< Back to Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Gideon's Temptations of Power and Wealth Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Mature believers are not immune to temptation. Mature believers are not immune to failure. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Beware of golden earrings! Beware of golden ephods. QUESTIONS After Gideon's victory over the Midianites, the people asked him to be their king. Why did Gideon refuse? What did Gideon ask the Israelites for? What did Gideon ...
Nov 09, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Gideon Pursues the Defeated Midianites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Christian leaders must press on even though there are many disappointments. Christian leaders must discipline others, even though it is not very pleasant. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember, a soft answer turns away wrath. QUESTIONS Gideon and his army were outnumbered more than 450:1, and without conventional weapons. Yet they overwhelmingly defeat...
Nov 08, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Gideon’s Victory Over the Midianites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Victory in spiritual warfare demands broken clay jars. Victory in spiritual warfare demands clear sounding trumpets. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Can you say, "Look at me and do likewise?" QUESTIONS When Gideon’s army surrounded the camp of the Midianites, what did each man carry with him? What was the reason for carrying these items rather than traditio...
Nov 07, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Gideon's Faith is Tested Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God tests the strength of a believer's faith. God tolerates the weakness of a believer's faith. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Your actions speak louder than your words. QUESTIONS Why did the Lord drastically reduce the size of Gideon's army? Were the Midianites and Amalekites really as numerous as locusts, and their camels without number, as the sand by the seashore?...
Nov 06, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Gideon Sets Out the Fleece and Asks God for a Sign Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Setting out fleeces is evidence of a weak faith. Setting out fleeces comes close to testing God. Setting out fleeces leaves room for many doubts. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's not confuse living by fleece with living by faith. QUESTIONS Review the fourth sin cycle of Israel here in Judges 6. Take it through the five stages: rebellion, ...
Nov 05, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Gideon Passes a Test of Faith Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God tests a believer's faith close to home. God tests a believer's faith close to the heart. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's be more than iconoclasts. Let's find a way to obey. QUESTIONS Before Gideon could go out and defeat the Midianites in the strength of the Lord, he had to be tested. What was the test, and what was its purpose? Who was Baal? What was he...
Nov 04, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS God Calls Gideon to Defeat the Midianites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) True faith believes and struggles. True faith believes and worships. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Your worship is not a waste. QUESTIONS Who was the Angel of the Lord? What was Gideon doing when the Lord called him? Why was Gideon doing it "differently?" When God called Gideon, what was His implied promise to him? List some of Gideon's questions to ...
Nov 03, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Deborah and Barak's Victory Song Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God keeps records of the faithful. God keeps records of the unfaithful. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don't forget to sing hymns. QUESTIONS The Lord raised up Deborah to serve Israel. In what capacities did she serve? Who mustered the troops of Israel together to fight the oppressive army of the Canaanites? What is the style of the song in this chapter? It's ...
Nov 02, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Deborah and Barak Defeat the Canaanites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Satan raises up Jabins and Siseras to defeat God's people. God raises up Deborahs and Jaels to help His people PRACTICAL APPLICATION When we do our part, God does His part. QUESTIONS Outline the third sin cycle in the Book of Judges, as found in this section. Review the five stages in Lesson 3. Who was Deborah? Who was Barak? Who was Sisera? Ho...
Nov 01, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Ehud and Shamgar Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The flesh not held in check is not a pleasant picture. Cutting off the flesh is not a pleasant picture. PRACTICAL APPLICATION God can use you regardless of your differences. God can use you regardless of your background. QUESTIONS How many judges were there in Israel during the time of the judges? Name the enemy in this sin cycle. How did they oppress Israel? How did...
Oct 31, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The First Judge of Israel: Othniel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God uses a believer's mistakes along with His wisdom for testing and training. God uses a believer's experience along with His power for victory and deliverance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Beware of creeping compromise. QUESTIONS The period of the judges, about 350 years in Israel's history, extended from the time of the death of ____________ until the t...
Oct 30, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Spiritual Background on the Time of the Judges Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) There are five steps in the sin cycles of Israel: a. the people would sin by rebelling against the Lord b. the Lord would allow one of the enemies of Israel to gain control and to plunder and oppress Israel c. the people would cry out to the Lord because of the oppression and the Lord would hear d. the Lord would raise up a judge and del...
Oct 29, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Israel's Partial Obedience Results in Enemy Resistance Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Partial obedience results in plenty of bad fall-out. Partial obedience results in pockets of enemy resistance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don't let the enemy come back to hurt you. QUESTIONS God had commanded Israel to completely drive out all the Canaanites from the land. Did they obey God's command? Why did God command Israel to utt...
Oct 28, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Judah Settles its Tribal Land Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Godly beginnings do not guarantee godly endings. Godly individuals do not guarantee godly communities. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don't think your hardened, unbelieving neighbor doesn't know when God is speaking. Don't be reluctant to ask God for specific blessings. QUESTIONS The Book of Judges covers the history of the nation of Israel from the time of the _...
Oct 27, 2021
< Back to Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Death and Burial of Joseph, Joshua, and Eleazar the Priest Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Faithful believers publicize their commitment to the Lord. Faithful believers appreciate their title to the land. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Are you a hen or a hog when it comes to commitment? QUESTIONS What did the memorial at Shechem commemorate? Was the "sanctuary of the Lord" the same as the tabernacle? What is mea...
Oct 25, 2021
< Back to Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Joshua's Farewell Address, Part Two Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Faithful believers cannot serve two masters. Faithful believers cannot lead two lives. PRACTICAL APPLICATION You must surrender before you can serve. QUESTIONS Where was Israel gathered to hear Joshua's farewell address? What was the purpose of this farewell address? What do a number of commentaries have to say concerning this farewell addr...
Oct 24, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Joshua's Farewell Address, Part One Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God is sovereign over nature for His people. God is sovereign over history for His people God is sovereign over mankind for His people. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Make sure you hear the rest of the story. QUESTIONS List Joshua's three farewell addresses in Joshua 22-24. Where did Joshua's final farewell address to all of the people take place, and what ...
Oct 23, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Joshua's Farewell Address to the Israelite Leaders Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God is faithful to His promises in the land. God is faithful to His warnings in the land. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Practice the three steps of preventive maintenance for your spiritual life: a. Obey the word of God. b. Separate from the world. c. Love the Lord your God. QUESTIONS In the last three chapters of the book of Joshua, there a...
Oct 22, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Two and One-half Tribes Explain the Purpose of the Altar Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) It is wrong for believers not to think ahead. It is right for believers not to retaliate. PRACTICAL APPLICATION What kind of message are you sending to the next generation? QUESTIONS What was the basic problem between the tribal divisions? How was the situation resolved? Why is Joshua 22 a good chapter to study whenever mis...
Oct 21, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Controversial Altar Built Near the Jordan River Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) It is wrong for believers to judge the motives of other believers. It is right for believers to investigate before taking action. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Give credit where credit is due. Don't forget to share. QUESTIONS Why did Moses rebuke the two and one-half tribes? How did Moses deal with this issue? There was a threat of civil wa...
Oct 20, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Cities Given to the Levites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God provides Levites for His people. God provides His people for the Levites. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember, rest land is not vacation land. QUESTIONS How many cities were given to the Levites in all? Why didn't the Levites receive territory in Israel? What territory was Simeon given? What special role was given to the Levites and why? Who were the of...
Oct 19, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Cities of Refuge Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Christ, the true city of refuge, provides security from wrath. Christ, the true city of refuge, is readily accessible. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's be clear refuge signs for the unbeliever. QUESTIONS In Old Testament days before the giving of the law, when a person was killed by another person, who took on the responsibility of getting revenge? Is the practice of ...
Oct 18, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Boundaries for the Remaining Tribes of Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Every believer has a portion in the land. The Lord's portion is His people. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's set the example like Joshua. QUESTIONS Why is Simeon's inheritance not found on Bible maps that show tribal lands? In which tribal territory will the Battle of Armageddon take place? Name some noteworthy events that later took place in ...
Oct 17, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Setting Up the Tabernacle at Shiloh and the Boundaries for Benjamin Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Worship should have a central place in the believer's life. Life's major decisions should be made before the Lord. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Good things can come in small packages. QUESTIONS The tabernacle was moved. When and why? What was one of the first things the Israelites did once the tabernacle was moved? Why did ...
Oct 16, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Inheritance of Ephraim and Half the Tribe of Manasseh Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God is more pleased with territory gained than with tribute given. God is more pleased with faith walkers than with faith talkers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Will it be said in heaven that you could not or that you would not? The ball is in your court. QUESTIONS Why wasn't there a tribe called Joseph? What did this have to do with ...
Oct 15, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Boundaries for the Tribal Area of Judah Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God sovereignly distributes our portion in the land. God graciously grants our requests in the land. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Is our problem lack of strength or lack of faith? QUESTIONS How does Joshua 11, where we read that Israel conquered Hebron and drove out the giants, harmonize with Joshua 14-15, where we read that Caleb took Hebron? In ...
Oct 14, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Caleb Claims His Special Portion of the Land Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) There are mountains to be reclaimed in the land. There are giants to be removed from the land. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's all say, "I want to be like Caleb." QUESTIONS What was to happen after the seven-year conquest was over? Was it God's desire that the two and one-half tribes settle on the east side of the Jordan River? Refer to Joshua...
Oct 13, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Division of the Land on the East Side of the Jordan Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Believers must possess their inheritance. Believers must dispossess their inheritance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's live more like the Levites. QUESTIONS Let's live more like the Levites. Why did they want their portion on the East Side? Why was Levi given no inheritance? How is the Book of Joshua divided? Why did the Lord say to...
Oct 12, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS A Summary the Kings Conquered by Israel on Both Sides of the Jordan Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God keeps a record of the believers' enemies in the land. God keeps a record of the believers’ victories in the land. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Count your many battles. Name them one by one. QUESTIONS What is the difference between the Amorites and the Ammonites? How many kings were conquered by Israel on the east side o...
Oct 11, 2021
< Joshua Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Northern Campaign and a Summary of the Seven Year Conquest Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Faithful warriors don't fear numbers Faithful warriors do not fear giants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Do you know what rest is all about? QUESTIONS What was Joshua's strategy in attacking the coalition of kings during the northern campaign? Throughout the whole conquest, only three cities were burned. The rest of the cities we...
Oct 10, 2021
