DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 22 OCTOBER, 2017

LESSON 665: DAN SEEKS TERRITORIAL EXPANSION MEMORY VERSE: “And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father” (Joshua 19:47). TEXT: Judges 18:1-31

SUMMARY (1) The previous study focused on Micah Introduces Idolatry in Israel: All forms of idolatry violate God’s revealed will. Believers must avoid company with agents of anti-scriptural practice. We should not abandon our ministerial assignment in place of earthly benefits Absence of direct divine response to sin is not a proof of God’s approval Leaders should carry out their duties with diligence. The study of today touches on three points: The search for new territory by the Danites. The sinful act of the Danites The suppression of Laish by the Danites

SUMMARY (2) The search for new territory by the Danites (Judges 18:1-12): The Danites surveyed upward to expand their dwindled territory and discovered Laish. Christian services (e.g. church planting) should be done with prayerful surveying and planning. The sinful act of the Danites (Judges 18:13-26, 30, 31): The Danites consulted a Levite-priest offering idolatrous services for a living. They eventually committed thievery and became the first tribe to begin full-scale idolatry. The suppression of Laish by the Danites (Judges 18:27-29): Lack of security consciousness and isolated settlement accounted for the defeat of Laish. Vigilance, prayer and study of God’s word are important tools for the believers’ victory.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What are the temptations associated with seeking greener pastures which believers need to watch? I Timothy 6:9 – 10 Genesis 13: 10 – 13 Proverbs 28: 20

QUESTION 2 What is the spiritual import of believers seeking new territory today? John 14:1-3; Psalm 34:9,10 Revelation 22:3-5

QUESTION 3 How should believers value spiritual things? 1 Timothy 6:6. Matthew 16:26 2 Timothy 1:13

QUESTION 4 How can believers avoid similar pitfalls that made Laish easy prey? I Peter 5:8 Hebrew 10:25

CONCLUSION Idolatry is forbidden whether it is done individually or collectively. Freedom without restraint leads to moral corruption. Living a solitary and secret lives makes one a prey to the enemy – Neglect not the fellowship of the brethren. Our quest for enlarged coast must not draw us into ungodly practices that displease God. We must put on the whole armour of God and use every means of grace to overcome in life’s battle.