Faithful Perseverance: Claiming God's Promises with Caleb
Summary
In today's message, we explored the powerful story of Caleb from Joshua 14, focusing on the theme "Give Me This Mountain." Caleb's journey is a testament to the importance of maintaining a heart of faith and perseverance, even when faced with long periods of waiting and adversity. At 85 years old, Caleb's faith remained as strong as it was 45 years earlier when he first received God's promise. This unwavering faith is a reminder that the promises of God are sustained in our hearts long before they manifest in our lives.
The heart is central to our spiritual journey. Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to guard our hearts, as everything we do flows from it. Caleb's story illustrates that before we can physically possess God's promises, we must first hold them in our hearts. A guarded heart is essential to living a God-given life, as it protects us from discouragement, offense, and doubt. These are the enemies that can prevent us from inheriting what God has planned for us.
Discouragement is a silent killer of faith, often arising during the waiting period between God's promise and its fulfillment. It is crucial to guard against it by ensuring that our relationship with God remains our primary focus, rather than the promise itself. Similarly, offense can derail our journey if we allow it to take root. Caleb's ability to forgive and not hold grudges against those who delayed his promise is a powerful lesson in maintaining a healthy heart.
Doubt is another obstacle that can hinder our faith. Caleb's declaration, "Give me this mountain," was rooted in the certainty of God's promise. Faith is not about placing God's name on our desires but believing in what God has spoken over our lives. Without a word from God, faith is impossible, but with it, nothing is impossible.
As we reflect on Caleb's story, we are encouraged to hold on to God's promises with a guarded heart, free from discouragement, offense, and doubt. By doing so, we can confidently say, "Give me this mountain," knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His word.
Key Takeaways:
1. Guard Your Heart: The heart is the throne of our emotions and decisions. Everything in life flows from it, so we must guard it diligently to live a God-given life. A healthy heart sees God's goodness in every situation, while an unhealthy heart is clouded by past hurts and doubts. [07:35]
2. Overcome Discouragement: Discouragement can paralyze faith, especially during long waiting periods. We must ensure that our relationship with God remains our priority over the promises we seek. This focus helps us grow stronger in faith rather than allowing discouragement to take root. [14:32]
3. Forgive to Avoid Offense: Holding onto offense gives others control over our story. Caleb's ability to forgive those who delayed his promise teaches us to release offense and not let it dictate our lives. Forgiveness is essential to maintaining a healthy heart and receiving God's promises. [23:28]
4. Faith Over Doubt: Faith is rooted in God's word, not in our imaginations. Without a word from God, faith is impossible, but with it, nothing is impossible. Caleb's faith in God's promise allowed him to claim his mountain, teaching us to hold onto God's word with certainty. [32:44]
5. Persevere in Faith: Like Caleb, we must persevere in faith, even when the journey is long. Discouragement, offense, and doubt are obstacles we must overcome to see God's promises fulfilled. By guarding our hearts and holding onto God's word, we can confidently claim the promises He has for us. [38:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Introduction to Caleb's Story
- [03:15] - The Importance of a Guarded Heart
- [07:35] - Heart as the Throne of Emotions
- [10:55] - Overcoming Discouragement
- [14:32] - The Silent Killer of Faith
- [18:37] - Guarding Against Offense
- [20:33] - Forgiveness and Writing Your Story
- [23:28] - Relational Transitions and Offense
- [27:07] - Daily Forgiveness and Obedience
- [30:01] - Outlasting Offense and Doubt
- [32:44] - Faith Rooted in God's Word
- [34:43] - Living by Faith, Not Sight
- [38:53] - Perseverance in Faith
- [41:20] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Give Me This Mountain"
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 14:7-12
- Proverbs 4:23
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Caleb's age when he first received God's promise, and how old was he when he finally claimed it? What does this tell us about his journey of faith? [07:35]
2. According to the sermon, what were the two types of reports brought back by the spies, and how did they affect the people of Israel? [10:55]
3. How does Proverbs 4:23 relate to Caleb's story and the importance of guarding one's heart? [07:35]
4. What were the main obstacles Caleb had to guard his heart against during his 45-year wait for God's promise? [14:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Caleb's ability to maintain a strong faith over 45 years challenge our understanding of perseverance in faith? [38:53]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that discouragement can become a stronghold in a believer's life? How can this be prevented? [14:32]
3. How does the concept of guarding one's heart against offense apply to modern-day relationships and conflicts? [23:28]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and doubt, and how can believers ensure their faith is rooted in God's word? [32:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a promise or dream you believe God has given you. How can you ensure that your relationship with God remains your primary focus, rather than the promise itself? [14:32]
2. Identify a situation in your life where you have felt discouraged. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart against discouragement and maintain your faith? [14:32]
3. Think of a person or situation that has caused offense in your life. How can you practice daily forgiveness to prevent offense from taking root in your heart? [23:28]
4. Consider a time when doubt has crept into your faith journey. How can you strengthen your faith by focusing on God's promises and His word? [32:44]
5. Caleb's story emphasizes the importance of perseverance. What is one area in your life where you need to persevere in faith, and what steps can you take to remain steadfast? [38:53]
6. How can you apply the principle of guarding your heart in your daily life to ensure you are living a God-given life? [07:35]
7. Reflect on a past hurt or disappointment. How can you reframe your perspective to see God's goodness in that situation, as suggested in the sermon? [07:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Guarding the Heart as the Source of Life
The heart is the wellspring of life, influencing every decision and emotion. Caleb's story reminds us that a guarded heart is essential for living a life aligned with God's promises. Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of protecting our hearts, as everything we do flows from it. Caleb's unwavering faith, even at 85, shows that the promises of God are sustained in our hearts long before they manifest in our lives. By guarding our hearts, we protect ourselves from discouragement, offense, and doubt, which can prevent us from inheriting what God has planned for us. [07:35]
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to guard your heart against negative influences and align it with God's promises?
Day 2: Overcoming Discouragement with a Focus on God
Discouragement can be a silent killer of faith, especially during long waiting periods between God's promise and its fulfillment. Caleb's journey teaches us the importance of maintaining a relationship with God as our primary focus, rather than the promise itself. By doing so, we grow stronger in faith and prevent discouragement from taking root. Caleb's faith remained strong because he prioritized his relationship with God over the promise of the land. This focus allowed him to overcome discouragement and claim his inheritance. [14:32]
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you experiencing discouragement? How can you shift your focus to strengthen your relationship with God today?
Day 3: Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom
Holding onto offense can give others control over our story, but forgiveness releases us from this bondage. Caleb's ability to forgive those who delayed his promise teaches us to release offense and not let it dictate our lives. Forgiveness is essential to maintaining a healthy heart and receiving God's promises. By forgiving, we free ourselves from the burden of offense and open our hearts to God's blessings. Caleb's story is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is a choice that leads to freedom and fulfillment. [23:28]
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can you take a step towards releasing offense and embracing forgiveness?
Day 4: Faith Rooted in God's Word
Faith is not about placing God's name on our desires but believing in what God has spoken over our lives. Caleb's declaration, "Give me this mountain," was rooted in the certainty of God's promise. Without a word from God, faith is impossible, but with it, nothing is impossible. Caleb's faith in God's promise allowed him to claim his mountain, teaching us to hold onto God's word with certainty. By rooting our faith in God's word, we can confidently face any challenge and claim the promises He has for us. [32:44]
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific promise from God's word are you holding onto today? How can you strengthen your faith by immersing yourself in Scripture?
Day 5: Persevering in Faith Through Trials
Like Caleb, we must persevere in faith, even when the journey is long. Discouragement, offense, and doubt are obstacles we must overcome to see God's promises fulfilled. Caleb's story encourages us to hold onto God's promises with a guarded heart, free from these hindrances. By persevering in faith, we can confidently say, "Give me this mountain," knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His word. Our perseverance is a testament to our trust in God's timing and His unwavering faithfulness. [38:53]
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: What trials are you currently facing that require perseverance? How can you rely on God's strength to remain steadfast in your faith?
Quotes
"Everything you do flows from your heart. And so we must have a guarded heart in order to inherit what God has for our life. If you live with a guarded heart, you're going to live with a God-given life. Can I get an amen this morning? If you live with a guarded heart, you're going to have a God-given life." [00:04:20] (16 seconds)
"So the promise, the dream, that thing that God gave you, the plan that God has for you, for your family, for your children. Listen, you must first grab hold of that thing in your heart, just like Caleb had told us to. He said, it was in my heart. And if you can keep that thing alive in your heart, listen, you will see it with your eyes." [00:06:00] (23 seconds)
"Two things happen during this time, two options. Either you grow stronger in your faith, or you allow discouragement to become a stronghold in your life. That's it. Either I learn to trust him more over this longer period of time, or this longer period of time I allow discouragement to settle in, and I become discouraged, and discouragement becomes the framework for my life." [00:12:01] (27 seconds)
"Like, how do you become a lazy Christian? Listen, you stop believing that God can do something great in your life. Lazy Christian. You stop believing that God can do miracles in your life. You stop believing God for that promise in your life. The faith that you once had, the passion you once had, the desires you once had, the fire that once burned on the inside of you, it becomes diminished, and you become lazy with your pursuit of who God is." [00:14:32] (30 seconds)
"And he could not let offense rise up on his, listen, there are people, there are times when people will make decisions that will affect your life, they will hurt you, they will sometimes hurt you, listen, you must forgive them because if you let offense win, you are letting them write your story. My gosh, let me say it again. You must forgive them because if you don't and you remain offended, you are letting them write your story." [00:20:57] (32 seconds)
"Ultimately, the promises that God has given you are not contingent upon the people around you. Everybody say amen. Hallelujah. Now, is it effective? May it take a little bit longer? Will you have to go through some things? Yes. But you've got to hold on to that. But you have to guard your heart against that offense." [00:21:49] (25 seconds)
"Faith is believing in what God said about your life. And so, listen, without a word from God, faith is impossible. But with a word from God, this is going to set somebody free. Nothing in your life is impossible, that God said. Come on now. Without a word, faith is impossible. But with a word, nothing in your life is impossible." [00:32:44] (30 seconds)
"Faith is birthed and sustained in the word of God. But listen, and doubt dies in the word of God. Amen. I'm going to believe it today. I'm not going to have doubt whether or not it was God or not. I'm going to have doubt whether or not it was true or not. I know that God said it, and I'm going to have faith to believe it today." [00:33:48] (22 seconds)
"Do exactly what God has promised. Hold on today to that promise that God has given you, and don't let anybody or anything take it away from you today. Believe it. Hold on to it. Yeah, but Pastor Jordan, it's been five years. Hold on a little bit longer. But it's been 25 years. Hold on a little bit longer." [00:38:42] (20 seconds)
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