After the Battle is Over

(9) After the Battle is Over
(Joshua 22)
Rev. Neil Kim

 I. Joshua commands them for their faithfulness and obedience. (vv. 1-4)
These two and a half tribes listened to God’s Word, and obeyed it.
There is freedom in knowing that you heard the voice of God and obeyed, and can now move on to something new.

 II. Joshua gives them earnest advice. (vv. 5-8)
Principles for sustaining continual peace and prosperity in ministry: (v. 5)
Keeping the Word of God.
Keeping up personal relationship with God.
To walk in obedience to Him.
Hold fast to Him and serve him with all your heart and mind.
It’s all about God, and we are just doing His work. (v. 6)
When you do God’s work faithfully, He will also reward you. (vv. 7-8)

III. Legitimate concern. (vv. 9-10)
The two and a half tribes wanted to make sure to everyone that the two and a half tribes also belonged to the nation of Israel even though they may be living away from the Promised Land.
They made their decision, not on the basis of spiritual values, but on the basis of their need for raising cattle.

IV. Dealing with major issues. (vv. 11-29)
Communication breakdown (v. 11)
They met together and talked. (vv. 13-16)
Both sides expressed their own concern and deep conviction. (vv. 17-29)

V. Happy agreement, but was God pleased? (vv. 30-34)
Phinehas was pleased, the leaders were pleased with the outcome; but was God pleased?
Peace at any price isn’t God’s will for His people.

VI. Applications:
The two and a half tribes made their decision about where to live based on their needs.  Have you made any decision based on your needs rather than what God wanted?  If so, what happened afterward?
We all look for peace when there is a conflict. Have you ever come to peace with someone or something without consulting God, if so, what happened afterward?