Joshua 22 tells the story of a problem between the tribes of Israel when they went into the land of Canaan and Rueben, Gad and half of Manasseh built an altar. A rumor started that caused serious problems which almost led to war.

1. THE
ANATOMY
OF A
RUMOR
Joshua 22

2. Joshua 22:7-10 Now to half the tribe of Manasseh Moses
had given a possession in Bashan, but to the other half of
it Joshua gave a possession among their brethren on this
side of the Jordan, westward. And indeed, when Joshua
sent them away to their tents, he blessed them, (8) and
spoke to them, saying, "Return with much riches to your
tents, with very much livestock, with silver, with gold, with
bronze, with iron, and with very much clothing. Divide the
spoil of your enemies with your brethren." (9) So the
children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe
of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of
Israel at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the
country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, which
they had obtained according to the word of the LORD by
the hand of Moses. (10) And when they came to the region
of the Jordan which is in the land of Canaan, the children
of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe of
Manasseh built an altar there by the Jordan--a great,
impressive altar.

3. Ephraim
M a n a s s e h
G a d
Dan
Benjamin
Jerusalem
JordanRiver
Jericho Mt.Nebo
12 Tribes
of Israel Twelv
I
Manasse
Naphtali
Issachar
Ephraim
Benjami
Simeon

4. THE ANATOMY OF A RUMOR
 The Rumor – Joshua 22:11-12
 Reuben, Gad, Manasseh built an altar
on their side of Jordan. (11)
 Traitors, rebels (16)
 The Result – Go to war. (12)
 The Truth – Joshua 22:21-34
 To connect them with the other
tribes. (24-25)
 Not for burnt offerings (26, 28)
 A witness between them. (27-28)

5. GOSSIP TOWN
Have you ever been to Gossip Town,
On the shores of Falsehood Bay?
Where old Dame Rumor with rustling gown
Is going the live long day?
It isn't far to Gossip Town:
For those who want to go,
The Idleness train will carry you down
In just an hour or so.
The "Thoughtless Road" is the popular route
And most folks start that way;
It’s a steep grade, And if you don't watch out,
You'll land in Falsehood Bay.

6. You slide through the tunnel of Vicious Talk,
Then into the Valley of Hate,
Then crossing the "Add to" Bridge,
You walk through the city gate. The principal
street is called "They Say",
And "I've Heard" is the public well,
And the breezes blowing from Falsehood Bay,
Are laden with "Don't you tell!"
Just back of the town is Tell-tale Park,
You are never quite safe while there:
For its owner is Madame Suspicious Remark,
Who lives on street "Don't Care".

7. Just back of the park is Slanderer's Row,
'Twas there that Good Name died,
Pierced with a shaft from Jealousy's bow
In the hands of Envious Pride!
From Gossip Town peace long since fled,
But trouble and grief and woe
And sorrow and care you'll find instead,
When once you chance to go.
The people who live in Gossip Town
All reap the seed they sow;
And you will find what they have found
If ever you chance to go.

8.  Starts with an uncertain source.
“heard someone say”
 Contains an element of truth. They
did build an altar.
 Misconceptions are mixed in.
Didn’t ask why?
 It spreads farther than the truth.
All heard of it.
 Others are incited to action. Whole
congregation to war.
THE ANATOMY

9.  Prejudicial, superlative words.
“Everyone” says it is true.
Everyone agrees with me.
“They say.”
 They read the hearts of the
accused.
 Gossip hinders the Lord’s work.
THE ANATOMY

10.  Don’t believe, “They say.”
 Matthew 24:25-28
 Don’t judge the hearts of others.
1 Samuel 16:7
THE ANTIDOTE

11. THE ANTIDOTE
 Practice the Lord’s instruction.
Matt. 18:15-20
 Practice self-control.
Prov. 15:1
James 1:19-20
 Practice love.
1 Peter 4:8
1 Cor 13:5-8
Ephesians 4:29

12. THREE GATES
If you are tempted to reveal
A tale to you someone has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold.
These narrow gates: First, "Is it true?"
Then, "Is it needful?" In your mind
Give truthful answer. And the next
Is last and narrowest, "Is it kind?"
And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the results of speech may be.

13. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
T - is it True?
H - is it Helpful?
I - is it Inspiring?
N - is it Necessary?
K - is it Kind?

15. TONIGHT’S SERMON
WHAT GRACE DOES