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The Story - Deception vs. Coalition

     Rather than joining the enemy coalition, the Gibeonites devise a cunning ruse!

• “Feared greatly” for their lives (vs. 24)
• Told with “certainty” that God had
  • given them the land
  • told them to destroy the inhabitants

The Problem:

1. Israel fails to seek counsel from the Lord (vs. 14)
2. Joshua makes a peace covenant with the enemy (vs. 15)
3. The people grumble when they find out the truth (vs. 18)

The Outcome:

1. Gibeon is spared (vs. 26)
2. Gibeon is assimilated (vs. 27)
3. Gibeon is preserved (2 Sam. 21:1-9)
4. Gibeon is redeemed (1 Chron. 12:4, Jeremiah 28:1, 1 Chron. 16:39-40, 1 Chron. 21:29, 1 Kings 3:4, Neh. 7:25)

The Takeaways:

1. Seek the Lord first and foremost in all things (Matt. 6:33)
   
        a. Keep on seeking
                   i. Don’t quit - the problem of discouragement
                   ii. Don’t become complacent - the problem of spiritual apathy
                   iii. Don’t get sidetracked - the problem of worldly distractions
        b. Highest priority and purpose (Col. 3:2, Phil 2:5)
        c. Serve the King as Lord of all (Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 6:46)
   
   
2. Know God’s heart (Prov. 3:5-7)
   
        a. Know His Word to obey His commands and apply His principles (Ps. 119:105, Prov. 19:21)
        b. Seek Godly wise counsel (Prov. 12:5, 15)
        c. Be Spirit-led (John 14:16-17, John 16:13-14)
   
   
3. Remember who God is, as He works His plan for His glory, despite our mistakes
   
   ● He is Sovereign (completely rules, in control, not surprised)
   ● He is Merciful (we don’t get what we deserve)
   ● He is Gracious (we get what we don’t deserve)
   ● He is Redeemer (despite us, He works His good and perfect plan of redemption for His glory – the triumph of grace!)

“How are we going to treat the Lord Jesus Christ…?
Christ is either Lord of all, or is not Lord at all!”
(Hudson Taylor)

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