Study 23: Joshua 12: 1-24

The sermon study of Joshua 12 focuses on understanding God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience in the face of fear. The Israelites faced giants and numerous battles, but through God's provision, they were able to conquer and possess the Promised Land. The sermon emphasizes that the real battles of life are fought one at a time, relying on God's grace rather than our own strength. The message encourages believers to trust in God's timing, rest in His provision, and avoid the temptation to spread themselves too thin by worrying about future conflicts. By studying these scriptural accounts, we are reminded that God's grace allows us to achieve victories that would be impossible under the law alone, guiding us through the battles of life with faith and resilience.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction to Joshua 12

- Timestamp: 00:00:13 - 00:02:12

- Key Points:

- Overview of the book of Joshua and its division into major sections.

- Recap of the battles up to chapter 11 and the significance of conquering the Anakites.

2. Review of the Northern Kingdom Battles

- Timestamp: 00:02:12 - 00:05:21

- Key Points:

- Joshua's leadership in conquering the northern kingdoms, culminating in the defeat of the giants.

- God's strategy of building Israel's confidence through previous victories.

3. Understanding the Importance of Joshua 12

- Timestamp: 00:05:21 - 00:07:09

- Key Points:

- Explanation of chapter 12 as a recount of the victories achieved under God's guidance.

- Importance of observing and reflecting on God's Word.

4. The Defeat of Sihon and Og

- Timestamp: 00:07:09 - 09:54

- Scripture Reference: Numbers 21:21-35

- Key Points:

- Discussion of the defeat of the two kings, Sihon and Og.

- Og’s physical stature as a giant and its symbolic representation of the deterrents faced by Israel.

5. The Law and the Promised Land

- Timestamp: 09:54 - 15:07

- Scripture Reference: Numbers 20:8-11

- Key Points:

- Moses' role as the lawgiver and the significance of his inability to enter the Promised Land.

- The importance of obeying God's specific instructions as illustrated by Moses striking the rock twice.

6. Covenant and Victories

- Timestamp:15:07 - 17:24

- Key Points:

- The covenant relationship between God and Israel and its role in securing victories.

- Understanding that victories in life come through God’s covenant and provision.

7. The Choice of Entering the Promised Land

- Timestamp: 17:24 - 19:22

- Scripture Reference: Numbers 32:1-5

- Key Points:

- The decision of the two and a half tribes to settle east of the Jordan and its implications.

- The personal choice each believer has to enter into God’s promises or settle for less.

8. Joshua as an Agent of Grace

- Timestamp:** 19:22 - 20:25

- Scripture Reference: Romans 8:3-4

-Key Points:

- Joshua as a representation of grace, leading Israel where the law (Moses) could not.

- The significance of grace in achieving what the law cannot.

9. The Conquest of 31 Kings

- **Timestamp:** 20:25 - 24:24

- **Key Points:**

- Joshua's conquests under grace resulted in the defeat of 31 kings.

- The comparison of victories achieved under grace versus the law.

10. Trusting God in Today’s Battles

- Timestamp: 24:24 - 42:53

- Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:34, 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

-Key Points:

- The importance of focusing on today's battles and not being overwhelmed by future concerns.

- Trusting in God's provision and resting in His grace during current conflicts.

Scripture References

• Numbers 21:21-35 (The Defeat of Sihon and Og)

  • Timestamp: 07:09 - 09:54

  • Context: This passage is referenced when discussing the defeat of the kings Sihon and Og, emphasizing Og's physical stature as a giant and the symbolic nature of Israel overcoming great obstacles through God's power.

• Numbers 13:28-33 (The Spies’ Report and the Giants)

  • Timestamp: 02:12 - 03:21

  • Context: Implied in the discussion about the giants in the land, particularly the Anakites, and how the Israelites were initially deterred by their fear. The sermon reflects on the importance of overcoming fear and trusting in God's promise.

• Numbers 14:6-9 (Caleb’s Faith)

  • Timestamp: 03:21 - 04:31

  • Context: Implied in the reference to Caleb's confidence and faith in God's promise to deliver the land into Israel's hands, contrasting the fear of the other spies.

• Numbers 20:8-11 (Moses Strikes the Rock)

  • Timestamp: 09:54 - 15:07

  • Context: This scripture is explicitly discussed to illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands. Moses' disobedience in striking the rock twice instead of speaking to it is used to explain why he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, demonstrating the limitations of the law.

• Deuteronomy 30:19 (Choice of Life or Death)

  • Timestamp: 17:24 - 19:22

  • Context: Implied when discussing the choice that the two and a half tribes made to settle east of the Jordan instead of entering the Promised Land. The sermon emphasizes that entering into God's promises is a choice set before every believer.

• Romans 8:3-4 (The Law and Grace)

  • Timestamp: 36:30 - 37:47

  • Context: Explicitly referenced to highlight the contrast between the law and grace. The sermon uses this passage to explain how grace, through Jesus, accomplishes what the law could not, paralleling Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

• Matthew 6:34 (Do Not Worry About Tomorrow)

  • Timestamp: 27:15 - 28:13

  • Context: Implied when discussing the importance of focusing on today's battles and not being overwhelmed by future concerns. The sermon encourages believers to trust God for the present without borrowing trouble from tomorrow.

• 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh)

  • Timestamp: 37:47 - 38:49

  • Context: Explicitly referenced to illustrate how God's grace is sufficient in our weaknesses. The sermon uses this passage to encourage reliance on God's provision and strength in the midst of struggles.

• Deuteronomy 32:29 (Teach Us to Number Our Days)

  • Timestamp: 24:24 - 25:38

  • Context: Implied in the discussion about taking one battle at a time and trusting God's provision for each day. The sermon reflects on the importance of living wisely and trusting in God's timing.

Word Study

1. יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua)

• Translation: Joshua

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 12, Romans 8:3-4 (Implied connection)

• Context in the Study: The name "Joshua" (Yehoshua in Hebrew) is derived from the root יָשַׁע (yasha), which means "to save" or "to deliver." In the sermon, Joshua is highlighted as a figure of grace, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land where the law, represented by Moses, could not take them. The name Yehoshua is significant because it is directly connected to Jesus (Yeshua in Greek), emphasizing the role of grace and salvation.

2. חֶסֶד (Chesed)

• Translation: Loving-kindness, Mercy, Grace

• Scripture Reference: Romans 8:3-4 (Implied connection)

• Context in the Study: Although not mentioned explicitly, the concept of Chesed underpins the sermon’s discussion of grace and God’s covenantal love. Chesed is often used to describe God’s steadfast love and mercy, which is a key theme when discussing how grace leads the Israelites to victories that the law alone could not achieve. The sermon implicitly ties this idea to the grace provided through Joshua (a type of Christ) as he leads Israel into the Promised Land.

3. צַדִּיק (Tzaddik)

• Translation: Righteous, Just

• Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 30:19 (Implied connection), Romans 8:3-4 (Implied connection)

• Context in the Study: The sermon reflects on the righteousness required by the law, as embodied by Moses, and contrasts it with the righteousness that comes by grace through faith, as exemplified by Joshua. Tzaddik refers to someone who is righteous or just according to the standards of the law, but the sermon emphasizes that true righteousness (tzaddik) before God is ultimately found in grace and the provision of Christ, rather than through strict adherence to the law.