JOSHUA 9

Lack of Spiritual Discernment hinders the mission, but God remains Merciful, Powerful, and Faithful.

Key Phrase -Joshua 9:14 “…did not ask counsel from the Lord.”

Key Words -Heard (v. 1) -Cunning (v. 3)

-Covenant (v. 6-7, 11, 15-16) -Delivered/Saved (v. 26)

TWO NEEDS OF GOD’S PEOPLE ON MISSION

1. Need for Spiritual Discernment

Areas of Primary Spiritual Discernment:

+ Does it add anything to God’ Word?

- Does it take away from who Jesus is and what he has done?

x Does it multiply the requirements for salvation?

/ Does it divide the Body of Christ?

How to Discern:

- Elders/Pastors to shepherd, feed, and lead the Church

- Members discerning teaching based on Scripture (Acts 17)

- Members using the Spiritual Gift of Discernment

- Distinguish Heresy, False Teaching, Mistakes, and Disagreements

- Evaluate the Person’s Character and Direction of Life

- Discern the Discernment Ministries

- Learn from Historical, Global, and Theological Voices

- Determine the Origin- Inside or Outside the Church

- Operate with Humility and Love within the Church, even as we

Speak the Truth and Pursue Holiness

2. Need for God’s Mercy, Power, and Faithfulness

We need God’s mercy for our rash decisions

We need to see God’s mercy on display for others

We need to remember God’s Power and Faithfulness

THE CHALLENGE:

How do we become a church/individuals of Truth and Spiritual

Discernment AND Mercy and Spiritual Humility?

*By worshiping Jesus and following Him!