Breaking Barriers: Faith, Obedience, and Divine Timing
Summary
Today, I spoke on the theme of breaking barriers, specifically focusing on the biblical story of Jericho from Joshua chapter 6. I began by setting the context of the Israelites facing the formidable walls of Jericho, which represented not just a physical barrier but also a spiritual one. The walls were thick and high, seemingly impenetrable, much like the barriers we face in our own lives today.
I emphasized the importance of obedience and trust in God's commands, drawing parallels between the Israelites' silent marches around Jericho and our own need to follow God's guidance without dissent. The Israelites marched for six days in silence, a task that required immense discipline and faith. On the seventh day, their obedience was rewarded when the walls of Jericho fell flat after they shouted and the priests blew their trumpets. This miraculous event was a clear demonstration of God's power working through the obedience of His people.
Throughout the sermon, I highlighted the lessons we can learn from this story. First, the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it seems illogical or difficult. Second, the power of collective faith and action within a community that trusts in God's plan. Third, the significance of persistence in faith, as the Israelites did not see the walls fall until the seventh day, reminding us that patience and perseverance are crucial in our spiritual journeys.
I also touched on the broader implications of the story, such as the impact of our actions on others. Rahab and her family were saved because of her faith and the Israelites' obedience, illustrating how our faithfulness to God can lead to salvation and blessings not just for ourselves but for others as well.
In conclusion, I called on the congregation to reflect on the barriers in their own lives that God is calling them to overcome. I encouraged everyone to trust in God's plan, to be obedient to His word, and to persist in faith, assuring them that God will bring down the walls and barriers that stand in the way of their spiritual progress and victory.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Obedience to God's Commands: Just as the Israelites had to march silently for six days around Jericho, we too must learn to follow God's instructions even when they go against our natural inclinations or societal norms. This act of obedience is a form of worship and submission to His will, which leads to miraculous outcomes in our lives. [24:32]
2. The Power of Collective Faith: The story of Jericho is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together in faith. The unified action of the Israelites under Joshua's leadership teaches us that our combined faith and obedience have the power to bring down strongholds. [26:31]
3. Persistence Pays Off: The Israelites did not see the walls fall on the first day; it took seven days of faithful marching. This teaches us the value of persistence in prayer and in following God's commands, knowing that in His perfect timing, He will deliver the victory we seek. [29:52]
4. Impact on Others: Our obedience to God not only affects our lives but can also lead to blessings and salvation for others. Rahab's story intertwined with the Israelites' obedience, resulting in her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, shows how our faithfulness can have far-reaching effects. [35:43]
5. God's Perfect Timing: The walls of Jericho fell at a divinely appointed time. This teaches us to trust God's timing in our lives, understanding that He knows when and how to remove the barriers we face, and that His timing is always perfect. [28:24]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:27] - Introduction to the Sermon
- [03:29] - Prayer for God's Guidance
- [08:49] - Discussing Spiritual Barriers
- [14:33] - Historical Context of Jericho
- [20:04] - Importance of Silence and Obedience
- [24:32] - The Sixth Day of Marching
- [26:31] - The Seventh Day: Victory Achieved
- [29:52] - Following God's Presence
- [35:43] - Rahab's Transformation and Our Impact on Others
- [41:47] - More to the Story of Jericho
- [49:32] - Closing Prayer and Call to Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Breaking Barriers
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 6:1-5 (NIV)
> "Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the fall of Jericho?
- Reference: Joshua 6:1-5
2. How did the Israelites respond to God's command to march around Jericho in silence for six days?
- Reference: Joshua 6:10
3. What was the significance of the seventh day in the story of Jericho?
- Reference: Joshua 6:15-16
4. How did Rahab and her family benefit from the Israelites' obedience to God?
- Reference: Joshua 6:22-23
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God required the Israelites to march in silence for six days before the walls of Jericho fell?
- [16:03]
2. What does the story of Jericho teach us about the importance of collective faith and action within a community?
- [26:31]
3. How does the story of Rahab illustrate the impact of individual faithfulness on a broader community?
- [35:43]
4. What can we learn from the Israelites' persistence in following God's commands, even when the outcome was not immediately visible?
- [29:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable barrier. How did you respond, and what role did faith play in your approach?
- [08:49]
2. In what ways can you practice obedience to God's commands in your daily life, even when they seem illogical or difficult?
- [20:34]
3. How can you contribute to building collective faith within your community or small group? What specific actions can you take to support others in their spiritual journeys?
- [26:31]
4. Think about a situation where you need to persist in faith. What steps can you take to remain patient and trust in God's timing?
- [29:52]
5. Rahab's faith led to the salvation of her family. How can your faith and actions positively impact those around you? Identify one person you can support or encourage this week.
- [35:43]
6. Consider the barriers in your life that God may be calling you to overcome. What practical steps can you take to address these barriers with faith and obedience?
- [08:49]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions align with God's perfect timing, rather than your own? What practices can help you discern His timing more clearly?
- [28:24]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of obedience, faith, and persistence as illustrated in the story of Jericho. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Instructions
Obedience to God often challenges our understanding and comfort, yet it is a fundamental aspect of our faith journey. Just as the Israelites marched silently around Jericho for six days, we are sometimes called to follow God's commands that may appear illogical or challenging. This act of obedience is not just about adherence but is a profound expression of our trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate good for our lives. By obeying, we allow God to work miracles and demonstrate His power in ways that transcend human reasoning. This story encourages us to embrace divine instructions, even when they push us beyond our conventional boundaries, trusting that God's plans are aimed at our victory and spiritual growth. [24:32]
Psalm 119:60: "I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments."
Reflection: What is one specific instruction from God that you have been hesitant to follow, and how can you begin to obey it today?
Day 2: Unity in Faith and Purpose
The story of Jericho is a vivid illustration of what can be achieved when a community unites under a shared faith in God's promises. The Israelites' collective obedience and faith were crucial in the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls. This unity in purpose shows us the strength that comes from a community committed to following God together. It challenges us to consider how our own community of faith can be a powerful force for change and spiritual breakthroughs when we join together in obedience and trust in God's plan. [26:31]
Ephesians 4:3-5: "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
Reflection: How can you contribute to strengthening the unity within your church community to collectively follow God's commands?
Day 3: The Virtue of Spiritual Persistence
Persistence in faith is a key theme in the fall of Jericho. The Israelites marched for seven days without seeing immediate results, teaching us the importance of perseverance in our spiritual practices. This persistence is not a passive waiting but an active, steadfast involvement in spiritual disciplines, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. We are reminded that our continued efforts in prayer, obedience, and faith are never in vain but are preparing us for the victories God has planned. [29:52]
Hebrews 10:36: "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel like giving up. How can you apply persistent faith to continue believing in God's promises for this situation?
Day 4: Our Actions Affect Others
Our obedience to God has the potential to extend beyond our personal lives and impact others around us, much like Rahab's life was transformed by the Israelites' adherence to God's commands. This interconnectedness in the spiritual realm highlights the importance of living faithfully, as our actions can lead to blessings and even salvation for others. It encourages us to live with integrity and faithfulness, knowing that our lives are a testimony of God's grace and power, capable of influencing generations. [35:43]
1 Peter 2:12: "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Who in your life could be impacted by your faithful obedience to God? How can you intentionally live out your faith to influence them positively?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
The walls of Jericho fell at a precisely ordained time, a reminder that God's timing in our lives is perfect. This teaches us to trust in God's timing, even when delays seem discouraging. Understanding that God is sovereign and knows the best timing for every action helps us to remain patient and faithful, trusting that He is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. This perspective is crucial for maintaining peace and perseverance during times of waiting. [28:24]
Lamentations 3:25-26: "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to develop greater trust in God's timing? How can you actively cultivate patience during this period of waiting?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes I just need to shut up and march. And keep my mouth shut. And not be talking back to God. And not be aggravating God. And just listen to what God has said in my life. And be obedient to what He's saying. Sometimes I've got to learn this lesson to trust God and obey God." [20:04]
2. "I came to preach today that if we'll just trust Him and we'll obey Him, that we will look up and that wall, that barrier will be gone. I just got to keep marching. I just got to keep trusting God. I feel the Holy Ghost right now. I just got to keep trusting God. I got to keep being obedient to the ways of God." [29:27]
3. "The greatest miracle in this story is not the walls coming down. The greatest miracle in this story is that they were quiet and they did march without fussing against God. That's the greatest miracle. That is the greatest miracle of all." [22:40]
4. "I believe that there's going to be people before you leave today, you're going to have victory. Amen. You're going to have victory. Amen. I believe that God's going to do something in your life. See, I can't do it for you. Nobody else in this room can do this for you. Only God can do this in your life." [09:32]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When I was a kid, they came out with a song, Shut Up and March. I don't remember who sang it first. Two little children mentioned singing it. Indiana Bible School sang it. Somebody sang it. And it's just a simple song. It had all these verses in it. But the main part, the only thing I ever caught out of it was Shut Up and March." [24:32]
2. "Then they get to the seventh day. The number seven, of course, is completion in God. They get to that seventh day. The seventh day was a different day. They had to march around Jericho six times being quiet. Then on the seventh time around, the trumpets would blow and yells were heard and the walls fell flat." [25:40]
3. "On that seventh day, the trumpets sounded. They blew the ram's horns, the seven ram's horns, and they yelled, they shouted at the top of their lungs. And the Bible says that the walls fell flat. I looked up that word flat. The literal meaning is that the walls fell flat. That the walls disappeared beneath the ground." [26:58]
4. "The last lesson to learn is that this is never just about me. And it's never just about you and God doing the miraculous in your life. It's always that there's somebody else that is watching. Rahab. Rahab. I talked about her this morning in Sunday school. She's a prostitute. Five times in the Bible it calls her a prostitute, even in the New Testament." [34:19]
5. "I'm going to flip this around now because as a church, you hear me, we need to quit looking at people from their past. Quit talking about people because of what they might have been or what happened in their life. Come on somebody, I need some help right here. If we want people to be saved, and I'm going to tell you something, God wants them to be saved, and so we better want them to be saved." [39:13]
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