They Shall Not All Have to Go up Joshua 7 Dr. Joseph Chang BOLGPC 8/4/2013

艾城戰敗的故事是我們耳熟能詳的, 我們要應用的是我們看事情, 決定事情的方法. The story is a familiar one. The application today will focus on the way we decide/do things.

I. The superficial one — the people’s way. Situation necessitate the decision. It is the most obvious, and the easiest to gain support. God is always not in the consideration spectrum.

I. The superficial one — the people’s way. 2Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, "Go up and spy out the region." So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3When they returned to Joshua, they said, "Not all the people will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there." 4So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water. (Josh 7:2-5)

I. The superficial one — the people’s way. The report is (1). Considerate (2). Over confident in self 25Twelve thousand men and women fell that day--all the people of Ai. (Josh 8:25) (3). The shallow thing get the support the easiest. 4So about three thousand men went up; (4)Easy come easy go 5who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water. (Josh 7:5)

II. Concerning about the glory of God—The Joshua way. If we fail, God, how other people will think about you?

II. Concerning about the glory of God—The Joshua way. 6Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7And Joshua said, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? 9The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?" (Josh 7:6-9)

II. Concerning about the glory of God—The Joshua way. If we fail, God, how other people will think about you? God can use us as well as use our enemies.

III. He is creating in us living stones to be built into a spiritual house. 4As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1Pet 2:4-5) 17May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us-- yes, establish the work of our hands. (Ps 90:17)

III. He is creating in us living stones to be built into a spiritual house. 10The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. (Josh 7:10-12)

III. He is creating in us living stones to be built into a spiritual house. 5 x ~g: , that is (1). They have violated my covenant. (2). They have taken some of the devoted things. (3). They have stolen. (4). They have lied. (5). They have put them (the devoted things) with their own possessions.

III. He is creating in us living stones to be built into a spiritual house. God is so tedious in removing our sins The tribe of Judah The clan of Zerahites The family of Zimri Achan We emphasize the work, God emphasizes the worker.

Conclusion We toil all life, build something to retire on and to enjoy.

Conclusion 2. Result is not what we expect.

Conclusion

3. What is eternal?