Study 29: Joshua 17: 14-18

In this study, we dive deep into Joshua 17, where the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh express dissatisfaction with their allotted inheritance despite God's blessings. This study unpacks their sense of entitlement and how it mirrors the human tendency to overlook God's provision when it doesn't align with our expectations. Through this passage, we explore themes of humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and recognizing that any increase or strength He gives is for fulfilling His purposes, not our own desires. Join us as we reflect on aligning our hearts with God's will and embracing a life of service to His kingdom. This episode encourages listeners to worship through understanding the Word and living it out purposefully.

Sermon Outline

• Introduction to Worship & Study

  • Timestamp: [00:00-02:10]

  • The study of God’s Word is an extension of worship, not separate from it.

  • Worship includes a deeper understanding and application of scripture.

• Context of Joshua 17: Allotment of Land

  • Timestamp: [02:10-04:13]

  • Joshua's allotment of land to the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

  • Explanation of how the land was divided and the complaints that arose.

• Complaints of Ephraim and Manasseh

  • Timestamp: [04:13-06:15]

  • The tribes’ dissatisfaction with their single inheritance.

  • Their failure to drive out the Canaanites as God commanded.

  • Reference to Joshua 16:10 – Ephraim’s compromise by allowing Canaanites to remain as forced labor.

• God’s Strength Misused

  • Timestamp: [06:15-07:52]

  • The tribes had the strength to drive out their enemies but chose to use their strength for personal gain.

  • The lesson: misusing God-given strength can lead to compromise.

• Perspective Skewed by Entitlement

  • Timestamp: [07:52-10:13]

  • Ephraim and Manasseh believed they deserved more because they were a great people, blessed by God.

  • Key Point: Recognizing how our perspective can be skewed when we feel entitled to more than what God provides.

  • Connection to Matthew 20:1-15 – Parable of the Vineyard Workers and God's generosity.

• Humility vs. Entitlement

  • Timestamp: [10:13-17:07]

  • Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:3 – “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think with sober judgment.”

  • A call for humility in recognizing God’s grace and not assuming God owes us anything.

• The Task at Hand: Using God’s Provision

  • Timestamp: [17:07-22:43]

  • Joshua challenges the tribes to clear the forest and drive out the Canaanites (Joshua 17:14-18).

  • Key Point: God has given us strength for a purpose, not for self-promotion. It’s time to act and fulfill the tasks before us.

• Aligning Our Will with God's Purpose

  • Timestamp: [22:43-29:08]

  • Joshua emphasizes that the land is there, but the tribes must put in the work to claim it.

  • Aligning our will with God’s provision requires action and trust in His plan.

• The Bigger Picture of God's Purpose

  • Timestamp: [29:08-32:36]

  • Abraham’s calling in Genesis 12:1-3 – Blessed to be a blessing to others, not for personal gain.

  • Key Point: Our purpose is to bring glory to God, not to accumulate personal blessings.

• Conclusion: A Life Surrendered to God’s Will

  • Timestamp: [32:36-End]

  • Joshua’s resolve in chapter 24: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

  • Final challenge: Embrace the tasks and responsibilities God has given us, knowing they are designed for His glory, not our comfort.

Scripture References

1. Joshua 17:14-18 – Allotment of Land to the Tribes of Joseph

• Timestamp: [02:10-06:15]

• This passage forms the core of the study, focusing on the complaint of Ephraim and Manasseh regarding their single allotment of land and their failure to drive out the Canaanites.

• Context in Sermon: The tribes’ dissatisfaction with their inheritance mirrors how believers can feel entitled to more than what God has provided, despite His blessings.

2. Joshua 16:10 – Ephraim’s Compromise

• Timestamp: [05:30-06:15]

• This verse mentions Ephraim allowing the Canaanites to remain in their territory as forced labor instead of driving them out as commanded.

• Context in Sermon: Used to illustrate how Ephraim compromised by using their God-given strength for personal gain rather than following God’s command fully.

3. Matthew 20:1-15 – Parable of the Vineyard Workers

• Timestamp: [13:30-17:07]

• This parable describes the vineyard workers receiving the same wage despite different hours of labor, highlighting God’s generosity.

• Context in Sermon: The sermon connects this parable to the idea of entitlement, showing how the tribes felt they deserved more, just as the early vineyard workers did. God’s blessings are based on His grace, not our expectations.

4. Romans 12:3 – Humility in Perspective

• Timestamp: [17:07-18:22]

• “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.”

• Context in Sermon: This verse is used to challenge the pride and entitlement of Ephraim and Manasseh, urging humility in how we view God’s blessings.

5. Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s Promise to Abraham

   • Timestamp: [29:08-32:36]

   • God’s promise to Abraham: “I will bless you... and you will be a blessing.”

   • Context in Sermon: The study emphasizes that God's blessings are not meant for self-promotion but to be used to bless others and fulfill His purpose, as was the case with Abraham.

6. Matthew 16:24-25 – Denying Self to Follow Jesus

   • Timestamp: [36:36-39:19]

   • “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

   • Context in Sermon: This verse is used to emphasize the need for surrender and sacrifice in following God’s will. The tribes needed to act on their calling rather than complain about their allotment.

7. Joshua 24:15 – “As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord”

   • Timestamp: [47:37-End]

   • Joshua’s declaration at the end of his life, calling the people to choose whom they will serve.

   • Context in Sermon: This is tied to Joshua’s personal resolve and leadership, encouraging the tribes to act with the same commitment to God's purpose and task ahead.

8. Galatians 2:11 – Paul Confronts Peter (Cephas)

   • Timestamp: [29:39-32:17]

   • Paul opposes Peter for acting inconsistently with the truth of the gospel, choosing to favor Jews over Gentiles when pressured.

   • Context in Sermon: This reference highlights the importance of accountability among believers, similar to Joshua’s role in correcting the tribes.

9. Matthew 5:14-16 – “You Are the Light of the World”

   • Timestamp: [42:36-44:40]

   • “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

   • Context in Sermon: Used to remind believers that their blessings and strength are meant to be shared and used to glorify God, not for personal gain.

   
   

Word Study

1. Hebrew Word: רַב (Rab) – "Great" or "Many"

   • Context in Study: The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh refer to themselves as a "great people" in Joshua 17:14, acknowledging that the Lord has blessed them abundantly. However, they use this greatness as a basis for their complaint, feeling entitled to more land.

   • Meaning: The Hebrew word "רַב" (Rab) means "great" or "many" and can refer to size, number, or importance. The tribes saw their increase and blessings as evidence of their greatness but failed to recognize that their blessings came from God’s grace, not their own merit.

   • Lesson: The study challenges believers to see God's blessings not as entitlements, but as opportunities to serve His purposes. Rab in this context underscores the disconnect between their perception of greatness and their failure to fulfill God’s commands.

2. Hebrew Word: שָׁלוֹם (Shalom) – "Peace" or "Wholeness"

   • Implied Context: Although not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, the concept of Shalom connects deeply to the overall theme of God’s provision and fulfillment in the study. The tribes desired more land, thinking it would bring them contentment, but their lack of Shalom reflected their internal dissatisfaction despite God’s provision.

   • Meaning: "Shalom" goes beyond just peace; it encompasses completeness, soundness, and welfare. The absence of Shalom in the tribes’ hearts resulted in their complaints and unrest, even though they had already received God’s blessings.

   • Lesson: True Shalom is found not in external possessions or status but in alignment with God’s will. The study encourages believers to pursue contentment and wholeness in their relationship with God, rather than striving for more material blessings.

3. Hebrew Word: כֹּחַ (Koach) – "Strength" or "Power"

   • Context in Study: The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh had the Koach (strength) to drive out the Canaanites from their allotted land but chose to use that strength for their own gain by making the Canaanites forced laborers instead (Joshua 17:12-13). Joshua challenges them to use their strength to clear the forest and expand their land as originally intended by God (Joshua 17:18).

   • Meaning: "Koach" refers to physical strength or power, often given by God to accomplish His purposes. In this case, the tribes had the strength from God but misused it for their own desires.

   • Lesson: The study highlights how God’s gift of strength should be used in obedience to His commands. Rather than using Koach for personal gain, believers are encouraged to use their God-given power to fulfill His will and purpose.