Joshua 22:9-34
Introduction:
1. “Always wear a helmet when biking, motorcycling, or jumping to conclusions.”
2. How much harm is done by going on bad intel?
Discussion:
I. The Pain of Assumptions
A. People often assume wrong things of others.
B. Often this can cause great pain to people.
1. Hannah, distressed by her barrenness, prayed for a son (1 Samuel 1:9-12).
2. Presuming her drunk, Eli compounded her sorrow (1 Samuel 1:12-15-17).
II. The Danger of Assumptions
A. Israel neared civil war in this way (Joshua 22:9-34).
1. The Trans-Jordanian tribes headed home after the conquest (vs. 9).
2. On their way, they built a copy of the Lord’s altar at the river (vs. 10).
3. The Cis-Jordanians prepared for war, thinking it for idolatry. (vv. 11-12).
4. Thankfully, they sent an embassage to learn the truth (vv. 13-20).
5. It turns out, the copied altar was to stave off apostasy in their children (vv. 21-29).
B. How much harm is done by jumping to conclusions?
III. The Elimination of Assumptions
A. Such demands we eliminate this dangerous tendency.
B. Avoiding such harm requires certain attitudes:
1. Never judge by appearances (John 7:24).
2. Never presume to know one’s heart (1 Corinthians 2:11).
3. Investigate first (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Matthew 18:15-18).
4. Establish all the facts (Proverbs 18:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1).
5. Be a good listener (James 1:19).
6. Believe the best until proven wrong (1 Corinthians 13:7).
7. Remember the sacred bond we share (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25).
Conclusion:
1. “Assumptions are like the termites of relationships” (Henry Winkler).
2. We must not allow these pests to destroy the household of God (1 Corinthians 3:9-17).