Men's Group Study Guide
Introduction
The process of dividing the land continues. There is not much else to read about other than the land that was given to the son’s of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. Unfortunately we see in verse ten how the Ephraimites did not follow thru with the extermination of the Canaanite idolaters. This is just the beginning of a routine that will follow in the chapters to come. They have made it into the Promised Land, and now they feel that they can allow for a little compromise. May God help us to persevere in obedience from start to finish. Hebrews 3: 6,12-14 And again I say hold fast.
STUDY NOTES: verses 1-10
Vs. 1-10 The lot fell to the children of Joseph from the Jordan, by Jericho, to the waters of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho through the mountains to Bethel, then went out from Bethel to Luz, passed along to the border of the Archites at Ataroth, and went down westward to the boundary of the Japhletites, as far as the boundary of Lower Beth Horon to Gezer; and it ended at the sea...... vs10 And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 These verses fit rather well with the current situation that these two tribes are in. Leaven (sin) comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. Their proud sense of satisfaction made them blind to their duty in regards to the commandment from the Lord (Deut. 20:16-18). This pride allowed them to believe that they could justify their disobedience in tolerating the pagan idolaters. When sin is permitted in the Christian life, there are many different results that can occur. One thing for sure is that it will permeate, corrupt and destroy the beautiful life that a Christian is to receive from the Lord. . .Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. . .
TRUTH APPLIED:
Q. 1 What little sins are you allowing to get a pass in your life? Ask the Spirit to show you.
Q. 2 Are there any areas of pride in your day to day life that need to be addressed? What could result from the continued acceptance of this pride?
Q. 3 Think back upon an instance when you allowed sin to slide in your life without true repentance. What was affected? Were there long term effects?
CONCLUSION:
Romans 6:16-19 Our God is no brutal taskmaster. He is our kind and loving master. When everything else we know as familiar fails, He always remains faithful. By faithful I mean that He will allow things into our lives to challenge us and grow us. Should we fail, He comforts us and eventually brings us around again to the same particular challenge. Not as a cruel joke, but as a way of building into us the character of Jesus. I say again, hold fast and present your members as slaves of righteousness unto sanctification.
1 Corinthians 10: 12-13 / Philippians 1:6