This week, we recounted the dramatic fall of Jericho, where Israel, armed not with weapons but with worship, faced the corruption of the Canaanites in the battle of Jericho. We are challenged as Christians view Scripture not as a justification tool but as a transformative guide for righteous living, emphasizing alignment with God's purposes over personal agendas.
REVIEW: God's Sovereignty and Human Agency
- READ: Joshua 6:15-19 “On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. When the priests sounded the trumpet blast the seventh time around, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! The city and everything in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab, the prostitute, and all who are with her in her house shall be spared because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the devoted things so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it.”
- DISCUSS: Reflecting on Joshua's lesson about aligning with God's cause rather than seeking God's alignment with ours, how can we ensure that our actions and prayers are in alignment with God's will? What steps can we take to discern and join God's purposes in our lives?
REVIEW: Worship as Warfare
- READ: 2 Chronicles 20:20-23 “Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever. ”As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”
- DISCUSS: In what ways is worship portrayed as a form of spiritual warfare in the Bible, particularly in the context of Israel's battles? How can we apply this concept practically in our lives today?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
For help focusing on Jesus, trusting in his plan, supporting his people, and celebrating his work.