Sermon Study Guide
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Maranatha Bible Church
Chicago
Sermon Study Guide
Joshua 13-14 Bible Study (Inheritance East & West of the Jordan /Caleb) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh
Scripture References
Sermon Summary
Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Joshua 13-14, contrasting the dangers of partial obedience with Caleb’s inspiring lifelong faithfulness. This study reveals the 'equation' of sanctification: how God provides the power as we step out in obedience to claim His promises.
Key Takeaways
- 1What one generation tolerates or legalizes often becomes a spiritual threat to the next generation.
- 2Sanctification is not solely based on human effort, but on God's supernatural empowerment meeting our steps of obedience.
- 3Wholly following the Lord is an individual choice that must be maintained even if those closest to you lose their zeal.
- 4God's preservation in a believer's life is intended to sustain them until they have experienced the fullness of His purpose for them.
- 5Spiritual hunger should not diminish with age; the righteous are called to be 'full of sap and green' even in their latter years.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
- 1Joshua transitioned from a warrior to a manager. How can we continue to serve God effectively when our roles or physical capacities change?
- 2Why is it so easy to overlook 'small' people groups like the Geshurites in our own lives, and what are the potential long-term costs of doing so?
- 3How does understanding that God 'works in you' (Philippians 2:13) change the way you view your struggles with sin and obedience?
- 4Caleb still called the unfaithful spies 'my brothers.' How do we balance maintaining a high spiritual standard for ourselves while showing love to those who fail?
- 5Caleb was 85 and still wanted to fight giants. What 'giants' or 'hill countries' is God calling you to face in your current season?
- 6What does it practically mean to 'wholly follow the Lord' in a culture that encourages partial commitment?
Application Points
Practical ways to apply this message to your life.
- Identify any 'small' areas of compromise or sin in your life that you have tolerated, and commit to 'driving them out' today.
- When you lack the emotional 'feeling' to obey, take a step of faith anyway, trusting God to provide the power once you move.
- Evaluate your closest spiritual circle and resolve to maintain a high standard of faithfulness regardless of the choices others make.
- Look at the promises of God in Scripture and, like Caleb, boldly ask God to help you possess what He has already granted you.
- Pray for a 'Caleb-like' spirit that remains focused on God's mission even during transitions or in later stages of life.
Personal Reflection
Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.
How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?
What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?
Who can I share this truth with this week?
What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
- Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
- Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.
Notes
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