------------------------------------------------------------------ Joshua E-Mail Bible Study ------------------------------------------------------------------ Lesson 7 - Joshua 23 - 24 AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE A call to a faith with holiness ------------------------------------------------------------------ This is the final lesson in our series on Joshua, and a summation of some of the lessons of the book. COMMENT: Chapter 23 and 24 may represent two different addresses to the leaders of the tribes of Israel. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 ------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 1: OBSERVATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY? ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.1 If you were to find two themes in Chapter 23, what would they be? 1.2 If you were to find two new themes in Chapter 24, what would they be? TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 2: INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN? ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2.1 Joshua 23:5 uses the phrase "take possession" (NIV) or "possess" (KJV). There was land that they already occupied, and land yet to possess. What was necessary to possess the land? How does this apply to our lives today? 2.2 (24:2-13) Why does Joshua recount Israel's history to the people? Weren't they well aware of it? What is the value of retelling? WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 ---------------------- 2.3 Joshua 24:11 indicates that the Israelites had to fight with their enemies (see 6:21; 10:11; etc.) But 23:3, 10 indicates that God fought for them, and 24:12 seems to indicate that their swords weren't important. Did the Israelites have any weapons? If so, how do you explain 24:12? What is the point being made in 24:12? 2.4 In what sense must we fight our own personal battles? In what sense must we allow God to fight our battles? What does "love" for God (23:11) have to do with this? 2.5 (23:12-13) What are the dangers of intermarrying with people from the pagan nations God told them to drive out? Is this a racial command or something else? Why should we observe 2 Corinthians 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 today? If we've already "intermarried," what can we do to help us resist the temptations and compromises involved? (We'll be taking a break on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving Holiday in the US. You can find Thanksgiving articles to help enrich your celebration at http://www.joyfulheart.com/holiday/thanksgiving.htm Enjoy!) MONDAY AND TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 1 ---------------------------------------------- 2.6 (24:12) Do you think the "hornet" mentioned is literal or figurative? If figurative, how does a hornet "drive" people out? In what way did God drive the Canaanites out? 2.7 (24:14-15) What choice does Joshua call the people to? Why is it important to force a choice? What would happen if the people made no choice? 2.8 (24:14-15) What are the choices before us in the late 20th Century. What are the modern-day equivalents of the "gods of the Amorites"? 2.9 (24:15) What is the impact of Joshua's own choice and example. How does your example affect your world? WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 --------------------- 2.10 (24:19-27) Why does Joshua tell the people that they can't serve the Lord? (vs. 19a). In what sense is God unforgiving of rebellion against him? (vs. 19b) 2.11 (24:26-27) What is the importance of the stone Joshua sets up? Why do people need "stones" like this? What "stones" do you have to help you remember commitments in your life? THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 - 4 ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 3: APPLICATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? ------------------------------------------------------------------ 3.1 How long has it been since you've made a renewed commitment to "serve the Lord"? What does it mean to "serve the Lord"? What does it mean to "yield your heart to the Lord" (24:23)? 3.2 Joshua's title in 24:29 is a simple one. What, if any, is the "glory" in this title? How do you earn this kind of title for yourself? We'll be asking you to fill out an evaluation form before you sign off for good. God bless you. Pastor Ralph ------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 1998, Ralph F. Wilson, all rights reserved. Joyful Heart is a trademark of Joyful Heart Ministries. For reprint permission contact pastor@joyfulheart.com