Study 25: Joshua 13: 6-33

In this sermon, the focus is on the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel as described in Joshua 13, and the significance of God's boundaries in the lives of His people. The message highlights the importance of obedience to God's will and the dangers of settling for perceived advantages outside of His promises. The sermon draws lessons from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who chose to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan River, missing out on the full blessings of the Promised Land. It also emphasizes the role of the Levites, whose inheritance was not land but the Lord Himself, illustrating a deeper spiritual truth about the inheritance that believers have in God through Jesus Christ.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Review

• Timestamp: 00:00 - 02:00

• Key Points:

  • Review of Joshua 13, focusing on God's declaration to Joshua about his old age and the remaining work.

  • The presence of peace despite opposition.

  • Introduction to the topic of inheriting property in the Promised Land.

Chapter 2: The Allocation of the Land

• Timestamp: 02:01 - 04:05

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 13:6-7

• Key Points:

  • God instructs Joshua to allocate the land to the nine and a half tribes.

  • Explanation of the twelve tribes of Israel and the split of Joseph's tribe into Ephraim and Manasseh.

Chapter 3: The Levites and Their Unique Inheritance

• Timestamp: 04:06 - 07:18

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 13:14

• Key Points:

  • The Levites do not receive land as their inheritance; instead, their inheritance is the Lord Himself.

  • Emphasis on the significance of this spiritual inheritance.

Chapter 4: Boundaries and Gratitude

• Timestamp: 07:19 - 10:14

• Key Points:

  • Gratitude for the boundaries God establishes in our lives.

  • Comparison of the boundaries in the Promised Land and the boundaries God sets for His people today.

Chapter 5: The Danger of Disobedience

• Timestamp: 10:15 - 13:42

• Key Points:

  • The Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh choose to stay outside the Promised Land due to perceived advantages.

  • Disobedience to God leads to future heartache and consequences.

Chapter 6: The Consequences of Allowing Sin to Remain

• Timestamp: 13:43 - 17:55

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 13:13

• Key Points:

  • The Israelites failed to drive out certain people groups, leading to future conflicts (e.g., the story of Absalom).

  • Importance of addressing sin and issues in our lives rather than allowing them to remain.

Chapter 7: The Influence of Family and Legacy

• Timestamp: 17:56 - 21:37

• Key Points:

  • Discussion of Reuben's instability and how it influenced his descendants' decisions.

  • Reflection on the impact of family legacies and choices on future generations.

Chapter 8: The Role of the Levites

• Timestamp: 21:38 - 29:22

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 13:33

• Key Points:

  • The Levites' role as priests and their unique calling to serve the nation.

  • Their inheritance was the Lord, and their responsibility was to serve among the tribes.

Chapter 9: Spiritual Inheritance

• Timestamp: 29:23 - 41:47

• Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:3-4

• Key Points:

  • The concept of spiritual inheritance in the New Testament.

  • Believers are called to live as people of an eternal inheritance that will never perish.

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Communion

• Timestamp: 41:48 - 57:00

• Key Points:

  • Reflection on the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and not forgetting His provision.

  • The sermon concludes with a call to take communion, acknowledging Jesus as the source of our eternal inheritance.

Scripture References

Word Study