Week 17 - The Old Testament
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Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
Would you rather be more famous, wealthier, more athletic, or more intelligent?
The Old Testament
Joshua 12-24 ~ Judges 1-2
1. Watch the Bible Project’s 9 minute video on Joshua if you have the time: www.bibleproject.com/explore/video/joshua While some may seek to characterize the Israelite takeover of the Promised Land as “genocide”, the reality is that all of the inhabitants (minus the Hivites/Gibeon) refused to make peace with Israel (Joshua 11:19–20). God was punishing the inhabitants of Canaan for their sexual immorality, murder of children, and false worship. While this calling of God for war was for a particular time and people, it demonstrates God’s holiness and justice. What sorts of evil stand out to you in your country and society today? How can we reach people in those sins so that they find peace with God thru Jesus?
2. Have you or any of your family experienced war? What was that like? How does a time of war give you greater appreciation for when you have “rest from war” (Joshua 11:23)? How can we best pray for people in warzones today? For military deployed into conflict? For times of peace?
3. While there are impressive victories listed in Joshua 12 & 13, it also quickly becomes evident that Israel did not fully drive out the pagan inhabitants as God had instructed them. Why do you think they only partially obeyed God? How do you think they justified their disobedience? What are some ways we might be tempted to partially obey God’s commands? What ways do we try to justify our disobedience?
4. While the listing of boundaries in Joshua 13-21 may seem boring to us today, it evidences the accuracy of the Scriptures as many of these seemingly insignificant towns and cities have been archaeologically discovered. Why do you think God gives us so much evidence for the accuracy of the Bible?
5. Read over Genesis 15:13-16, 18-21. How does it grow your faith to see how God both specifically foretold and upheld His promises to Abraham over 600 years later?
6. Caleb, who along with Joshua had been faithful “spies” earlier in the exodus journey, courageously requests the hill country of Hebron (Joshua 14:12) despite its occupation from the Anakim giant people. How does Caleb’s confidence in the Lord’s power and presence inspire and encourage your faith with your future battles?
7. In Joshua 20, cities of refuge are established for those who accidentally kill someone else, to give them protection from “the avenger of blood” while he awaits judgment. What does this teach us about God’s care and protection through governmental rules?
8. The Lord provides cities and pasture lands for the priests (Levites) in Joshua 21, with them spread out and living among the tribes of Israel. Why do you think the Lord spread them out this way instead of them all staying just around the Tabernacle?
9. Read Joshua 21:43–45. What does this teach us about the character of God?
10. When the tribes east of the Jordan build an altar of their own (Joshua 22:10-34), the other tribes prepare for war against them. Once they clarify that the altar is a “Witness” for the next generation and not for sacrifice, peace is made. What does this dispute tell us about how Israel regarded the holiness of God at this time?
11. In chapters 23 & 24, Joshua gives his final speech to Israel before he dies. He reminds them of God’s work and warns them of God’s judgment. Joshua says “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) and the people agree in covenant with him. What is the purpose of a covenant? How can a covenant be helpful for a local church? What is important in a covenant?
General Discussion Questions
• Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this? How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?
• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)