Revision as of 18:56, 10 December 2018

Objectives

• Students will see Godly ways to pursue the preservation of holiness.
• Students will recognize the importance of unity.

Introduction

Main Body

Mission Complete (22:1-9)

• According to numbers 32, what deal had the tribes of Rueben and Gad made?
  • Rueben and Gad had made a deal to stay on the east side of the Jordan. However, they would help with the conquest of the land.

The soldiers had spent 7 years in battle probably away from heir families and homes. Now, with the battle complete, the men were allowed to return home.

• What warning did Joshua give the two and a half tribes in verses 5 and 6?
  • To be careful to keep the Lord's commandments.
  • Love the Lord
  • Walk with the Lord
  • Obey the Commandments
  • Hold fast to God
  • Serve God

Although the military campaign was over and their obligations to the other tribes had been satisfied they were still obligated to God.

We must understand the division that was taking place. The Jordan river is not itself an impressive river. However, the Jordan valley is. The Jordan valley sits 2000 feet below mountains, is itself 5-13 miles wide and could get very hot. There was a real separation between the two tribes.

• What are some examples of natural, even good needed, situations that arise in a church where separation between parts of the church occurs?
  • Sending people to college
  • Sending Missionaries

Cause for Concern (22:10-20)

• What actions did the two and a half tribes take in verse 10?
  • They built an alter close to the Jordan river. We are going to see that the real reason for building the alter was a desire to preserve the unity.

• The tribes could have probably built a number of items to remind them that they were the same people, instead, they built an alter. What does the construction of the alter indicate about the source of unity?
  • The tribes recognize that God was their source of unity.

• What do verses 11 and 12 indicate about the response of the other tribes to the news of the alter?
  • They prepared for battle. They gathered at Shiloh which 1 Samuel 4:3 indicates had become the religious center of the land. In fact, god had commanded Israel to only sacrifice on one alter in Leviticus 17:8-9 (nothing indicates the two an a half tribes sacrificed on their large alter, it was probably really only a memorial).

As we are going to see, God prevents the war but I want you to notice something. These men have just finished seven years of war. They are tired and deserve a break, yet they are willing to go to war if that is what it takes to preserve the holiness of God. In our churches we are lazy, we will protect the holiness of God when it is convenient but if we are tired...

• What wise action do the tribes take in verses 13 and 14?
  • The tribes dispatch Phinehas and ten leaders to investigate and seek a diplomatic solution. Recall that Phinehas was the one who had so vehemently defended holiness in Numbers 25:6-18. The people wisely appoint someone who holds God in the highest esteem.

• What concern was expressed in verses 15 and 16?
  • The tribes were concerned that the two and a half tribes were rebelling against God in building the alter.

• What reminders were given in verses 17-18 and 20?
  • Peor, In Numbers 25 the people began to worship Baal and the entire nation was judged.
  • Achan, In Joshua 7 Achan took of the spoils of Jericho and the nation was defeated at AI.

• What offer is made in verse 19?
  • The tribes generously offer to redivide the land and provide for these tribes. This teaches us that this was nothing short but genuine concern and zeal for the Lord.

• When we see a potential issue within the church, how should we respond? How can we ensure that our response seeks God's glory and th preservation of holiness rather than self-serving desires?

Restored Unity (22:21-34)

• What solemn assurance is provided by the two and a half tribes in verses 21-23?
  • The eastern tribes assure the people that they have not built the alter for sacrifices. In fact, they use three names for God in their promise.
    • אֵל El (The Mighty One)
    • אֱלֹהִים Elohim (God)
    • יהוה Yahweh (Lord)

• According to verses 24-30, what was the motive behind building the alter?
  • The eastern tribes did not want the geographic separation to ever provide a theological separation between the people.

• While admirable we also must realize that god had already established a means of protecting the unity of the nation. According to Exodus 23:17 what had God already done to protect the unity?
  • God had already mandated that all the males return to a central location for worship three times a year. The unity of the nation was not their culture or artifacts, the unity was God Himself.

• According to verses 30-34, how did the conflict end?
  • The explanation appeased the people and they were able to stand united.

Conclusions

• The Church of Christ should be marked by unity but inevitably conflicts will arise. What does Galatians 6:1 teach about handling conflict?
• How should we apply Proverbs 15:1 in every situation?