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Bible Study �?Joshua

10 of 12 Studies

"The Power of God’s Promises"

Study 10. Joshua 22. Will the Nation Survive?

1. What are some of the barriers of true Christian unity?

The tribes, which had been given land on the East Side of the Jordan, had fulfilled their commitment to the rest of Israel. They had entered the Promises Land with the others and had helped them to fight. Now it was time for them to return to their own homes. But since the Israelites would be living on both sides of the river, the Jordan Rift Valley became a natural barrier, which hindered the unity of the twelve tribes. Could Israel still remain unified? Their response to a national crisis illustrates principles for maintaining Christian unity.

2. Read Joshua 22. Why does Joshua commend the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh (vv.1-4)?

3. Why would Joshua feel it was important to remind these tribes to obey God’s law (v. 5)?

4. What blessings had these tribes received from god because of their faithful service (vv.6-9)?

5. How does God reward us for our faithful service?

6. Why were the western tribes prepared to do battle over the issue of the altar (vv.10-20; see also Deut. 12:1-14)?

7. Phinehas reminds the eastern tribes of the plagues brought on by the worship of Peor (see Numbers 25) and the sin of Achan (see Josh.7). How did he think those situations applied to the present one?

8. What reasons did the eastern tribes have for building the altar (vv.21-29)?

9. How did both sides in this dispute show that they were honoring God?

10. What can we learn from this story about confronting those, whose actions seem offensive?

11. What should our attitude be toward those who have misunderstood our actions?

12. What principles do you find in this chapter for restoring and maintaining unity in your church or fellowship group?

Verses 1-9 Joshua dismisses the tribes with good counsel. Those who have the commandment have it in vain, unless they do the commandment.

At all times, and in all conditions, with purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord, and to serve him and his kingdom among men, with all our heart, and with all our soul. This good counsel is given to all; may God give us grace to apply godly counsel in our walk with him.

I agree with you on this. You know, the devil would like nothing better than to bring confusion and discord to the saints. Several years ago I allowed him into my life and he convinced me that my fellow saints didn't like me or looked down on me. I had a feeling from some select members of the church that they though they were better than me and that they looked down on me. Those people are no longer in my church, but unfortuantly I left before they did. I am back now and just like you, I was showed that it doesn't matter what others think--What matters is what God knows. I am responsible for my own salvation and I cannot let what someone thinks hinder me from a relationship with God. That person is not going to save my soul. If I have a sense (and usually it's of the devil putting the thought in my head) that someone dislikes me, I try that much harder to be their friend.

Very well stated Sister's!! I agree wholeheartedly!! I feel that when we step into a Church and in this case a Christian website, we are standing on Holy Ground!! Because God said, "Where two or three gather together in His name, there He will be also" And satan will do everything he can to tear down a house of the Lord!!

I am just bold (dare to be different) enough in the Lord to call his (satan's) hand wheather sitting in a Church pew or here as manager and rebuke him publicly if need be. God's people have to be bold to stand up for Him!! Praise God!!

This brings me to the "Summery of Study 10" which speaks of these very same things..In this study we learned the principles for restoring and maintaining unity in churches and fellowship groups.

Question 4. Besides the obvious blessings of wealth, we may want to think of some of the intangible blessings; For example, a sense of accomplishment, the fulfillment of God's promises, and peace.

Question 6. God had established Shiloh as the central worship center to which men from all the tribes were obligated to go for worship three times a year (Ex. 23:17). Since sacrifices were forbidden anywhere else, the western tribes viewed the building of an altar as an act of rebillion.

Question 7. You can read Numbers 25, for back ground information to this question. The worship of Peor and the sin of Achan were acts of defiance against God's direct command. Both resulted in punishment from God which continued until the guilty persons were executed.

Question 12. Both sides in this dispute were concern primarily with pleasing God. A tense situation was defused by talking out their viewpoints and the reasons behind their actions. Phinehas acts as a mediator between the two sides. After hearing both sides, the leaders of the community make a decision and report it to the people.

This has been a great study, I think. It has shown us how satan can destroy unity, not only in our churches, but in any place of worship, this also can apply to our homes.

Next we will be studing about Joshua's Farewell in Study 11.. I will post it tomorrow..God Bless you both and thanks for helping me with this study.. Love, Sister Betty

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
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