LESSONS ISRAEL LEARNED AT JERICHO

(Developed from notes I took from a sermon preached by Winfred Clark in a gospel meeting.)

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read Hebrews 11:30.

2. Regarding the text:

(1) Hebrews 11 is a great chapter on Bible faith.

(2) In this chapter we are made to understand what really constitutes saving faith.

(3) One example cited is that of the conquest of Jericho.

3. Give history surrounding this great event.

4. In the battle of Jericho God taught many great lessons to Israel; lesson which we must also learn today.

DISCUSSION: Israel learned--

I. THAT THE JOB BEFORE THEM WOULD NOT BE EASY.

1. It hadn't been easy for them to this point.

2. Before them was the task of taking the land.

3. Accomplishing God's will among men has never been easy.

4. SONG: "Must I be carried to the skies

On flowery beds of ease?

While others fought to gain the prize,

And sailed through bloody seas?"

5. We would do well to consider the kind of men the Lord called, and placed the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the world.

II. GREAT POWER OF GOD.

1. The taking of the city showed the great power of God.

2. This was not the first time they had seen this power.

3. Realizing God's great power would encourage Israel.

4. They would have to do their part, but the victory would be won by God.

5. We must appreciate the great power of God, do our part, and then leave the results to God.

III. THAT TO STAY IN THE LAND THEY WOULD HAVE TO FIGHT.

1. They had the obligation to conquer the land.

2. Some longed for the "other side" of Jordan and even Egypt.

3. We must fight to stay in the land:

(1) Christianity is a constant battle.

(2) Those who oppose will give no ground.

(3) The line between truth and error must be clearly drawn.

IV. THAT THE FACE OF OPPOSITION DOES NOT PROVE THAT WE ARE WRONG.

1. God's ways, and God's people have always been opposed.

2. One of the devil's ploys is to convince God's people that if they are opposed they are wrong. (Motives, Attitudes.)

V. ABOUT GOD'S HATRED FOR SIN.

1. Why would God drive out the inhabitants of the land?

2. Because of the sinfulness of the people of the land!

3. This lesson is also shown in God's dealings with Achan.

VI. THE INFLUENCE OF SIN IN THE CAMP.

1. Clear instruction had been give about the spoil of Jericho.

2. Later, Israel was defeated at Ai.

3. They were defeated because of the sin of Achan.

4. However, God said, "Israel hath sinned."

(1) Note the far-reaching effects of the sin of one.

(2) "A little leaven, leavens the whole lump."

(3) Thirty-six innocent people died because of one man’s sin.

5. The sin of covetousness had stopped Israel, had caused the death of innocent people -- it does the same today!

6. The church of the Lord must not tolerate sin in the camp.

VII. THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

1. God gave specific instructions to take the city.

2. These instructions seemed against all human reasoning.

3. They were to do "God's things in God's way."

4. This obedience involved:

(1) Doing exactly what Good said do;

(2) In the way God said do it;

(3) For the very purpose which God said do it.

(4) In short, taking God at his word!

5. This is the kind of faith that saves; it is the kind of faith which must be characterized by us all.

VIII. THAT THERE IS SUCH A THING AS CONDITIONAL GIVING.

1. God gave them the city, but they had to meet conditions.

2. When they met the conditions, he gave them the city.

3. God gives us salvation, (Eph. 2:8-9), but does so upon certain conditions. (Plan of salvation).

4. When we meet the conditions, he gives us what he promised.

5. When God places conditions, we must meet them to receive the promised blessing.

CONCLUSION:

1. Israel learned some great lessons at Jericho.

2. We can, and must, learn these same great lessons today.