Study 33

More Dead Works

'Not all the people will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there' (Josh. 7:3).

A work done out of presumption

A work done without faith is dead, so too is one done presumptuously. Perhaps this is best illustrated from Joshua's experience at Jericho and Ai. The battle of Jericho was a famous act of faith. Thoroughly dependent upon God, Joshua followed instructions, marched his army around the city and gave the victory shout. The walls fell and the city was taken – a phenomenal triumph. But what happened next?

Joshua sent some men to spy out the next city and they returned with good news. If they could defeat Jericho, then Ai would be easy to conquer. It was a small place so two or three thousand men could do the job without any problem. Joshua listened to the spies and sent a reduced army, which was routed and chased away. Joshua moved from faith to presumption and learned a sad and painful lesson. God wasn't with them. It was a dead work.

A work done without God's authority

We must also beware of uncommanded work. A work that God hasn't authorised is dead, however good it looks. 'There's an open door!' we think. 'There's a need! Someone ought to step in.'

My former school invited me, a young pastor at the time, to teach religious education for one day a week. What an opportunity! I was particularly excited because my testimony at school had been particularly ineffective. Now I could recover some of the lost ground and have some impact on the hundreds of pupils there.

As I thanked God for this wonderful opening, I felt that heaven was far less enthusiastic than I was! 'What did I call you do to?' God seemed to ask me. 'Pastor this church, Lord,' I replied. 'But thank you also for this incredible open door into my old school.' Again, silence from heaven. Gradually, I realised that this door wasn't for me – and not all opportunities for Christian service are automatically for you either.

A work done without love

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives us a list of spiritual activities which seem unquestionably virtuous. He speaks of the ability to fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, the faith to move mountains and the generosity to give all your possessions to the poor. Then he adds that these things are worthless without love and will bring no credit whatsoever. So if you're doing things without the motivation of love, God will rubber stamp them 'religious activity' and will totally disregard them.

To Meditate On

God doesn't always do things in the same way.

'The LORD threw (Israel's enemies) into confusion … As they fled … the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky' (Josh. 10:10,11).

'Do not go straight up, but circle round behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees' (2 Sam. 5:23)

'As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men … and they were defeated' (2 Chron. 20:22).

'And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men' (2 Chron. 32:21).

To Pray

Are you involved in any failing projects?

Seek God earnestly about why they're failing and respond as he directs.

Food For Thought

READ Numbers 14:40-45.

Why did the people insist on disobeying the Lord?

How do you react when God says, 'No'?

To Consider

Consider your involvement in your local church and community.

What has God called you to do for him?
How can you become more focused on what he wants you to do?

Be Inspired

'The Corinthians clearly thought that the possessors of certain gifts were extremely important persons. Paul stoutly maintains that if they have even the highest of gifts, and that in full amount, but lack love, not only are they unimportant, but they are actually nothing. The choice of word is very impressive.'

Leon Morris