Faith in Action: Overcoming Jericho's Walls
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, friends. Today, we delve into the story of Joshua and the Israelites as they face the fortified city of Jericho. This narrative is not just a historical account but a profound lesson on faith, obedience, and the vision of victory that God has for us.
We begin by acknowledging that our work is not our own but evidence of the faith within us. Our actions are a testament to the transformation God has wrought in our hearts and souls. James tells us that faith without works is dead, and this is echoed by Rich Mullins, who likens faith without works to a song you can't sing—useless as a screen door on a submarine. The Israelites had work to do, but it was an unconventional plan given by God. They were not to rely on their own strategies but to follow God's vision and plan, which involved marching, shouting, and praying ([59:34]).
As we look at the story of Jericho, we see that God had already delivered the city into the hands of the Israelites. The victory was assured, but they still had to act in faith. This is a powerful reminder that God's promises are sure, but they require our participation. We must see the victory and live with that vision, knowing that God fights our battles and that the ultimate victory is in Christ Jesus ([56:05]).
The Israelites' journey to Jericho was filled with challenges, but they were called to follow God's unconventional plan. They were to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout, and the walls would collapse. This act of obedience, despite the seeming absurdity of the plan, was a testament to their faith in God's promise ([34:17]).
In our lives, we often face our own Jerichos—obstacles that seem insurmountable. But like the Israelites, we are called to see the victory that God has already promised. We must not be paralyzed by our perceptions or the potential for conflict. Instead, we are to act in faith, knowing that God has gone before us and that His plans are for our good ([01:01:51]).
The story of Rahab, the prostitute who helped the Israelite spies, is a powerful example of God's grace and the unexpected ways He works. Rahab, despite her background, played a crucial role in God's plan. Her faith and actions led to her being included in the genealogy of Jesus, showing that God can use anyone for His purposes ([52:14]).
As we reflect on these lessons, we are reminded that our work is evidence of God at work in us. We are empowered to act because of what God has done through Jesus Christ. Our actions should be rooted in love, as without love, our work is meaningless. We are called to live into the vision of victory that God has given us, to act boldly in faith, and to trust in His promises ([58:44]).
In conclusion, let us pray for boldness and unity as a church family. Let us seek God's guidance and be willing to face our Jerichos with faith and obedience. May we never overlook the people God places in our path to help us fulfill His plans. And as we go forth, let us embrace the beauty of the life God has given us and live it to the fullest for His glory ([01:10:07]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith and Works are Inseparable: Our work is a manifestation of our faith. James tells us that faith without works is dead, and this is a call to action for all believers. Our actions should reflect the transformation God has made in our hearts, serving as a light to those who need the gospel. Without love as the foundation, our work is meaningless. [58:44]
2. God's Promises Require Our Participation: The story of Jericho teaches us that while God's promises are sure, they require our active participation. The Israelites had to march, shout, and follow God's unconventional plan to see the walls of Jericho fall. This is a reminder that we must act in faith, trusting that God has already secured the victory. [56:05]
3. Overcoming Perceptions and Conflict: We often avoid God's calling due to perceived or real conflicts. However, like the Israelites, we must not let our perceptions paralyze us. God's plans may lead us through difficult paths, but He equips us to face these challenges. Our focus should be on His purpose, not on avoiding trouble. [01:01:51]
4. God Uses Unexpected People: Rahab's story is a testament to God's grace and the unexpected ways He works. Despite her background, Rahab played a crucial role in God's plan. This teaches us not to overlook or undervalue anyone, as God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. [52:14]
5. Living into the Vision of Victory: We are called to live with the vision of victory that God has given us. This involves acting boldly in faith, rooted in the assurance that God fights our battles. Our work is evidence of God at work in us, and we are empowered to act because of what Jesus has done. Let us embrace this vision and live it out for God's glory. [58:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:10] - Opening Prayer
[32:55] - Introduction to Joshua 6
[34:17] - The Plan for Jericho
[37:29] - Gratitude and Vision
[41:35] - Avoiding Hazards
[45:58] - Facing Jericho
[47:17] - Perception and Conflict
[52:14] - The Story of Rahab
[56:05] - Vision of Victory
[58:44] - Faith and Works
[01:01:51] - Overcoming Perceptions
[01:10:07] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
[01:13:58] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 6:1-20
- James 2:17
- Matthew 1:5
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the conquest of Jericho? ([34:17])
2. How did the Israelites respond to God's unconventional plan for taking Jericho? ([34:17])
3. What role did Rahab play in the story of Jericho, and how was she rewarded for her actions? ([52:14])
4. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between faith and works as described in James 2:17? ([58:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose such an unconventional method for the Israelites to conquer Jericho? What might this teach us about God's ways? ([34:17])
2. How does the story of Rahab challenge our perceptions of who God can use for His purposes? ([52:14])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our actions should reflect our faith? How does this align with James 2:17? ([58:44])
4. What does it mean to live with a "vision of victory" as described in the sermon? How does this perspective affect our daily lives? ([56:05])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "Jericho" in your life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now with the lessons from this sermon? ([45:58])
2. The Israelites had to act in faith despite the absurdity of God's plan. Is there a situation in your life where you need to act in faith despite it seeming unreasonable? ([34:17])
3. Rahab's story shows that God can use anyone, regardless of their past. Is there someone in your life whom you might be overlooking or undervaluing? How can you change your perspective? ([52:14])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not being paralyzed by perceptions or potential conflicts. Is there a specific conflict or challenge you are avoiding? How can you face it with faith and obedience? ([47:17])
5. How can you incorporate the idea of "faith and works" into your daily routine? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith? ([58:44])
6. The sermon calls for boldness and unity as a church family. What steps can you take to contribute to the unity and mission of your church community? ([01:10:07])
7. Think about the vision of victory that God has given you. What practical steps can you take to live into this vision and trust in God's promises? ([56:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Our work is a manifestation of our faith. James tells us that faith without works is dead, and this is a call to action for all believers. Our actions should reflect the transformation God has made in our hearts, serving as a light to those who need the gospel. Without love as the foundation, our work is meaningless. [58:44]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can demonstrate your faith through an act of love today. How can you serve someone in your community or family to reflect the transformation God has made in your heart?
Day 2: Participating in God's Promises
The story of Jericho teaches us that while God's promises are sure, they require our active participation. The Israelites had to march, shout, and follow God's unconventional plan to see the walls of Jericho fall. This is a reminder that we must act in faith, trusting that God has already secured the victory. [56:05]
Joshua 6:2-5 (ESV): "And the Lord said to Joshua, 'See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.'"
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you need to actively participate in today? How can you take a step of faith to align your actions with His promises?
Day 3: Overcoming Perceptions and Conflict
We often avoid God's calling due to perceived or real conflicts. However, like the Israelites, we must not let our perceptions paralyze us. God's plans may lead us through difficult paths, but He equips us to face these challenges. Our focus should be on His purpose, not on avoiding trouble. [01:01:51]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you have been avoiding God's call due to fear or conflict. How can you shift your focus to trust in God's strength and purpose today?
Day 4: God's Grace in Unexpected Places
Rahab's story is a testament to God's grace and the unexpected ways He works. Despite her background, Rahab played a crucial role in God's plan. This teaches us not to overlook or undervalue anyone, as God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. [52:14]
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: Think of someone in your life who might be overlooked or undervalued. How can you show them God's love and recognize their potential role in His plan today?
Day 5: Living into the Vision of Victory
We are called to live with the vision of victory that God has given us. This involves acting boldly in faith, rooted in the assurance that God fights our battles. Our work is evidence of God at work in us, and we are empowered to act because of what Jesus has done. Let us embrace this vision and live it out for God's glory. [58:44]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace God's vision of victory? How can you act boldly in faith today, trusting that God has already secured the victory?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our work is not our own. Our work is actually evidence of faith within us. The transformation at root in our hearts and in our souls. Right? Our work is evidence and light to the skeptics and the doubters that need the good news of the gospel, that need to know there is hope, there is salvation, and it is real. You know the song, they will know we are Christians by our love. And, you know, we can do all kinds of things, but if we don't have love at the outset as a foundation for the work that we do, then it's just noise and a waste of time." [58:44]
2. "If our aim and focus in life is simply to avoid the hazards, we're gonna miss God's purpose every time. We're gonna miss God's will, we're gonna miss it if that's our focus, if that's our aim. So right, Israel's been playing a long game in the wilderness... they've been playing this game longer than they should in the wilderness because they haven't been listening to their caddy who's clued into the almighty." [44:25]
3. "God does honor bold prayers because bold prayers honor God. Pastor Mark Batterson likes to say, God honors bold prayers because bold prayers honor God. So I want to challenge us this morning to circle some dreams. Right? Circle promises. Circle a problem. Maybe it's a person or something that just keeps coming to mind. And here Jesus asks you that question. What do you want me to do for you? And be real honest with the Lord. He is all we need." [01:06:40]
4. "We don't look to the world and the patterns of this world to give us direction. We look to only God for his guidance. And God's way is an adventure with limitless and unexpected paths. And how we get there. How we get to the promised land. How we go through is just as important as the destination. Do as I say, but not as I do has no place in the kingdom of God. Right? How you get there. How you get there is just as important." [01:02:38]
### Quotes for Members
1. "See the victory. God has pronounced it. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. So get to work. You got power. You got grace that goes before you. To live into the responsibilities that God has given you. In the world. The world is the stage in the arena where we manifest this calling and this vision. And we pray that God would use us to make it on earth. As it is in heaven." [01:01:51]
2. "The victory is already there. See the victory. God has pronounced it. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. So get to work. You got power. You got grace that goes before you. To live into the responsibilities that God has given you. In the world. The world is the stage in the arena where we manifest this calling and this vision. And we pray that God would use us to make it on earth. As it is in heaven." [01:01:51]
3. "Rahab's role, the prostitute Rahab's role in God's plan of redemption is still so shocking and surprising to us, but Abraham's isn't. Isn't it? Moses isn't. David's isn't. And yet here, she's the key to having this army cross into the promised land. She's the key person and messenger sent by God to deliver his people into the promised land. She becomes this sign as she has this fear of the Lord and this faith and this God she's only beginning to know as she's the sign for us of the Gentile adoption into the family of faith." [53:18]
4. "God wants you to have a vision of victory that directs your life. It's not our vision. It's not our trophies. It's not our achievements. It's His. And this victory in Jericho points to this ultimate victory in Christ Jesus. That is sin and death and the devil. All the worst that could be thrown at Jesus. Jesus rises victorious from the grave. But because it's a victory, it's a victory." [56:42]
5. "Our work, friends, is evidence of God at work in and through us. Right? Our work is not our own. We must never think that now that we're justified, we have a right relationship with the Lord, that now we've just got to strive and work and do all this. It is God. Because we have been loved first, we can love. Because of the mighty acts that God has done in and through us, through Jesus Christ on the cross and what he has merited for us in our salvation, we can work. We can work. We're empowered." [58:03]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 20, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?