Written by Paul J Bucknell on April, 11, 2019

Study Questions for Joshua 5:13-15: The True Nature of Repentance

Behind the act of repentance lies an important spiritual discipline pointing to the need of our hearts’ full recognition of the Lord’s holy presence as the birth and sustenance of spiritual life and the fruit produced from it. Enjoy these study questions that accompany this study on The True Nature of Repentance.

Joshua 5:13-15: The Text

13 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” And the captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13-15 NASB)

Study Questions (Joshua 5:13-15)

1. Relate the two events from Joshua 5:13-15 where the two-stage picture of full repentance is taken.
2. Why does the author think this is a good picture of repentance?
3. What is half-repentance?
4. Do you think this half-repentance is a problem among believers? Explain.
5. What are the characteristics of full repentance?
6. How did the words of the Lord in Joshua 5:15 in a broader way speak specifically to Joshua and his responsibility to fill Moses’ shoes?
7. In the above diagram, we see how humbling describes the first stage of repentance and surrender the second. What needs to happen to get to that surrender stage?
8. When not repentant, there are two sinful general approaches to our lives: (1) Preoccupation with what we cannot do, and (2) Confidence in what we can do. Which one do you struggle more with? Explain.
9. Often, we connect repentance with blatant sin? How is this author differently approaching repentance?
10. The author suggests that we are to live in a constant state of repentance, that is, preoccupied with God’s presence and purpose as we pursue our lives rather than just a process to get where we spiritually need to be. Does this make sense to you? How would you suggest someone maintain a strong vibrant Christian life?
11. How do you treat your challenges and opportunities? Are they something you face alone or with God? Please illustrate from your own lives.
12. Assess secularism’s inroads around your life. Clearly invite the Lord to shine in those dark spots.

Summary

Behind the meaning of repentance is the ongoing call of living in God’s presence to rectify our perspective of ourselves and circumstances in light of God’s holy and glorious person. The need of repentance often crops up because we become too absorbed with our situations (“I’m lonely.” “I can’t do it.” “Look at how people will admire me.”). These two steps of repentance are two meeting points with the Lord, assuring significant advances into His presence to maintain close working relationships with Him. We must move from humility to surrender.