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TEXT: Numbers 13:17-33; 14:22-24
OBJECTIVE
The students will be able to explain that the Christian is very different from the unbeliever. They will further recognize that one who is a child of God has no love in his heart for anything that does not please God.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Caleb and Joshua were two men who dared to be different! Of the twelve men (chiefs in their tribes) who were sent by Moses to spy out the land of Canaan, they were the only two who brought back a good report. For this they are remembered these thousands of years later, while the other spies are all but forgotten, other than that they brought back an evil report.
Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, was of the tribe of Judah; and Joshua, an Ephraimite, was the son of Nun. Because they insisted that Israel, if faithful to God, could conquer Canaan, they nearly suffered stoning. Subsequently, for having “wholly followed” the Lord, these men not only escaped destruction but also were the only two of that generation who entered the Promised Land.
QUESTIONS
Who should we believe? Which report is true? Who should we follow? These questions must have been heavy on the minds of the Children of Israel when they heard the conflicting reports from the twelve men who had returned from spying out the land of Canaan. Their trust in God’s promise had been overcome by doubt and fear. We, too, are faced each day with the challenge of distinguishing between right and wrong. And, many times, the consequences of wrong decisions are as grave as they were for the Children of Israel. Let’s not forget God’s promises to us.
- The history of the Children of Israel, no doubt, would read differently if the people had followed Caleb and Joshua rather than the other ten spies. Explain the reason why it makes a difference to us whom we follow in our day.
Response: As you discuss this question, help the students to conclude that it does make a difference who they follow. Within sight of the Promised Land, the Children of Israel turned back. For those who turned back, the opportunity to enter never returned. Following the wrong crowd can make the difference between spiritual life and spiritual death.
- It is not always easy to make the correct differentiation between truth and error, especially when the pressure is great from those around you to pursue a course other than the right one. For example, would it have been easy for you to make the right choice between the conflicting reports given by the twelve spies in our text? On what should the Children of Israel have based their decision?
Response: Your discussion should bring out that it is imperative to make the right choices. Looking back, the distinction seems more obvious to us than it did to the Children of Israel. Nevertheless, any situation can be measured by God’s Word. Here, God had told the people what they should expect: a good land and a promise that God would help them take that land. God will likewise reveal His way to us by His Word. The Children of Israel should have based their decision on what God had told them, rather than the problems the majority of the spies reported.
- Ten men said Israel couldn’t take the land, while Joshua and Caleb insisted that it could be done. Because they took their stand for what was right, they were the only two of their generation who entered the Promised Land. What spiritual lesson can we learn from this?
Response: Discussion should bring out that our decision to take a stand for what is right in spite of any opposition will have important spiritual ramifications. When we do what is right before God, no matter what others do, we can be sure of an eventual eternal reward, even though we may suffer ridicule or persecution for a time.
- Imagine the feelings of Joshua and Caleb when they realized that the people were siding with the other ten spies. There may be situations in our lives which cause us to be uncomfortable but force us to take a stand. For example: In a high school science class, the question is asked if anyone believes in the Biblical account of creation. No one raises his hand—but you believe. Will you raise your hand? Your face turns red, your palms are sweaty, beads of perspiration are on your brow, and you raise your hand. You hear a ripple of laughter. The teacher rolls his eyes. Give another similar situation that could necessitate standing up for the Lord. Name some emotions that might accompany taking this stand, and give possible reactions to it.
Response: Allow time for your class to share their situations. The point of this question is to show that the Biblical account has its parallel in our lives. You may wish to broaden the application by bringing out that at times, when we take our stand, it may encourage others to take the same stand.
- It is important to remember scriptural promises in these times when we must take a stand. Read Philippians 4:13 and explain how this verse could help.
Response: As your students discuss this verse, they should conclude that God’s strength is ever-present and available for us. Though we may be “alone” in terms of associates around us who agree with our position, if we have God, we are invincible. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
- Define the word world in the context of 1 John 2:15-17. What are the consequences of daring to be different from the world?
Response: Your students’ definitions of the word world should bring out that in this context the word means “earthly affairs which are obstacles to the cause of Christ.” As your students name some of the consequences, they possibly will include the thought of being ridiculed or rejected by the world, or having God’s blessing and protection. Help your class see that being distinct by taking a stand for Christ does bring a separation from the world. This may even lead to being hated by the world. John 15:18,19 relates that Christ, too, was hated. Even though others may turn from us, we can be assured that Christ will be there to honor our stand for Him. See Daniel 3:24-25.
- How can we obtain the spiritual strength to take a stand for what we know is right? See Psalm 27:1 and Isaiah 40:29-31.
Response: Just knowing what is right or wrong does not necessarily give us strength to do right. Spiritual strength comes from seeking God and waiting upon Him. God’s promise is that if we call upon Him in prayer, He will hear us. If we wait upon the Lord, He will renew our strength. The closer we walk to God, the more strength He will give and the deeper in our hearts will be the purpose to do what is acceptable to Him. The Psalmist found the Lord to be the source of strength. Discuss with the class that Paul’s prayer included the plea that Christians would be strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in the inner man. See Ephesians 3:16.
- Give a Biblical example of a person who took a stand even though opposed by those around him.
Response: In discussing the examples brought by your students, split your class into pairs. Have one student offer an example, and the other tell whether he thinks that Bible character’s decision was a good one or not, and why. Conclude your class session by stressing our need to remain true to the calling of Christ Jesus in spite of the ridicule from “the crowd.” We have the confidence that “the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself” (Psalm 4:3).
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Take several marbles to class (one different from the rest). Take several pencils to class (one different from the rest). Take several pens to class (one with different colored ink). Or use any set of items you have that includes one which is different from the rest. Use these examples to explain that Christians stand out and are different from everyone else.
Almost everywhere you look you can find someone who is wearing a T-shirt that has a message printed on it. How can you show that you are a Christian without wearing a sign that says you are? Ask your students to pretend this next week that they are wearing a T-shirt that has the word CHRISTIAN across the front and an arrow pointing up, toward the face. How will they act?
Take a puppet to class. Show how the puppet does everything you make it do. A puppet is manipulated by someone. We must be an individual and follow Christ—not be manipulated by the devil like a puppet. We must choose to do good and refuse to be like the sinful crowd.
Take a number of different shoes to class. Have one that is polished and clean or, perhaps, even looks new. Explain how everyone is different, but Christians are especially different because they are clean and pure, a quality which makes them stand out.
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