Faith in Action: Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles Together

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the baptism of Drew, a powerful testament to the transformative journey of faith. Drew's story is a reminder that when we stop running from God and start running towards Him, amazing things happen. This theme of faith and transformation is echoed in our exploration of Joshua chapter 3 and Isaiah chapter 11. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River, they faced the daunting task of entering a land filled with obstacles and adversaries. This narrative serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys, where we must confront and overcome the "nations" or challenges that hinder our spiritual growth and victory.

The Israelites' journey into the Promised Land is not just a historical account but a spiritual blueprint for us today. The Canaanites, Hittites, and other nations they faced symbolize the various spiritual and personal challenges we encounter. These include materialism, fear, compromise, and control, among others. Each of these represents a barrier to living a victorious Christian life. The call is to eradicate these obstacles through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, just as the Israelites were called to conquer the land.

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in consecration and faith. Joshua instructed the Israelites to prepare themselves, to consecrate themselves, for the Lord was about to do amazing things among them. This preparation involves setting ourselves apart, seeking holiness, and trusting in God's guidance. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had to step into the river before it parted, demonstrating that faith often requires us to take the first step, even when the path is not clear.

As we look forward to 2025, we are encouraged to identify and confront the "nations" within our hearts that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God's promises. By relying on the Spirit of God, which encompasses wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, we can achieve victory over these spiritual adversaries. This year, let us commit to living by the Spirit, allowing His presence to guide and empower us to overcome the challenges we face.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faith Requires Action: Just as the priests had to step into the Jordan River before it parted, our faith often requires us to take bold steps even when the outcome is uncertain. Trusting God means moving forward in obedience, knowing that He will make a way. [43:03]

2. Identify and Conquer Spiritual Obstacles: The nations the Israelites faced symbolize the spiritual challenges we encounter, such as materialism, fear, and compromise. Recognizing these obstacles is the first step towards overcoming them through the power of the Holy Spirit. [46:18]

3. Consecration Precedes Victory: Joshua instructed the Israelites to consecrate themselves before crossing the Jordan. Similarly, setting ourselves apart for God and seeking holiness prepares us for the amazing things He wants to do in our lives. [36:59]

4. Live by the Spirit: The Spirit of God provides wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. By living in the Spirit, we are empowered to overcome the challenges that hinder our spiritual growth and victory. [58:44]

5. Repentance and Trust in Jesus: True repentance involves a change of heart and direction, not just an apology. Trusting Jesus as our Savior and following His lead is essential for experiencing the fullness of His promises and living a victorious life. [01:00:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:54] - Baptism of Drew
- [16:00] - Greeting and Introduction
- [36:59] - Crossing the Jordan River
- [43:03] - Faith and Action
- [45:20] - Following God's Lead
- [46:18] - Spiritual Obstacles
- [48:24] - The Meaning of Names
- [50:12] - Materialism and Fear
- [51:53] - Compromise and Carelessness
- [53:44] - Fleshly Desires
- [55:41] - Pride and Control
- [57:46] - Seeking Victory
- [58:44] - Living by the Spirit
- [01:00:20] - Repentance and Trust
- [01:11:58] - Preparing for the Lord's Supper

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Joshua 3:1-10
- Isaiah 11:1-3

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific instructions did Joshua give to the Israelites before crossing the Jordan River, and why were these instructions significant? [36:59]

2. How did the priests demonstrate their faith when crossing the Jordan River, and what was the outcome of their actions? [43:03]

3. What are the seven nations mentioned in the sermon, and what do they symbolize in our spiritual journey? [46:18]

4. How does the Spirit of God empower believers to overcome spiritual obstacles according to the sermon? [58:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the act of consecration prepare believers for the amazing things God wants to do in their lives? [36:59]

2. How can the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River serve as a metaphor for modern spiritual challenges and victories? [43:03]

3. What does it mean to live by the Spirit, and how does this enable believers to overcome the "nations" or challenges in their lives? [58:44]

4. How does the concept of repentance and trust in Jesus play a crucial role in experiencing the fullness of God's promises? [01:00:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to take a step of faith without knowing the outcome. How did that experience shape your trust in God? [43:03]

2. Identify a "nation" or spiritual obstacle in your life, such as materialism or fear. What steps can you take to confront and overcome it this year? [46:18]

3. How can you actively consecrate yourself in your daily life to prepare for the amazing things God wants to do through you? [36:59]

4. In what ways can you rely more on the Spirit of God for wisdom and understanding in your current life decisions? [58:44]

5. Consider the role of repentance in your spiritual journey. How can you ensure that your repentance leads to genuine change and not just an apology? [01:00:20]

6. What specific actions can you take to live by the Spirit and allow His presence to guide you in overcoming challenges? [58:44]

7. As you look forward to 2025, what is one area of your life where you want to see spiritual growth and victory? How can your small group support you in this journey? [57:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Action: Stepping into the Unknown
Faith is not passive; it requires us to take bold steps even when the outcome is uncertain. Just as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had to step into the Jordan River before it parted, we are often called to move forward in obedience, trusting that God will make a way. This act of faith is not about having all the answers or seeing the entire path ahead, but about trusting in God's promises and His faithfulness. When we take that first step, we demonstrate our reliance on God, and He honors that faith by guiding us through the challenges we face. [43:03]

Joshua 3:13-16 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith? How can you take that step today, trusting in His guidance and provision?


Day 2: Identifying and Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles
The spiritual journey is often filled with challenges that can hinder our growth and victory. The nations that the Israelites faced, such as the Canaanites and Hittites, symbolize the spiritual and personal obstacles we encounter, including materialism, fear, and compromise. Recognizing these obstacles is the first step towards overcoming them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to confront and conquer these challenges, allowing us to live a victorious Christian life. By identifying the "nations" within our hearts, we can begin the process of spiritual transformation and growth. [46:18]

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Reflection: What spiritual obstacles are you currently facing that hinder your relationship with God? How can you begin to address and overcome these challenges with the help of the Holy Spirit?


Day 3: Consecration as a Path to Victory
Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, Joshua instructed them to consecrate themselves, setting themselves apart for God. This act of consecration was a preparation for the amazing things God was about to do among them. Similarly, in our spiritual journeys, setting ourselves apart and seeking holiness is essential for experiencing God's promises and victories. Consecration involves dedicating ourselves to God, seeking His guidance, and living in a way that honors Him. By doing so, we prepare our hearts and minds for the transformative work God desires to accomplish in our lives. [36:59]

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV): "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you consecrate yourself to God today? What specific actions can you take to set yourself apart and seek holiness in your daily life?


Day 4: Living by the Spirit for Empowerment
The Spirit of God provides us with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. By living in the Spirit, we are empowered to overcome the challenges that hinder our spiritual growth and victory. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives guides us, strengthens us, and enables us to live according to God's will. As we rely on the Spirit, we are equipped to face the obstacles that come our way and to live a life that reflects God's love and power. [58:44]

Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: How can you be more intentional about living by the Spirit in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to ensure you are guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit?


Day 5: Repentance and Trust in Jesus
True repentance involves a change of heart and direction, not just an apology. It requires us to turn away from sin and towards Jesus, trusting Him as our Savior and following His lead. This act of repentance is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's promises and living a victorious life. By trusting in Jesus and aligning our lives with His teachings, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love and grace. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of turning towards God and seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives. [01:00:20]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? How can you actively trust in Jesus and follow His lead in this area today?

Quotes

Joshua told the people, prepare yourselves to serve the Lord. Lord, prepare yourselves to serve the Lord as his holy people. For tomorrow, the Lord will do amazing things among you. Prepare yourself. Prepare yourself. Sanctify yourself. The word is consecrate. It means to set yourself apart for God to do amazing things through you. You just can't cross the river casually. [00:42:33] (30 seconds)


Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, when you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river. I want you to see what kind of faith the priests have. The water is running. They're carrying the most precious thing that is in the nation. They're carrying the ark of the covenant. There's nothing more significant than all of that. And they've got to get their feet wet. [00:43:45] (26 seconds)


So many times we wait for God to dry the river before we're willing to step out. He's given us the command. We know what to do. And instead of doing what he's told us to do, we say, God, will you dry the river first? It takes no faith. But could you imagine the faith that those Levites had, those priests had when they go, okay, I'm taking God with me. [00:44:18] (21 seconds)


Life of faith requires the removal of the enemies of faith. And when I saw this, and I saw that these names also have meanings, have spiritual value for us. They're not just written there for us to ignore and pay attention, because we don't know the difference between a Hivite and a Perizzite, to tell you the truth. We don't know a Girgashite from a Canaanite. We don't know. [00:46:40] (21 seconds)


In order to have the Spirit of God, you must trust Jesus to lead you. I loved Drew's example. I was running. Then I stopped running because I got tired of leading myself. And I chose to follow God. Stop running. Before you can do anything, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. We're going to remember Him at the table in just a couple of minutes. [00:59:44] (22 seconds)


Repentance means change. You've got to be willing to change. And say, God, it's no longer my way. It is your way. Jesus, I accept you. I trust you to lead me. And I purposely phrase that because the Ark of the Covenant, the priests had to get their feet wet. They had to trust. Could you imagine how much faith it took for the priests when they heard the word of the Lord come through Joshua? [01:00:23] (25 seconds)


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Says Solomon in Proverbs. The fear. The spirit of the fear of the Lord. For you just stand in awe of who God is. I don't know if you've ever in your prayer time just envisioned who Jesus is. You just envision. You're standing there in a throne room. And you just get more and more humbled. [01:05:42] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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