Faith and Sanctification: Crossing into Abundance

 

Summary

Today, I explored the profound journey of sanctification and faith, drawing from the narrative of Joshua and the Israelites as they prepared to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This story, rich with symbolism, serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey and the necessity of aligning ourselves with God's will.

The sermon began by setting the context of the Israelites' journey. They had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years due to their lack of faith and constant murmuring against God. This period was meant to be a brief transition, not a prolonged ordeal. The wilderness represents a phase of just enough—where God provides daily but not abundantly. This is contrasted with the slavery in Egypt, a place of not enough, and the Promised Land, a place of abundance.

I emphasized the importance of sanctification, using Joshua 3:5 as a pivotal scripture. Sanctification involves setting ourselves apart for God's purpose, allowing Him to work within us to prepare us for the blessings and tasks He has in store. This process is not about achieving perfection through our efforts but about making ourselves available to God's transformative power.

The crossing of the Jordan River was highlighted as a critical moment of faith. The river, at flood stage, represented significant obstacles and fears that can seem insurmountable. Yet, it was at this moment that the priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, had to step into the raging waters, demonstrating faith before seeing the waters part. This act of faith was crucial for the Israelites to move from a life of mere survival in the wilderness to a life of thriving in the Promised Land.

Throughout the sermon, I drew parallels between the Israelites' experiences and our modern spiritual journeys. Just as the Israelites had to physically move into the unknown to reach their promised future, we too are called to step out in faith, leaving behind our comfort zones and trusting in God's guidance and provision.

The sermon concluded with a call to action for personal sanctification and faith. By choosing to sanctify ourselves today, we prepare for the wonders God promises to perform in our lives tomorrow. This requires a daily commitment to live by faith, trusting in God's timing and provision, even when the path ahead seems unclear or daunting.

### Key Takeaways

1. Sanctification as Preparation for Divine Wonders
Sanctification isn't merely a theological concept; it's a daily decision to dedicate oneself wholly to God's service. This dedication allows God to work wonders in and through us, preparing us for greater works and blessings. Just as the Israelites had to sanctify themselves before crossing into the Promised Land, we must prepare our hearts daily for the divine acts God wants to perform in our lives. [09:11]

2. Faith in Action at the Jordan River
The moment the priests stepped into the Jordan River, their actions mirrored their faith. This teaches us that true faith requires action. It's not enough to believe in God's power; we must demonstrate our faith, especially when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. Our steps of faith pave the way for miraculous interventions in our lives. [23:05]

3. The Role of Remembrance in Sustaining Faith
Remembering past deliverances and miracles strengthens our faith and prepares us for future challenges. Just as the Israelites built memorials to remember God's acts, we should regularly recall and celebrate what God has done in our lives. This remembrance helps us to trust in His continued faithfulness and provision. [34:08]

4. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership and Guidance
Just as Joshua led the Israelites with clear instructions from God, we need spiritual leadership in our lives to guide us through our spiritual journeys. Leaders help us focus on God's presence and ensure we are moving in the right direction. This guidance is crucial in times of uncertainty and transition. [14:17]

5. Embracing the Wilderness as a Place of Development
The wilderness experience, though challenging, is a vital season of growth and dependency on God. It teaches us resilience and deepens our faith, making us ready for the abundance of the Promised Land. Embracing this season, rather than resisting it, accelerates our spiritual progress and prepares us for future blessings. [05:09]

### Chapters

0:00 - Welcome
01:16 - Crossing Over: Embracing Change
07:09 - Sanctification: Setting Apart for Tomorrow's Wonders
14:17 - Following Spiritual Leadership
23:05 - Demonstrating Faith at the Jordan
34:08 - Remembering God's Faithfulness
39:04 - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 3:5 - "And Joshua said to the people, 'Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"
2. Joshua 3:14-17 - "So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Joshua instruct the people to do in Joshua 3:5, and what was the promised outcome? ([07:09])
2. Describe the condition of the Jordan River when the Israelites were instructed to cross it. ([06:08])
3. What was the role of the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant during the crossing of the Jordan River? ([19:55])
4. How did the Israelites' experience in the wilderness differ from their experience in Egypt and the Promised Land? ([03:38])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "sanctify" oneself according to the sermon, and why is it important for experiencing God's wonders? ([07:09])
2. How does the act of the priests stepping into the Jordan River before it parted demonstrate faith in action? ([23:05])
3. Why is it significant that the Israelites were instructed to follow the Ark of the Covenant and keep it in front of them? ([14:17])
4. How does remembering past deliverances and miracles help sustain faith during future challenges? ([34:08])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were in a "wilderness" phase. How did that experience shape your faith and dependency on God? ([05:09])
2. What are some practical ways you can sanctify yourself daily to prepare for the wonders God wants to perform in your life? ([07:09])
3. Think of a current challenge that feels like a "flooded Jordan River" in your life. What steps of faith can you take to move forward despite the obstacles? ([06:08])
4. How can you actively remember and celebrate past instances of God's faithfulness in your life to strengthen your faith for future challenges? ([34:08])
5. Identify a spiritual leader or mentor in your life. How can you seek their guidance to ensure you are moving in the right direction during times of uncertainty? ([14:17])
6. How can you embrace your current "wilderness" season as a place of development rather than resisting it? What specific actions can you take to grow during this time? ([05:09])
7. What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith, leaving behind your comfort zone? How can you trust in God's guidance and provision in this area? ([06:38])

Devotional

Day 1: Sanctification: Our Daily Dedication
Sanctification is not just a lofty theological concept; it is a practical, daily commitment to aligning oneself with God's purposes. It involves a conscious decision to set oneself apart, allowing God to work within and through us. This process prepares us for the divine wonders that God plans to perform in our lives, much like the Israelites had to prepare themselves before entering the Promised Land. Sanctification is about making oneself available for God's transformative power, which in turn equips us for greater works and blessings. This preparation is not about achieving perfection through our efforts but about being open and receptive to the divine changes God wants to enact in our lives. [09:11]

"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." - Joshua 3:5 ESV

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can enhance your dedication to God's purposes today?

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Day 2: Faith Demonstrated by Action
True faith is not passive; it requires action, especially in the face of daunting challenges. The moment the priests stepped into the flooded Jordan River, they demonstrated their faith, not knowing what the outcome would be. This act of stepping out, despite the visible obstacles, is a powerful lesson in faith. Our own spiritual journey requires similar acts of faith where we must move forward, trusting in God's promises, even when the path is not clear. Such steps of faith are necessary for us to experience God's miraculous interventions and to move from mere survival to thriving. [23:05]

"And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap." - Joshua 3:13 ESV

Reflection: What 'Jordan River' in your life do you need to step into by faith today?

---

Day 3: Remembering to Sustain Our Faith
The act of remembrance plays a crucial role in sustaining and strengthening our faith. By recalling and celebrating past miracles and deliverances, we remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and provision. This not only bolsters our faith in facing current challenges but also prepares us for future ones. Just as the Israelites built memorials to remember God's acts, we too should make it a practice to regularly reflect on and celebrate what God has done in our lives. This act of remembrance is a powerful tool in maintaining a vibrant and trusting faith. [34:08]

"These stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever." - Joshua 4:7b ESV

Reflection: Can you identify a past situation where God's intervention was evident? How does remembering this event encourage you in your current challenges?

---

Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Guidance
Navigating our spiritual journey often requires clear guidance and leadership, much like Joshua's role in leading the Israelites. Spiritual leaders help us to focus on God's presence and ensure that we are moving in the right direction. Their guidance is particularly crucial in times of uncertainty and transition. By following godly leadership, we can avoid the pitfalls of confusion and misdirection, ensuring that our spiritual progress remains steady and aligned with God's will. [14:17]

"Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go." - Joshua 1:7 ESV

Reflection: How can you better engage with spiritual leadership in your community to enhance your spiritual growth?

---

Day 5: Embracing the Wilderness for Growth
The wilderness, though a challenging and often uncomfortable place, is a season of significant growth and dependency on God. It teaches us resilience and deepens our faith, preparing us for the abundance that awaits in our 'Promised Land.' Embracing this season, rather than resisting it, accelerates our spiritual progress and readiness for future blessings. The wilderness is not a place of punishment but a place of development, where our faith is tested and our character is strengthened. [05:09]

"I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her." - Hosea 2:14 ESV

Reflection: What 'wilderness' experience are you currently facing, and how can you embrace it as a place of spiritual growth and development?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "What if today God does something on the inside of me that I might not see it happen now? Make a decision today that God is going to do something on the inside of me. Change the way we see things." [09:41]( | | )

2. "Are you walking according by faith and not based upon what your force and control can do? See, faith surrenders. Force has to control. So God, I'm surrendering all that I am to you and I'm going to be led by your spirit so you can take me to the destiny." [24:07]( | | )

3. "Sometimes you're like, God, why mud? Well, because that's the only thing keeping you where God wants you. God, it stinks. It's between my, I just don't like anything about this. God's like, it's just a tool that I'm using to get you somewhere." [25:09]( | | )

4. "Isn't it funny how God will bring you to a place that's nearly over your head sometimes? As crazy as a moment in place that might be in your life, that is the greatest place to be. Because you have to rely on him and his presence." [26:11]( | | )

5. "What if God is not trying to change the river? What if God's first trying to change you? Maybe they're not a problem. Maybe God's trying to do something on the side of you." [21:29]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "The wilderness experience, though challenging, is a vital season of growth and dependency on God. It teaches us resilience and deepens our faith, making us ready for the abundance of the Promised Land." [05:09]( | | )

2. "Sanctify yourselves today so that tomorrow God will do wonders among you. This dedication allows God to work wonders in and through us, preparing us for greater works and blessings." [07:09]( | | )

3. "The moment the priests stepped into the Jordan River, their actions mirrored their faith. This teaches us that true faith requires action. It's not enough to believe in God's power; we must demonstrate our faith, especially when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable." [23:05]( | | )

4. "Remembering past deliverances and miracles strengthens our faith and prepares us for future challenges. Just as the Israelites built memorials to remember God's acts, we should regularly recall and celebrate what God has done in our lives." [34:08]( | | )

5. "Just as Joshua led the Israelites with clear instructions from God, we need spiritual leadership in our lives to guide us through our spiritual journeys. Leaders help us focus on God's presence and ensure we are moving in the right direction." [14:17]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?