Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Joshua 22 Bible Study (Eastern Tribes Return Home/Altar of Witness) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Monday, November 9, 2020

Scripture References

Joshua 22:1-34Deuteronomy 12:13Numbers 25:101 Chronicles 5:26

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh examines Joshua 22, highlighting the importance of longevity in obedience and the dangers of living 'half in, half out' of God's will. Through the story of the Eastern tribes, we learn how to handle misunderstandings with holy zeal and the necessity of total surrender for true peace.

Key Takeaways

1Longevity in the Christian walk is possible and expected, achieved through daily, careful attention to God's commands.
2Prosperity, ease, and comfort are often more dangerous to spiritual health than persecution or hardship.
3Holy zeal must be framed by wisdom, humility, and a primary desire for the restoration of brothers and sisters.
4Living on the 'border' of God's will (half-hearted Christianity) leads to spiritual misery, anxiety, and confusion for others.
5Total surrender to Christ is the only path to true peace, security, and a clear testimony.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Joshua 22:3 commends the tribes for being faithful 'these many days.' What does longevity in obedience look like in your current season of life?
2Why do you think prosperity and 'the American dream' can be a greater threat to our faith than giants and fortresses?
3Phinehas is described as having a 'holy jealousy' for God. How can we distinguish between a fleshly anger and a righteous jealousy for God's glory?
4The Eastern tribes built the altar because they were afraid their children would be cut off. How can our own compromises today create anxiety for the next generation?
5Pastor Daniel said half-hearted Christians are the most miserable. Have you ever experienced the 'guilt without joy' state he described? How did you move past it?
6How does clear communication and seeking the 'other side of the story' prevent 'civil war' within a church community?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Commit to 'day-by-day' obedience rather than being overwhelmed by the distant future; focus on being faithful today.
Identify 'idols of comfort' in your life and intentionally prioritize the mission of God over personal ease.
When you hear a report of a brother or sister in sin, follow the example of Phinehas by seeking clarification and investigation before making a judgment.
Evaluate if you are living 'half in, half out'—ask God for the grace to cross the 'Jordan' into total surrender.
Prioritize physical gathering with your local church to avoid the unique spiritual dangers that come with isolation.

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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