Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Joshua 16-17 Bible Study (Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Scripture References

Joshua 16:1-10Joshua 17:1-18Joshua 15:63Joshua 13:61 Samuel 15:21Numbers 27:1-11Genesis 4:7Proverbs 19:3Numbers 13:81 John 5:3Matthew 1:21

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Joshua 16-17, contrasting the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh’s compromise with the bold faith of Zelophehad’s daughters. He warns that settling for 'forced labor' with sin leads to spiritual stagnation and missed blessings.

Key Takeaways

1Calculated compromise (tolerating sin for personal advantage) is a direct offense to God's wisdom and leads to eventual spiritual bondage.
2God honors bold, tenacious faith that pursues His promises, as seen in the daughters of Zelophehad and Caleb.
3Sin is persistent and 'crouches at the door'; it will not settle for anything less than being your master.
4We often rob ourselves of spiritual growth by being unwilling to pay the price of hard work, prayer, and intentional holiness.
5True victory in the Christian life is not about earning salvation but about tapping into the power Christ already provided through His blood.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1What is the difference between 'could not' (Judah) and 'did not' (Ephraim) in the context of overcoming sin? Which one do you relate to more right now?
2Why is it so tempting to try to 'improve' or 'update' God's commands to make them more popular or easier to follow, like King Saul did?
3How does the story of Zelophehad’s daughters challenge the idea that women have a lesser role or inheritance in the Kingdom of God?
4Pastor Batarseh said, 'Sin will not be satisfied with you fighting it; it wants to master you.' How does this change your perspective on 'small' compromises?
5Joshua told the people to clear the forest if they wanted more land. What is a 'forest' in your spiritual life that you need to start clearing to experience more of God's promises?
6How can we distinguish between striving to earn God's favor and the 'fight' of sanctification described in this sermon?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify 'Canaanites' in your life—sins or habits you have 'enslaved' rather than destroyed—and commit to total removal.
Evaluate your spiritual complaints; ask if your lack of 'room' or blessing is actually due to a refusal to fight for the land God already gave you.
Stop using the poor examples of parents or leaders as an excuse for your own lack of spiritual pursuit.
Commit to a 'warlike mentality' regarding your holiness, utilizing the spiritual disciplines of prayer and scripture to stay alert.
Seek out a 'band of sisters' or brothers who share a common, passionate desire for the things of God.

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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