Embracing Faith: Possessing God's Promises for Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! Today, we continue our exciting series, "The Word," where we delve into the book of Joshua. This ancient text, set around 1406 BC, is not just a historical account but a living testament of God's faithfulness and His plans for us. Last week, we explored how God is faithful, and today, we take it a step further by understanding that God is taking us places. Just as He led the Israelites out of the wilderness into the Promised Land, He has a plan for each of our lives.
The book of Joshua is rich with themes, one of which is "possession." God used Joshua to lead His people to possess the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, full of blessings and prosperity. However, possession is not just about having something; it's about fully embracing and living in the promises God has for us. This journey requires learning, experience, and faith.
We are like the Israelites, often wandering and waiting, but God has a Promised Land for us—a life in relationship with Jesus Christ. This land represents redemption, blessing, prosperity, freedom, and fruitfulness. To possess it, we must understand two key principles: our past doesn't determine our destination, and our steps of faith are crucial in reaching our God-ordained future.
Joshua chapter 2 introduces us to Rahab, a woman with a past. Despite being a prostitute, her faith and actions led to her redemption. She hid the Israelite spies and was given a scarlet cord as a sign of her faith, which ultimately saved her and her family. This scarlet cord symbolizes the blood of Jesus, showing that our past sins do not define our future.
In Joshua chapter 3, we see the Israelites taking a significant step of faith by crossing the Jordan River at flood stage. Their faith in stepping into the water led to God stopping the river's flow, allowing them to cross on dry ground. This act of faith was essential for them to reach the Promised Land.
God is calling us to take steps of faith, even when it seems illogical or difficult. Whether it's sharing our faith, giving generously, or making life changes, these steps are necessary to possess the promises God has for us. Trust God with your past and take your next step of faith, knowing that He is leading you to a beautiful future.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness and Our Journey: Just as God led the Israelites to the Promised Land, He has a plan for each of us. Our journey involves learning, experience, and faith. Trusting in God's faithfulness allows us to embrace the promises He has for our lives. [27:24]
2. Redemption Through Faith: Rahab's story teaches us that our past does not determine our future. Despite her past as a prostitute, her faith and actions led to her redemption. The scarlet cord she hung out her window symbolizes the blood of Jesus, showing that our sins are forgiven, and we have a future in Christ. [45:18]
3. Steps of Faith: To possess the Promised Land, we must take steps of faith. The Israelites' act of stepping into the Jordan River at flood stage demonstrates that faith often requires us to move forward even when it seems illogical or difficult. These steps are crucial in reaching our God-ordained future. [54:27]
4. God's Provision in Our Steps: When the Israelites stepped into the Jordan River, God stopped the flow 20 miles upstream. This shows that God is already working on our behalf, even when we can't see it. Our steps of faith activate God's provision and miracles in our lives. [01:04:09]
5. Trusting God with Our Past: We must trust God with our past, letting go of labels, shame, and regrets. By doing so, we open ourselves to the future God has planned for us. Our past does not disqualify us from God's promises; instead, it can be a testimony of His redemption and grace. [01:07:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:24] - Introduction to the Book of Joshua
[28:56] - God's Faithfulness and Our Journey
[30:14] - You're Going Places
[31:36] - Theme of Possession
[33:00] - Personal Story: Becoming a Jeep Guy
[34:08] - Learning to Possess
[35:40] - The Promised Land and Our Lives
[37:13] - What is the Promised Land?
[38:38] - More Than Just Attending Church
[40:03] - Your Past Doesn't Determine Your Destination
[41:48] - Rahab's Story
[45:18] - The Scarlet Cord and Redemption
[49:47] - Rahab in the Genealogy of Jesus
[51:27] - Rahab the Faithful
[52:59] - Steps of Faith
[54:27] - Rahab's Step of Faith
[55:53] - Personal Story: Selling the House
[57:14] - Celebrating Steps of Faith
[58:27] - Joshua Chapter 3: Crossing the Jordan
[01:01:27] - The Importance of Steps of Faith
[01:04:09] - God's Provision in Our Steps
[01:07:59] - Trusting God with Our Past
[01:09:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 2:1-21
2. Joshua 3:1-17
3. Psalm 139:16
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Rahab's profession, and how did her actions demonstrate her faith? ([43:19])
2. Describe the significance of the scarlet cord in Rahab's story. ([45:18])
3. What was the condition of the Jordan River when the Israelites were instructed to cross it, and what happened when they took a step of faith? ([59:57])
4. How does Psalm 139:16 relate to the idea that God has a plan for our lives? ([30:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Rahab's story illustrate that our past does not determine our future? ([46:52])
2. What does the act of stepping into the Jordan River at flood stage teach us about the nature of faith? ([59:57])
3. How can the theme of possession in the book of Joshua be applied to our spiritual lives today? ([31:36])
4. In what ways does the scarlet cord symbolize the blood of Jesus and the concept of redemption? ([45:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your past was holding you back. How can Rahab's story encourage you to trust God with your past? ([46:52])
2. What is one step of faith you feel God is calling you to take, even if it seems illogical or difficult? How can you prepare yourself to take that step? ([59:57])
3. Identify a "Jordan River" in your life—an obstacle that seems insurmountable. What practical steps can you take to trust God and move forward? ([59:57])
4. How can you actively embrace and live in the promises God has for you, rather than just attending church and saying prayers? ([38:38])
5. Think about a past mistake or regret. How can you reframe it as part of God's redemptive plan for your life? ([46:52])
6. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself daily that God is taking you places and has a plan for your life? ([30:14])
7. How can you support others in your small group to take their next steps of faith? What can you do to encourage and pray for them? ([01:07:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Faithfulness for Our Journey
God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of our spiritual journey. Just as He led the Israelites to the Promised Land, He has a unique plan for each of us. This journey is not just about reaching a destination but involves learning, experience, and faith. Trusting in God's faithfulness allows us to embrace the promises He has for our lives. When we look at the story of Joshua, we see a clear example of how God’s faithfulness guided the Israelites through challenges and uncertainties. They had to trust in His promises and take steps of faith, even when the path was unclear. This same principle applies to our lives today. We may face obstacles and uncertainties, but by trusting in God's faithfulness, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is leading us to a place of blessing and fulfillment. [27:24]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Think about a current challenge or uncertainty in your life. How can you trust in God's faithfulness to guide you through it?
Day 2: Redemption Through Faith
Rahab's story is a powerful testament to the fact that our past does not determine our future. Despite her past as a prostitute, her faith and actions led to her redemption. The scarlet cord she hung out her window symbolizes the blood of Jesus, showing that our sins are forgiven, and we have a future in Christ. Rahab's faith was not just a belief but was demonstrated through her actions when she hid the Israelite spies. This act of faith not only saved her and her family but also placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Her story reminds us that no matter our past, faith in God can lead to redemption and a new future. [45:18]
Hebrews 11:31 (ESV): "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."
Reflection: Reflect on a past mistake or regret. How can you embrace God's forgiveness and move forward in faith, knowing that your past does not define your future?
Day 3: Taking Steps of Faith
To possess the Promised Land, we must take steps of faith. The Israelites' act of stepping into the Jordan River at flood stage demonstrates that faith often requires us to move forward even when it seems illogical or difficult. These steps are crucial in reaching our God-ordained future. The act of stepping into the water was a bold move that required trust in God's promise. It was only after they took that step that God stopped the river's flow, allowing them to cross on dry ground. This teaches us that sometimes we need to take a step of faith before we see God's provision. [54:27]
Joshua 3:15-16 (ESV): "And as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away."
Reflection: Identify a step of faith you feel God is calling you to take. What is holding you back, and how can you trust God to provide as you move forward?
Day 4: God's Provision in Our Steps
When the Israelites stepped into the Jordan River, God stopped the flow 20 miles upstream. This shows that God is already working on our behalf, even when we can't see it. Our steps of faith activate God's provision and miracles in our lives. This act of divine intervention was not immediately visible to the Israelites, but it was a crucial part of their journey. It reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes, preparing the way for us. Our responsibility is to take the steps of faith He calls us to, trusting that He will provide and make a way. [01:04:09]
Isaiah 43:16 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters."
Reflection: Think of a time when you took a step of faith and later saw God's provision. How can this experience encourage you to trust Him in your current situation?
Day 5: Trusting God with Our Past
We must trust God with our past, letting go of labels, shame, and regrets. By doing so, we open ourselves to the future God has planned for us. Our past does not disqualify us from God's promises; instead, it can be a testimony of His redemption and grace. The story of Rahab is a perfect example of this truth. Despite her past, she became a part of God's redemptive plan. This teaches us that God can use our past, no matter how broken, to bring about His purposes. Trusting God with our past allows us to move forward in freedom and hope. [01:07:59]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What labels or regrets from your past are you holding onto? How can you release them to God and embrace the new future He has for you?
Quotes
1. "We believe that the Bible isn't just a bunch of words preserved for us on a page, that it's not just characters written on a page bundled in a book and handed to us through the centuries, that the Bible is actually God's very breath. It's literally His breath breathed over us, and it's His words spoken to us, and they can literally transform our lives, and so that's why we're spending this entire series digging into The Word." [27:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I say you're going places, I'm actually offering to you an invitation today to step into the plans and the purposes God's already written, and he's already established for your life. In fact, let me teach you something. I'm going to teach you something about Joshua. And you're going to see this. If you're reading along on your own, you're going to see it. You're going to see it today." [31:36] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God has brought us out of some things too, and into some things as well. Yeah, God's brought us out of darkness. God's brought us out of slavery to sin. God's brought us out of wandering in our own wilderness. And God wants to take you and me places. The Bible says it like this. The Bible says that you are God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, just like the children of Israel were, that you may declare the praises of him, look at this, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." [37:13] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You don't have to stay stuck where you are. You don't have to keep wandering around without purpose and meaning. You don't have to keep feeling like you're stuck on a treadmill, running at high speeds, going nowhere in life. You don't have to keep stressing about your tomorrow and about your future and about what's next. You don't have to keep looking over your shoulder, worrying about your yesterday. God's taking you places. He's taking you to the promised land." [37:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your past doesn't have to determine your destination. Here's why. God redeems our past and he works it for our good in our future. That's why. Hello, anybody? No, I know. I know. You're all so spiritual. You're all so holy. You all polished your halo on the way to church today. So nobody in here has a past. I know. I know. Nobody does. But if you happen to, at some point in this message, remember some little sin you did way back then. Let me tell you something. God can use even that. For your good in your future, if you'll trust him with it, because God's taking you somewhere." [40:03] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Because even though she has a past, it doesn't have to determine her destination. And neither does yours. Neither does yours. Here's the bonus of the story. Okay. The bonus of the story. If anybody wants to play along with me, this is like Bible trivia 101. Here we go. The bonus of the story is that that scarlet cord has some significance. We see it in other places throughout the scripture. That scarlet cord was a precursor of what is to come. The red of that scarlet cord represents the blood of Jesus Christ." [46:52] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Your step of faith to tell somebody about Jesus might be the thing that changes their life. Your step of faith to give the tithe might be the thing that unleashes God's blessing in your finances. Your step of faith to lead a group might be the thing that unlocks new relationships, a promised land of new relationships. Your step of faith of prioritizing church and getting up early to read your Bible and praying for your children might be the thing that changes the whole trajectory of your family." [01:04:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So many of us want the hot pocket, but we don't want the two-minute cool down. Period. Are y'all listening? We want godly kids, but we don't want to teach them the Bible. We want a good marriage, but we don't want to have to put in the work. We want to be close to God, but we don't want to have to do what he says. We want the answer to prayer, but we won't get up at 6 a.m. to pray for it. We want our friends to know Jesus, but we don't want to have to be the ones to tell them about him." [01:01:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I'm telling you today, you're going places and God is leading the way. Give him your past, trust him with your past, and he'll take you places you never dreamed of. He'll take you to your own promised land. Just like Rahab. Just like Rahab." [52:59] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When was the last time you took a step that required faith? If the only steps you're taking are logical and obvious and clear cut and sensible and natural, I can promise you, you're not going where God wants to take you because to possess the promised land, it requires steps of faith. When was the last time you took a step that required faith?" [54:27] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 11, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?