Stanley Tavaziva

Q2. (Joshua 5:14) What is the significance of the Commander of God's Armies being with you? If he will fight your battles for you, what does your job consist of? The significance is the commander of the army is with me I am protected. My job is to worship , thank Him and acknowledge His presents

Q4. (Joshua 6:27) The slaughter of all the people in Jericho is difficult for us to understand. Why do you think God ordered it? In what sense are you "devoted to the Lord" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Metaphorically, how does this relate to Jesus' teaching to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him, and Paul's teaching on the crucified life? (Luke 9:23; Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20). God demand that the Israelites destroy almost everyone and everything in Jericho? He was carrying out severe judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites. This judgment, or ban, usually required that everything be destroyed. Because of their evil practices and intense idolatry, the Canaanites were a stronghold of rebellion against God. This threat to the right kind of living that God required had to be removed. If not, it would affect all Israel like a cancerous growth. Our bodies belongs to God? Many people say they have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies. Although they think that this is freedom, they are really enslaved to their own desires. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Therefore, we no longer own our bodies. That God bought us “with a high price” refers to slaves purchased at an auction. Christ’s death freed us from sin but also obligates us to his service. If you live in a building owned by someone else, you try not to violate the building’s rules. Because your body belongs to God, you must not violate his standards for living.

Q3. (Joshua 6:1-23) What is the meaning of the seven days of marching with the ark? What does the ark represent? What mechanism do you think God used to make the walls fall down? The ark was Gods presents all the time.God’s purpose in all this was to keep the people’s faith and religion uncontaminated. He did not want the plunder to remind Israel of Canaanite practices. God also wants us to be pure. He wants us to clean up our behavior when we begin a new life with him. We must not let the desire for personal gain distract us from our spiritual purpose. We must also reject any objects that are reminders of a life of rebellion against God. God used his power to make the walls fall.

Q2. (Joshua 5:14) What is the significance of the Commander of God’s Armies being with you? If he will fight your battles for you, what does your job consist of? Joshua 5:14 The reply of the Lord to Joshua was brief but urgent. Remove your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy. In the presence of the holy God all my battles will be Lord's. Joshua's response was startling and revealing. Something occurred that convinced Joshua this was no mortal soldier. There was a flash of revelation and Joshua knew he was in the presence of God. It was clear that Joshua was talking to the Angel of the Lord, another appearance in Old Testament times of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Q1. (Joshua 5:13-16) What is Joshua’s challenge question to the Unknown Warrior with drawn sword? Who is He? Whose side is He on? Whose side are you on? Why does an encounter with Him require us to humble ourselves? Why is it so hard to submit ourselves to God? Befinately this was an angel of superior rank, the commander of the Lord’s army. Some say he was an appearance of God in human form. As a sign of respect, Joshua took off his sandals. Although Joshua was Israel’s leader, he was still subordinate to God, the absolute Leader. Awe and respect are the responses due to our holy God Just like Joshua did we need to show respect for God. By our attitudes and actions. We should recognize God’s power, authority, and deep love, and our actions must model our attitudes before others. Respect for God is just as important today as it was in Joshua’s day, even though removing shoes is no longer our cultural way of showing i

Q5. (Joshua 5:12) Why did the manna cease at this time? In our lives, why does God let us experience times of manna? Why does he sometimes let the manna cease? In your own life, are you in a stage of receiving manna or planting seeds for a future crop? God had miraculously supplied manna to the hungry Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. In the bountiful Promised Land they no longer needed this daily food supply because the land was ready for planting and harvesting. God had miraculously provided food for the Israelites while they were in the wilderness; here he provided food from the land itself. Prayer is not an alternative to preparation, and faith is not a substitute for hard work. God can and does provide miraculously for his people as needed, but he also expects us to use our God-given talents and resources to provide for ourselves. If our prayers have gone unanswered, perhaps what we need is within your reach. We need to pray instead for the wisdom to see it and the energy and motivation to do it.e There is time IO need manner from God and there is time I need to continue planting the seed and let others see light.

Q3. (Joshua 3:13-17) How was Joshua able to announce the miracle of Jordan stopping its flow ahead of the event? What kind of faith did it require to do so? What did this do for his credibility as a leader? Just before crossing over into the Promised Land, Joshua gathered the people to hear the words of the Lord. Their excitement was high. No doubt they wanted to rush on, but Joshua made them stop and listen. We live in a fast-paced age where everyone rushes just to keep up. It is easy to get caught up in our tasks, becoming too busy for what God says is most important—listening to his words. Before making your schedule, take time to focus on what God wants from all your activities. Have faith in God and walk before Him. Knowing what God has said before you rush into your day may help you avoid foolish mistakes. The Israelites were eager to enter the Promised Land, conquer nations, and live peacefully. But first they had to cross the flood-level waters of the Jordan River. God gave them specific instructions: In order to cross, the priests had to step into the water. What if these priests had been afraid to take that first step? Often God provides no solution to our problems until we trust him and move ahead with what we know we should do. What are the rivers, or obstacles, in your life? In obedience to God, take that first step into the water. God had parted the waters of the Red Sea to let the people out of Egypt, and here he parted the Jordan River to let them enter Canaan. These miracles showed Israel that God keeps his promises. God’s presence among his people and his faithfulness to them made the entire journey from Egypt to the Promised Land possible. He was with them at the end of their wanderings just as he was with them in the beginning. Just before crossing over into the Promised Land, Joshua gathered the people to hear the words of the Lord. Their excitement was high. No doubt they wanted to rush on, but Joshua made them stop and listen. We live in a fast-paced age where everyone rushes just to keep up. It is easy to get caught up in our tasks, becoming too busy for what God says is most important—listening to his words. Before making your schedule, take time to focus on what God wants from all your activities. Knowing what God has said before you rush into your day may help you avoid foolish mistakes. Joshua 3:15-17 God was glorified, Joshua as a leader was exalted, Israel was encouraged, and the Canaanites were terrorized.

Q2. (Joshua 3:5) Why did the Israelites need to consecrate themselves? What might this entail? In what ways do you personally need to reconsecrate yourself? What would this require of you? What would your congregation need to do to reconsecrate itself? Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites were to perform a purification ceremony. This was often done before making a sacrifice or, as in this case, before witnessing a great act of God. God’s law stated that a person could become unclean for many reasons—eating certain foods, childbirth, disease, touching a dead person. God used these various outward signs of uncleanness to illustrate man’s inward uncleanness that comes as a result of sin. The purification ceremony pictured the importance of approaching God with a pure heart. Like the Israelites, we need God’s forgiveness before we approach him. Our congregation need to consecrate from sin, go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness.

Q1. (Joshua 3:1) Why do the Israelites have to break camp at Shittim before the day they cross Jordan? In what ways is your life settled into a routine that keeps you from fully following God's leading? What do you need to do to make yourself ready? God told Moses have Israelites to break camp at Shittim before crossing Jordan river and when crossed they will settle in the Promised Land they should drive out the wicked inhabitants and destroy their idols. Paul encourages us to live as Christians in the same manner: throwing away our old way of living and moving ahead into our new life of obedience to God and faith in Jesus Christ. Like the Israelites moving into the Promised Land, we can destroy the wickedness in our lives, or we can settle down and live with it. To move in and possess the new life, we must drive out the sinful thoughts and practices to make room for the new.

Q4. (Joshua 2:4-6) Does God honor Rahab for lying to the king's men? Is her lying justified in this case? Is there ever a time it might be permissible to lie? Rahab was commended for her faith in God. Her lie is not mentioned. Several explanations have been offered: (1) God forgave Rahab’s lie because of her faith; (2) Rahab was simply deceiving the enemy, a normal and acceptable practice in wartime; (3) because Rahab was not a Jew, she could not be held responsible for keeping the moral standards set forth in God’s law; (4) Rahab broke a lesser principle—telling the truth—to uphold a higher principle—protecting God’s people. There may have been another way to save the lives of the Israelite spies. But under the pressure of the moment, Rahab had to make a choice. Most of us will face dilemmas at one time or another. We may feel that there is no perfect solution to our problem. Fortunately, God does not demand that our judgment be perfect in all situations. He simply asks us to put our trust in him and to do the best we know how. Rahab did that and was commended for her faith. We should ask God for forgiveness

Q3. (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:5; Matthew 1:5) Why is a prostitute honored by being mentioned three times in the New Testament? How does God look on prostitution? On prostitutes? How did Jesus treat prostitutes? What does this teach us about God's attitude toward sinners and sin? The spies met Rahab, who had two strikes against her—she was a Gentile and a prostitute. But she showed that she had faith in God by welcoming the spies and by trusting God to spare her and her family when the city was destroyed. Faith helps us turn around and do what is right regardless of our past or the disapproval of others. Poor people, however, are usually more aware of their powerlessness. Thus, it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation. One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride. For the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation. There are heroes of faith—like Abraham, Isaac, Ruth, and David. Some had shady reputations—like Rahab and Tamar. Many were very ordinary—like Hezron, Ram, Nahshon, and Akim. And others were evil—like Manasseh and Abijah. God’s work in history is not limited by human failures or sins, and he works through ordinary people. Just as God used all kinds of people to bring his Son into the world, he uses all kinds today to accomplish his will. God wants to use us today to advance the ministry.

Q2. (Joshua 2:2-11) What indicates that Rahab believes in Israel's God Yahweh? What does she believe about Yahweh? How deep is Rahab's faith? How deep a faith does someone need to have in order to be saved from the destruction of a city? From eternal punishment? Rahab recognized something that many of the Israelites did not—the God of heaven is not an ordinary god! He is all powerful. The people of Jericho were afraid because they had heard the news of God’s extraordinary power in defeating the armies across the Jordan River. Today we can worship this same powerful, miracle-working God. Our God is powerful enough to destroy mighty, wicked armies, as he did in Jericho. He is also powerful enough to save us from certain death, as he did with Rahab.

Q1. (Joshua 2:1) What were the spies sent to learn? Why do you think they sought to lodge in a prostitute’s house? Do you think God sent them there? Joshua send the spies secretly? He knew, he would be attacking a heavily fortified city using conventional warfare tactics. He needed strategic information about the city for the upcoming battle. But he also knew that this might draw criticism from the other leaders. After all, the last time spies were sent, the report they brought back caused disastrous problems. While he did not want to move ahead without information, he also did not want to cause the people to stumble and question his wisdom and ability to lead the nation. Why the spies stopped at the house of Rahab, a prostitute? (1) It was a good place to gather information and have no questions asked in return. (2) Rahab’s house was in an ideal location for a quick escape because it was built into the city wall. (3) God directed the spies to Rahab’s house because he knew her heart was open to him and that she would be instrumental in the Israelite victory over Jericho. God uses people with simple faith to accomplish his great purposes, no matter what kind of past they have had or how insignificant they seem to be. Rahab didn’t allow her past to keep her from the new role God had for her

Q4. (Joshua 1:8) What does it mean to meditate on the Word? What is the difference between Christian meditation and Eastern meditation? How does God work through his Word to renew our minds? Joshua was commanded to be strong and very courageous and being careful to obey all the Law of Moses. This command is based on God's power through His Word. This is a stronger exhortation, indicating that greater strength of character would be required to obey meditate on God's Word, faithfully and fully than to win military battles! The emphasis in these verses is clearly on a written body of truth. God said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God’s law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law—God’s Word. To be successful, we need to read God’s words and it will renew our minds. When you do that we may not succeed by the world’s standards, but you will be a success in God’s eyes.

Q3. (Joshua 1:6-8) What kinds of things might Joshua be tempted to fear if he were to allow himself to dwell on his anxieties? What does it mean to "be strong and very courageous"? What is the distinction between weakness and strength in Joshua's situation? What is the relationship between fear and faith? Can you be courageous and still be fearful? God's promises are intended to free us to follow the Lord. Be careful to obey the Law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go". Neither discouragement nor fear were to influence Joshua to hesitate or to disobey if Joshua would live in close relationship to the Lord, being responsive and obedient to Him, victory was assured. The leader must be a person who follows. A person strong enough and courageous enough to follow God.

Q2. (Joshua 1:5b) Why is God's promise to be always with Joshua so important to him? Why is this promise so important to you in your present situation? If God is with you, what limitations do you have? Leadership demands more than character and experience. The chapter of the book Joshua's name makes it clear that the leader's relationship with God is crucial. Joshua had basic spiritual resources that are ours as well. He used the divine resources would make the difference between victory and defeat. The promise helps me move forward without fear. With God everything is possible

Q1. (Joshua 1:3) In what way is God’s promise to Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot,” a conditional promise? What’s wrong with a faith that consists primarily of the philosophy: “If God wants me to have it he will give it to me”? What areas that God has promised you that you must press forward to receive? Joshua succeeded Moses as Israel’s leader. What qualifications did he have to become the leader of a nation? (1) God appointed him. (2) He was one of only two living eyewitnesses to the Egyptian plagues and the Exodus from Egypt. (3) He was Moses’ personal aide for 40 years. (4) Of the 12 scouts, only he and Caleb showed complete confidence that God would help them conquer the land. Joshua’s new job consisted of leading more than two million people into a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge—even for a man of Joshua’s caliber! Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. We may not conquer nations, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. However, God promises that he will never abandon us or fail to help us. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life’s challenges.

Q4. (4:19-20) In this context, what is the condition that must be met for the promise to be valid? What is the limit of the fulfillment of the promise? In your own words, what does the promise mean to you? Others were always uppermost in Paul's mind. He was not looking for a gift simply to satisfy his own needs. He wanted credit to come to the account of the Philippians. Since these people had already helped him so much, Paul did not want them to think he was still looking for more from them. He had received from the Philippians full payment, all the money they had sent, so he was then abounding and was amply supplied. What they had sent with Epaphroditus had an effect on both him and God, for the gifts were a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. The term "fragrant offering" was used in Leviticus for an offering that pleased God. God would reciprocate to the Philippians. They had met Paul's needs and now God would meet theirs. God would not only bless them out of or from His bounty but also in accordance with His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God - his heavenly Father and theirs - the apostle gave thanks and praise. We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in heaven he will supply. We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.

Q3. (4:14-16) How were the Philippians' financial gifts credited to their heavenly account, do you think? How was their giving linked to temporal blessings? Paul was content no matter what the circumstances, he was nevertheless grateful for the help the Philippians sent with Epaphroditus. Because they gave of their means they shared with the apostle in his troubles; they did something about his problem. In the very beginning of their Christian experience (Acts 16) when Paul left Macedonia they alone shared with him in the matter of giving and receiving. Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1) and experienced definite need, the Philippians sent him aid twice.

Q2. (4:11-13) What is the basis of Paul's contentment? Does this contentment undermine ambition? What is necessary for us to achieve this kind of contentment? Paul could get along happily because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Paul had detached himself from the non essentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life.What is it that is drawn when you feel empty inside? The true contentment is in Jesus? The answer lies in our perspective, priorities, and source of power who is Jesus. Can we really do everything? The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to his interests. As we contend for the faith, we will face troubles, pressures, and trials. We ask Christ to strengthen us.

Q1. (4:11-12) How can a "prosperity doctrine" threaten Christian ministry? To what prime motivation in us does such a teaching often appeal? In balance, what does the Bible teach about poverty and riches? This was a lesson on contentment. Paul wrote that he didn’t accept gifts from the Corinthian church because he didn’t want to be accused of preaching only to get money. But Paul maintained that it was a church’s responsibility to support God’s ministers (1 Corinthians 9:14). He accepted the Philippians’ gift because they gave it willingly and because he was in need Paul's heart was made glad. He writes (I rejoice greatly in the Lord) because of the continued interest the Philippians Christians showed in him. They had not forgotten him; through them God had met his needs. Even before they sent Epaphroditus they were concerned but had no opportunity to show it. Paul did not beg God's people to help him in his work. He just placed the need before them and trusted God to meet it. Too, he had learned the lesson of contentment. Changing circumstances did not affect the inner contentment he enjoyed.Paul was divinely bestowed sufficiency in whatever circumstances he faced. At times Paul experienced definite financial and material needs, and at other times he had an abundance (v. 12). He learned how to cope with both need and plenty. Paul used words to suggest a kind of "initiation" by his experiences" into being content when either well fed or hungry, and either in plenty or in want. Paul said he could do everything - including handling poverty and living in abundance - through Him who gave him strength. This was not an expression of pride in his own abilities but a declaration of the strength provided by Christ.

Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success? For mental and spiritual peace? What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties? How is this working for you? Gods presence is with us and thinking worthy thoughts by the word. Paul indicated he was about to conclude the section. Six items are mentioned as objects of a wholesome thought life, and each one is introduced with whatever. Which suggests that several things could be included under each heading. True things are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things.Noble refers to what is dignified and worthy of respect is used in the NT.Right refers to conformity to God's standards.Pure refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity. Lovely occurring only here in the NT, speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict. Admirable also used only to us relates to what is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive. These six objects of thought are then described as excellent and praiseworthy

Q3. (4:7) How does make our requests known to God help build a relationship and trust? What is God's part in the promise of peace? Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. To worry less we need to pray more. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.

Q2. (4:6) How is a request in prayer altered by the presence of thanksgiving in the prayer? How does thanksgiving affect our faith as we pray? Joy and gentleness is accompanied with an awareness of Christ's imminent return, should dispel anxiety. Paul's appeal to the Philippians is do not be anxious about anything. But this was not a call to a carefree life. To care and be genuinely concerned is one thing. To worry is another. Paul and Timothy cared for the people they ministered to yet they retained trust in God. Jesus warned against worry which obviously eliminates trust in God. Paul exhorted the Philippians to prayer instead of anxiety. Praying with thanksgiving involves trusting God. Words used to describe a believer's communion with God are prayer,describes a believer's approach to God, petition emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need. Thanksgiving is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one's prayers, requests speak of definite and specific things asked for. When the exhortations are heeded, the peace of God will flood one's troubled soul. The Lord Jesus Christ is a believer's peace and every child of God has peace with God through justification by faith. But the peace of from God, relates to the inner tranquility of a believer's close walk with God. This peace of God transcends all understanding, that is, it is beyond man's ability to comprehend. This peace guards the believers. Guard translates a military term which means "to protect or garrison by guarding." Like soldiers assigned to watch over a certain area, God's peace garrisons the hearts and.., minds, that is, the emotions and thoughts, of God's children.