In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 9, Reasoning Through the Bible examines the deception of the Gibeonites. After Israel’s victories at Jericho and Ai, the kings of Canaan begin to band together against Israel. But the Gibeonites choose a different strategy. Instead of open battle, they use deception, pretending to be travelers from a distant land so they can make a covenant with Joshua.

This session explores how the Gibeonites used worn-out clothes, old wineskins, dry bread, and religious language to convince Israel that they came from far away. Their deception worked because Joshua and the leaders failed to ask counsel from the Lord before making an agreement. Joshua 9 becomes a warning about spiritual discernment, rushed decisions, and religious-sounding deception.

The episode also addresses practical lessons for believers today. Christians should be innocent as doves but wise as serpents. Not everyone who uses religious language is trustworthy, and not every opportunity should be accepted without prayer, investigation, and wise counsel. The chapter also teaches that promises matter. Even though Israel was deceived, they had sworn an oath before the Lord and were still required to keep it.

Topics in this episode include:

• Joshua 9 study
• the Gibeonite deception
• religious con jobs
• wise as serpents
• asking counsel from the Lord
• making agreements carefully
• keeping promises
• spiritual discernment
• wolves in sheep’s clothing
• the world, the flesh, and the devil in Joshua

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

Questions in this session:

• Do evil forces disguise themselves today?
• Are there people today who use religion a tool for deceiving us?
• Should we expect to see deception?
• How can we keep our guard up but still help those in need?
• What should we do when our leaders make mistakes?

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You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 7:13–8:35, Reasoning Through the Bible continues the account of Achan’s hidden sin and Israel’s defeat at Ai. After Israel lost power because sin was hidden in the camp, God commands Joshua to deal with the sin publicly and remove what had been placed under the ban. This session shows that sin is never merely private, because it can affect families, churches, ministries, and the people around us.

The study follows the process by which Achan is exposed, his confession that he saw, coveted, and took the forbidden things, and the serious judgment that followed. The episode also explains the pattern of sin seen throughout Scripture: seeing, desiring, taking, and hiding. Achan’s failure becomes a warning that hidden sin must be brought into the light before God’s people can move forward in His power.

Joshua 8 then shows what happens after the sin is removed. Israel returns to Ai, God restores victory, and Joshua leads the people back to worship and the Word of God. The chapter closes with an altar of uncut stones, sacrifice, and the public reading of the law before all Israel. The message is clear: after sin is dealt with, God’s people must return to worship, obedience, and Scripture.

Topics in this episode include:

• Joshua 7 and 8 study
• Achan’s sin exposed
• public confrontation of sin
• sin affects others
• Israel’s victory at Ai
• restored spiritual power
• the altar of uncut stones
• worship after victory
• reading the law of Moses
• returning to God’s Word

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

Questions in this session:

• When there is sin in our midst, do we deal with it publicly or privately?
• What is the process for how to deal with sin in the congregation?
• Is it OK to build large impressive religious buildings?
• What does Joshua do to remind Israel of God’s commands?

Support the show

Thank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 7, Reasoning Through the Bible examines Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai after the great victory at Jericho. One man, Achan, secretly took what God had placed under the ban, and that hidden sin affected the entire nation. The chapter reminds believers that God sees what people try to hide and that secret sin can rob God’s people of spiritual power.

This session explores Achan’s sin, Israel’s defeat, Joshua’s desperate prayer, God’s response, and the sobering reality of God’s wrath against sin. The study also explains why the defeat at Ai was not caused by a lack of confidence. Israel expected an easy victory, but hidden sin had weakened them before the battle ever began.

A major theme in this episode is that God does not overlook sin among His people. Hidden sin may seem small, but it does not stay small. Like leaven, it spreads and brings damage. Joshua 7 becomes a warning to believers and churches today: if God’s people want His power against the world and the flesh, they must deal honestly and radically with sin.

Topics in this episode include:

• Joshua 7 study
• Achan’s sin
• Israel’s defeat at Ai
• hidden sin in the camp
• God’s wrath against sin
• secret sin and spiritual power
• why Israel lost after Jericho
• confession and repentance
• the danger of small sins
• the church’s power against the world and flesh

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

Questions in this session:

• How do we reconcile God’s wrath and His love?
• How much does God know?
• Is the modern church empowered? Why or why not?
• How does God react to our disobedience?
• What happens to people in God’s will when they sin?

Support the show

Thank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve