Spiritual Breakthrough: Lessons from the Battle of Jericho
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Liberty family! What an incredible week we've had with our largest Kids Week ever, seeing 2,946 in attendance and 118 decisions to follow Jesus. This is all thanks to your generous giving and tireless volunteering. Today, we continue our journey through the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter six, the famous story of the Battle of Jericho. This narrative is not just a historical account but a spiritual lesson for us today.
The story of Jericho is about more than walls falling; it's about spiritual breakthrough. Joshua and the Israelites experienced a victory that was deeply spiritual, teaching us that our battles are often more spiritual than physical. The key to their breakthrough was starting with the word of the Lord. God had promised this land to the Israelites generations before, and His word was the foundation of their victory. We, too, need to elevate the word of God in our lives and churches, as it is not just a historical document but a living, speaking word.
Next, we must look forward with genuine faith. Joshua had to believe God's promise even when the physical reality seemed impossible. Faith is about seeing beyond our current circumstances and trusting in God's promises. The Israelites had to march around Jericho's walls in obedience, even when it seemed foolish. This teaches us the importance of practical obedience—doing what God has called us to do, even when it doesn't make sense.
Finally, we must endure until the breakthrough. The Israelites had to march for seven days before the walls fell. This endurance is crucial for us as well. We need to keep praying, worshiping, and obeying, even when we don't see immediate results. God is faithful, and His promises will come to pass if we do not give up.
### Key Takeaways
1. Start with the Word of the Lord: The foundation of any spiritual breakthrough is rooted in God's word. The Bible is not just a historical document but a living, speaking word that guides us. Elevate the word of God in your life and let it be the cornerstone of your faith and actions. [50:53]
2. Look Forward with Genuine Faith: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Joshua had to trust God's promise despite the fortified walls of Jericho. Similarly, we must trust God's promises even when our current circumstances seem insurmountable. [47:57]
3. Walk in Practical Obedience: Obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem illogical, is crucial. The Israelites marched around Jericho's walls as God commanded, demonstrating that practical, day-to-day obedience leads to spiritual breakthroughs. [59:38]
4. Endure Until the Breakthrough: Spiritual breakthroughs often require endurance. The Israelites had to march for seven days before the walls fell. We must continue to pray, worship, and obey, trusting that God's promises will come to pass if we do not give up. [01:13:36]
5. Worship Elevates Perspective: Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's power. The Israelites blew trumpets and worshiped as they marched, which elevated their perspective and strengthened their faith. Make worship a daily practice to keep your eyes on God. [01:06:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:47] - Celebrating Kids Week
[45:29] - Introduction to Joshua 6
[46:18] - The Battle of Jericho
[47:00] - The Importance of Old Testament Stories
[47:57] - Spiritual Breakthroughs
[48:55] - Joshua 6:1-5 Reading
[50:13] - Prayer for Understanding
[50:53] - Start with the Word of the Lord
[51:31] - The Power of God's Promises
[53:04] - The Importance of True Teaching
[54:17] - Standing on the Word of God
[55:57] - The Offense of the Gospel
[57:12] - Preach the Word
[59:01] - Daily Engagement with Scripture
[59:38] - Practical Obedience
[01:00:09] - Specific Instructions from God
[01:01:06] - Look Forward with Genuine Faith
[01:04:03] - Faith in Action
[01:06:22] - Worship Elevates Perspective
[01:09:15] - Practical Obedience
[01:13:36] - Endure Until the Breakthrough
[01:17:54] - Call to Response
[01:19:02] - The Gospel Message
[01:21:16] - Invitation to Respond
[01:22:12] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 6:1-5 (ESV)
- Hebrews 11:30 (ESV)
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the Battle of Jericho? ([49:35])
2. How did the Israelites respond to God's instructions, and what was the outcome? ([01:13:36])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of starting with the word of the Lord? ([50:53])
4. What role did worship play in the Israelites' march around Jericho? ([01:06:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to start with the word of the Lord in our spiritual battles, according to the sermon? ([50:53])
2. How does the story of Jericho illustrate the concept of genuine faith as described in Hebrews 11:30? ([01:03:24])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between practical obedience and spiritual breakthrough? ([01:11:23])
4. How can worship elevate our perspective during challenging times, based on the sermon? ([01:06:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did starting with the word of the Lord impact your approach and outcome? ([50:53])
2. Think about a current situation in your life that seems insurmountable. How can you look forward with genuine faith, trusting in God's promises? ([01:03:24])
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to practice practical obedience. What steps can you take this week to follow God's instructions, even if they seem illogical? ([01:11:23])
4. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to shift your focus from your problems to God's power? ([01:06:22])
5. Endurance is crucial for spiritual breakthroughs. What are some practical ways you can build endurance in your spiritual life, especially when you don't see immediate results? ([01:13:36])
6. The sermon mentioned that worship can elevate our perspective. What specific worship practices can you adopt to help you see God's presence in your current circumstances? ([01:06:22])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to keep praying, worshiping, and obeying, even when they face difficult situations? ([01:16:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Elevate the Word of God
The foundation of any spiritual breakthrough is rooted in God's word. The Bible is not just a historical document but a living, speaking word that guides us. Elevate the word of God in your life and let it be the cornerstone of your faith and actions. The Israelites' victory at Jericho began with the word of the Lord. God had promised the land to them generations before, and His word was the foundation of their victory. Similarly, we must start with the word of the Lord in our lives. It is not just a book of the past but a living guide that speaks to us today. By prioritizing and elevating God's word, we set the stage for spiritual breakthroughs in our own lives. [50:53]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: How can you make the word of God a more central part of your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to elevate its importance in your life?
Day 2: Trust in God's Promises
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Joshua had to trust God's promise despite the fortified walls of Jericho. Similarly, we must trust God's promises even when our current circumstances seem insurmountable. Joshua's faith was tested as he faced the seemingly impossible task of conquering Jericho. Yet, he chose to trust in God's promise. This teaches us that faith involves looking beyond our immediate circumstances and believing in God's greater plan. When we trust in His promises, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that God is faithful. [47:57]
Hebrews 11:30 (ESV): "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to believe in your current situation? How can you actively choose to trust in that promise today?
Day 3: Obey God's Instructions
Obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem illogical, is crucial. The Israelites marched around Jericho's walls as God commanded, demonstrating that practical, day-to-day obedience leads to spiritual breakthroughs. The Israelites' obedience to God's seemingly strange instructions—marching around the city for seven days—was key to their victory. This story reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His instructions, though sometimes perplexing, are always purposeful. By walking in practical obedience, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door for His miraculous work in our lives. [59:38]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to do something that doesn't make sense? How can you take a step of obedience today?
Day 4: Endure in Faith
Spiritual breakthroughs often require endurance. The Israelites had to march for seven days before the walls fell. We must continue to pray, worship, and obey, trusting that God's promises will come to pass if we do not give up. The story of Jericho teaches us the importance of perseverance. The Israelites' endurance in marching around the city for seven days, despite seeing no immediate results, was crucial to their victory. In our spiritual journeys, we too must endure, holding on to faith and continuing in prayer and worship, even when the breakthrough seems delayed. God's timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. [01:13:36]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: What is one area where you feel tempted to give up? How can you renew your commitment to endure in faith and trust God's timing?
Day 5: Worship Elevates Perspective
Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's power. The Israelites blew trumpets and worshiped as they marched, which elevated their perspective and strengthened their faith. Worship is a powerful tool that helps us see beyond our immediate challenges and focus on God's greatness. As the Israelites worshiped while marching around Jericho, their perspective was elevated, and their faith was strengthened. By making worship a daily practice, we can keep our eyes on God, reminding ourselves of His power and faithfulness, and finding the strength to face any obstacle. [01:06:22]
Psalm 34:3 (ESV): "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to help elevate your perspective and strengthen your faith? What specific actions can you take to make worship a priority?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I'm telling you, we have had a great week at every single one of our locations. Kids Week was our largest Kids Week ever. And so many amazing things to celebrate. I want you to see this. Over 2,946 in attendance. And 118 made decisions to follow Jesus this week. Come on, give Jesus the highest praise." [44:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, this is the most famous narrative in the life of Joshua. I'm telling you, I've seen the VeggieTales episode that captures it. We got children's songs. We have spirituals that are written off of this passage. Joshua fit the battle of Jericho. He didn't fight it. He fit it. And some of y'all know that because you know the song. And so this is probably the most famous narrative in the entire book. One of the most famous narratives in the entire Bible. And I want to challenge you this morning to see it with fresh eyes. I know that you know the story. The walls came tumbling down. That's the story. But why did they come tumbling down?" [46:18] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Listen, I got to ask you before we start this message, is there somebody at any of our campuses this morning who needs a real spiritual breakthrough in their life? Is there something you're praying for, believing for, waiting for, asking for? I believe you can experience it. And I want to show you how practically they experienced this spiritual breakthrough in their lives." [48:55] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'm telling you, you and I have more than they did because we have the completed word of God. And so we've got to learn to re-elevate the word of God in our church and in our lives. I love the way A.W. Tozer puts this. The Bible is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking. I'm telling you, God's talking right now. And if you have the ear to hear him, then he'll speak to you in this service. But we've got to get back to the word of God." [52:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm finding out that people love Jesus as long as they don't have to acknowledge that their sin is what put him on the cross. And I am telling you, I am standing here as a preacher of the gospel because my sin was why Jesus had to die. And so when I get in this word, it cuts. That's what the scripture is supposed to do. It's a double-edged sword. When I get in this word, it rebukes. When I get in this word, it convicts and it changes." [55:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And more than a physical victory this morning, I'm going to suggest to you that Joshua and the children of Israel had a spiritual breakthrough. This was much more than about walls and about a piece of property. This was about them learning to walk with the Lord and experience the breakthrough that only he can bring." [47:57] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And there are stadiums all around America and all around Western Christianity that tell people what they want to hear, that give them preaching that is contrary to the word of God. And really, they do it in a very sly way because they never directly contradict the word. What they do is they just tell you a bunch of junk you wanna hear. Ellen does that. Oprah does that. Every politician out there does that. When you come here, you better know that you're getting to hear the word of the Lord. Can I warn you in advance? It's gonna make you uncomfortable. Can I warn you in advance? It's gonna offend you. It offends me." [55:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I'm telling you, we desperately want following Jesus to be so much more glamorous than it actually is. Like I wish I could hit you on the head one time, you fall on the floor and all your sin be gone. It doesn't work like that. It doesn't work like that. No, it's day after day. It doesn't work like that. I'm gonna get up and do what he called me to do. Even if I don't wanna do it, even if I'm exhausted, even if it doesn't make sense to me, one more lap around the wall. I'm gonna wake up and I'm gonna be faithful and I'm gonna be obedient. One more lap around the wall." [01:11:58] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And they have no clue the whole time they're lapping around the wall that God is doing something miraculous on their behalf. I'm just gonna obey. I'm just gonna be faithful. One more lap. Ooh, this is exhausting. I don't think I'm having any breakthrough. One more lap around the wall. Practical obedience. Day after day, obedience. Faithful obedience. I'm telling you, it is missing in the church today. Just be obedient. Well, I'm waiting on God to give me a word to do something else. Well, until he gives you that word, be faithful in what he said to do first." [01:12:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm telling you, Galatians 6, verse nine says it best. Let us not grow weary of doing good. For in due season, we will reap if we do not give up. And that's really what I came to tell. I came to tell somebody, don't you give up. Do not give up. Keep praying, keep fasting, keep reading, keep pressing in, keep listening to his voice. Some of you are just, you're just in this season. It's like the dark night of the soul. You don't feel anything. You don't see anything. You're depressed. You're frustrated. Look at me. Do not give up. Don't you dare give up. Because God has a breakthrough that's so great. If he told you, you wouldn't even believe it right now." [01:16:07] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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