Be strong and courageous

Text: Joshua 1

1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of good courage: for unto these people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them;

15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sun rising.

16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whichever thou sendest us, we will go.

17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of good courage.

Introduction

Leadership and learning are mutually beneficial. One factor that the world requires right now is leadership. Joshua was a fantastic general, soldier, and leader. His life is worth studying just for those reasons. He is the only biblical leader who was ever commanded by God to cease prayer and do something else instead. When the mighty man is found on his knees praying following a humiliating combat defeat, it is in Joshua 7:10. It’s difficult to put yourself in the shoes of a great leader. Joshua did not have it easy — he had to take over the leadership role of Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, and his life exemplifies key leadership principles for us. BOLDNESS IS REQUIRED TO ATTAIN ALL THAT GOD HAS TO OFFER. THIS STUDY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CROSS RIVERS, FACE GIANTS, AND RECEIVE THEIR FULL INHERITANCE. We are to be brave and powerful.

God commissions Joshua to lead the people well in the first chapter of Joshua. He tells Joshua three times to be brave and strong. Joshua 1:9 states, “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t be afraid or disheartened; the Lord, your God, will always be with you.” He calls us to be leaders in particular. This starts with confidence in God, since if the Almighty is with you and watching out for you, you will have nothing to fear. God will protect and provide for you.

This enables you to be brave and strong while also positively leading others.

Examining the text

What was the LORD’s command to Joshua? (verses 1 & 2) 

What was the size of the promised territory to Israel? (verses 3 and 4)

What was the LORD’s promise to Joshua in terms of being with him? (verse 5)

What was Joshua supposed to do in order to prosper and succeed? (verses 6-9)

What were the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh to do? (verses 12-15)

What was Joshua’s first act as leader of the people of Jacob/Israel? (verses 2–5) 

How would God manifest His presence near Joshua? (verse 5) 

What was Joshua’s responsibility? (verse 6) 

Why? (verse 8) 

What does God mean by “being powerful” in verse 9? 

(Verse 9) What does it mean to be courageous in God’s eyes? 

(Verse 9) Is it then possible to be powerful and courageous?

 (Verse 9) Where would Joshua get his strength?

 What was Joshua’s first command to the Israelites (verses ten and eleven)

Did they intend to follow Joshua’s orders? (16-18 verses)

What task did God assign to Joshua?

What promises did God make to Joshua in verses 5-9?

What requirements did Joshua have to fulfill?

Why had Israel failed to enter Canaan the first time, according to Numbers 13&14?

What are your impressions of Joshua?

What do we learn about Joshua as a result of this?

Numbers 27:12–23 

  Deuteronomy 34:9

Deuteronomy 1:37

Numbers 13 

Numbers 13  

What did God promise Joshua?

What role did God’s word have in Joshua’s life and leadership? 8th Verse

Joshua is to be strong and courageous, not scared or discouraged, as God commands. 

How does the Lord’s presence “everywhere he goes” help him?

Is it enough to simply be aware of this? 9th verse of Joshua Chapter 1.

In verses 16-18, what pledge do the people make to Joshua?

 How could this promise cause Joshua to be concerned?

What did they say they expected of Joshua?

Explanation: 

Have you ever been afraid of something? 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the enormity of what you have to do and wondered how you will ever do it? 

That’s exactly how Joshua feels. God’s instructions and encouragement, on the other hand, help him deal with his fear. 

Joshua hears the following from God: “My servant Moses is no longer alive. Then make ready, you and these people, to cross the Jordan River into the land I’m about to give them — the Israelites.” (1:2) 

Regardless of Where You Step (1:3-4)

“As I promised Moses, I would provide you every area where you set foot.” (1:3)

“Every location where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea,” God reminds Joshua. (Deuteronomy 11:24)

“On that day, Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have trod will be your heritage and that of your children forever, because you have completely followed the Lord my God.'” (14:9, citing Deuteronomy 1:36)

This method can also be used in other areas of our lives. We want everything handed to us on a silver platter, but God tells us that we must go out and claim it. Then God will make it available to us. We want to develop spiritually. How are we going to pull this off? Passively? No. We grow through believing God’s promises and working hard to see them fulfilled in our own lives.

He’ll hand it over to us, but we’ll have to figure out how to accompany him. “We don’t want you to grow lazy,” the author of Hebrews adds, “but we want you to imitate those who, by faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12 )

“From the desert to Lebanon, and from the huge river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite nation — to the Great Sea in the west,” God says. (1:4).In fact, during Joshua’s time, they never stepped foot on any of this. By the time of David and Solomon, most of the lands were already under Israel’s authority, but they had been  lost again due to disobedience and unbelief.

God would give you enormous areas of “land” that the adversary now controls. They aren’t a part of the opposition. You are free to keep them. God bestowed them upon you. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” as the phrase goes in legal circles. Only “squatter’s rights” apply to the opponent. You can possess your inheritance and enjoy its benefits when you force the enemy off it with God’s help.

Joshua 1:3  In what ways does God’s promise to Joshua, “I will grant you any location where you lay your foot,” become conditional?

God never abandons us, never abandons us. (1:5)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” the Bible promises. (1:5)

It’s also found in Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, and Matthew 28:20.

We don’t deserve to be in God’s presence. We’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But God has placed our sins on Jesus on the cross and punished them there. He has filled us with his Spirit and now dwells with us. What a miraculous event! What majesty!

We sin, but God never abandons us. He corrects us, yet he does not abandon us. God be praised!

“I will never abandon you,” he promises.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” God promises, and it’s both a promise of support and a guarantee of discipline. God intended for this to be a source of encouragement for Joshua on the day his leadership began in earnest.

(Joshua 1:5)  Why is God’s promise to always be with Joshua so vital to him? Why is this commitment so essential to you right now? What are your limitations when God is with you?

God intends that we develop a “pushing ahead” faith that actively pursues God’s plan, as stated in the scripture “I will provide you every place where you lay your foot” (1:3)

“I will never abandon you,” says the narrator. God has promised to be with us in all situations, including those in which we are scared (1:5)

God wants us to “be strong and extraordinarily courageous” (1:6–8), despite our fears and misgivings.

Meditating on God’s Word helps us grow in faith and boldness as disciples (1:7-8).

Application:

Our greatest regrets are frequently “inaction regrets.” Is this something you’ve noticed in your own life?

 If that’s the case, give an example of how fear has prevented you from doing something you really wanted to do. 

Similarly, many churches allow fear to keep them where they are rather than where they should be. Why is this so frequently the case? How have you witnessed this in the church?

“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,”. Take a look at Joshua 1:1-5. What were some of the roadblocks that might have slowed their progress?

 How did God try to empower Joshua and give him the confidence he needed to keep going?   Remember COURAGE IS…created through vision and faith. 

Take a look at Joshua 1:6. Despite the fact that ten of the spies saw the same thing and returned afraid, Joshua never lost his image of what life may be like on the other side of the river (Numbers 13-14). On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb let what they saw to be shaped by what God said. Are you more motivated by “good reasons” to avoid doing something or by “God’s promises”? 

How has God’s word influenced the bulk of your life? 

 Joshua 1:7-9.In His instructions, God gives Joshua no military advice. Instead, God told Joshua to study the Bible. What was the significance of Joshua “meditating on it day and night,” and how does this apply to us today? 

Please describe how you use this discipline on a regular basis. 

Reading the same Bible together helps God’s people get on the same page. Israeli dissension would be the most significant impediment to triumph. The book of Joshua (1:12-18). Why were the instructions to the two and a half tribes so crucial back then, and how do they pertain to our current situation? To obtain what God desires for us, we must be courageous. God did not bring us out of “Egypt” to wander in the “wilderness.” Regardless, we often opt to live on the wrong side of the river.

One of the central themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness in keeping all of His “good promises,” particularly the promise of the land He “swore to their fathers to give them.” ( Joshua 1:6). List all of the references in Chapter 1 regarding God giving them the land.

What is God’s special promise to Israel? To Joshua, perhaps?

How do God’s sovereign supply and His admonition to be “strong and extremely courageous” (verse 7, and Deuteronomy 31:6-8) interact as the Israelites take possession of the Promised Land?

What function does knowing scripture play in diligently serving God, according to verses 7-8?

After reading verses 12-15, write a description of Joshua’s response to God’s command.

What does it mean to be successful? 

What do we mean when we say “success” in our own lives?

 What does success entail for you? 

What impact would this concept of success have on our daily lives?

In 1:6-9, did the Lord use the word “success”? What exactly is the location? What do you believe he meant given the context? ‘To induce a person to be smart, understanding, or prosperous,’ says the Hebrew for success.’ The presumption is that if a person fully comprehends a situation, he will be successful. Prosper literally means to “cause someone to surge ahead or advance.”

Give three examples of successful people in the Bible and three examples of unsuccessful people. What was it that made such a difference in their lives?

Why do you think the Lord stressed the word, “Be strong and courageous!” So much? 

What did the Lord ask Joshua to do? 

Consider the circumstances. What qualities do you need to be a powerful person?

Is it true that the vast majority of people are fearful or timid? So, what are your thoughts on the subject? Name one or two things that make you nervous or afraid. What effect does fear have on your decision-making process?

Look at Joshua 1:6 in detail. Why doesn’t God simply command him to conquer the land rather than hand it up to them as a gift?

God teaches Joshua on how to handle the law in Joshua 1:7. What legal framework is in place? What happens if you follow the law?

What else does God advise Joshua to do in regard to Holy scripture in verse 1:8?

What exactly does it mean to meditate? 

 What is the distinction between eastern and biblical mediation?

Read Psalm 1:2 in conjunction with Joshua 1:8. How would you explain Bible meditation to a new Christian? What distinguishes it from memorization?

How significant is meditation in the life of a Christian? How would you explain the significance of Joshua’s statements to a new believer?

Why is it that meditation is so vital to a Christian’s success? What is the significance of this? What happens during a good meditation session?

What role does biblical meditation have in your life? Do you meditate on a regular basis? Tell us how frequently you do it and how you go about doing it.

In Joshua 1:9, what is God attempting to accomplish? How is God attempting to scare or intimidate him? Is mentioning His presence truly necessary?

Many Christians feel that God is unconcerned about their everyday lives. What are your thoughts on the matter? After reading verses (Joshua 1:6-9) would you say that God was active in the lives of the Israelites?

Finally, do you believe that God wants you to succeed in your life? What does this mean in terms of application? How important are meditation and obedience to your success?

.

Challenges/ Actions:

Pray to rid yourself of whatever concerns you may have. 

Pray to receive the courage that God has bestowed to you.

Name three things we can learn from these verses to better serve God.

In what ways can you apply God’s promises to Joshua in verses 5 and 9 to your own life? Take one as an example.

Memory and meditation verses

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, NIV)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Prayer:We all have events that can make us panic and overwhelm us, Father. Assist us in being bold and strong. Encourage us to spend time praying and contemplating your Word. Please, In Christ’ name,  Amen.

Bible Study Leadership Principle 1: 

Be strong and courageous

Text: Joshua 1

1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of good courage: for unto these people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them;

15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sun rising.

16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whichever thou sendest us, we will go.

17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of good courage.

Introduction

Leadership and learning are mutually beneficial. One factor that the world requires right now is leadership. Joshua was a fantastic general, soldier, and leader. His life is worth studying just for those reasons. He is the only biblical leader who was ever commanded by God to cease prayer and do something else instead. When the mighty man is found on his knees praying following a humiliating combat defeat, it is in Joshua 7:10. It’s difficult to put yourself in the shoes of a great leader. Joshua did not have it easy — he had to take over the leadership role of Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, and his life exemplifies key leadership principles for us. BOLDNESS IS REQUIRED TO ATTAIN ALL THAT GOD HAS TO OFFER. THIS STUDY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CROSS RIVERS, FACE GIANTS, AND RECEIVE THEIR FULL INHERITANCE. We are to be brave and powerful.

God commissions Joshua to lead the people well in the first chapter of Joshua. He tells Joshua three times to be brave and strong. Joshua 1:9 states, “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t be afraid or disheartened; the Lord, your God, will always be with you.” He calls us to be leaders in particular. This starts with confidence in God, since if the Almighty is with you and watching out for you, you will have nothing to fear. God will protect and provide for you.

This enables you to be brave and strong while also positively leading others.

Examining the text

What was the LORD’s command to Joshua? (verses 1 & 2) 

What was the size of the promised territory to Israel? (verses 3 and 4)

What was the LORD’s promise to Joshua in terms of being with him? (verse 5)

What was Joshua supposed to do in order to prosper and succeed? (verses 6-9)

What were the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh to do? (verses 12-15)

What was Joshua’s first act as leader of the people of Jacob/Israel? (verses 2–5) 

How would God manifest His presence near Joshua? (verse 5) 

What was Joshua’s responsibility? (verse 6) 

Why? (verse 8) 

What does God mean by “being powerful” in verse 9? 

(Verse 9) What does it mean to be courageous in God’s eyes? 

(Verse 9) Is it then possible to be powerful and courageous?

 (Verse 9) Where would Joshua get his strength?

 What was Joshua’s first command to the Israelites (verses ten and eleven)

Did they intend to follow Joshua’s orders? (16-18 verses)

What task did God assign to Joshua?

What promises did God make to Joshua in verses 5-9?

What requirements did Joshua have to fulfill?

Why had Israel failed to enter Canaan the first time, according to Numbers 13&14?

What are your impressions of Joshua?

What do we learn about Joshua as a result of this?

Numbers 27:12–23 

  Deuteronomy 34:9

Deuteronomy 1:37

Numbers 13 

Numbers 13  

What did God promise Joshua?

What role did God’s word have in Joshua’s life and leadership? 8th Verse

Joshua is to be strong and courageous, not scared or discouraged, as God commands. 

How does the Lord’s presence “everywhere he goes” help him?

Is it enough to simply be aware of this? 9th verse of Joshua Chapter 1.

In verses 16-18, what pledge do the people make to Joshua?

 How could this promise cause Joshua to be concerned?

What did they say they expected of Joshua?

Explanation: 

Have you ever been afraid of something? 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the enormity of what you have to do and wondered how you will ever do it? 

That’s exactly how Joshua feels. God’s instructions and encouragement, on the other hand, help him deal with his fear. 

Joshua hears the following from God: “My servant Moses is no longer alive. Then make ready, you and these people, to cross the Jordan River into the land I’m about to give them — the Israelites.” (1:2) 

Regardless of Where You Step (1:3-4)

“As I promised Moses, I would provide you every area where you set foot.” (1:3)

“Every location where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea,” God reminds Joshua. (Deuteronomy 11:24)

“On that day, Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have trod will be your heritage and that of your children forever, because you have completely followed the Lord my God.'” (14:9, citing Deuteronomy 1:36)

This method can also be used in other areas of our lives. We want everything handed to us on a silver platter, but God tells us that we must go out and claim it. Then God will make it available to us. We want to develop spiritually. How are we going to pull this off? Passively? No. We grow through believing God’s promises and working hard to see them fulfilled in our own lives.

He’ll hand it over to us, but we’ll have to figure out how to accompany him. “We don’t want you to grow lazy,” the author of Hebrews adds, “but we want you to imitate those who, by faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12 )

“From the desert to Lebanon, and from the huge river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite nation — to the Great Sea in the west,” God says. (1:4).In fact, during Joshua’s time, they never stepped foot on any of this. By the time of David and Solomon, most of the lands were already under Israel’s authority, but they had been  lost again due to disobedience and unbelief.

God would give you enormous areas of “land” that the adversary now controls. They aren’t a part of the opposition. You are free to keep them. God bestowed them upon you. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” as the phrase goes in legal circles. Only “squatter’s rights” apply to the opponent. You can possess your inheritance and enjoy its benefits when you force the enemy off it with God’s help.

Joshua 1:3  In what ways does God’s promise to Joshua, “I will grant you any location where you lay your foot,” become conditional?

God never abandons us, never abandons us. (1:5)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” the Bible promises. (1:5)

It’s also found in Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, and Matthew 28:20.

We don’t deserve to be in God’s presence. We’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But God has placed our sins on Jesus on the cross and punished them there. He has filled us with his Spirit and now dwells with us. What a miraculous event! What majesty!

We sin, but God never abandons us. He corrects us, yet he does not abandon us. God be praised!

“I will never abandon you,” he promises.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” God promises, and it’s both a promise of support and a guarantee of discipline. God intended for this to be a source of encouragement for Joshua on the day his leadership began in earnest.

(Joshua 1:5)  Why is God’s promise to always be with Joshua so vital to him? Why is this commitment so essential to you right now? What are your limitations when God is with you?

God intends that we develop a “pushing ahead” faith that actively pursues God’s plan, as stated in the scripture “I will provide you every place where you lay your foot” (1:3)

“I will never abandon you,” says the narrator. God has promised to be with us in all situations, including those in which we are scared (1:5)

God wants us to “be strong and extraordinarily courageous” (1:6–8), despite our fears and misgivings.

Meditating on God’s Word helps us grow in faith and boldness as disciples (1:7-8).

Application:

Our greatest regrets are frequently “inaction regrets.” Is this something you’ve noticed in your own life?

 If that’s the case, give an example of how fear has prevented you from doing something you really wanted to do. 

Similarly, many churches allow fear to keep them where they are rather than where they should be. Why is this so frequently the case? How have you witnessed this in the church?

“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,”. Take a look at Joshua 1:1-5. What were some of the roadblocks that might have slowed their progress?

 How did God try to empower Joshua and give him the confidence he needed to keep going?   Remember COURAGE IS…created through vision and faith. 

Take a look at Joshua 1:6. Despite the fact that ten of the spies saw the same thing and returned afraid, Joshua never lost his image of what life may be like on the other side of the river (Numbers 13-14). On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb let what they saw to be shaped by what God said. Are you more motivated by “good reasons” to avoid doing something or by “God’s promises”? 

How has God’s word influenced the bulk of your life? 

 Joshua 1:7-9.In His instructions, God gives Joshua no military advice. Instead, God told Joshua to study the Bible. What was the significance of Joshua “meditating on it day and night,” and how does this apply to us today? 

Please describe how you use this discipline on a regular basis. 

Reading the same Bible together helps God’s people get on the same page. Israeli dissension would be the most significant impediment to triumph. The book of Joshua (1:12-18). Why were the instructions to the two and a half tribes so crucial back then, and how do they pertain to our current situation? To obtain what God desires for us, we must be courageous. God did not bring us out of “Egypt” to wander in the “wilderness.” Regardless, we often opt to live on the wrong side of the river.

One of the central themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness in keeping all of His “good promises,” particularly the promise of the land He “swore to their fathers to give them.” ( Joshua 1:6). List all of the references in Chapter 1 regarding God giving them the land.

What is God’s special promise to Israel? To Joshua, perhaps?

How do God’s sovereign supply and His admonition to be “strong and extremely courageous” (verse 7, and Deuteronomy 31:6-8) interact as the Israelites take possession of the Promised Land?

What function does knowing scripture play in diligently serving God, according to verses 7-8?

After reading verses 12-15, write a description of Joshua’s response to God’s command.

What does it mean to be successful? 

What do we mean when we say “success” in our own lives?

 What does success entail for you? 

What impact would this concept of success have on our daily lives?

In 1:6-9, did the Lord use the word “success”? What exactly is the location? What do you believe he meant given the context? ‘To induce a person to be smart, understanding, or prosperous,’ says the Hebrew for success.’ The presumption is that if a person fully comprehends a situation, he will be successful. Prosper literally means to “cause someone to surge ahead or advance.”

Give three examples of successful people in the Bible and three examples of unsuccessful people. What was it that made such a difference in their lives?

Why do you think the Lord stressed the word, “Be strong and courageous!” So much? 

What did the Lord ask Joshua to do? 

Consider the circumstances. What qualities do you need to be a powerful person?

Is it true that the vast majority of people are fearful or timid? So, what are your thoughts on the subject? Name one or two things that make you nervous or afraid. What effect does fear have on your decision-making process?

Look at Joshua 1:6 in detail. Why doesn’t God simply command him to conquer the land rather than hand it up to them as a gift?

God teaches Joshua on how to handle the law in Joshua 1:7. What legal framework is in place? What happens if you follow the law?

What else does God advise Joshua to do in regard to Holy scripture in verse 1:8?

What exactly does it mean to meditate? 

 What is the distinction between eastern and biblical mediation?

Read Psalm 1:2 in conjunction with Joshua 1:8. How would you explain Bible meditation to a new Christian? What distinguishes it from memorization?

How significant is meditation in the life of a Christian? How would you explain the significance of Joshua’s statements to a new believer?

Why is it that meditation is so vital to a Christian’s success? What is the significance of this? What happens during a good meditation session?

What role does biblical meditation have in your life? Do you meditate on a regular basis? Tell us how frequently you do it and how you go about doing it.

In Joshua 1:9, what is God attempting to accomplish? How is God attempting to scare or intimidate him? Is mentioning His presence truly necessary?

Many Christians feel that God is unconcerned about their everyday lives. What are your thoughts on the matter? After reading verses (Joshua 1:6-9) would you say that God was active in the lives of the Israelites?

Finally, do you believe that God wants you to succeed in your life? What does this mean in terms of application? How important are meditation and obedience to your success?

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Challenges/ Actions:

Pray to rid yourself of whatever concerns you may have. 

Pray to receive the courage that God has bestowed to you.

Name three things we can learn from these verses to better serve God.

In what ways can you apply God’s promises to Joshua in verses 5 and 9 to your own life? Take one as an example.

Memory and meditation verses

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, NIV)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Prayer:We all have events that can make us panic and overwhelm us, Father. Assist us in being bold and strong. Encourage us to spend time praying and contemplating your Word. Please, In Christ’ name,  Amen.

https://voca.ro/1786lckw3aSF Audio

The gravity of greed: We rely on greed and it becomes our GOD: I prefer the term “Greedership.”

PROVERBS chapter 28 verse 25 states that  The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Money is not inherently bad; rather, it is our excessive and overwhelming desire for it that eventually governs and distorts our lives. Some of us amass wealth and possessions in order to feel more secure. Others of us gather to demonstrate our importance. Jesus invites us to be set free from the shackles of money, greed, and an unhealthy relationship with our possessions. Only then will we be able to emulate him, generously using everything we have and are for the cause of love.

When a person fights greed, he or she loses the peace and joy that God meant for us to have. The most tragic aspect of this struggle is that the majority of selfish individuals are completely oblivious of their activities. Everyone around them, on the other hand, does…and greed is frequently a stumbling block in such connections. Authority, protection, provision, and pleasure are some of today’s temptations.

Today’s temptations include authority, protection, provision, and pleasure. We trust and treat money as if it were a deity because of its glorious promises and secure refuge. Money can control you whether you have a lot or a little. This is meant to make us think about our connection with money and possessions, and to see if the all-powerful dollar has taken the place of the all-powerful God in our lives.  “An unquenchable want for more” is defined as greed.

Breaking the ties of injustice, abolishing workplace exploitation, releasing the oppressed, and cancelling debts are the kinds of days I wish to see.

I’d like to see us share our food with the hungry, invite the homeless poor into your homes, and dress the shivering unclothed…”

“We need to get rid of unfair practises, quit blaming victims, stop gossiping about other people’s faults, if we are kind with the hungry and start offering ourselves to the down-and-out, our life will begin to sparkle in the darkness…,”  

We’ll construct the foundations of our former life using the old wreckage from previous incarnations.

We’ll be known as the ones who can fix anything, repair old ruins, rebuild and refurbish, and make the neighbourhood liveable again.

Greed is an almost universally despised behaviour. In today’s political climate, the poor criticise the rich of being too greedy with their own money, while the rich blame the poor of being too greedy with money that isn’t their own. Greed, as mentioned in Colossians  chapter 3 verse 5 and 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 9 to 11, is idolatry, which is bad enough to keep us from heaven. How can we tell whether we’re greedy or not?

Greed is a termite in disguise. It’s hidden from view, yet it irritates our hearts. It doesn’t draw notice because it erodes our ability to provide. Because Jesus advised us to be on our guard, we might presume we are already afflicted with greed. Here’s a picture of what it looks like.

Hoarding: This kind of avarice thrives in the hearts of people who are conscientious, disciplined, and well-organized. It preys on a person’s ability to meticulously save money and add to it on a regular basis. This is, of course, something we should all be doing. A hoarder’s greed, on the other hand, leads him to assume that he can’t be generous with his money until he’s saved enough to retire comfortably.

The hoarder is concerned about his or her future. His decision to put his fate in the hands of money rather than God leads him to ignore the needs of others. His first priority, he says, is to amass enough money to ensure a stable future.  However, a hoarder falls into the trap of spending all of his riches to benefit just himself.

Overspending

This type of greed is easy to incorporate into the life of someone who is impatient. The over-spender confuses needs with wants and, as a result, spends more than her income allows, resulting in debt. She desires immediate gratification and is willing to pay with credit to avoid having to wait.

Comparison

Greed feeds the competitive idea that it’s necessary to equal someone else’s lifestyle. It motivates you to spend and spend more in order to demonstrate that you are on par with a neighbour, friend, co-worker, or relative. This type of greed is strongly related to jealousy.

Entitlement

But greed preys on everyone, regardless of their financial situation. When you believe the myth that abundance comes through your belongings, you will find greed lurking in the shadows. A sense of entitlement, or the belief that someone else owes you something, is the result of greed. “I don’t have the money for it, so someone else should buy it for me,” an entitled person believes. After all, I deserve everything–and I don’t even have to work for it.” This face of avarice is always devoid of gratitude and frequently exhibits fury. People who feel entitled go on a binge-eating spree. It’s easy to believe that the wealthy are the ones who are greedy.

“While few men swallow coins, millions of individuals are sickened by money and consumerism. The Bible teaches that money is the source of all evil, causing people to lose trust in God and pierce themselves with many sorrows. Take stock of your situation. Are you sacrificing a lot of time with your family and church to make ends meet? Are you sacrificing sleep for the sake of a job? “Are you putting in too much effort for monetary gain?” God wants us to be dedicated to our work and offers us the ability to prosper. However, He does not want you to work yourself to death in order to become wealthy. Have the foresight to exercise restraint.

A couple named Ananias and Sapphira is mentioned in Acts chapter 5 verses 1 to 11. We’re informed they sold a piece of property and left a portion of the money at the apostles’ feet to be utilised for charitable gifts to the poor. They did, however, conspire to distort the transaction’s truth.

Ananias appears first and hands over the money. Ananias dies suddenly after Peter reveals the deceit. A few hours later, his wife Sapphira appears before the apostles, unaware of her husband’s collapse, and she repeats the false narrative about the money. She gets killed as well. The amount of money people contributed had no impact on the outcome. According to verse, they were free to do anything they chose with their property. The error resulted in the decision. In Acts chapter 4, they are contrasted with Barnabas, who was titled after the apostles for his church service. He also gave the proceeds from one of his estates to the underprivileged. Ananias and his wife wanted Barnabas’ reputation but not his personality.The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira came as a shock. There is no question that we are to regard it as a divine judgement, and it is delivered to frighten us  as stated in verses 5 and 11. To comprehend it, we must first comprehend the gravity of the sin.

The crimes of greed, hypocrisy, and lying stand out. Riches are not necessarily bad, but they can be harmful to our souls. Paul warns in Ephesians chapter  5 that no one who is greedy will enter God’s kingdom. You can give to the church or to charity both of which are admirable for showy reasons. The Lord Jesus criticised the Pharisees for being greedy despite their charitable contributions.

Their hypocrisy exposes the couple’s greed. They wanted to appear to be more generous than they actually were. It must have been difficult for them to donate without gaining recognition. The warning here is about their intentions. God is not easily mocked.

They planned to deceive guys because they craved their admiration. They were, however, ignorant of God. God despises lying lips, and the devil is the parent of lies, according to the Bible. Peter mentions that Satan filled Ananias’ heart in verse 3. The devil is deceitful, and so will those who are under his control. The devil is deceitful; so will those be under his influence.

However, Ananias and his wife were not hidden from the Holy Spirit as they devised the scheme to deceive the apostles.

We must remember that everything comes from God. God is the supreme ruler of all things, both in heaven and on earth. Whatever a creature possesses is due to His indulgence. Everyone must seek God’s blessing on whatever they possess. Money has a tendency to govern men, limiting God’s authority over them. We have nothing but God’s permission.This text serves as a cautionary tale on the nature and strength of sin. “It is the missing of the mark,” the essence of sin. It is a violation. It’s a revolt. It is a crime. It is only and completely nasty. It’s foolishness, the polar opposite of wisdom. It’s a fabrication, the polar opposite of truth. It makes a man unmanly. It creates a barrier between God and his creation. It initiates hell. It exiles people from the highest society, heaven. It cannot be remedied by finite power or human means.” The walk of faith is to live according to the revelation we have received in the midst of riddles we cannot understand. What happens when you give your everything and it goes unnoticed because Greed is a leader who wears sheep’s clothing and seems to care about humanity?

Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, is said to have asked a young auto engineer what his primary responsibility was. The young man stated that his main ambition was to become tremendously wealthy. Later, Mr. Ford surprised the employee with a small gift. He opened the box to find a set of metal-rimmed eyeglasses, but the lenses were replaced with a pair of silver dollars.  “Put those on,” Ford said, and the young man did. Ford asked, “What do you see now?” “Nothing,” said the engineer. “The cash is obstructing my vision.” “Perhaps you should re-evaluate your ambition,” Ford replied as he walked away.

Greed results in the demise of families, reputations, friendships, wealth, health, and everlasting damnation. Greed is a terrible sin against God and a major cause of death. We may believe that greed affects only the wealthy, yet God’s word states it affects everyone. • How much of the time are we satisfied with our current situation? • How much of the time do we feel like we could use a little more? • It begins when we are children—what we see on television, we believe we must have? Are you parents? As we become older, this doesn’t usually improve. We believe we need something larger, better, whatever.

Aren’t expenses always rising to keep up with income?  It is not the subject or even the desire itself that is evil, as with the other seven deadly sins. God instilled unique desires in us that must be realised in the way He intended. Wanting sex, food, a home, or even money is not immoral. When such desires go out of balance and out of bounds, they lead me to pursue them in sinful, borderline ways. So, at what point does a desire for money become greed? “Wanting something so badly that you lose your faith in God,” says John Piper.

Greed is the belief that you must have this or that in order to be happy. I need God and blank in order to thrive. You’ll be on the road to unbelief once you’ve filled in the blank. God is no longer sufficient to satisfy your soul. It is not necessary to be wealthy to be greedy. Anyone can believe that something other than Jesus can fulfil their spiritual needs. Greed is a temptation that we all face, and greed will lead to our demise. It leads to attitudes and pursuits that are destructive to ourselves and others.  The gospel is the cure to greed.

Control, strife, confusion, and corruption surround greed. Greed wants to be in charge. It’s about someone storing grain to inflate the price and exploit his community. He wants to take advantage of individuals when they are most vulnerable. Because you have power over them and are looking for a financial edge. You may be someone’s boss, taking advantage of your workers to improve yourself while leaving them behind. You may be the lender of anything from your garage, knowing that your neighbour requires it but intending to keep them in your debt so that you can take advantage of them later.

You could be on a board and, because your administrator earns more than you, you utilise your position to prevent them from rising up the ranks. You could be a family member who refuses to share what you have because you believe you earned it. The righteous are willing to put their own interests ahead of the community’s; the wicked will put their own interests ahead of the community’s. Jesus put himself in a position to help us. He freely gave. A greedy person causes trouble, but whoever relies in the Lord prospers, according to Proverbs chapter 28 verse 25. A greedy individual does not respect limits; instead, he or she violates them and takes from others because they are unhappy with their current situation.

You kill because you want something you don’t have. You want something and can’t get it, so you battle and argue.James chapter 4 verse 2 states  You don’t have anything because you don’t ask for it. According to Proverbs chapter 11 verse 18, The wicked are paid deceptively, but those who sow righteousness reap a definite harvest. This is about confusion. Greed’s lure is that if you have what you want, you’ll be happy. But it’s a fabrication. Proverbs chapter 20 verse 23 mentions Uneven weights are an abomination to the Lord, as are fraudulent scales.

This is about corruption. Unjust commercial practises are an atrocity in God’s eyes. Sexual sin is regarded an immorality in the Bible. Cheating on individuals for financial gain is considered a sort of sexual sin. It’s a crime to owe someone money and fail to repay them. Borrowing something and not returning it is a sin. Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter  4 verse 28, “The thief is no longer allowed to steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands to help anyone who is in need. Greedy people pay a high price and lose what is most important to them, whereas generous people benefit in substantial ways.

We frequently associate greed with a desire for more money, but we can also be greedy for things like power, possessions, and passion. Greed is when you desire something more than God and are willing to sin in order to obtain it. In the case of Adam and Eve, they longed to be more like God and believed that disobedience would help them reach their goal.

Today’s avarice, like that of Adam and Eve, is often motivated by a desire to be more like God. We seek the glory that belongs to Him, so we grab what isn’t really ours.

Although the Bible contains many stories, one in particular seems to repeat itself. God bestows power on someone, and they are called to serve their people, but instead they serve themselves, and their self-glorification ultimately leads to their demise.

Samson chased his own lusts rather than serving the people, King Solomon’s heart went away from God due to his many wives and immense wealth, and Nebuchadnezzar boasted of his greatness many times before being humbled and turning into a beast.

Rather than using others to get what we want, we are encouraged to share what we already have in order to benefit others. If you want to be great, you must first learn to serve. As you will see, this is directly tied to what Jesus taught about greed and eternal treasure in the Sermon on the Mount.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses greed directly and offers a better option:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 to 24

Jesus instructs us to be a light in the darkness. Putting people first and living generously with your time, talent, and fortune will brighten the lives of everyone you meet in a world dominated by greed and pride.

It’s not easy to preach against greed. Almost everyone acknowledges that greed is a negative trait. So they take a seat and say, “Amen!” We’re opposed to it. Brother, preach it!” We’re also ready to pass judgement on others’ greed: “Did you see that pricey new car that so-and-so was driving?” With all the desperate refugees in the globe, how can he justify that?” But few of us confess, “I have a problem with greed.”

Sexual immorality can certainly be a god or an idol- Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5. There is never enough. The exhilaration eventually wears off however People are looking for something more adventurous and interesting. The same may be said of sexuality.

Proverbs chapter1 verses 8 to 19  

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, 18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Generosity is like a river, with God as its headwaters, who pours benefits and resources into our life. He wants us to distribute part of those riches and blessings to others downstream. “Make yourself a river. Why should you remain a Dead Sea with no outlet because of your greed?”

The Greed of Power is the insatiable desire for more material goods and the power that comes with them. In this type of greed, earthly goods are primarily a means to an end, which is power and influence. Money, real estate, and automobiles are simply means of achieving, wielding, and displaying personal power.

Wealth is frequently used to intimidate or bribe others, to confirm one’s own illusions about what matters, or to instil a sense of success in oneself.

The Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12 is a good example of this type of greed.

The Fearful Greed—the fearful desire to stockpile surplus goods for an unknown time of need—the proverbial “rainy day”

Fear is a poor motivator of virtue but a fantastic motivator of greed. Gluttony is simply the desire to have so much that we will never run out. We may lose our jobs or health, we may be sued, but if we accumulate enough stock, real estate, or T-bills, we believe we will be safe from hunger. There is no perfect way to prevent hunger.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus mentions those who hoard treasure for themselves in  Matthew chapter 6, verse 19.

Acquisition Greed—the desire for more earthly goods for their own sake? These are the people who reduce themselves to a small and cold desire to accumulate more just to have more, such as electronic equipment or trading cards. More money, more antiques or other collectibles? “Money is like seawater in that the more you drink, the thirstier you become.”

According to King Solomon, people who seek more earthly goods for their own sake… “Whoever loves money will never have enough of it”; “Whoever loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income ” says   Ecclesiastes chapter 5 verse 1. Collecting items for the sake of accumulating things is one of our culture’s major vices today.  

There was a lot of sexual immorality during the time of the New Testament, and it’s not much different today. In fact, Ephesians 5:1 and 2 state that even mentioning what the disobedient do in private is shameful.

Proverbs Chapter 5 verses 1 to 9 speaks about this  May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. May her breasts satisfy you forever, and may her love enchant you. Proverbs chapter  5 verse 20 states Why should an adulteress captivate you, my son? Why embrace the breasts of another man’s wife?

Sex is akin to a fire. Many of you have fireplaces in your homes, and when the fire is contained within that structure, it provides warmth and entertainment. If the fire from the fireplace escapes, it can quickly become uncontrollable and burn down your house. Many people enjoy seeing how far they can go in this area. What is the upper limit? Don’t mess with sexual temptation. It may seem fun at first, but it will eventually burn you and others. Is it possible for a man to scoop fire into his lap without getting his clothes burned? Is it possible for a man to walk on hot coals without getting burned?

greed for power

There are people who enjoy having people obey their commands. Some people are obsessed with titles and positions of power. They love the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in synagogues; Matthew chapter 23 verses 7 and 8 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ “However, you are not to be addressed as ‘Rabbi,’ because you have only one Master and are all brothers.

According to Ephesians chapter 5 verse 7, we could walk away with nothing if we are willing to give up the good stuff. We have a decision to make. I’m not saying the decision is always easy, but it is ours.

Freedom exists where the Lord’s Spirit resides.

“And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness excessive desire for wealth, greedy desire for more”

Luke 8, verse 14

And as for what fell among the thorns, these are [the people] who hear, but they are choked and suffocated by life’s anxieties, cares, riches, and pleasures as they go, and their fruit does not ripen (come to maturity and perfection).

When we see something that we desire for our body, soul, or spirit, our hearts begin to cry out, “Give me; give me!” Even the youngest of the children says it. As Eve, our race’s mother, reached for the forbidden fruit, he extends this hand to take it.

The desire to possess can be “much” or “much more.” It can, however, be a desire for the “best”; anything less is insufficient. Many children and adults have eyes that are bigger than their stomachs. They pile more food on their plates than they can consume, and they always choose the best piece. This desire for more or especially good food is frequently strong. We’ve seen how effective this is in times of war and famine. People lose their dignity and violate all ethical rules in order to satisfy their desires.

Furthermore, we are all aware of how much we crave sleep and comfort. Sleep addiction can be so strong that we will forego even the most basic necessities of life, such as prayer time, in order to sleep more. Many things pique our interest, such as modern clothing, more money, greater comfort, and convenience. But in all of our hearts, there is not only greed for visible goods, but also for things that satisfy the soul, such as other people’s attention, respect, and love.

“Am I ruled by greed, and do I use godliness to gain something?” Have you ever been greedy for anything, and how has that affected your outlook on life? Were you willing to compromise truth in order to obtain what you thought would feed your greed? Did it cause discord, factions, envy, and strife among others? Was there unrest because you were greedy for something? Were you willing to use your godliness to get what you desired? Things to be greedy for could include anything other than money. We may be greedy for attention, fame, fortune, good feelings, power, prestige, relationships, or anything else that we believe will bring us happiness. Knowing this truth is valuable because we can use it to guard our hearts and find contentment in Christ.

Instead of being greedy, we should be consumed with godliness and God’s kingdom. With God’s help, that is what we will be in Jesus Christ, and those are the types of leaders we will seek in God’s family.

What are the disguises that greed wears in order to entice even believers? We live in a society that believes it is smarter than previous generations. Unfortunately, this is frequently manifested by a cultural contempt for what many consider antiquated values or characteristics that previous generations commonly agreed were sins, such as lust, envy, pride, and greed.

When we are slow or silent in renunciating greed, it can even sneak in as a snake and transform us, according to the Bible. It is critical that the Body of Christ put aside our desire to deliver a pleasant message and return to living and communicating the truth that greed leads to spiritual death, relationship death, and effective witness for Christ.

Paul exhorts Timothy to cultivate contentment and warns that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, as well as many foolish and harmful lusts that drown men in destruction and perdition.”First Timothy chapter 6 verse 9.

Greed is not limited to money. When he had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba, King David appears to have been greedy for conquest. To conceal his greed and betrayal, the king used deception, attempted trickery, and ultimately orchestrated Bathsheba’s husband’s death on the battlefield. As Nathan’s parable about the man with many, many sheep who took the poor man’s solitary sheep illustrated, the affair was more than just lust. It was, at its core, a greedy act. In Hebrews 13:5, it says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with what you have.”

Because He Himself has stated, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our lack of greed attests to God’s provision. “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty,” says Proverbs chapter 11 verse 24. Greed is once again partnered with a partner because sin multiplies.

Proverbs chapter 21 verse 26 says, “He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.” And Proverbs chapter 11 verse 28 describes greed as the polar opposite of trust in God, saying, “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.”

In Second Kings chapter 5, Elisha heals Naaman of leprosy. Elisha refuses to accept payment for this healing, but his servant, Gehazi, believes otherwise. He pursues Naaman and accepts gifts in exchange for healing. Elisha’s heart is broken by Gehazi’s greed, and as a result, Gehazi and his descendants are cursed with leprosy for all time. Elisha didn’t wink or shrug at Gehazi’s greed, even though the items given were likely of little importance to Naaman. Elisha recognised that greed was a dangerous path that many of God’s leaders, teachers, and priests had taken, leading to corruption, exploitation, and other evils.

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but of the world,” says the first chapter of John. Where we direct our attention can often help or hinder us in dealing with the sin of greed. If we fill our eyes with everything the world says is fine and good, when we look at our lives, we will only see what we lack. If we fill our eyes with what God says is good and right, we will make room for the Holy Spirit to convict us of the tiny seeds of greed that may take root and choke out the life of Christ we desire to grow in us.

We have more chances for God to instil in us contentment and generosity.

Let us examine ourselves to see where we stand in terms of greed:

1) Do I consider my money and possessions to be my own or God’s?

2) If I knew I was going to die in a year, how would I manage God’s resources differently?

3) What makes me want more money? Do I want more in order to better provide for my family? That could be true. But if I want more just to buy bigger and better things that I don’t really need, I may be succumbing to greed.

4) Am I more concerned with making money than with my eternal fate?

We have more chances for God to instil in us contentment and generosity.

Let us examine ourselves to see where we stand in terms of greed:

5) Is my security derived from money or from God?

6) How much do I lament the loss of money and possessions?

7) Do I cling to my possessions or am I generous and willing to share?

8) Do I compromise my godly character or priorities in order to make money?

9) Am I prone to quick-rich schemes?

10) Am I enslaved by credit cards and debt?

How can we overcome  our greed?

We must purge ourselves of all greed, beginning with our thoughts. In light of having Christ and finding joy and contentment in Him, we acknowledge God as the owner of all we have and see ourselves as the manager who must account to Him. We adopt the Owner’s priorities: His kingdom objectives. Consider why we require additional items. Resist sales pressure. Before making  purchases, pray about them. Get rid of everything that isn’t absolutely necessary, and then try to live as simply as possible. We may need to create and stick to a budget. Learn to walk in the Spirit so that His fruit of self-control takes precedence over your desires.

To get rid of greed, we must also make a faith commitment to give generously to the Lord’s work. Gratefulness is the drain plug for greed.

Are we happy with what we have, or is our soul being destroyed by greed? The most serious greed a man suffers from is the greed of keeping himself for himself rather than surrendering to a God who wants to give you the contentment that comes from knowing that heaven is your home and salvation is your true treasure.

No man can serve two masters at once. Nobody can seek both earthly and eternal wealth. Those looking for earthly treasures will be denied eternal riches. Anyone who seeks God’s Kingdom, on the other hand, will be granted eternal glory above, as well as all of his earthly needs. Matthew 6, verse 33

We must make a choice! Through His sacrificial death, Jesus, who chose the path of deprivation and loss for our sake, has gained this new way of thinking for us.

Oh lord, my Master! You have given up everything for me. Your contentment and satisfaction, your willingness to give everything away, are now mine. You paid the ultimate price on Calvary. I am free of the grip of greed. Your love will only allow me to have one desire: to attain heavenly, eternal glory.

Amen.

Characteristics of Godly Leadership (Acts 20:17-21)
Leadership is the act of influencing and serving others out of Christ’s interests in their lives in order to accomplish God’s goals for and through them.
Obey and submit to your leaders, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will account for them. Allow them to do it joyfully rather than with sadness, as this would be counterproductive to your interests. Everyone wants to be respected, but most of the time, it has to be earned.
The four models of Christian leadership that will be discussed are all found in the Bible from numerous leaders:

(1) servant-leadership,

2) moral leadership,

(3) spiritual leadership,

and (4) transformational leadership.

How does a servant know when to refuse requests made by others?
How transparent should a leader be about his personal flaws and failures?

Is openness synonymous with revealing everything?
What steps may we take to improve our humility?
Can love and kindness coexist with unwavering adherence to God’s truth? How? What happened to biblical balance?

Read Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Make a list of all the qualities that God expects from a leader, overseer, elder, and deacon.

Which of these traits do you possess the most?

Which ones are the most vulnerable and in need of improvement?

1 Samuel 16:1-13 should be read.
What qualities did Samuel look for in a leader when he went to Jesse’s house to anoint a king?

Why did both Samuel and Jesse neglect David?

What did the LORD want to find?

What criteria do you look for in a leader for your church, neighborhood, business, or  government? Please be specific.

What traits does God appreciate in a leader in your family, church, community, and workplace?

1 Kings 11:1-8 should be read.

King Solomon is remembered in the Bible for his wisdom, as well as his accomplishments in business, poetry, and literature. The LORD, on the other hand, vows to “take the kingdom away” from him. Why?

What caused Solomon’s betrayal of the LORD?

How can a man’s devotion to God in today’s world be divided?

In what aspects of your life do you have conflicting loyalties?

Read James 4:4-9 to learn more.
How does friendship with the world make us enemies of God?
Do you have any worldly ties or friendships that could turn you against God?

Explain what it means to be spiritually “double-minded” in your own words.

What rewards does God bestow on people who stand firm against Satan?

What do you need in order to get closer to God?

What does God expect about you in order so you can be exalted?

Read Isaiah 40:10-15.

Describe God’s dependability, power, and ability to maintain yourself as a leader with your own words

Next steps/reflection:

1. What does God want you to put an end to?
2. What is God inviting you to begin?
3. What is God calling you to do in order to slow down?
4. How is God challenging you to be more intentional?
5. What is your discipleship approach and plan?
6. How will you encourage others to lead biblically?
7. How will you protect yourself from sin?

Is it true that you took a long time to get to where you are now? Maybe you’re in a wonderful spot in life right now, but it was a tough road to get there. Perhaps you’re going through a difficult period. Was  it a long journey to where you are now? Have you ever reviewed your profession, your achievements, your awards, your wealth and things, and remembered how long it took you to get to where you are? Those early failures and flops, education and internships, wins and defeats. Is it true that you took a long time to get to where you are now?

Imagine waking up at 2:00 a.m. and asking yourself, “Is my life truly appealing to God?” What might assist you in determining this?Is it dependent on how often you have devotions, Bible study, and prayer during the week? Alternatively, how well do you manage your rage? Maybe it’s a question of whether your thoughts are escaping or being tamed. What would you put on your “to-do” list? Are the items on your and my lists identical to those on God’s? What is really important is doing what he enjoys.

Mercy is an enthralling concept. I’d like you to recall a time when a friend or someone close to you shied away from you or ignored you for any reason. Imagine that individual being in a lot of difficulty as well as experiencing a variety of concerns as a result of a poor decision that involved stepping away from you. Then they come to you for assistance, and you assist them as if they had never dismissed you or harmed you. That’s what mercy is. Mercy is the act of extending compassion to someone who has wronged you.

“John Newton, pastor, once an infidel & Libertine, by the great compassion of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, protected, restored, pardoned, and commissioned to teach the Faith he had long tried to destroy,” reads a granite headstone in parish Olney, England. You may not recall his name, but we are all familiar with the song “Amazing Grace,” which he created as a testament to his life.

It’s a big difference between approving of mercy and actually showing mercy. One of the reasons we struggle with this is that the obligation to demonstrate mercy requires that a legitimate debt exists.

The parable of the king whose servant owed him an absurdly great quantity is found in Matthew 18:23-35. When the monarch demanded payment, the servant pleaded for patience and requested that the king give him time to repay the entire debt. TThis urgent request was as unreasonable as the amount itself, because it would have taken nearly 165,000 years to collect the debt!The king, of course, was well aware of  the futility of the situation.

God’s kindness is a major theme in the Bible, appearing 341 times. Each of the 26 lines in Psalm 136 describes the  matchless elements of God’s compassion to us.

God freely distributes His grace to all people, as revealed in Matthew 5:45, Luke 6:35, Acts 14:17, and Romans 2:14. This signifies that everyone, whether a believer of God or not, is capable of doing good things since the image of God dwells inside us, according to God’s common grace.

 God provides redemption to sinners who believe in him, as mentioned in Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9,. As sinners, we must understand our desperate need for grace. Those who come to God are denied God’s mercy.

“The inn of mercy never closes its doors on these individuals, not on workdays nor on Weekends.” Our Lord Jesus did not die for fictitious offenses; rather, His blood was poured to wash away profound crimson stains that no other means could remove. He who is a filthy sinner is the type of person Jesus came to purify.

In Matthew 9:6, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34, Luke 7:11-17, and John 13:2-5, Jesus personifies mercy. All we have to do is look at Jesus throughout the Gospels to see mercy. Jesus assists individuals who require assistance. His miraculous acts of kindness not only validate His message, but also demonstrate God’s merciful nature. – Even those who would defy and undermine Jesus are shown mercy. On the Cross, we see his Mercy, Titus  3:5 – Our greatest source of suffering and anguish is our sin and need for redemption. The cross is God’s most merciful act, assisting us when we are most in need. If our God is merciful, we must also be merciful.

God’s mercy in not punishing those who sin over a lengthy period of time. Exodus 34:6, Psalm 103:8, and Jeremiah 15:15 all mention God’s patience. We see God’s patience with Paul, a former blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, in First Timothy 1:12-16 and Acts 8:1, as an example for us of how patient God can be. This necessitates the church being a place of enormous patience, bearing with one another as we make mistakes. People can change (like Saul/Paul) and come to God because of God’s patience and mercy. Our patience, through God’s grace, creates space and freedom for others to evolve as well.

In 1 Kings 21, there is a considerable deal of injustice and wickedness. Naboth, the owner of a vineyard, was framed and murdered. According to 2 Kings 9:26, all of his sons were also murdered. Queen Jezebel was determined to keep any future claimants to the kingdom at bay. King Ahab lusted after his neighbor’s land. He doesn’t really need the vineyard. It was just what he needed. The vineyard’s owner was adamant about keeping the inheritance he had inherited from his forefathers. He was adamant about following the Mosaic Law as specified in Leviticus 25:23-28 and Numbers 36:7-9, rather than just releasing their land that had been allotted for the appropriate tribe or family. Not only was Naboth innocent of any wrongdoing, but he was also a God-fearing guy.

But then there was Jezebel, King Ahab’s evil wife. Why is the King depressed? “Keep your spirits up. I’ll arrange for you to visit the vineyard. The King is the law to the wicked. He gets what he wants, whenever and however he desires it. Jezebel gets down to business. She writes letters to the ELDERS AND NOBLES in Naboth’s village with precise instructions, using the King’s name. They declared a communal fast, established a kangaroo court, and named two bogus witnesses. It appeared to be holy and legitimate. What is the charge? Naboth has cursed both God and the king. They smashed the innocent man to death in a flash. The investigation was completed. This is the pinnacle of INJUSTICE. Injustice flourishes due to two factors: man’s WICKEDNESS and his WEAKNESS.

It is Jezebel’s wickedness and the elders’ and nobles’ infirmities in this scenario. Jezebel’s plan went off without a hitch. We found no evidence of any protests or attempts to defend Naboth from the town’s ELDERS & Aristocracy. Everyone joined in the fun. There was no one who took a stand. They were afraid about the repercussions. Everything was neatly wound up.  The ideal crime has been committed. Naboth was no longer alive. The court has handed down its bizarre decision. And Jezebel patting herself on the back for a job well done. • She told Ahab, who “rose up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard.” In the view of these individuals, the court filing is closed. God, on the other hand, is not like that.

The investigation has only just begun. The ultimate Judge, God, emerged. In this section, verse 17 becomes the most essential verse. God gives His verdict, which is the only genuine and just decision in the matter. We can observe in 1 Kings 21:17-26 that GOD’S JUSTICE IS SURE. Someone has been keeping an eye on you. Everything is known to the Lord. God exposes what man hides. JESUS stated that everything hidden will be revealed, and will be made known in  What you say in the dark will be heard in the day, and what you whisper in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the rooftops in Luke 12:2-3.

God steps in and makes a decision. He appears to His prophet and gives him instructions. God knows where Ahab has gone and where the vineyard is. He is aware of the owner’s name. He is well aware that his property has been stolen and that he has been assassinated. God accuses Ahab of stealing someone’s property and murdering them both. No one is exempt from God’s observation and judgment.  Prophet Elijah, as the carrier of Divine revelation,towers above and beyond the King.

He pronounces God’s sentence without deliberation. No one is exempt from God’s jurisdiction, regardless of their status or position. God will track him down wherever he is. “I’ve found you,” Elijah declared. THE JUSTICE OF GOD IS CERTAIN. That is the truth, and it is our solace today, especially while we witness injustices all around us. God is a just judge. This is something we can be certain of. He is unjust in not punishing evil and wrongdoing.

 There are always unanswered questions concerning injustice. Naboth has passed away. God did not “protect” him from being killed. Why did God’s justice take so long to arrive? Why didn’t He bring Jezebel to justice before she killed Naboth and his sons? This is the biblical enigma of God’s dealings with men. We don’t always comprehend God’s methods – how things are done, when they are done, and even why they are done. In the Bible, there are many WHYs like these. Why was John the Baptist killed because he spoke the truth about Herod? Why was Stephen stoned to death because he preached the Gospel? Why was James executed in prison while Peter has an angelic prison break in Acts 12?  We don’t understand. But the truth remains – God will judge. No one can run away, we can be assured of that. The Thessalonian believers were under persecution and this was what Paul said in 2 Thess 1:3-10. We don’t know what you’re talking about. The reality remains, however: God will judge. Paul stated in 2 Thess 1:3-10 that the Thessalonian believers were being persecuted. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you  and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power on the day He comes to be glorified in His holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

God has the final say in how justice is carried out, and we put our faith in Him. Our disputes with God’s ways and timing do not negate His fairness. God appears on Naboth’s behalf in 1 Kings 21, denouncing Ahab and Jezebel and giving His sentence. In 1 Kings 21:27-29, we observe the magnificence of GOD’S MERCY. Ahab went on a fast and wandered around meekly, as if repentant. God’s words demonstrated Ahab’s real repentance. It may be fleeting or limited to this one instance, but it is genuine and sincere all the same. And the Lord says in 1 Kings 21:29, “Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it to his house in the days of his son.”

This is not something we want to happen. It’s not right; he hasn’t earned it. That’s why it’s known as MERCY. He is granted mercy by God. It’s all because of God’s mercy. We are typically dissatisfied when others receive mercy, but if we’re the ones who get it, that’s a different thing. God will still judge, but it will be postponed for the time being. Joram, Ahab’s son, will bear the brunt of the punishment. It took place in 2 Kings 9. Then, too, Jezebel will perish. A horrible death, forced out the windows and crushed by the horses in  2 Kings 9:33  God’s grace did not begin with Ahab’s repentance. God took the initiative to confront Ahab, which is a sign of God’s mercy. He had the option of punishing Ahab without warning, but instead He sent Elijah. He was reached out to by God. God had patience with him, just as he had patience with us. GOD’S MERCY IS AMAZING. It’s never too late to repent and turn to God, no matter how horrible we think we are or how horrible we’ve become. God is a just God who desires to be merciful. When God decided to sentence the immoral generation during Noah’s time, He gave them 100 years to repent. Noah spent a year and a half building the Ark. According to 1 Pet 3:20, During Noah’s day, God patiently awaited the completion of the ark. For 40 days, it rained and flooded. The judgment lasted 40 days, but God granted the people 100 years to repent! And with Noah as a preacher of righteousness nagging them to remind them, as stated in 2 Pet 2:5! That’s God’s mercy in action! Be certain that God is ultimately and completely in control, even in the midst of persecutions and injustices. We have no fear of people in positions of power or of evildoers. God is aware of and concerned about the weak and feeble. This is what we witness at the CROSS: God’s justice and mercy.

In Matthew and Luke, mercy is contrasted with its polar opposite. Let’s start with Matthew 9:10–13.

And behold, while he sat at a table in the home, many tax collectors and sinners came in and sat with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees observed this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick,” he responded when he heard it. Learn what it means to say, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to summon the virtuous, but sinners.”

In this instance, the inverse of mercy is sacrifice. Verse 13I states  I seek mercy, not sacrifice.  This is a quotation from Hosea 6:6, in which God accuses the people of loving like dew on grass. It appears for a brief morning hour and then vanishes, leaving just the empty form of burnt offerings. God desires for his people to be alive in their hearts. He wants them to feel affectionate toward him and merciful toward one another. He disapproves of persons who perform their religious duties in a hurried or formal manner.

In this chapter, Jesus regards sinners as sick and suffering persons in need of medical attention, despite the fact that the tax collectors were exceedingly wealthy. collectors. They’re ill, and he has the remedy. The Pharisees, on the other hand, only find a ceremonial issue with being polluted by eating with sinners. Their lives appear to be governed by a set of rules. Something significant was at risk here, but they couldn’t see or feel it. When eternal sickness was about to be healed, they were chained to trifling problems of ritual cleanliness. As a result, the inverse of mercy is religious triviality.

Consider Matthew 23:23–24 as another example of this approach. His words in today’s language will be   “Misery to you, scribes and Pharisees!” says Jesus. You tithe mint, dill, and cumin, but you overlook the law’s most fundamental aspects: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have finished all of them without forgetting about the others. “You knuckleheads, squeezing out an insect and devouring a camel!”

What is the polar opposite of mercy in the Lord’s venomous words?  The lesson we learn from Jesus’ words, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” and “You strain out a gnat and swallow a camel,” is that being preoccupied with little issues is a great hindrance to charity. The servitude of triviality is the burden of the unmerciful. 

When Jesus advises, “Don’t disregard the weightier aspects of the law,” he means, “Beware of going through the day doing only trivial things, thinking only frivolous thoughts, experiencing merely trivial feelings.” The Lord wants us to pinch ourselves over and over again, lest we be found swooning in front of the television and the computer, with no arrangements in place for the important matter of mercy. The merciful are blessed. If you wish to be blessed, you must break free from the shackles of religious and secular trivialities and devote your life to the more important aspects of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. Mercy is not a frill; it is one of life’s most important issues.

The Good Samaritan tale, found in Luke 10:25–37, presents yet another illustration of mercy’s inverse. And behold, a lawyer stepped up to put him to the test, asking, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law?” he asked. “How do you interpret it?” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself,” he said. “You have replied correctly; do this, and you will live,” he told him.

Those who love God with all their hearts and their neighbor as themselves, according to Jesus, will be awarded eternal life. “Those who are empathetic toward their neighbor are blessed,” the statement continues, “because they will enjoy the mercy of eternal life in the future.” “Blessed are the merciful, for mercy will come to them.” “Who is my neighbor?” the lawyer then inquires. And Jesus responds with the Good Samaritan tale. In this story, Mercy has four different facets. We are called to respond externally and internally with an eye for suffering, a heart of grief, and a willingness to help, despite hatred.

1. “A Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and he saw him,” Mercy says.
2. It responds inside with a heart of compassion or empathy toward a person in distress: “When he saw him, he had compassion on him.”
3. “He went to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him,” it says.
4. It intervenes even if the person in distress is an adversary: A Samaritan, on the other hand. A half-breed Jew with a twisted religious tradition comes to the aid of a Jew who clearly hates him. That’s what mercy is.

Mercy is one of life’s more important issues. It is always in danger of being overlooked because of our preoccupation with trifles, either worldly trifles like watching too much television or engrossing yourself in a hobby, or religious trifles like watching too much television or engrossing yourself in a pastime. What is a religious trifling, exactly? A religious trifle is any religious action (from preaching to praying, from teaching to tithing) that does not foster a heart that is taken up with the weightier issues of life, such as mercy. The ability to sense misery, feel pity, and provide assistance, even to an enemy, is the evidence of the theological pudding.

For Godly people who are serious about living out their faith in a sinful world, real life is quite complicated. Is it possible for a Godly person to be kind all of the time and still spank a child for disobedience instead of turning the other cheek? Can a Godly person be merciful all of the time while still being an employer who pays fair wages for good work but fires irresponsible employees who do terrible work? Is it possible for a Godly person to be pleasant all of the time while still working as a legislator who enacts drunk-driving and child-abuse laws? Is it possible for a Godly person to always be gracious while serving on a council that fulfills the biblical command for church discipline and expulsion for a public, unforgivable sin?

These four questions are divided into four categories: family, business and economy, government and law enforcement, and religion. I  it is God’s desire that there be a blending of mercy and justice in all of these domains for the duration of this ageGod’s plan is for us to punish or praise people when they are deserving. And it is Divine will that we sometimes give folks more than they deserve. By supporting the claims of justice, we bear witness to the fact that God is a God of justice. We bear testimony to the truth that God is a merciful God by showing mercy.

In most cases, a biblical parent will follow the wisdom that sparing the rod ruins the child based on Proverbs 13:24 and Ephesians 6:4. However, there will be occasions when a kid’s sin will be forgiven without repercussions in order to teach the essence of mercy and woo the youngster to Christ. A biblical judge will usually be rigorous in his justice, sending criminals to prison due to the severity of their offenses as seen in Romans 13:4. There will be occasions, though, when he will show mercy for the greater good. A biblical employer will typically provide a fair wage and demand quality work  as stated in 2 Thessalonians 3:10.A biblical elder will hold public sin in the church accountable and exercise discipline, including exclusion from the fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:1–13, but he or she will also remember the parable of the wheat and tares, which teaches patience with the church’s imperfection until the end of times Matthew 13:24–30.

When will we know when to be merciful and just?  Even while acting harshly in the interest of justice, we must be merciful. “Blessed are the merciful,” not “Blessed are those who know when and how to demonstrate mercy in all circumstances,” according to the beatitude. Even while acting harshly in the interest of justice, we must be merciful. That is, we must have a poor heart, repent of our own misdeeds, be meekly free of defensiveness and self-exaltation, be hungry and thirsty for everything that is proper to obtain, be conscious of another’s agony and sadness, feel pity for his suffering, and make every effort to see the greatest good done.

If you’re merciful, you’ll discipline a child differently, prosecute a criminal differently, and fire an employee differently. Mercy will be displayed, and the parent may cry. The prosecutor may meet with the criminal and his family, and the employer may be required to pay for remedial training. Mercy’s heart will be revealed. Why will only merciful people find mercy from God on the judgment day, if salvation is by grace through faith?

“Blessed are the merciful, because they shall obtain mercy,” Matthew 5:7 states. In other words, when we encounter God face to face, the people who will get mercy from him will be those who have been merciful.

Is this a works-based salvation? Do we earn God’s mercy by being merciful? No, because “deserved mercy” would be a logical contradiction. It is not mercy; it is a pay if mercy is earned. When God requests a record of your mercy on the day of judgment, he will not be asking for a punch card. “Here it is, eight hours of mercy,” you won’t say. “Now, where is my pay?”Is this a salvation by works? Do we earn his mercy by our mercy? No, because an “earned mercy” would be a contradiction in terms. If mercy is earned, it is not mercy; it’s a wage. When God asks for a record of your mercy on the judgment day, he will not be asking for a punched time card. You won’t say, “Here it is, eight hours of mercy. Now where’s my wage?”

Instead, God will want your charts, proof of how you trusted him and how the medicine of his word and the therapy of his Spirit worked in your life because you relied on them to heal you of your unmerciful nature. And when he sees the evidence of your faith and his healing, he will complete your recovery and welcome you into the kingdom for all time. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall gain mercy,” the Bible says.”

Mercy, as ascribed to God, can be viewed and interpreted in two ways.

1. FOR THE PRINCIPLE ITSELF; which is nothing more than God’s simple undivided personality manifested and spread abroad in various acts of mercy and favor to the creature. In different ways, the very same core and nature is referred to as wisdom, justice, power, kindness, and so on.

II. IT IS USED FOR THE OUTCOMES AND ACTIONS OF THE PRINCIPLE BY WHICH IT MANIFESTS AND EXERTS ITSELF. This also allows for a division into two types.

1. It is universal and distributed equally to everybody.

2. IT IS USED FOR THE OUTCOMES AND ACTIONS OF THE PRINCIPLE BY WHICH IT MANIFESTS AND EXERTS ITSELF. This also allows for a division into two types.

1. Those that are universal and disseminated equally to everybody.

2. Those that are unique and specifically related to the retribution and reparation of fallen man, whom God chose and singled out from the rest of His works as the fitting object for this great attribute to exert its greatest influence.As a result, all difficult thoughts men have concerning God should be suppressed through all means and arts of meditation, on which we can focus our attention:

(1) The unreasonableness of the situation.

(2) The risk

As seen in Psalm 145, The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works

What Can We Do to Take Advantage of God’s Mercy?

1.  Have Faith in His Mercy: God’s mercy is like a fountain that has been opened. Allow the bucket of faith to fall, and you will be able to drink from this fountain of salvation. What could be a more powerful motivator to believe than God’s mercy? God considers it his glory to disperse pardons; he longs for sinners to touch the golden scepter of his mercy and live. There are two ways to see this readiness to grant mercy.

2. To adore God: Mercy should be the magnet of love. While God’s justice may cause us to fear Him, His kindness causes us to love Him. If mercy isn’t a motivator for love, what is?We ought to love God for providing bread, but even more so for providing grace; for sparing mercy, but even more so for saving mercy. The heart, without a doubt, is constructed of marble, which will not dissolve in love, despite God’s benevolence.

3. Seek God in Prayer: We are urged to look upon God in prayer, not in His judgment robes, but in a rainbow full of mercy and clemency. This should fill our hearts with excitement when we pray. We go to the Father of Mercy, who sits on the throne of grace, in prayer. We should approach Him with faith in His benevolence, as one would approach a fire, not doubtingly, saying, “Maybe it will warm me, maybe not.”

4. Be Aware of Your Spiritual Needs: Recognize how desperately you require forgiveness and salvation. Look around, orphans. “The fatherless find mercy in thee” (Hosea. 14:4). Only people in need receive God’s merciful alms. Be stripped of all self-worth judgments. God pours mercy’s golden oil into empty pots. if we declare we have  no fault in us, we are misleading ourselves” (1 John.1: 8).

5) Seek God’s Mercy: In our daily lives, because we are unworthy in His eyes, and having realized our sinful position, let us cry with King David, “Have mercy upon me, O God!” Psalm 51:1. Psalm 136 reminds us 26 times that “his mercy endures forever,” and that we should therefore come to Him with penitent hearts. St. John’s letter also tells us that if we confess our sins, we will receive his mercy, since God is trustworthy and upright, and He will forgive us (1John. 1:9).

6. Be Humble in God’s Presence: Just as God’s mercy makes the saints happy, it should also humble them. Mercy is not the result of our virtue, but of God’s. Mercy is a gift from God. We  have no need to be condescending because they live on God’s mercy’s handouts. Even if I am righteous, I will not lift up my head,’ Job 10:15: because all of my goodness is the result of God’s mercy, I will be humble and will not lift up my head.

i7. Don’t Take God’s Mercy for Granted: Do not think that just because God is kind, you may keep sinning; this turns mercy into an enemy. Except for the priests, who were more sanctified by virtue of their office, no one could approach the ark; similarly, only those who are resolved to be pure may accept God’s kindness. Because kindness is plentiful, the devil’s rationale is to sin. He who sins because he knows God is merciful  will face a harsh judgment. When mercy is mistreated, it becomes enraged. “The Lord’s mercy is upon those who fear him,” Psalms 103:17 says. God’s mercy is a holy mercy; when it pardons, it cures.

8) Imitate God in Showing Mercy: Since God is the Father of Mercy, imitate him in showing mercy.  to perform acts of charity, to be useful to other people’s bodies and souls.” Spread your golden seeds, and fuel your profession’s torch with the oil of generosity. When it comes to giving and forgiving, be merciful. ‘Be merciful, as your heavenly Father is merciful,’ says Jesus in Luke 6:36.

1. THE DEFINITION OF MERCY IS UNMERITED FAVOR, as stated in Ephesians 2:1, Romans 5:12, and 2 Corinthians 8:9.

2. GRACE’S DUTY–TO MAKE SALVATION POSSIBLE

15:11 (NASB) “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be rescued, just as they.”  Romans 3:24  “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” and  :Titus 2:11-12

3. THE DETERMINATION OF GRACE–OUR SALVATION IS NOT EARNED, as stated in Romans 4:4-5 and Ephesians 2:8. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Titus 3:3-7 says.

God’s Mercy provides…

1.Salvation

A. Titus 3:5. Not by works of righteousness that we have done, however, through his mercy through by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit;”

2. Satisfaction – Heb. 4:16 “Let us therefore fearlessly approach the throne of grace, that we could obtain mercy to help us in our time of need.”

3. Endurance – 2 Cor. 4:1 “Thus, realizing that we have this ministry and that we have received mercy, we do not faint;”

4. Justice – Rom. 3:23 “For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory;

Because God loves us, He extends mercy to us.

A STRANGER FINDING MERCY is described in 1 Samuel 30:11-15.

David and his men are on the hunt for the men who destroyed their homes and kidnapped their families. Along the way, they come across a man who was placed there by Almighty God’s providence. Isn’t it amazing how He manages men’s affairs? There’s more to this epic tale than David and his men pursuing down their assailants. The enormous love and mercy of Holy God towards fallen men is depicted here. These verses depict the Lord and His compassion for the sinner.

Here we noticed that this stranger was a stranger to God’s promises and Israel’s hope! He was bereft of friends and left for dead! The sinner only has one Friend – David – Psalms 142:4! John 15:13; Proverbs 18:24. This foreigner was famished — he was on the verge of starvation! David rescued him by finding him and feeding him. When he met David, his life was forever transformed. David set him free from slavery.

B. Death — The man would have died without a doubt.

C. Disuse – Here was a man who had had enough of life and believed it was over. David gave him a new lease of life and a new outlook on the future! This is how we should show mercy.

Those who have been shown mercy will return the favor. Mercy is more than just gentleness. Mercy isn’t only a sentiment. It’s not seeing someone in pain and distress and crying for them. This is sentimental, but it isn’t mercy. Mercy is the manifestation of kindness. The wonders of kindness. The quality of mercy is one of God’s most precious attributes. When we are merciful, we are acting in the manner of God. In Lamentations 3:22-23, God connects mercy with compassion.Every morning, we can greet God’s mercy. Every day is a blessing from God.  God counts His treasures, not in silver or gold, but in mercy, according to Ephesians 2:4. 

The Lord came to us, had compassion on us, took us to His house of mercy, and paid the ransom.  The Lord has shown each of us mercy, according to Luke 10:36. Mercy is the manifestation of compassion. We must learn the mercy message. Not with the priest and Levite’s indifference. Not with them who beat the man’s iniquity. However, with the involvement that life necessitates.

Three types of persons are mentioned in Luke 10: 1. The shabby chic: These are the robbers, killers, and destroyers. This includes pornographers, boozehounds, and abortionists. Some individuals have been damaged and assaulted. Some people have been injured domestically, psychologically, and financially. Some of them have been sexually abused. Cults, false teaching, and liberalism inflict spiritual wounds on some.

2) The passers-by: Their names can be found on church rolls.

3. The scavengers

 We all fall into one of the categories listed above. Either we’re like the thieves who said, “What’s yours is mine, and I’ll take it.” Alternatively, we can be like the priest and Levite who declared, “What’s really mine is mine, and I will keep it.” Or, as the good Samaritan stated, “What’s mine is mine, but you can have it if you need it.” I’ve come to give, serve, and minister.”

As stated in Psalm 85:10, there can be no mercy without the truth. All genuine mercy is founded on the truth. Mercy does not imply a reduction of sin. God does not deal with us in a fair manner, but rather in a merciful manner. God isn’t always just. When we expect someone to treat us fairly, we are getting what we deserve. We’ll receive what’s coming to us. Nothing is due to us because we are undeserving. When someone pursues justice, he feels disappointed when he receives what he believes he is entitled to. He’s upset not only because he didn’t obtain it sooner, but also because it was given to someone else.

God is both just and kind. Sin must be punished, according to God’s justice.  When we realize the reality, we beg for mercy. If we deny the Lord in this life, how much harsher will the punishment be than  for those who trample the blood of the covenant beneath their feet if they reject Moses’ instruction and die without mercy?

  We are forgiven when we offer kindness, as Matthew 5:6-7 demonstrates. We exhibit mercy because we have been pardoned. According to James 2:13, there is judgment, but kindness triumphs over it. However, if we do not show mercy, we will face judgment without mercy, as stated in Psalm 18:25. When we are upright, we are merciful. But we can’t receive mercy until we’ve been poor in spirit, repented of our sins, yielded to God, and received Jesus Christ, God’s righteousness. And when we are shown mercy, we return the favor. Those who have been shown mercy are better at showing it than anyone else. It’s no surprise that those who haven’t been shown mercy don’t exhibit mercy to others.

If God has forgiven us in love, how much more should we forgive one another?  Have you been shown mercy? Do you have any personal acquaintance with Jesus? If not, you might pray to Him today, asking Him to enter into your life. Today, pray. Repent of your sins and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life.

Let us pray: Answer me when I call to you, my just God. Deliver me from my distress; have compassion on me and listen to my prayer.” Lord, like David in Psalm 4, we cry out to you as our authority and the author of true mercy. Thank you for being a compassionate and loving God. Life is difficult enough without continuously being terrified of a God who is trying to get me.

Introduction:

Where and what do we usually turn for consolation when life seems to be conspiring against us? Why?

What mood does the writer depict – is it one of distress, trust, or joy?

Psalm 123 is a psalm about seeking mercy from God. In verses 1-2, the idea of “seeing” is introduced, with the word “eyes” appearing four times. The concept of mercy is  introduced at the conclusion of verse two and continues through verses 3-4, where the word “mercy” appears three times. Another psalm recited by pilgrims on their route to Jerusalem at the feast is this one. These songs provide a framework for being ready to meet with God and His people.
This Psalm is an excellent example of how the power of prayer emerges from fervor rather than a large number of words. Every prayer is lengthy enough if it is sincere and comes from a heart that recognizes the importance.

The psalmist addresses God as “you who are enthroned in heaven” in verse 1. What contribution does that description make to the psalmist’s plea? What does that say about his attitude toward God?

How should we, as God’s servants, regard our master?

What characterizes your relationship with God?

The psalmist’s motivation has been defined in verses 3 through 4. What is it that he desires from the Lord? Why? What are other people doing to the psalmist, and how does this affect him? Are you able to empathize with his plight?

We frequently think of religion as a distant, curiously operated bureaucracy to whom we turn for help when we need it. We proceed to a nearby branch office and tell the clerk (also known as a pastor) to fill out our God order. Then we go home and wait for God to be given to us in accordance with our demands.” Is this correct? What are your thoughts on the matter?

Have you ever been mocked because of your faith? What are your thoughts on this? What do you suppose it’s like for believers who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus? What can/should we do?
What is your perspective on God, and how does it differ from the psalmist’s? What is his comparison between man and God? What’s the difference between you and God?
What conclusions do you get from comparing between you and God? Are you certain that God is on your side? If so, what’s the reasoning behind it? Why not, if not?
What would total dependence on God be like in your particular situation? Is there any way we can pray for you to have courage and depend on Him for grace and aid on a daily basis?

Exploration:

Verse 1: A. The one who is afflicted looks to the LORD for help.
The psalmist expresses his desire and action to elevate his eyes to the LORD. This indicates that he is focused on the LORD opposed to his present conditions . Having someone to look up to is beneficial. The Psalmist could not raise his eyes any higher. The psalmist gains trust by recognizing wherever the Deity dwells. Although there is no mercy or assistance on Earth, there is plenty of mercy and assistance in paradise. The pilgrim’s goal is not Jerusalem, as important as that city was, or even the temple in Jerusalem, as important as that temple was, but God himself, whose actual throne is not on earth.

verse 2: How do we approach the Almighty?

The servant watches his master for the tiniest sign of need or desire, and responds immediately. The psalmist looks to God with the same fervor, devotion, and persistence.
i. They should take a position where they can see Him; they should fix their sight on Him; and they should look at Him with patient trust as well as enthusiastic eagerness to respond when He issues directives.
ii.Obviously, this is not an endorsement of slavery. It’s a way of emphasizing that the disciple’s reliance on God and submission to God should be no less absolute than an obedient servant to an earthly master.

iii. The servants’ gaze is drawn to the master’s hands, which suggests at least three things:
Dependence: All that is required is provided by the master’s hands.
Submission: The servant’s work is directed by the master’s hands.
Discipline: The servant is corrected by the master’s hands.
iv. How to seek Jehovah’s help in the right way. It’s about relying on others, obeying orders, and responding to corrections. Do we reverently, obediently, intently, continually, eagerly, singly, submissively, pleadingly look to God like that?
v. Creation, providence, and grace are three of Jehovah’s hand’s actions. Each one teaches us a different aspect of our responsibilities; as a result, we must study them carefully in order to understand the divine will.

vi. We have been operating on our own initiative for far too long; let us wait for an indication of our exalted Lord’s will till He takes pity on us. This is the amount of time the composer intends to commit to the LORD. He does not expect a prompt response, but will wait patiently for the LORD to show mercy.

B. The alienated begs for pity.
Verse 3: The psalmist didn’t just hope for kindness; he pleaded for it. He showed that waiting on the LORD isn’t something you do passively. He repeated his plea for mercy, demonstrating the seriousness of his desire. He hoped that the Master he sought would see him and assist him. The psalmist desired God’s intervention and kindness. Because he was overwhelmed with others’ contempt. Others’ scorn for us can sometimes just roll off our backs like raindrops. Other times, we take others’ contempt and allow it to fill us — sometimesunhealthy amounts of it. We must recognize that only God’s mercy can save us at this moment.

The cause for the necessity for mercy.
4th Verse:

This scorn has never been easy to endure, but it’s especially hurtful when it comes from those who appear to have few problems or challenges. This had become the dominant notion in their heads, as well as the source of their distinctive grief. A sense of disdain monopolized the soul and made it unutterably sad, excluding all other sentiments. Apart from the fact it is so easy, people condemn what they oppose because it is disheartening and frequently successful. It works because it targets the latent insecurities or flaws that practically everyone possesses. In this scenario, liberation from affliction has a negative impact. When you put someone at ease, he despises the suffering pious and becomes haughty in his heart and conduct.

The disdain hurled on the composer was worsened by the fact that it came from the proud and arrogant. The psalmist, on the other hand, was content to wait for God’s grace. Pride is both repulsive and repulsive. Nonetheless, this song is imbued with an implicit assurance that God’s mercy would triumph over the proud’s scorn.
With all its tortured feeling of the mockers’ gibes and their great duration, this lovely lament has no accent of impatience.
Contempt can be a source of honor (Acts 5:41), and it is something that Christ Himself accepted and used to save the world. In an immoral culture, dedicating one’s life to worship would always be treated with scorn and ridicule. What is truly important?

The pilgrims’ eyes are lifted to Jehovah’s throne, which is positioned high above all the commotion and war of words.

Application

God is merciful, according to Ephesians 2:4. Mercy drives compassion and goodwill, and it is closely linked to forgiveness. So, if grace gives us what we don’t deserve, mercy is what rescues us. Jesus redeemed us through grace, and his mercy stems from his words on the cross, “forgive them, for they do not understand what they are doing.” So many people in life appear to be carrying a heavy burden. You won’t spend a day without hearing the terms “depression,” “anxiety,” “loneliness,” and “concern.” These are all the result of a downward gaze. When we glance up, we are following the Psalms of Ascent, which constitute an upward motion when read together.

This psalm outlines three methods in which we should seek mercy from the Lord.
1)Look to the lord as a monarch on his throne
2)As a servant looks to his master, look to the Lord.
3)Have faith in the Lord as your compassionate Saviour.

When you’re in difficulty, we need to turn to someone who can genuinely help you. This scripture emphasizes that God is sovereign and that there is no limit to what he can do for us. Let’s take a peek at who we’re looking up to:

• God is in charge. Psalm 115:3 
• Our God is in heaven, and does whatever he wants. Matthew 6:9

God’s throne is in the sky, and he rules over everything. Have you ever observed how the Lord’s Prayer is written in plural form? “My Father in heaven, give me today my daily food,” we don’t pray. “Give us today our daily food,” we pray to “our father.” The similar thing happens in Psalm 123. “I lift my eyes to you,” the psalmist begins, but in his actual petition, he prays in the plural: “Have compassion on us, O Lord, Be merciful on us.”(Psalm 123:2- 3)  The Lord isn’t only in charge of me. All things are under the Lord’s control. While the earth may not all bow down to God’s authority, he is in charge.( Daniel 2:20-22)

Have you ever visited a high-end restaurant and had a waiter who was extremely attentive to your every need? They will go to great lengths to make your stay enjoyable. The psalmist looks to God with the same fervor, devotion, and persistence. When you read this verse regarding the position of a servant, it’s probable that we’ll find it humiliating and unjust. However, Biblical teaching in Old Testament times recognized that individuals had servants to help them around the house and on their property, and that they were to be treated respectfully. (Deuteronomy 24:14–15)

People in lower-ranking positions have never been exploited, and they should never be. The Psalmist is portraying God’s people’s attentiveness in seeking his mercy, comparable to how a servant would be attentive to a master. “Speak, for your servant is listening,” Samuel said when the Lord cried out to him in the middle of the night in 1 Samuel 3. He seemed to be paying attentively.  As a result, it teaches us that when we seek God’s compassion and mercy,   we must likewise give heed to him .

Have you ever had the notion you’ve had enough? That you wish the problems to disappear? “God is faithful, and he will not allow you be tested beyond your strength, but he will also give the way out so that you may be able to endure it,” Paul says. (Colossians 10:13) How reassuring it is to know God recognizes your boundaries when you’ve had enough, . “As a parent has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him,” according to Psalm 103, “because he knows how we are formed, he recalls that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14) Rest assured that God is keeping an eye on us. He is aware.

The arrogant are opposed by God. How do you feel about circumstances in which you feel attacked or oppressed by someone else; do you desire retaliation? The psalmist expresses no animosity, and the situation is left in God’s hands. Remember, we are not in the business of fighting people. ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, even against the dark world forces, and against the spiritual forces of evil with in heavenly realms, Ephesians (6:12). Remember that all of the challenges and difficulties we face are not from God. 

The psalmist was aware of the haughty and proud’s disdain and mockery. And the war is God’s to win.   “I will punish the earth for its iniquity, the wicked for their misdeeds,” God says in Isaiah 13:11. I will put an end to the haughty’s conceit, and I will humble the merciless’ pride.”   They don’t petition God for mercy since they don’t turn to God for mercy. They do not obtain since they do not ask. James 4:6 says “God opposes the proud but offers grace to the humble”.”Have pity on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.”(Psalm 123:3). God shows mercy to those who seek it. In Mathew 5:5, Jesus declares in: the beatitudes: Blessed are the humble, for they shall inherit the earth. For those who seek the Lord in humility and cry for his mercy,the inheritance is apparent.

Psalm 123 is the cries of someone who has no choice but to pray. When you’ve had enough, when you’re at your wit’s end, don’t despair; instead, turn to the Lord. Don’t take things into your own hands.Instead, look to your master’s hand. Seek mercy from the Lord. Declare your whole reliance on God for everything. Then, through Jesus, confidently approach God’s throne in order to obtain mercy and grace.

Questions:

How can we ever represent who God is in our worship when we elevate our eyes to him, the King of Heaven and Lord of Lords, as we lift our gaze to him?
Practical Consideration: Whenever we are confronted with an issue, we should put our attention in the proper way.

Consider something in your life right now, and in light of verse 2, turn to God for his intervention, be sensitive to him in your gazing, wait, and know that God will aid you in your time of need.

Have you ever imagined that God was paying attention to your pains in this way while you cried out for mercy?

Steps to take next:

Establish Decisions/Reminders/Commitments
Make a time and date to go through what you’ve learned.
Examine the Bible.

Life can be difficult, and it’s easy to become discouraged. Remember that the One who is holding your hand was there from the start… and already knows how it will end. He’ll help you get over this. Because I am the Lord your God, who takes your right hand in his and says, “Do not be afraid; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 (niv)

Many moments can feel dark in this world. And in difficult times, that darkness can loom large. God, on the other hand, is still present. He also reminds us that He is greater than any challenge we may face in life. His might is the only one capable of rescuing us from the pits we fall into from time to time. Pray for God’s supernatural power to shine through the darkness and cover you, lifting you out of any scenario you may be in today. Believe that nothing is impossible for Him, and kindly ask Him to heal and grace you in the most intimate areas of your life. 1 John 4:4; Matthew 19:26; 2 Timothy 1:7; Matthew 19:26

Thoughts and observations:

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We occasionally resist change so vehemently that God has to shut down the way things have been in our life in order to fulfill his purpose for us. Just because you’ve been doing something for a long time doesn’t mean God doesn’t have anything else in mind for you right now. You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you every day. Guide me in your truth and teach me. 25:5 (Psalm) (niv)

When you feel completely alone, when difficulties arise, anxiety and loneliness are likely to follow. The enemy desires nothing more than for you to believe that you are alone. Remind yourselves that God sees you, precisely how you are, and He will never abandon you. Thank Him for His great support  presently, and that He sees you precisely how you are. Believe what He says — that He loves you — and you will never be alone. 2 Chronicles 16:9, Genesis 16:13, Psalms 25:16-17

Thoughts and observations:

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Thoughts and Observations:

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Setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves, other people, and life only serves to increase our anxiety. God should be the source of all our hopes and dreams. My soul, wait solely on God, for he is the source of my hope. I’m not going anywhere because he’s my only hope and salvation; he’s my protection. Psalm 62:5-6

No matter what we encounter, we are never alone. Our heavenly father goes ahead of us, walks alongside us every step of the way, and directs our path. Pray that you would remain vigilant, that our heavenly father will assist you to remain strong in Him, and that you would daily sense His Presence covering you in all that you’re facing. Joshua 23:10, Deuteronomy 3:22, Romans 8:31-32

Observations and thoughts:

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Planners find comfort and assurance in thinking things out and anticipating what will happen next. However, things don’t always turn out the way we hope. That’s when we have to remember that God, too, is a planner. Our ideas may be good, but God’s are far better! He loves us, and we have a bright future ahead of us. We can rely on Him! “I know the plans I have for you,” the Lord reveals, “plans to benefit you rather than harm you, plans to offer you hope and a future as stated in  Jeremiah9:11 

Ask the Almighty to assist you be faithful and discerning in supporting and praying for all those leaders who may be virtuous influences in our land rather than fretting about things are just out of your control,
Thank God that He has complete control over our life. Pray for the Almighty’s redemption, mercy and blessings for every nation. Evaluate  John 14:27, John 16:33, Psalm 31:15