Unit 1 LESSON 2

September 14, 2025

Study Text: Joshua 5:13 through 7:26

Central Truth: Obedience to God brings victory, but disobedience brings defeat.

KEY VERSE--Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (KJV).

Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Christians often refer to having a relationship with God--and for good reason. God is not a distant, impersonal force, but a loving Father who wants to interact with His children. but we shouldn't forget that every relationship includes responsibility. This lesson about God fulfilling His promise to the Israelites does not prescribe how we receive God's promises today. Instead, it considers how we should respond to God with obedience--the natural result of a loving relationship between Father and child.

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PART 1- God Gives Instructions

Commander of the Lord's Army        Joshua 5:13-15

As Joshua approached Jericho, suddenly a man stood before him with a sword in his hand (Joshua 5:13). Joshua asked, "Are you for us or our enemies?" The warrior's reply begins with a simple, "No." He often identifies himself as "the commander of the LORD's army." Trent C. Butler sought the visitor's military allegiance. The visitor sought Joshua's reverent obedience. . . . The messenger was on God's side. Was Joshua on the same side?" Joshua was commanded to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (verse 15). We often think about holiness as the opposite of sin. But while sin is certainly unholy, the word holy refers to a person or thing that has been set apart for God's purposes. God's message to Joshua was that He was with His people. Joshua's response to the commander's instructions set the standard for how we should respond to God: "Joshua did as he was told."

DISCUSS?  Describe a time when you strongly sensed God's presence. How did you respond?

Joshua's Marching Orders                     Joshua 6:1-10

The people of Jericho were so afraid of the Israelites that the city was locked tight (Joshua 6:1). Joshua needed a strategic plan, and God provided it. First, God affirmed that He had given Jericho to them. Led by seven priests and the ark of the covenant, Israel's army was to march around Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they would march around the city seven times. Afterward, the priest would blast their horns, the army would shout, the walls would collapse, and the army would attack. Joshua commanded the people to follow God's instructions to the letter. There would be no doubt that God alone had secured their victory and deserved the glory. God still provides victory to believers who obey His instructions--no matter how unusual or unexpected they may be. As we learn and listen to the Spirit and respond with obedience, we will see God do amazing things for us and through us.

 Discuss?  Have you ever received unexpected instructions from God that led to an unexpected victory? If you're comfortable, share your story with the group.

Part 2-- Obedience Brings Victory

                         A Pattern of Obedience                            Joshua 6:11-17                    

For six days, the priests carried the ark of the covenant around Jericho s the warriors marched in front of and behind them (Joshua 6:11-14). On the seventh day, the Israelites marched around the city seven times. Then Joshua gave his final instructions. Jericho was to be completely destroyed; only Rahab and her family would be spared (versed 16-17). From Joshua 5:13 onward, the description of Jericho's downfall has been entirely fixed upon God rather than the leader or armies of Israel. God's plans were guaranteed to prevail because He has the power to conquer every enemy.

DISCUSS? Why is obedience such an important factor in serving God

Jericho Is Destroyed                   Joshua 6:20-27

The battle is described in only one verse (Joshua 6:20). The priest and warriors followed God's instructions, the walls fell, and "the Israelites charged straight into the town captured it, "No one could credit the victory to the Israelites themselves; only God could have done this. The Israelites were careful to keep the spies' promise, moving Rahab and her family to safety.  Following Joshua's instructions, the Israelites also preserved precious metals "for the treasury of the LORD'S house" (verse 24). Joshua declared a curse upon anyone who tried to rebuild Jericho (verse 26). After Israel's victory over Jericho, the news of God's presence with Joshua and the Israelites continued to spread (verse 27). Obedience brings victory. How often has this been proven in your life as you've followed Jesus? Every time we obey God and experience victory, He is glorified for others to see.

Discuss? The Hebrew for "completely destroyed" in Joshua 6:17 means "complete consecration of things or people to the Lord, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering," Why do you think the removal of Jericho as a non-Israelite city in the Promised Land was necessary?

      Part 3- Disobedience Brings Judgment

        Set Apart and Sacred      Joshua 6:18-19; 7:1-15

In Joshua 6:18-19, Joshua gave two instructions to his warriors. Don't take most things, but keep the items of gold, silver, bronze, and iron to devote to the Lord. Jericho's precious metals were to be set apart for use in the tabernacle, disobeying his instructions was a grave sin (1 Samuel 15:1-35). As we move to Joshua 7:1-15, we find a shocking account of Israel's defeat. Verse 1 explains how Achan kept some of the items from Jericho that were not supposed to be kept, causing God to become furious with the Israelites. Not knowing this had happened, Joshua began to prepare for Israel's next battle against the city of Ai (verse 2). Three thousand Israelites who advanced against Ai was easily defeated. Joshua and Israel's elders responded to their loss with mourning and bitter words of doubt that echoed the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness (verses6-9). The Lord responded to Joshua's lament with a rebuke (verses 10-12). God revealed to him that there was sin and disobedience in the Israelites camp. Unless this disobedience was dealt with, the Israelites would not be able to defeat their enemies and claim the Promised Land (verse 13).

Discuss?  In what ways are Christians set aside for the Lord in this unholy world?

Deal with Sin                 Joshua 7:16-26

Joshua 7:16-26 is among the most tragic passages in the Lod Testament. God led Joshua to discern that Achan had disobeyed His commands. Achan confessed that he had been seduced by the beautiful things he saw in Jericho and kept a robe, roughly five pounds of silver, and more than a pound of gold. His sin brough immediate death--not just for himself but for his entire family. Achan's actions had brought trouble to the entire nation (verse 25). Sin still carries a heavy price. Disobeying God can lead to addiction, destitution, shattered relationships, and countless other consequences. But the most enduring results of sin are spiritual. Disobedience to God destroys our relationship with Him. Unless we repent, it will ultimately bring about judgment. We must resist the temptations that would lead us into disobeying God.

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DISCUSS? Share some of the ways you have learned to resist temptation.

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Sin always has terrible consequences. But obeying God spiritual victory and blessings that last for eternity. Galatians 6:7 tells us that we will reap what we sow. If we sow seeds of obedience, trust, and faith in God, we will enjoy a rich relationship with Him. Constant communion with the Father will provide peace and strength for any situation, allowing us to bless others as God continues to work in us.

LIVING IT OUT

There is probably someone in your family or church who is faithfully obeying God even though they're dealing with hardship, opposition, or sickness. Reach out to that person with a word of encouragement this week.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

                       Monday: Victory through Obedience 2 Samuel 5:22-25

                       Tuesday: Confess Disobedience to God. Ezra 10:1-4

                                Wednesday: God's Is with His People. Zechariah 8:20--23

                                  Thursday:  Overcome Evil with Good. Romans 12:14-21

                            Friday. Victorious in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 1:8-17

                                Saturday. God Remembers Your Obedience, Hebrews 6:9-12

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 107 Number 1. Sep. Oct. Nov 2025