Joshua 22 Study Guide

Continuing our “Taking Ground” series, this past weekend Pastor Duane Roberts from our Boynton Beach campus explored Joshua 22, exposing a big misunderstanding that took place between the tribes of Israel. In this message, we discovered how unity within the body of Christ brings about blessings, how much chaos and division can be caused by misunderstanding, and the dangers of rushing to judgment.

Watch the video below to see a few highlights from the teaching and share it with your friends via social media. To watch the message in its entirety, click here.


For the Note Takers

Unity Breeds Blessings (Joshua 22:1–9): When there is unity, there is peace. When the body of Christ operates in unity, working within their gifts and talents, doing their part, being led by the Spirit, and walking in love and service to God and one another, the body of Christ is at its absolute best. That unity allows us to shine the light of the gospel and experience His blessings.

But unity can also give way to division. Sadly, we can sometimes become discontent and jealous when we live in comparisons. So, instead of enjoying the blessings, the purpose, and the journey the Lord has given us, we can end up coveting what He has given to others.

Misunderstandings Breed Division (Joshua 22:10–20): How would you feel if someone wrongly accused you of not following God? If they attacked your character, questioned your relationship with the Lord? No questions asked, no conversation or Matthew 18 approach, just assumed conclusions of guilt . . . just judgment. What would your response be? That’s what happened in Joshua 22.

When the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar it caused the other tribes of Israel to assume they had turned to idolatry. They accused them without first asking what was going on. We later see they were wrong in their accusation, because as we see in Joshua 22:24–25, these tribes explained, “We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you—you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no share in the Lord.’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord.”

In reality, both sides acted in assumptions, and it caused great misunderstanding and almost escalated to serious conflict. This is the danger we face when we don’t seek the wisdom and direction of the Lord, when we’re not being led by the Spirit, when we think we’re doing His will but aren’t actually seeking Him to even know if we are acting according to His will.

Reconciliation Breeds Redemption (Joshua 10:21–34): The tribes wanted to preserve unity, not just for that time but for generations to come. Unfortunately, their methods were misunderstood which led to some conflict. However, once they both spoke and everything was understood, reconciliation took place.

Is there a serious conflict in your life today that seems unredeemable? Seek reconciliation and restoration. Approach the other party with humility and the love and grace of the Lord Jesus.

Quote to Remember: : Rumors take on a life of their own and fires are fanned when people act on hearsay.—Duane Roberts


QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

As you think about this weekend’s teaching, here are a few questions to reflect on and consider on your own, with your family, or in your group.

1. How does unity breed blessing? 

2. What is the danger in a comparison-driven mentality? 

3. Why should we be careful when we’re tempted to make assumptions?

4. Can you think of a time when you were falsely accused of something? How did you respond? 

5. How have you seen the Lord work in restoring you with someone you had conflict with?


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A LOOK AHEAD

Join us on Wednesday as Pastor Darren Bennett from our North Miami campus shares a powerful word about the need for spiritual fathers and mothers in the lives of believers and the importance of finishing well.

Then on the weekend, Pastor Doug will explore Joshua 11–21, showing us how God is so faithful to keep His promises.

About the Author

Danny Saavedra

Danny Saavedra is a licensed minister who has served on staff at Calvary since 2012, managing the Calvary Devotional and digital discipleship resources. He has a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Liberty Theological Seminary. His wife Stephanie, son Jude, and daughter Zoe share a love of Star Wars, good food, having friends over for dinner, and studying the Word together as a family.