Study 10: Joshua 5: 13-15

In the tenth study on Joshua, Trent explores Joshua 10, emphasizing the importance of privacy in spiritual disciplines such as giving, praying, and fasting. These practices are deeply personal and meant to be shared only between the individual and God to cultivate an authentic spiritual connection. Through the metaphor of fire, Trent illustrates how personal spiritual transformation can subtly yet powerfully influence community interactions. This discussion encourages the Body to reflect on their private devotions and consider their quiet, significant impact on their surroundings.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Context Setting (00:)

• 00:13: Introduction to continuing study in Joshua, aiming to finish chapter five.

• 00:39: Progress update on the study, marking the 10th message in Joshua.

• 01:07: Recap of previous week's discussion on spiritual equilibrium and unity.

Chapter 2: Seeking Clarity and Guidance (04:)

• 04:49: Reading and emphasis on three specific verses from Joshua.

• 06:03: Joshua's inquiry for identification – friend or foe.

• 07:13: Prayer for spiritual enlightenment and understanding.

Chapter 3: Individual and Corporate Edification (09:)

• 09:17: Transition to personal edification of Joshua.

• 10:00: Importance of both corporate and personal edification discussed.

• 11:58: Significance of individual contribution to corporate edification highlighted.

Chapter 4: Personal Edification Through Spiritual Practices (14:)

• 14:41: Explanation of achieving personal edification through giving, serving, praying, and fasting.

• 17:07: Emphasis on the rewards of personal edification in private acts of devotion.

• 18:03: Encouragement to focus on spiritual growth through personal practices.

Chapter 5: Divine Encounter and Response (21:)

• 21:38: Joshua's encounter near Jericho highlighted.

• 24:24: One-on-one encounter significance discussed.

• 26:09: Reflection on the response to the divine encounter.

Chapter 6: Focus on Obedience and Worship (35:)

• 35:32: Obedience and worship emphasized in response to divine presence.

• 37:36: Importance of staying focused on the task at hand and not getting distracted.

• 39:07: Recap on the significance of personal edification in Joshua's journey.

Chapter 7: Conclusion and Call to Action (40:)

• 40:45: Connection between corporate and personal edification emphasized.

• 53:54: Encouragement for personal reflection and private engagement with spirituality.

• 57:55: Individual opportunity presented for personal spiritual growth.

Scripture References

Hebrews 10:24: Timestamp: 12:34

• Emphasizing the importance of mutual edification and encouragement among believers, this verse was referenced to underscore gathering together to provoke love and good works within the community.

Ephesians 4:15-16: Timestamp: 18:07

•  Highlighting the church's growth into a mature body of Christ through speaking truth in love, this passage was discussed to illustrate the essential interconnectedness of believers in building each other up in love.

Matthew 6:1-18: Timestamp: 21:15

• These verses were cited to discuss the importance of secretly giving, praying, and fasting, emphasizing personal spiritual growth and genuine, private devotion to God.

Exodus 3:5: Timestamp: 27:42

• Referenced to draw a parallel between Moses' sacred encounter with God and Joshua's experience, this passage was used to discuss the reverence and humility required when in the presence of God.

Matthew 26:50-51: Timestamp: 31:58

• These verses were discussed to discuss Jesus' response to Peter's defensive action, using them to highlight Christ's divine authority and control, reminiscent of his role as the commander of the Lord's army.

Joshua 1:5 : Timestamp: 35:20

• Cited to illustrate the continuity of God's presence and guidance from Moses to Joshua, this verse emphasized the assurance and empowerment derived from God's unwavering faithfulness and companionship.

Reflection Questions

• Private Devotion vs. Public Actions: Reflect on your own practices of giving, praying, and fasting. How do you balance the inward focus of these practices with the outward expression of your faith? Consider ways you might deepen your private devotions to cultivate a more genuine connection with God.

• Impact of Spiritual Practices on Community: How do your private spiritual practices influence your interactions within your community? Think about instances where a deeper personal spirituality might have improved or could improve your relationships with others.

• The Power of Secrecy in Spirituality: Reflect on the teaching of Matthew 6:1-18 about practicing your righteousness in secret. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes secrecy, and how can embracing this advice change your spiritual life?

• Reverence and Humility Before God: Drawing from Exodus 3:5, consider times when you have felt a profound sense of reverence or humility. How do these moments affect your understanding of God's holiness and your relationship with Him?

• Transformation Through Spiritual Fire: Trent uses the metaphor of fire to describe spiritual fervor and transformation. Reflect on times when you have felt spiritually "on fire." How did these experiences change your interactions with others, and what can you do to rekindle or maintain this fiery zeal in your daily walk with God?

Word Study

Theophany

• Definition: A theophany is a visible manifestation of God to humans, often marked by extraordinary displays or presentations. This term comes from the Greek words theos (God) and phainein (to appear), literally meaning "appearance of God."

• Scriptural Context: Theophanies are seen throughout the Old Testament as distinct moments where God makes His presence visibly known to individuals or groups. One classic example is the burning bush experience in Exodus 3:2-4, where God appears to Moses through a bush that burns with fire but is not consumed. This profound encounter signifies a holy revelation, leading to God's commissioning of Moses.

• Reflection: Consider how the concept of theophany enhances your understanding of God’s direct interventions in biblical times. How do these divine appearances reflect His character and intentions towards humanity?

Christophany

• Definition: A christophany is a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. These appearances are understood by Christians as manifestations of the Son of God before His human birth in the New Testament.

• Scriptural Context: Christophanies are interpreted from passages where "the Angel of the Lord" is mentioned, believed by many theologians to be appearances of Christ. A key example is in Genesis 18:1-33, where Abraham meets three visitors, one of whom is often regarded as a theophany or christophany, revealing divine attributes and engaging directly in conversation as God.

• Reflection: Reflect on the significance of christophanies in the Old Testament. How do these appearances of Christ deepen your understanding of His eternal nature and His involvement in human history prior to the incarnation described in the New Testament?
  

Apodidomi (ἀποδίδωμι)

• Definition: "Apodidomi" (ἀποδίδωμι) is a Greek term that means "to give back, return, pay back, or render." It emphasizes fulfilling obligations or repaying what is due, reflecting a sense of justice and accountability.

• Scriptural Context in the Sermon: In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters a divine figure, the commander of the Lord's army, and reacts by falling on his face to the earth and worshiping, asking what message the Lord has for him. This moment can be seen as a form of "apodidomi," where Joshua pays respect and honor due to a divine authority. This act of reverence and submission symbolizes Joshua returning the honor and obedience owed to God as he prepares to take on the conquest of Jericho.

• Reflection: Consider how the concept of "apodidomi" applies to your spiritual life. In what ways do you demonstrate your respect and reverence toward God? Reflect on the significance of Joshua's response to divine presence. How can you 'give back' to God in your daily life through obedience, worship, and alignment with His will?
  

Exegesis Opportunities

Key Focus: Divine Recognition and Response

• Key Passage: Joshua 5:13-15 (Joshua's immediate reaction to meeting the divine commander)

• Study Objective: Analyze Joshua's initial reaction when he encounters the commander of the Lord's army. Reflect on his actions of falling face down to the ground and worshiping, and his request for instructions. Explore how this encounter parallels other biblical theophanies where figures recognize and respond to divine presences, such as Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3).

Key Focus: The Sanctity of Holy Ground

• Key Passage: Joshua 5:15 (Command to remove sandals because the place is holy)

• Study Objective: Examine the significance of the command given to Joshua to remove his sandals, signifying that he is on holy ground. Investigate other instances in the Bible where similar commands are given, such as to Moses in Exodus 3:5. Evaluate what the concept of 'holy ground' signifies about the presence of God and the sanctity of space in biblical narratives.

Key Focus: Leadership Under Divine Guidance

• Key Passage: Joshua 5:14 (Joshua's submission to the divine commander's authority)

• Study Objective: Consider how Joshua's submission to the divine commander prepares him for his leadership role and the upcoming challenges in Jericho. Reflect on the importance of divine guidance in Joshua’s strategy and decision-making processes. Extend this reflection to other biblical leaders who received divine guidance, such as David before battling Goliath (1 Samuel 17), to understand how critical moments of divine interaction shape effective leadership.