Study 17: Joshua 9: 15-27

In Study 17 on Joshua , Trent focuses on Joshua chapter 9, emphasizing the consequences of failing to seek God’s guidance. The Israelites, including Joshua and their leaders, made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without inquiring of the Lord, relying solely on their senses and the deceptive appearance of the Gibeonites. This mistake led to the Gibeonites becoming servants to the Israelites, specifically as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of God. The sermon highlights the importance of seeking God’s direction through His word, the peace of Christ, and confirmation from others, illustrating that decisions made without divine guidance can lead to long-lasting consequences. However, it also underscores God’s mercy and the transformative power of His discipline, which ultimately integrates the Gibeonites into the service of worship, turning a curse into a form of grace.

Sermon Outline

Introduction and Context

• 00:00 - 03:41

• Opening prayer and community updates.

• Brief recap of the events in Jericho and Ai, setting the stage for Joshua chapter 9.

Chapter 1: The Gibeonite Deception

• 03:41 - 06:29

• Reading Joshua 9:3-15.

• Discussion on the deceptive tactics of the Gibeonites and their impact on the Israelites.

Chapter 2: Failure to Seek God

• 06:29 - 09:21

• Key verse: Joshua 9:14 – Israelites sampled the Gibeonites’ provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.

• Importance of seeking God’s guidance in decision-making.

Chapter 3: The Treaty with the Gibeonites

• 09:21 - 15:40

• Joshua 9:15-21 – Details of the treaty and its ratification by oath.

• Examination of the provisions from Deuteronomy regarding treaties and their misapplication.

Chapter 4: Discovery of the Deception

• 15:40 - 20:55

• Joshua 9:16-18 – The Israelites discover the Gibeonites’ true identity.

• Discussion on the consequences of decisions made without consulting God.

Chapter 5: God’s Mercy and Discipline

• 20:55 - 27:15

• The Israelites honor their oath despite the deception, showcasing God’s mercy and discipline.

• Reflection on the three days journey and its spiritual significance.

Chapter 6: Lessons from Past Mistakes

• 27:15 - 31:49

• Personal anecdotes and examples of making decisions without God’s guidance.

• Emphasis on taking responsibility for one’s actions and the importance of integrity.

Chapter 7: The Role of God’s Word and Peace

• 31:49 - 36:06

• Using the Bible as a guide (Psalms 119).

• Understanding the peace of Christ as a referee in our hearts (Colossians 3:15).

• The importance of confirmation through God’s people (Acts 10).

Chapter 8: The Transformative Power of Discipline

• 36:06 - 45:35

• The Gibeonites’ integration into Israelite society as woodcutters and water carriers.

• Discussion on God’s ability to turn curses into blessings and integrate them into His service.

Chapter 9: Reflection on God’s Justice and Mercy

• 45:35 - 56:47

• Analysis of God’s judgment and mercy, using the Gibeonites’ story as an example.

• Examination of how God’s discipline can produce expressions of grace and mercy.

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Application

• 56:47 - 01:00:24

• Summarizing the key points: seeking God’s guidance, the consequences of relying on human understanding, and the redemptive power of God’s grace.

• Call to action: Encouragement to inquire of the Lord in all decisions.

• Closing prayer and benediction.

Scripture References

Reflection Questions

Word Study