Embracing the Fight: The Spirit of Caleb
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the inspiring story of Caleb from Joshua 14, focusing on his unwavering faith and determination even at the age of 85. Caleb's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of fighting for what God has promised. Despite the challenges he faced, from slavery in Egypt to wandering in the desert, Caleb remained steadfast in his faith, choosing to fight for the mountainous region of Hebron, a place inhabited by giants. This choice reflects his understanding that the presence of rest does not mean the absence of a fight. God’s promises often require us to engage in battles to both attain and maintain them.
We are reminded that life is inherently a struggle, and our spiritual journey is no different. The promised land, much like our spiritual inheritance, is not just about abundance but also about influence. It requires us to fight to enter and to remain. Caleb’s story challenges us to embrace the fight, not out of fear of losing but from a desire to win. This desire is crucial because it fuels our passion and drive, preventing us from settling into complacency.
Moreover, we must be wary of the idol of comfort, which can subtly erode our spiritual vitality. Comfort can become a dangerous trap, lulling us into a false sense of security and causing us to lose our spiritual edge. Instead, we are called to refuse comfort and continue to engage in the fight, trusting that God will provide and open doors as we step out in faith.
Finally, we must be prepared to take hits in life, just as Jesus did. The path of following Christ is not one of ease but of resilience and courage. We are encouraged to fight again, to not lose heart, and to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit within us to overcome the challenges we face.
Key Takeaways:
- The Spirit of Caleb: Caleb's life exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and faith. At 85, he chose to fight for Hebron, understanding that God's promises often require us to engage in battles to attain and maintain them. This teaches us that the presence of rest does not mean the absence of a fight. [04:34]
- Desire to Win vs. Fear of Losing: Our motivation should be driven by a desire to win rather than a fear of losing. This mindset fuels our passion and prevents complacency. Caleb's story reminds us that God created us to be driven by the desire to win, which is a more powerful motivator than fear. [15:36]
- The Danger of Comfort: Comfort can become an idol that erodes our spiritual vitality. We must be vigilant against settling into complacency and instead continue to engage in the fight, trusting that God will provide as we step out in faith. [31:58]
- Taking the Hits: Following Christ means being prepared to take hits in life. Jesus himself was hit and beaten, and as his followers, we are called to walk in his steps. Life's challenges are opportunities to demonstrate resilience and courage, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit within us. [42:21]
- Fight Again: We are encouraged to fight again, to not lose heart, and to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit within us to overcome the challenges we face. This fight is too important, with too much at stake for our families, our future, and God's Kingdom. [43:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction of David Poirier
- [01:35] - David's Joyful Spirit
- [02:23] - Reading from Joshua 14
- [04:55] - Prayer for the Spirit of Caleb
- [05:12] - David's Greeting and Florida Experience
- [07:01] - Greater Impact and the Spirit of Caleb
- [08:21] - Caleb's Life of Fighting
- [09:54] - Presence of Rest and Absence of Fight
- [11:15] - Promised Land and Influence
- [13:49] - The Importance of Not Quitting
- [15:36] - Desire to Win vs. Fear of Losing
- [19:17] - The Danger of Comparison
- [25:21] - Fighting for the Church and God's Kingdom
- [31:58] - The Idol of Comfort
- [36:39] - Taking the Hits
- [42:21] - Following Jesus' Example
- [43:06] - Encouragement to Fight Again
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Spirit of Caleb
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 14:5-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What challenges did Caleb face throughout his life, and how did he respond to them according to Joshua 14? [03:08]
2. Why did Caleb choose the mountainous region of Hebron as his inheritance, despite the presence of giants? [09:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between rest and fighting in the context of God's promises? [09:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of comfort in our spiritual lives? [31:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Caleb's choice to fight for Hebron at the age of 85 reflect his understanding of God's promises? [09:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a desire to win is a more powerful motivator than a fear of losing? [15:36]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the danger of comfort becoming an idol in our spiritual journey? [31:58]
4. What does the sermon imply about the necessity of taking hits in life as followers of Christ? [42:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. How can Caleb's example of perseverance inspire you to approach this challenge differently? [08:21]
2. Identify an area in your life where you might be driven by a fear of losing rather than a desire to win. How can you shift your mindset to be more like Caleb's? [15:36]
3. Consider the comforts in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth. What steps can you take to ensure these comforts do not become idols? [31:58]
4. Think about a time when you faced significant challenges or "hits" in your life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with the example of Jesus? [42:21]
5. Caleb was willing to fight for his inheritance at an advanced age. What is one area of your life where you feel called to "fight" for God's promises, regardless of your current circumstances? [09:54]
6. How can you actively engage in the spiritual battles necessary to attain and maintain the promises God has for you? What practical steps can you take this week? [11:15]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to overcome challenges and continue fighting the good fight? [44:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance in Faith
Caleb's life is a powerful example of unwavering faith and perseverance. At 85, he chose to fight for the mountainous region of Hebron, a land inhabited by giants, because he understood that God's promises often require us to engage in battles to attain and maintain them. Caleb's story teaches us that the presence of rest does not mean the absence of a fight. His determination to claim what God had promised him, despite the challenges he faced, from slavery in Egypt to wandering in the desert, is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and faith. Caleb's life encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises as we continue to fight for them. [04:34]
Joshua 14:10-12 (ESV): "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are currently fighting for? How can you draw strength from Caleb's example to persevere in faith today?
Day 2: Motivation to Win
Our motivation should be driven by a desire to win rather than a fear of losing. Caleb's story reminds us that God created us to be driven by the desire to win, which is a more powerful motivator than fear. This mindset fuels our passion and prevents complacency. When we focus on the desire to win, we are more likely to engage fully in the battles we face, knowing that God is with us and that His promises are worth fighting for. Caleb's life challenges us to embrace this mindset, trusting that God will provide the strength and courage we need to overcome any obstacles in our path. [15:36]
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you motivated by fear rather than a desire to win? How can you shift your mindset to focus on the victory God has promised you?
Day 3: The Trap of Comfort
Comfort can become an idol that erodes our spiritual vitality. We must be vigilant against settling into complacency and instead continue to engage in the fight, trusting that God will provide as we step out in faith. The danger of comfort is that it can lull us into a false sense of security, causing us to lose our spiritual edge. Caleb's story challenges us to refuse comfort and continue to engage in the fight, knowing that God's promises often require us to step out of our comfort zones. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and the joy of living a life of faith and purpose. [31:58]
Amos 6:1 (ESV): "Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes!"
Reflection: What comforts in your life might be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you step out of your comfort zone today to pursue God's promises more fully?
Day 4: Resilience in Adversity
Following Christ means being prepared to take hits in life. Jesus himself was hit and beaten, and as his followers, we are called to walk in his steps. Life's challenges are opportunities to demonstrate resilience and courage, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Caleb's story reminds us that the path of following Christ is not one of ease but of resilience and courage. We are encouraged to fight again, to not lose heart, and to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the challenges we face. This fight is too important, with too much at stake for our families, our future, and God's Kingdom. [42:21]
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Reflection: How do you typically respond to adversity in your life? What steps can you take to cultivate resilience and trust in the Holy Spirit during challenging times?
Day 5: The Call to Fight Again
We are encouraged to fight again, to not lose heart, and to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit within us to overcome the challenges we face. Caleb's story is a powerful reminder that the fight for God's promises is too important to give up on. With so much at stake for our families, our future, and God's Kingdom, we must continue to engage in the fight, trusting that God will provide the strength and courage we need. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and the joy of living a life of faith and purpose. [43:06]
Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV): "And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel like giving up? How can you draw strength from Caleb's example and the power of the Holy Spirit to fight again today?
Quotes
Caleb was a fighter he was 85 years old and he fought all his life long from 0 to 40 he fought to survive as a slave in Egypt for 40 to 80 he fought to survive in the desert and from 80 to 85 he fought to conquer the promised land and in Joshua 14 it is time to share the promised land and because Caleb was faithful he could choose where he want to have his inheritance and he chose the mountains of Ebron. [00:08:21]
Caleb could ask for anything he could ask for a piece of land on the beach but he didn't do that he could say I don't want to fight anymore been there done that I'm done with fighting what I want now is resting but he don't ask for the beach he ask for Ebron he is 85 years old and he still wants to fight is he crazy Maybe or maybe he understood something that most of us don't is this the presence of rest does not mean the absence of fight. [00:09:54]
The promised land is a place that you have to fight to get in but the promised land is a place that you have to fight to stay in and it's the same with your life God wants things for you there are some things that God wants for you and you have to fight to get them but you also have to fight to keep them now you need to know this promised land is not just about abundance. [00:11:15]
You can be driven by two things either you're driven by the desire to win or you're driven by the fear of losing but which one do you think is the most powerful the desire to win is a much more powerful drive for example a student driven by the fear of losing will study only the night before the exam most of you guys right but a student driven by the desire to win will study all through the semester. [00:15:36]
God did not create you to be driven by fear God did not create you to be driven by the fear to lose you were created to be driven by the desire to win and when we lose that passion when we lose that hoot Spa when we lose that desire to win we are in great danger but we don't take that seriously we think it's not important let me tell you if you don't have the desire to win you might even lose what you already have. [00:17:00]
Comfort is the most dangerous thing for your spiritual life and this is the reason why I decided last year to get rid of Netflix because I was too not not you me I was too comfortable with that this is why now I leave three Bible studies not one three why because I want to be there for the next Generation I don't want to watch Netflix till Jesus come and see that generation be lost no no no. [00:31:58]
Life is a fight and when you fight you got hit I was preaching in Las Vegas um last year and uh as I'm preaching you know Vegas they have a lot of well-known people in that City and as I'm preaching I see a guy at the center of the room and he's all into my preaching he's like amen nodding you know applauding he he he's into it and and and I'm staring at him because you know we as preacher if you look negative when we preach we don't look at you okay we are looking for a positive person. [00:36:39]
The real Jesus on that cross he was hit and he did look far worse than that guy this Jesus on the cross he took the hits he took the hits for you and he took the hits for me and as a follower of Jesus I am called to walk in his steps and to walk in his way how can I have a life without hits and I follow Jesus it make no sense we worship a God that was hit and beaten. [00:42:21]
Many times life will hit you and beat you but we follow a savior that went through all this that triumphed from every trouble and trial and he is the one we believe in to get through all our fights I'm here to tell you today you need to fight again you will not quit you will not lose heart this fight is too important there's too much at stake for you and your family and your future and God's Kingdom in this church you need to fight again. [00:43:06]
You got more in you than you think you got more in you than you think you will get through this because you got in you the Holy Spirit of the Living God with his power you got more in you than you think so in Jesus name I command you and I command my soul and your soul to fight again in Jesus name. [00:44:33]
When we lose this desire to win there's something in our soul that dies I noticed that the moments that I fight the most are the moments that I live the most I notice that when I fight the most I preach the best when I fight the most I have more compassion for people when I fight the most I have more love for people when I fight the most I am truly alive you are created to fight my friend so you need to fight. [00:24:00]
We need to fight for this church we need to fight for the kingdom of God do you know that God has not God has not done with this church do you do you think do do you know that the better days for this church are ahead of us not behind us I truly believe that but we need to fight when you fight you live is you stop fighting you stop living and when we stop living we need to live some experiences that will give us the feeling of having a pseudo life. [00:25:21]
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