#2 Unity of God's people

The Bible is clear in its basic teaching. The basic teaching of Scripture concerning salvation is clear enough. Sometimes we do have to do a bit of study in order to make sure we are not studying out of context. This is one of those passages. This passage takes us back to the word that Moses commanded Joshua. The story is found in Numbers 32. Back in Numbers 31 the story of Israel returning judgment upon the kings of Midian. The kings of Midian sent women into Israel to seduce the men and when the men gave in, God sent a plague upon Israel and 24,000 people died. So chapter 31 explains how God poured out his judgment upon the Midianites for corrupting God's people. In chapter 32 is about what should be done with the plunder and lands acquired from destroying the Midianites. This land is now in Israel's possession and some tribes request this land be part of their inheritance. Numbers 32:14-15 provides Moses' response to this. Back in Joshua 1 we see they refused to submit and obey God. Joshua addresses the issue of unity under God before conquering the Promised Land. He addresses unity under authority, under submission and under the Word. Unity must be under authority. In every sphere of life, God has placed authority over us. Joshua asserts the chain of command is going to be followed. What brings about this willful submission is a shared profession. They were part of God's covenant people by the grace of God. This is why creeds and confessions are so important to the wellbeing of the Church. Peter said "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. This is a shared profession, the foundation of Christianity.