Study 5: Joshua Chapter 3:1-5

In Trent's sermon on Joshua 3:1-5, he delves into the Israelites' preparation for crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for consecration and trust in God's promises. Clarifying timeline discrepancies in the narrative, Trent suggests simultaneous events, underscoring God's impeccable timing. He highlights the command to "consecrate yourselves" as crucial for witnessing God's power, drawing parallels to the need for spiritual readiness in contemporary Christian life. Trent encourages listeners to advance in faith and reliance on God, mirroring the Israelites' journey as a practical guide for today's spiritual challenges.

Sermon Outline

Introduction and Prayer (00:04 - 05:18)

• Description: Trent begins with a warm welcome to both visitors and regular attendees at the Driven Church, expressing joy in gathering together for worship. He introduces the study focus on Joshua Chapter 3, emphasizing the significant moment of the Israelites preparing to cross the Jordan River. The prayer seeks divine guidance for clarity and understanding of God's Word, emphasizing the communal pursuit of God's truth.

Addressing Scriptural Authenticity and Timing (05:18 - 10:24)

• Description: Trent aims to clarify potential misunderstandings and alleged contradictions within the first three chapters of Joshua. He explains the simultaneous events leading to the crossing of the Jordan, offering insights into the Jewish understanding of a day and how events within these chapters align perfectly without contradiction. This section reassures believers of the scripture's reliability and God's precise timing.

The Command to Consecrate (10:24 - 15:30)

• Description: Focusing on Joshua 3:5, Trent underscores the importance of consecration—preparing and dedicating oneself to God. This preparation is not just a physical act but a spiritual readiness for witnessing God's work. He encourages personal reflection on what consecration means in the believers' lives, urging them to cleanse and ready themselves for God's imminent actions.

Visualizing the Israelites' Journey (15:30 - 20:45)

• Description: Through the imaginative use of a carpet tile, Trent helps the congregation visualize the magnitude of moving 2 million people from Shittim to the Jordan. This vivid illustration underlines the logistical challenges and the faith required to undertake such a journey, emphasizing the Israelites' obedience and trust in God's command.

Following God's Presence (20:45 - 26:00)

• Description: The emphasis shifts to the Israelites' instruction to follow the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence. Trent draws parallels to modern Christian life, questioning what directs our paths and decisions. He stresses the importance of focusing on God's presence as the ultimate guide for life's direction.

Stepping into the Unknown (26:00 - 31:15)

• Description: Reflecting on the Israelites' experience of going where they have never been before, Trent discusses the essence of faith in stepping into the unknown. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how trusting in God leads to experiencing His work in ways never imagined, encouraging the congregation to trust God's leading.

Obedience Today Influences Tomorrow (31:15 - 36:30)

• Description: Trent concludes with a powerful message on the relationship between today's obedience and tomorrow's blessings. He challenges the congregation to live in a manner that prepares them for what God plans to do, emphasizing that our current actions have a direct impact on experiencing God's amazing work in the future.

Closing Prayer and Benediction (36:30 - 38:00)

• Description: The sermon wraps up with a prayer that seeks God's blessing on the message delivered. Trent prays for the congregation's ability to apply the word to their lives, to remain obedient, and to prepare themselves for the incredible things God promises to do. He leaves them with a benediction that encourages carrying the sermon's lessons into their daily lives.

Scripture References

Here are the key scripture references directly from the sermon:

• Joshua 3:1-5: This is the main text of the sermon, focusing on the Israelites' preparation to cross the Jordan and the command to follow the Ark of the Covenant at a specific distance.
  

• Exodus 15:26: Mentioned in relation to God's promise and ability to heal, symbolizing God's provision and protection.
  

• Ephesians 3:20: Highlighted to emphasize God's power to do abundantly beyond what we ask or think, reflecting on God's providential care.
  

• Psalms 42:5: Cited to encourage hope in God despite challenges, reminding listeners of God's steadfast presence.
  

• Philippians 4:8: Used to advise listeners on the importance of focusing on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.
  

• John 14:17: Serves to remind of the Holy Spirit's role in leading us into all truth and convicting of sin.
  

• John 11:44: Referenced in the context of Lazarus' resurrection as an illustration of God's power over death and a metaphor for spiritual renewal and faith.
  

• Matthew 28:18: Invoked to affirm Jesus' authority in heaven and on earth, underlining the power available to believers.
  

• Hebrews 4:12: Used to describe the word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.
  

• 1 John 5:4: Highlighted to declare that faith is the victory that overcomes the world, encouraging believers in their spiritual journey.

Reflection Questions

1. Preparation for Sanctified Grounds: Joshua instructed the Israelites to consecrate themselves before crossing the Jordan into the promised land. Reflect on what "consecrating yourself" means in your personal spiritual journey. How can you prepare yourself to enter new phases of your life that God has promised to you?

2. Following God's Presence: The ark of the covenant going ahead of the Israelites symbolized God’s presence leading them through uncharted territories. Consider a time when you felt called to step into the unknown. How did you recognize God’s presence leading you, and how did it influence your decision to move forward?

3. The Importance of Faith Over Sight: The waters of the Jordan did not part until the priests' feet touched the water's edge. Reflect on a situation where you had to take the first step in faith before seeing any evidence of God’s provision. What was the outcome, and how did it strengthen your faith?

4. Role of Leadership in Faith Communities: Joshua's leadership was pivotal in guiding the Israelites through a significant transition. Think about the leaders in your faith community. How do they inspire you to trust in God’s promises, and how can you support their leadership in faith and action?

5. Witnessing God's Power in Your Life: The crossing of the Jordan was a powerful demonstration of God's might and a reassurance of His promises. Can you recall a moment in your life that served as a testimony to God's power and faithfulness? How does remembering this event encourage you in your current spiritual walk?

Word Study

Consecrate (Joshua 3:5)

• Hebrew: קָדַשׁ (Qadash)

• Definition: To set apart as holy, to dedicate, to sanctify.

• Usage in Context: In Joshua 3:5, the term is used as a command to the Israelites to prepare themselves spiritually and physically before witnessing the miraculous works of God. Consecration involved a ritual cleansing and abstaining from certain activities, reflecting an inward spiritual readiness and respect for God's holiness.

• Reflection: Consider how the principle of consecration applies to modern believers. How does setting oneself apart for God's service and living a life dedicated to Him influence our readiness to experience God's work in our lives?
  

2. Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 3:3)

• Hebrew: אָרוֹן הַבְּרִית (Aron Haberit)

• Definition: A sacred chest where the two tablets of the Ten Commandments were kept. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with the Israelites.

• Usage in Context: The Ark was carried at the forefront as the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan, signifying God's leading and presence among His people. The instruction was to follow the Ark at a distance, respecting its holiness and recognizing God's guidance.

• Reflection: How does the concept of God's presence, as symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, impact your understanding of divine guidance today? How do you perceive and follow God's leading in your life?
  

3. Follow (Joshua 3:3)

• Hebrew: לֵךְ (Lech)

• Definition: To go, walk, proceed, or follow. It implies movement with direction or purpose, often following someone or something.

• Usage in Context: The command to follow the Ark underscores the act of moving in obedience to God's direction, even into the unknown or through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Israelites' journey across the Jordan was a physical act of faith, following God's presence as their guide.

• Reflection: Reflect on what it means to "follow" in the context of your spiritual journey. Are there areas in your life where you need to step out in faith, following God's lead, even when the path seems unclear?

Exegesis Opportunities

The Symbolism and Significance of the Jordan River Crossing

Focus: Investigate the symbolic meaning of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This pivotal event marks a transition from the wilderness into a land flowing with milk and honey, symbolizing a journey from bondage to freedom, and serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual rebirth and baptism within the Christian faith.

Key Points to Explore:

1. The historical and geographical significance of the Jordan River in the context of Israel’s journey.

2. Comparative analysis of the Jordan River crossing with the Red Sea crossing, emphasizing themes of salvation, deliverance, and divine intervention.

3. The typological significance of the crossing as prefiguring baptism and entry into a new covenant relationship with God in Christian theology.

The Role and Meaning of Consecration Before Entering the Promised Land

Focus: Delve into the command for the Israelites to consecrate themselves prior to crossing the Jordan. This directive underscores the importance of spiritual purification and readiness for entering into God's promises, offering valuable insights into the practices of holiness and dedication in the believer's life.

Key Points to Explore:

• The biblical concept of consecration, including its practices and the significance of setting apart oneself for God's service.

• The immediate and broader implications of the Israelites' consecration on the eve of entering the Promised Land, symbolizing a readiness to embrace God's future provisions and blessings.

• Contemporary applications of the principle of consecration, emphasizing the relevance of living a life dedicated to God and the transformation it entails.

Following the Ark of the Covenant: Leadership, Guidance, and Presence of God

Focus: Examine the instruction to follow the Ark of the Covenant and maintain a distance, highlighting the Ark as a tangible representation of God's leadership, guidance, and holy presence among His people. This study can enrich our understanding of how God directs and dwells with His community, offering parallels to church leadership and personal discipleship.

Key Points to Explore:

• The Ark of the Covenant as a central symbol of God's presence, its role in Israelite worship and journey, and its theological implications.

• The rationale behind the specific command regarding the distance between the Israelites and the Ark, exploring themes of holiness, reverence, and the fear of God.

• The relevance of divine guidance as depicted through the Ark's leading in the Jordan crossing, applying these insights to contemporary Christian leadership and individual followership.