Joshua- Enduring Faithfulness: The Significance of Circumcision

11/11/2018

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This week we tackled the themes of Conversion, Consecration, Celebration, and Commissioning in the 5th chapter of Joshua.

Opener: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Or, what is the worst job you can imagine doing? How does it measure up to the task God gave Joshua in Chapter 5:2-7?

Crossing the Jordan was a type of conversion experience for the people of Israel. Pastor Jeremy talked about the link between this crossing and the symbol of Baptism. What do you think of the connection between these two things? You can also include Noah and the Ark (Gen. 6:9-22, 1 Peter 3:18-22) and the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:26-29, 1 Cor. 10:1-4) Why do you think that Baptism is a necessary step for a Christian?
Speaking of circumcision, read Deut 10:12-16, Jeremiah 4:3-4, Colossians 2:8-14, Philippians 3:2-3. How do you understand the connection of these verses in correspondence to Joshua 5:8-9?
The man, the warrior in Joshua 5:13-15. Who was this guy and why do you think he appeared to Joshua? Why did he say, “NO”? Pastor Jeremy said it was because Joshua was asking the wrong question. What would the correct question be? How do you understand this exchange in relation to your life? How did Jesus answer when confronted with this very same situation in Matthew 26:53-54 and Matthew 26:36-42
We said this Sunday that Jesus was the plan from the beginning. What do you think of this idea that Scripture has one author (the Holy Spirit), one hero (Jesus), and one message (God redeeming and dwelling with His people)? What does the word ‘scriptures’ refer to in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4? How does your interpretation of this affect the way you read the Bible?
In Joshua 5, the Commander of the Lord’s Army was a powerful hope for Joshua and the people as they prepared to march into their first battle in Canaan - what was the confidence they were given by this experience and what confidence does it give you as you prepare to walk into your day tomorrow and the day after that, etc? What is your current “battle”, “mission” or next step of obedience? The reason this command answered ‘No’ to Joshua was because he wanted Joshua to understand who the real commander was… and it certainly wasn’t Joshua… it was the Lord! How does this help you understand your battles? Just like it was for Joshua, the real question today is, are you on the Lord’s mission? In the struggles you face, does this help to change your perspective?

Bonus Track!

Just in case you would like a hip hop break down of the theme of circumcision in Scripture, check out this epic piece by rapper Timothy Brindle. Click here for the lyrics.