Introduction

Begin with a summary and reminder of what the Spirit has been teaching in Joshua 13–17:

• Chapter 13: the land is given by God as a gift to his people. And just as surely as Israel received real land in Canaan, we can be certain that the inheritance that awaits us in the new creation will be just as physical and real.

• Chapter 14: the example of faith. Caleb, one of the spies originally sent into the land by Moses, is still trusting God to keep his promises more than forty years later, inspiring us to do the same today.

• Chapter 15: God knows where he places his people. God has placed each one of us in a specific place where he wants us to serve him. He is in control of our circumstances, he provides for our needs, and he wants us to obey him in the land.

• Chapter 16–17: excuses and means of strengthening. We all make excuses to avoid obedience: we complain about God’s provision, we act as if we cannot fight our sinful desires, as if they are too strong for us; we reinterpret God’s Word when we do not like what it says. Knowing that we make these excuses, the Spirit showed us some of the ways in which he will strengthen us for obedience. He raises up examples from fellow believers, and through the preaching of God’s Word he reminds us of God’s promises.

The purpose of repetition

• Explain how many of the same themes we have already seen in previous chapters are repeated in Joshua 18–19.

• Explain why it is necessary for us to hear the same truths again and again.

• Explain that though repetition is important, the Spirit actually wants to focus our attention specifically on Shiloh and the tent of meeting.

Shiloh and the tent of meeting

• Explain why Israel has moved to Shiloh.

• Explain the purposes of the tent of meeting.

The Lord’s desire for fellowship with his people

• Explain how the tent of meeting enabled real fellowship between God and his people.

• Explain how the tent of meeting pointed forward to the coming of Christ.

• Explain how the pattern of regularly meeting with God was expected from old covenant believers.

• Explain how the pattern of regularly meeting with God is expected also from new covenant believers.

• Apply: why is it essential for us to meet with God? Are you prioritizing this meeting? Can you change your schedule to make sure you are present at worship on the Lord’s Day?

• Explain why we want to meet with God and why we must not allow our sin to keep us from coming to this meeting.

Conclusion

As Christian believers, those who belong to God, you now have an obligation of regularly meeting with him so that you can be strengthened and equipped by his Spirit. God wants you to meet with him and gather with his church for worship—that is how he is going to change your desires, shape your dreams, and make you strong for service in the places where he has placed you.