Teaching Notes

Did you know that when God gives you gifts, they are not for you to keep all to yourself?  Did you know you are to share those gifts?  For example, my daughter learned that she had a gift of drawing but what would it have benefited anyone had she kept it to herself?  It wasn't until she gave it away, that it really became a blessing, to her and to others.

Do You Have Any Friends?

Joshua 22:6-8 (The Message)

6-7 Then Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way. They went home. (To the half-tribe of Manasseh, Moses had assigned a share in Bashan. To the other half, Joshua assigned land with their brothers west of the Jordan.)



7-8 When Joshua sent them off to their homes, he blessed them. He said: "Go home. You're going home rich—great herds of cattle, silver and gold, bronze and iron, huge piles of clothing. Share the wealth with your friends and families—all this plunder from your enemies!"

Notes: As you read this scripture Joshua is sending some of the men home with wealth that they have gained from the battle.  He sends them away, but he tells them something important.  He tells them to share their wealth with the friends and family.

Question: Why do you think Joshua told them to share?

Answer: This was not the kind of answer we would hear in our time.  We believe in getting for ourselves and let everyone get their own.  In fact, we do not always trust people that want to come around you now that you have wealth and fame.  You are told just the opposite, to keep it to yourself.  Yes, it is true we do have people that are greedy and are waiting to take advantage of you.  Yet, Joshua is telling them to go and share with their friends and family, why.  The reason is because God has given them much and Joshua does not want them to forget to turn around and bless someone else.  They did not deserve this blessing but God opened it up to them.  This scripture is a reminder for us to be mindful of our true friends and those that we love and that love us.  We should not be selfish. It does not only have to be money but in whatever way the Lord blesses you.  If God blesses you with peace, then turn around and share that news with someone else that is in need, do not keep it all to yourself.  Be willing to share the blessing of the Lord with others (spiritual as well as physical).

Prayer: Lord you are the giver of good gifts so we ask that you would help me to have a heart to give just as you give to me.  Help me to share with others the blessings you share with me.  Help me not to be selfish but to have a generous heart.