I going to serve?
C. How do they respond and what does he tell them? (16-20)
We would never abandon the LORD our God and serve other gods and then they go into all the LORD had done for them.
He warns them…”you are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. It you abandon the LORD and serve other gods, He will turn against you and destroy you, even though He has been good to you.”
D. Paige said it isn’t that we won’t fail, but that God demands faithfulness. What does that look like?
Clinging/being glued to Him…making Him first place.