Joshua 5 & 6

Sermon Summary

This week in our City Renewal series, we’re taking a look at Joshua 5 & 6. Israel has finally entered the much anticipated Promised Land: Canaan. This is the land that is “flowing with milk and honey”—filled with abundance—where they will finally be a nation. And, perhaps to our surprise, they find themselves at the base of a mighty fortified city that must come down. We too will face fortified cities when we enter into our promises: Strongholds that must come down. From Israel’s journey we learn principles and practices that we can apply in the battles we face each day. We can face our strongholds with confidence, knowing and believing that they WILL fall. What portions of your heart will you need to surrender in order to move forward in your journey?

Scripture References from the Sermon

• Joshua 6:1–2
• 2 Corinthians 10:3–4
• Joshua 5:2-3, 6a–8
• Genesis 17:1–5
• Genesis 17:10

Discussion Questions

• What has God been showing you this week in your personal time of Bible reading, prayer, and journaling?
• We live in many interconnected categories in life: faith, family, community, work, finances, health, and so on. Life is complex, and in each of these categories, you might find yourself in differing parts of the journey to the Promised Land. Would you be willing to share with your group where you are in some of these areas? In what areas are you in the Wilderness? The Jordan? Canaan?
• In the areas where you’re currently living in the Promises of God, the Promised Land, Canaan; were you surprised when you got there to learn that there were still going to be battles and strongholds that needed to be dealt with? How did you deal with them?
• Read Joshua 5:2-9. Dan spent some time describing the reason for circumcision in Joshua 5 and correlated it to how important it is that we routinely circumcise our hearts. Did God bring to mind any areas of your heart that you’d be willing to share in which you’re still living in unbelief, lack of faith, or believing false narratives? Areas that need to be cut away–permanently changed? How can being in a Group help with this process?
• Have you worked through the Freedom Cycle? What were the results?
• Read Joshua 5:10-12. How can worshipping God help us face our strongholds? What are some of the practices you use to worship when spending time with God?
• Read Joshua 5:13-15. Do you sometimes find it difficult to believe that God’s armies are battling on your behalf? If so, why do you think that is?
• Tell the story of Joshua 6 in your own words. Why do you think God chose to bring down Jericho in this way? Does this relate to your story in any way?
• What will you do differently, or how will you be different as a result of this message?