Some Lessons From Jericho Joshua 6 The Account

Some Lessons From Jericho Joshua 6

• • The Account Background – Israel is finally entering the land of Canaan, after 40 years of wandering Moses has died and Joshua is their leader They have miraculously crossed the Jordan river They are preparing themselves to conquer the land per God’s instructions

The Account • Before crossing the Jordan, 2 spies were sent to scout the land • Rahab hides them and they promise to save her if she does what she is instructed • Joshua is given instructions about how they would receive the city, and what to do when they received it

The Account • Joshua 6 - The city falls miraculously – following God’s orders to march around the city for 7 days. The walls fall out and the Israelites easily conquer the city Rahab is spared All that was taken was to be dedicated to the LORD, but Achan covets and takes. This causes problems. (Joshua 7)

Lessons from Jericho • Jericho was a gift from God - Joshua 6: 2 (16). Seen in the account • Our salvation is a gift from God – Ephesians 2: 8 (by grace you have been saved) Romans 6: 23, cf. John 3: 16 • The idea of grace is God’s part. It is the PRIME factor in salvation (without God’s grace, our faith and obedience are meaningless)

Lessons from Jericho • Gifts can come with conditions – • Joshua 6: 2 (16). While Jericho was a gift, they had to go and take the city. God gave specific instructions about this. • WE can relate to this in circumstances of life – claiming a prize might come with conditions. One may offer to give you something IF you do this or that first, but because of value it is clearly still a gift (e. g. debt help)

Lessons from Jericho • Gifts can come with conditions – • Our salvation is a gift, but it is conditional – we have to do what God says to receive it Ephesians 2: 8 (through faith) John 3: 16 (whoever believes) John 1: 12 – as many as RECEIVED Him, He GAVE the right to become children of God, to those who BELIEVE in His name

Lessons from Jericho • Gifts can come with conditions – • We have several steps to follow if we are to receive this salvation > Believe in Him - Mark 16: 16, Roman 10: 910 Following this plan does NOT > Repent - Acts 2: 38 (we crucify the old man negate 6: 6) that it is still a gift from – Romans > Confess Him – Romans God 10: 9 -10, Matthew 10: 32 -33 > Be baptized – Acts 2: 38, 22: 16, Mark 16: 16, 1 Peter 3: 21, Romans 6: 3 -4, etc.

Lessons from Jericho • The nature of true faith • Hebrews 11: 30 - By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down. Consider the instructions from a military standpoint – illogical, and perhaps even foolish. But it was what God said to do! They had to believe God to follow His plan (they plenty of reason to believe)

Lessons from Jericho • The nature of true faith • This is the nature of TRUE faith – believing and trusting God, especially when we don’t fully understand • Hebrews 11 demonstrates this over and over – Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc. • We need TRUE faith – a willingness to obey, regardless of our preferences (Luke 5: 5 – Peter and fishing, cf. 1 Peter 3: 21 – the answer of a good conscience)

Lessons from Jericho • The “foolishness” of God is wiser than men • God’s illogical plan worked • 1 Corinthians 1: 25, be careful with this language, but in context it puts us in our place. Isaiah 55: 8 -9 We may not understand WHY God says something, but know that He knows what is best

Lessons from Jericho • The “foolishness” of God is wiser than men • WHY did God choose this way for Israel to conquer Jericho? While we may not fully understand, it DID instill faith in the LORD as they moved forward. “If God can do this, then…” • Romans 9: 20, be careful when questioning God

Lessons from Jericho • We also see the power of God at work • With shouts and trumpets, fortified walls crumbled, and Israel easily took the city. There was NO doubt this was the hand of God at work! Cf. Deuteronomy 9: 1 -3, prior to crossing the Jordan

Lessons from Jericho • We also see the power of God at work • We must never forget that God is in control! EVEN today in these troubling times Matthew 19: 26, with God all things are possible Jeremiah 33: 3, He will “show you great and mighty things…” Cf. Genesis 18: 14, “Is there anything too hard for Me? ” • Romans 8: 31, If God is for us…

Lessons from Jericho • The goodness and severity of God • God showed His goodness by delivering Jericho to Israel. AND He showed His goodness to Rahab and her family (Hebrews 11: 31, James 2: 25) • He showed His severity to Achan who took of the things that belonged to the LORD • Romans 11: 22, Behold the goodness and severity of God…

Will we do what God tells us to do?

Let us pray