ryan peterson
Lead Pastor
There will be success in the promised land. There will be great victories, but the secret brings us back to chapter one.
Listen + Watch the Message
(new sermons published every Monday)
Sermon Summary
We are continuing in our City Renewal series going through the book of Joshua together. The story of Joshua has been dramatic so far. God speaks “Strong and Courageous” over Joshua (you), and calls him to cross the Jordan with the priests leading the way. We have seen great victory over strongholds (Jericho) and are making progress in our faith.
We now come upon Ai, a smaller city that seems like it should be easily overtaken, yet Israel is not victorious due to the sin of one man. We see in Chapter 7 that it’s not just a story of Achan and his greed, it’s a parallel to our inner world. It’s a picture of how our heart works and the destruction of sin. It’s a chapter that demonstrates that while faith pleases God, there is also power in a life of faith that’s not just a supplement to pleasing Him. There will be prosperity. There will be success in the promised land. There will be great victories, but the secret brings us back to chapter one.
Scripture References from the Sermon
- Joshua 7:1
- Psalm 103:8
- Matthew 8:25-26
- Matthew 17:17, 19, 20a
- Matthew 16:5-12
- Mark 6:6
- Matthew 14:31b
- Joshua 7
- Joshua 8:1
- Joshua 8:26
- Joshua 8:34-35
Discussion Questions
- The first verse of Joshua 7 starts strong and gives a summary of the entire chapter. Read the first verse and discuss the importance of faith.
- Is faith supplemental or central? See the Scriptures about Jesus and the disciples.
- In Joshua 7:5, 36 men get killed. Discuss the importance of taking every thought captive and your mindset in warfare.
- Why do you think there was such a severity in the consequences of sin? Read Joshua 7:11 to see that it was not a one-time offense.
- How can you cultivate a heart that’s soft and sensitive towards God, rather than numb and callous? (Joshua 7:6-9)
- In Joshua 7:12 they asked for a quick correction of sin. How have you experienced those seasons?
- Discuss the layers of mercy God put out towards Achan to give him a chance to be responsible for his sin. How do you need to take responsibility?
- Read Joshua 7:21 to see how sin transpires. Discuss.
- Chapter 8 ends with victory and a reading of the Word (Joshua 8:34-35). How do you see the Word being directly connected to your destiny?