The Presence
This account is a warning to the Church of God of all ages against the cunning and dissimulation of the world, which often seeks for a peaceable recognition on the part of the kingdom of God, and even for a reception into it, whenever it may be its advantage to do so. ~ O. v. Gerlach
The Devil wants nothing more than to see your life in the ditch.
Conspiracy
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24
Deception
The Church of God has always more to dread the wiles of the devil than from his open attacks. ~ F.B. Meyer
Put on the Armour of God - Ephesians 6
Our defence is the truth that Jesus has declared over us. YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD
Trick You
The thief comes to steal and fill and destroy,… ~ John 10:10
Appeal is made to our pity, our charity, our broadmindedness; but we shall make a profound mistake if we are swayed by these considerations, and so miss asking counsel of God. ~ F. B. Meyer
We need to weigh our decisions before God
Talk To God
God is supposed to be leading.
You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed. ~ John Bunyan
How would it change our choices if we would invite the Holy Spirit to speak into them?
Your Word
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.. ~ Luke 6:28-30
Accountability
Just because we bless and are loving it doesn’t mean that we don’t hold people accountable.
There is nothing more unloving than moving without accountability.
It is not about superiority or hierarchy—it’s about grace and love.
Trust accountability is more about relationships than about hierarchies. It requires community more than structure. ~ Chester & Timmis
Without accountability you will never grow.
Bless those who curse
Too often we are ok to inflict tit-for-tat.
Love your neighbour
The church doesn’t exist for itself; it exists to serve the world. It is not ultimately about the church; it’s about all the people God wants to bless. ~ Rob Bell
We have been called to be a blessing despite the curses, despite the threats, despite the attacks.
Application
- Turn to God
- Community
- Bless
next week – Joshua 10:1-15
Anchor Group Questions
Hangout Warming up to the topic
- As we begin to discuss the book of Joshua, what are some questions you have about it?
Hear Listen to God through Scripture
- Read Joshua 9:1-15
- Have you had the feeling that everyone is out to get you? How did you handle it?
- Read Ephesians 6:10-17. If you were to apply this to life how would it change the way you make decisions?
- Read Joshua 9:16-27 & Luke 6:28-30
- How do these two Scriptures contrast?
- Which do you naturally lean toward?
Huddle Make it personal and pray together
- What has God been saying to you through this week’s teaching? Talk about the next steps in your life and pray for each other.
- How can we be a safe place for others—a place to be known and loved?
