Read Joshua 9
Joshua 9:14-15 - The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
Remember
What were God's instructions to the Israelites in the victory at Jericho? Read Joshua 6:2-5.
What were God's instructions to the Israelites in the victory at Ai? Read Joshua 8:1-2.
Based on God's ways so far, would He not give further instructions regarding the Gibeonite guests in Joshua 9? (yes, of course He would!)
Reflect and Discuss
Have you ever walked in assumption? Explain.
At the time, what were your reasons for the assumption (i.e. lack of time, relied on experience, etc.)?
Read Matthew 16:21-25
Matthew 16:23 - Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
In this context, what were the differences between God's concerns and Peter's concerns?
Read John 18:10-11
John 18:11 - Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?
Peter assumed he should fight for Jesus. What was he actually getting in the way of?
How do you know if you're walking in assumption?
When there is a heaviness to the role that you carry... a heaviness that produces stress and anxiety. How does Matthew 11:28-30 relate to this?
When there is a prayerlessness related to a specific role that you carry... How does Proverbs 3:5-6 relate to this?
When the boundaries of God's Word are not meditated upon and then forgotten... How does Psalms 119:45-48 relate to this?
When there is an unfiltered approach to what you let into your eyes and ears... How does 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 relate to this?
When you depend more on the voices around you than God's voice... How does John 12:42-43 relate to this?
When you over-function for people... How does Matthew 16:21-23 relate to this?
When you often operate in this order: think, act, pray (for God's blessing on what you are going to do anyway)... How does Psalms 127:1 relate to this?
When you react to people more than you receive from God... In other words, when people are your reference point, rather than God... How does Mark 4:35-41 relate to this?
When you live in a state of hurry... How does John 5:19-20 relate to this?
Have you been walking in assumption? If so, in what area(s)?
How do we break free from cycles of walking in assumption?
Take time right now to quiet yourself before God. Ask Him to identify areas of assumption in your life. Respond to Him with gratefulness and repentance. Now listen to what He wants to say. You can use the music below to help quiet yourself before Him and listen to His voice.