Study 19: Joshua 10:16-27

In this study of Joshua 10:16-27, the focus is on confronting and dealing decisively with the enemies hidden in our lives, symbolized by the five Amorite kings hiding in a cave. Joshua's command to seal the cave, later bringing out the kings and executing them, illustrates the need for complete obedience to God's directives and the importance of not just managing but eliminating sin. This passage emphasizes the victory and authority believers have in Christ, urging them to be courageous and to bring hidden sins into the light for true victory. The study concludes with a call for honesty and transparency before God, encouraging believers to allow God to transform their lives fully.

Sermon Outline

Introduction (0:00 - 1:54)

• Greeting and mention of a valuable baseball card.

• Transition to the study of Joshua 10 and the context of the sermon.
  

Background of Joshua 10 (1:54 - 2:58)

• Overview of Joshua's military campaigns and the deceptive covenant with the Gibeonites.

• Comparison to believers' undeserved covenant with God.

The Gibeonites' Call for Help (2:58 - 4:02)

• Gibeonites' plea for help due to the attack by five Amorite kings.

• Joshua's response and God's intervention.

Divine Intervention (4:02 - 6:40)

• Description of God's aid through hailstones and the overall victory.

• Emphasis on God's role as the hero of the story.

Scripture Reading (6:40 - 8:35)

• Reading Joshua 10:16-27.

• Bringing the kings out of the cave and placing feet on their necks.

• Execution of the kings and their burial in the cave.

Application to Personal Life (8:35 - 16:03)

• Analogy of hidden sins and the importance of confronting them.

• Encouragement to put hidden issues to death rather than manage them.

Witness and Accountability (16:03 - 29:44)

• Survivors reaching fortified cities and their role as witnesses.

• God's judgment and the importance of obedience.

Confronting Hidden Sins (29:44 - 39:03)

• Encouragement to bring hidden sins into the light.

• Assurance of God's victory and call to be courageous and obedient.

Conclusion and Call to Action (39:03 - 49:58)

• Final reflections on the necessity of obedience and bringing glory to God.

• Call to action for listeners to confront and eliminate hidden sins, assuring them of God's victory in their lives.

Scripture References

• Joshua 10:16-18 (5:39)

• Description: The five Amorite kings hide in the cave at Makkedah.

• Relation to Sermon: Illustrates the importance of confronting and dealing with hidden sins, not just containing them.

• Joshua 10:22-23 (6:59)

• Description: Joshua commands to open the cave and bring out the five kings.

• Relation to Sermon: Emphasizes the need to bring hidden issues into the light and deal with them decisively.

• Joshua 10:24-25 (7:53)

• Description: Joshua instructs his commanders to put their feet on the necks of the kings.

• Relation to Sermon: Symbolizes the authority believers have in Christ to overcome and subdue their enemies.

• Joshua 10:26-27 (8:35)

• Description: Joshua executes the kings and buries them in the cave.

• Relation to Sermon: Highlights the complete eradication of sin, underscoring the need for total obedience to God’s commands.

• Romans 6:12-14 (11:26)

• Description: Instructions on living dead to sin but alive to God.

• Relation to Sermon: Application to personal life and dealing with sin by not just managing but putting it to death.

• Romans 16:20 (36:57)

• Description: God will soon crush Satan under your feet.

• Relation to Sermon: Reinforces the victory and authority believers have in Christ.

• Philippians 3:13-14 (24:27)

• Description: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.

• Relation to Sermon: Encourages believers to focus on pursuing God's calling rather than managing past issues.

• Proverbs 16:7 (31:04)

• Description: When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

• Relation to Sermon: Highlights the power of living in a way that glorifies God, silencing criticism and opposition.

• Romans 1:20 (28:36)

• Description: God's invisible qualities and divine nature have been clearly seen, so people are without excuse.

• Relation to Sermon: Emphasizes accountability for recognizing and dealing with sin, as God's truth is evident.

• Hebrews 12:1-2 (23:20)

• Description: Encouragement to run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus.

• Relation to Sermon: Stresses the importance of focusing on Jesus to overcome hidden sins and live victoriously.

Reflection Questions

1. Confronting Hidden Sins

• Scripture for Meditation: Joshua 10:22

• “Joshua said, ‘Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.’”

• Question: What hidden sins or issues in your life need to be brought into the light? How can you take the first step towards confronting and dealing with them?

1. Living in Victory

• Scripture for Meditation: Joshua 10:25

• “Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.’”

• Question: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more courage and faith? How can you remind yourself of God's promises of victory?

1. Total Obedience

• Scripture for Meditation: Joshua 10:26-27

• “Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening. At sunset, Joshua gave the order, and they took them down from the poles and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding.”

• Question: Are there any areas of partial obedience in your life where you need to take more decisive action? How can you ensure that you are fully obeying God’s commands?

1. Overcoming Sin’s Reign

• Scripture for Meditation: Romans 6:12

• “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”

• Question: What steps can you take to prevent sin from reigning in your life? How can you daily surrender to God and seek His help in overcoming sin?

1. God’s Authority in Your Life

• Scripture for Meditation: Romans 16:20

• “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

• Question: How does understanding God's authority and victory over Satan influence your daily walk? In what ways can you live more boldly for Christ knowing this truth?
  

Word Study

1. Reign (Basileus - βασιλεύς)

• Definition: King or ruler; to reign or rule as a king.

• Scripture References:

• Romans 6:12: “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”

• Romans 5:21: “So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

• Connection to the Study:

• In the sermon, the concept of reigning is used to emphasize not letting sin rule or take dominion in our lives. Just as the Amorite kings were brought out and put to death, believers are called to eradicate sin, not allowing it to reign in their bodies.

• Question for Meditation:

• What areas of your life are you allowing sin to reign, and how can you surrender those areas to God's authority?

1. Uttered (Charaz - חרז)

• Definition: To speak, declare, or utter; often associated with sharpness or quickness in speech.

• Scripture References:

• Joshua 10:21: “The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.”

• Proverbs 12:18: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

• Connection to the Study:

• The study highlights how the enemies of Israel were silenced, illustrating how God can quiet the opposition and criticism against His people. This serves as a reminder of the power of God to protect and vindicate His followers.

• Question for Meditation:

• Are there situations where you need to trust God to silence your critics and vindicate you? How can you practice speaking wisely and relying on God’s protection?

1. Courageous (Chazaq - חָזַק)

• Definition: To be strong, firm, or courageous; to strengthen, prevail, or hold fast.

• Scripture References:

• Joshua 10:25: “Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.’”

• Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

• Connection to the Study:

• The command to be strong and courageous is central to the sermon, encouraging believers to confront hidden sins and obstacles with faith in God's promises. Joshua’s leadership and God’s assurance provide a model for believers to follow.

• Question for Meditation:

• In what areas of your life do you need to be more courageous? How can you draw strength from God’s promises and presence?