Sunday School Lesson Outlines

Caleb Took Care Of Business

Some things to know about visions and promises from God
A study based on Joshua 14:7-14

Verse 7: Caleb had a vision

Joshua 14:7 "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought word back tohim as it was in my heart" NASB

Numbers 13:30 "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, 'We should by all means go up and take possession ofit, for we shall surely overcome it.'" NASB

• It was a promise from God and was about more than himself.
• We read of Caleb and his faith - even though they went as spies and saw how big the Amalekites were.
• This story is very similar to the David and Goliath story. To Caleb it didn't matter how big and powerful the enemy looked - God promised the land to them and Caleb knew God would make sure it happened. God just needed a vessel and He chose Caleb.

Life Application: Any vision is about more than you and me. It's always for the future growth of the Kingdom of God. If we follow the vision, (taking care of business), then we have the blessing of being used by God and have the abundant life we are promised.

Verse 8: Follow the Lord fully

Joshua 14:8 "Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the Lord my God fully." NASB

• Notice that many had the vision (he and his brothers), but the Word says "... But I followed the Lord my God fully."
• It's mentioned again in verse 14 that Caleb followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. He kept the vision in focus and did not stray or make excuses.
• This is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:36 - "... except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and to his sons I will give the land on which he has set foot, because he has followed the Lord fully." (NASB)

Life Application: I have found myself saying I don't have time - or I can't do that - or someone else will step up and do it - I'm tired, etc. Caleb didn't do that. He followed the Lord fully, wholeheartedly. He walked the talk!

Verse 9: The vision was practical

Joshua 14:9 "So Moses swore on that day, saying 'Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God fully.'" NASB

• Someone had to act in obedience to God's calling. Caleb had to keep the faith even though his family was dying off, and some of the Israelites were worshiping idols.

Life Application: We need to stay focused to know and recognize the prompting of God's Holy Spirit in our life.

Verses 10 to 12: Make today count

Joshua 14:10-12 "'And now behold, the Lord has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, when Israel walked in the wilderness; and now behold, I am eigthy-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. Now then, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out as the Lord has spoken.'" NASB

• Caleb was 85 years old when he said this - the vision was 45 years earlier.

Life Application: We must learn from this that patience, along with faith, is required; and the reason we must keep the focus and retain the vision. Caleb had to walk by faith and trust the Lord meant what He said.

Verse 15: The vision will bring peace

Joshua 14:15 "Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba; for Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the lad had rest from war." NASB

• "Then the land had rest from war." This had not happened in a long time! What a blessing that must have been.
• Caleb's life was no different than all the other Israelites, as he wandered in the desert for 40 years - he was a regular guy - except for the fact he kept focused on the vision
• He keep focused on the vision - not complain - not get involved in the worldly things (example: worshiping idols) - not to make excuses.
• He probably lost friends and was made fun of.

Life Application: Visions come with a price as does any walk of faith. But the price is always well worth it. If you feel the nudge of God for something, such as praying with someone or a big commitment, do not hesitate! If God spoke to you, He will provide for you what is needed.

What will happen when God gives you a vision?

• Are your principles in line?
• Are your eyes on the Lord?
• Do you do a self check on your priorities?
• On your Life?

Where are you with Jesus Christ?

You probably have a church background and know the right answers. But it's the personal relationship (which includes talking with God) that will bring the blessings of being used in a vision to make a difference. Is God first in your life?

• Remember the story of Abraham and God asking him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice?
  Genesis 22, Hebrews 11:17-19 and James 2:21-24

Will you be a player or a spectator?

Use Caleb as an example. For 45 years he kept focused on the vision - didn't waver. Even when it didn't seem clear, even though he wandered with the rest of the Israelites in the desert for 40 years and thousands of miles he didn't complain. He was 85 years old when he went into battle to take the land the Lord had promised.

• Would you have the faith to do that? Do you trust God that much?

How did Caleb know for sure he was the man called for the job?

If we look at 2 Peter 1:3-10 it tells us that His divine power has given us everything we need for life and Godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us. Through these, He has given us His very great and precious promises and visions, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world.

• For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; knowledge; self-control; perseverance; Godliness; brotherly-kindness; love.
• For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge.

2 Peter 1:10-11 "Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." NASB

In Acts 20:23 Paul tells us, he never knows what's going to happen in the cities he travels to, but the Holy Spirit warns him of hardships.

After Caleb's obedience, his walk with God, taking on the challenge, and leaning on faith he was then blessed with peace and so were his people. They were in the promised land that they had searched and wandered in the desert for. Now that's a description of an abundant life! Don't let anyone tell you one person can't make a difference. Often God uses one person, and usually that person would seem to be the most unlikely choice.

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