Study 30: Joshua 18: 1-10

In this study, we dive into Joshua 18:1-10, exploring the lessons of obedience and the dangers of delay in receiving God's promises. The Israelites had control of the land but had not yet fully claimed their inheritance due to hesitation. We unpack the idea that God's timing is never the issue—it's often our reluctance to act. Through this study, listeners are encouraged to trust God's plan and embrace each step of obedience, recognizing that transformation happens along the way. Discover how leaning into God's timing brings peace and fulfillment, and how we can avoid delaying His blessings in our lives.

Sermon Outline

• Chapter 1: Introduction – The Power of Scripture (00:00–01:06)

  • Key Point: The Word of God has the power to transform lives, regardless of the passage.

  • Scripture Reference: General reference to how any part of scripture, such as the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, can bring about change if we are open to it.

  Chapter 2: The Israelites at Shiloh – Setting the Stage (01:07–04:05)

  • Key Point: The Israelites moved from Gilgal to Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting (the tabernacle), indicating a shift in the administration of the Promised Land.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 18:1-3

  • Explanation: This period marked a transition in the distribution of the land, and context is crucial to understanding the "first allotment" at Shiloh.

  Chapter 3: The Tent of Meeting – God’s Presence (04:05–07:54)

  • Key Point: God’s presence traveled with the Israelites from Gilgal to Shiloh, showing that no matter where we go, God is always there ahead of us.

  • Scripture Reference: Exodus 25 (about the Tabernacle), Joshua 18:1

  Chapter 4: Control vs. God’s Influence (07:54–09:10)

  • Key Point: There is a significant difference between having things under our control and being under God’s influence and management.

  • Illustration: Using the metaphor of driving, the speaker discusses how we often try to control our lives but lose control when we take matters into our own hands.

  Chapter 5: The Delay in Possessing the Inheritance (09:10–14:47)

  • Key Point: The Israelites delayed in claiming their inheritance, and Joshua challenged them: “How long will you wait before you take possession of the land?”

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 18:3

  • Explanation: The delay was not on God’s part but the Israelites’, similar to how we often delay in taking hold of God’s promises due to hesitation or fear.

  Chapter 6: Fear and Compromise (14:47–25:17)

  • Key Point: The Israelites’ fear and compromise in dealing with the Canaanites caused them to delay. Fear manipulates us, preventing us from fully walking in God’s promises.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 18:4-7

  • Illustration: The fear of vulnerability due to leaving Canaanites in the land.

  Chapter 7: A Call to Action (25:17–30:05)

  • Key Point: Joshua calls the people to action, instructing them to appoint men to survey the land and divide it. The time for delay is over; it's time to move.

  • Illustration: The speaker uses a metaphor from UFC announcer Bruce Buffer’s famous line, "It’s time!" to emphasize the urgency of action.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 18:4-6

  Chapter 8: Integrity in Obedience (30:05–43:10)

  • Key Point: The 21 men chosen to survey the land had to act with integrity because they didn't know how the lots would be cast, ensuring fairness in their decisions.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 18:4-9

  • Illustration: Importance of integrity in making decisions and obeying God’s commands.

  Chapter 9: Hurrying to Obey (43:10–49:42)

  • Key Point: The psalmist writes, “I will hurry without delay to obey your commands.” Obedience is critical in receiving the promises of God.

  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:60

  • Application: Delays in obedience put a barrier between us and the fulfillment of God's promises.

  Chapter 10: Closing – Decisions Before God (49:42–End)

  • Key Point: Every decision we make ultimately lays before the Lord, just as the decisions of the 21 men in Joshua impacted the entire nation of Israel.

  • Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 3:10-11

  • Conclusion: The study encourages listeners to trust God in every step, embrace obedience, and live in such a way that they are prepared to stand before the Lord with confidence.

Scripture References

1. Joshua 18:1-10

   • Timestamp: 01:07–04:05

   • Context: The main scripture for this study. It describes how the Israelites gathered at Shiloh to set up the tent of meeting and how seven tribes had yet to receive their inheritance. Joshua called them to action to divide the land. This passage serves as the foundational narrative of the study, focusing on the delay in taking possession of the land and the call to obedience.

2. Exodus 25 (The Tabernacle)

   • Timestamp: 04:05–07:54

   • Context: This passage is implied when the speaker discusses the significance of the tabernacle, referring back to the detailed instructions given in Exodus on how it was to be built. The mobile tabernacle, or tent of meeting, symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites as they moved from place to place, showing God's constant presence.

3. Psalm 37:23

   • Timestamp: 36:46–37:23

   • Context: This verse, “The steps of a man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way,” is used to emphasize the importance of each step in obedience to God. The speaker highlights that each step in following God is part of a transformative journey, where we are changed gradually as we walk in obedience.

4. Psalm 119:60

   • Timestamp: 43:10–49:42

   • Context: The verse, “I will hurry without delay to obey your commands,” is cited to encourage immediate obedience to God's word. The speaker uses it to highlight the dangers of delaying obedience, as doing so can cause distance between us and God’s promises.

5. Proverbs 3:5-6

   • Timestamp: 39:04–39:20

   • Context: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This verse is referenced in connection with trusting God’s plan and walking in faith, even when the steps seem unclear. The speaker uses it to remind listeners that trusting in God’s timing and understanding is essential to avoid taking control into our own hands.

6. 1 Corinthians 12:27

   • Timestamp: 28:30–29:00

   • Context: This scripture is referenced when discussing how God moves both collectively and individually. It emphasizes the importance of each person’s individual responsibility in their walk with God, even within the context of a larger community. The verse illustrates how each believer is a member of the body of Christ with unique responsibilities.

7. 2 Peter 3:10-11

   • Timestamp: 51:40–53:30

   • Context: This verse speaks about the coming day of the Lord and how everything will be laid bare before Him. It is used to remind listeners that all decisions will ultimately be laid before God. The speaker encourages believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of this day, highlighting the importance of living in obedience and without delay.

8. Matthew 22:37 (Greatest Commandment)

   • Timestamp: 39:20–40:46

   • Context: Jesus' command to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” is referenced to align with the Hebrew concept of "kol" (all). The speaker uses this scripture to reinforce the call to love and trust God with every part of our being, without holding back.

Word Study

1. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)

   • Meaning: Peace, completeness, welfare, soundness.

   • Context in Study: Though not explicitly mentioned, the idea of “shalom” is strongly implied in the message about trusting God and embracing obedience. The speaker emphasizes that real peace (shalom) comes when we follow God’s plan without delay. In the context of Joshua 18, shalom would represent the Israelites' state of peace when they fully obey God and take possession of their inheritance without fear or hesitation.

   • Key Verse Connection: Joshua 18:1-3 – The Israelites setting up the tent of meeting at Shiloh, which sounds similar to “shalom,” also symbolizes a place of peace and fulfillment when God's people gather in obedience.

2. Nachalah (נַחֲלָה)

   • Meaning: Inheritance, possession.

   • Context in Study: This word is central to Joshua 18 as the passage revolves around the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The speaker repeatedly references the delay in claiming their “inheritance” (nachalah), implying that God’s promise was waiting for them to act. This term is used to highlight the importance of taking hold of what God has given, symbolizing both physical inheritance and spiritual blessings.

   • Key Verse Connection: Joshua 18:3 – "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?"

3. Kol (כֹּל)

   • Meaning: All, whole, entirety.

   • Context in Study: This Hebrew word is directly referenced by the speaker when discussing Psalm 119:60 and Proverbs 3:5-6, emphasizing the command to trust God “with all your heart” and to obey Him “without delay.” The word “kol” is crucial because it implies a wholehearted commitment in following God's instructions. The speaker urges listeners to give their “all” to God, without holding anything back, to experience the fullness of His promises.

   • Key Verse Connection: Proverbs 3:5 – "Trust in the Lord with all (kol) your heart and lean not on your own understanding."