Trusting God: The Path to Victory and Promise
Summary
In the book of Joshua, we find a profound narrative of obedience and trust in God's sovereignty. As we journey through this text, we are reminded that it is not by our own strength or leadership that we overcome life's battles, but through our relationship with God and adherence to His commands. The victories in the book of Joshua are not the result of human effort; they are the fruit of God's divine intervention and the fulfillment of His promises.
The Israelites, standing at the banks of the Jordan River, are about to experience a pivotal moment in their history. They are instructed to keep their eyes on the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, and to follow it closely, yet at a respectful distance. This act of following signifies their dependence on God's guidance as they step into the unknown. It is a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journey, where we must stay focused on Christ and follow Him into the new life He has prepared for us.
Consecration is another key theme from Joshua's narrative. Before crossing into the Promised Land, the Israelites are told to purify themselves, to set aside worldly distractions, and to dedicate themselves wholly to God. This act of consecration is not just a ritual; it is a commitment to live a life that is set apart for God's purposes.
In my own life, I have experienced moments of crossing over, where I have had to make a conscious decision to follow God's will rather than my own. These moments have been transformative, shifting the trajectory of my life towards God's promises and purposes. Like Joshua, I have learned that leadership and success are not about personal ambition, but about surrendering to God's will and trusting in His victory.
Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from this message:
1. God orchestrates the victories in our lives, not through our might, but through our obedience and trust in Him. As we read the story of Joshua, we are reminded that our role is to follow God's lead, and He will secure the victories ahead of us. This principle applies to every aspect of our lives, from personal struggles to communal challenges. [49:33]
2. Consecration is essential for entering into the fullness of God's promises. Just as the Israelites prepared themselves before crossing the Jordan, we too must purify our hearts and lives, setting aside anything that hinders our relationship with God. This act of consecration is a powerful declaration of our commitment to God and His purposes. [01:02:22]
3. Crossover moments are opportunities for God to redirect our lives towards His divine plan. Whether it's a significant life change or a subtle shift in direction, these moments are orchestrated by God to lead us into a deeper experience of His presence and promises. [01:03:31]
4. Following God requires us to stay focused on His presence and to trust in His guidance, especially when venturing into the unknown. The Israelites followed the Ark at a distance, and in the same way, we must keep our eyes on Christ, trusting Him to lead us through life's uncertainties. [57:27]
5. The story of Joshua is not just a historical account; it is a narrative that points us to Jesus Christ. Every act of obedience, every moment of consecration, and every step into the unknown is a step towards the ultimate crossover—our salvation through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. [55:21]
In conclusion, the story of Joshua is a powerful reminder that our lives are not defined by our struggles or efforts, but by our willingness to trust and obey God. As we follow Him, we can be confident that He will lead us into the victories and promises He has in store for us.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 3:1-8
- Matthew 16:25
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Joshua give to the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River? ([37:31])
2. How did the Israelites demonstrate their dependence on God's guidance as they prepared to cross the Jordan River? ([37:31])
3. What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the Israelites' journey across the Jordan River? ([37:31])
4. What does the term "consecrate" mean in the context of Joshua 3, and what were the Israelites instructed to do? ([37:31])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for the Israelites to keep a respectful distance from the Ark of the Covenant, and how does this relate to our spiritual journey today? ([37:31])
2. How does the act of consecration before crossing the Jordan River reflect the Israelites' commitment to God, and what does this teach us about preparing for God's promises? ([37:31])
3. In what ways do the "crossover moments" in our lives, as described in the sermon, mirror the Israelites' experience at the Jordan River? ([45:03])
4. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 16:25 about losing one's life to save it relate to the concept of crossing over into God's promises? ([55:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's guidance in an uncertain situation. How did you keep your focus on Him during that time? ([57:27])
2. What are some "worldly distractions" in your life that you need to set aside to fully consecrate yourself to God? How can you start this process today? ([01:02:22])
3. Identify a "crossover moment" in your life where you had to make a significant decision to follow God's will. How did this decision impact your spiritual journey? ([45:03])
4. How can you ensure that you are following Jesus as closely as possible in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to stay focused on His presence? ([01:00:06])
5. Think about a current challenge or battle you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His victory in your life? ([49:33])
6. In what ways can you help others in your community experience a "crossover moment" and come to know God's promises and presence? ([01:07:14])
7. How can you apply the principle of fighting from victory, rather than for victory, in your personal struggles and challenges? ([01:03:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Victory Through Divine Obedience
Obedience to God is the cornerstone of spiritual victory. The narrative of Joshua highlights that triumphs are not achieved by human might or strategy, but through a steadfast commitment to follow God's commands. This obedience is not a passive act; it is an active choice to align one's life with the divine will, trusting that God orchestrates the outcomes. As believers face their own battles, they are called to remember that their strength lies not in their own capabilities, but in their unwavering trust in God's sovereignty. By choosing to obey, they open the door for God to work mightily on their behalf, securing victories that echo the miraculous nature of those in Joshua's time. [49:33]
Joshua 5:6-7 (ESV)
"For the people of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord. The Lord swore to them that he would not let them see the land that the Lord had sworn to their fathers to give to us, a land flowing with milk and honey."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have been relying on your own strength instead of trusting in God's guidance? How can you shift towards obedience to His will today?
Day 2: The Power of Consecration
Consecration is a declaration of dedication to God's purposes. Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they were instructed to purify themselves, a symbolic and practical preparation for entering the Promised Land. This act of consecration was a commitment to live a life set apart, focused on God's plans rather than their own desires. Similarly, believers today are called to consecrate themselves, to remove distractions and impurities that hinder their walk with God. This process is not a one-time event but a continual journey of aligning one's life with God's holy standards. By doing so, they position themselves to receive the fullness of God's promises and to walk in the divine destiny prepared for them. [01:02:22]
Leviticus 20:7-8 (ESV)
"Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you."
Reflection: Identify something in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take to consecrate this area of your life to Him?
Day 3: Embracing Crossover Moments
Crossover moments are divinely orchestrated opportunities for transformation. These pivotal times require a conscious decision to follow God's will, leading to a profound shift in life's direction. Just as the Israelites faced a literal crossing over into new territory, believers encounter spiritual crossroads where they must choose to embrace God's plan. These moments can be daunting, but they are ripe with potential for growth and deeper intimacy with God. By recognizing and surrendering to these divine interventions, individuals can experience a redirection towards God's promises and a more profound experience of His presence in their lives. [01:03:31]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Can you recall a recent crossover moment in your life? How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better align with God's plan for you?
Day 4: Focused Following in the Unknown
Following God requires a focused heart and a trusting spirit, especially when the path ahead is unclear. The Israelites were instructed to keep their eyes on the Ark of the Covenant and to follow it into the unknown, symbolizing their dependence on God's guidance. This act of following is a powerful metaphor for the believer's journey, where the presence of Christ is the guiding force into new life. Staying focused on Him ensures that one does not stray into uncertainty but moves forward with confidence in His leadership. Trusting in God's guidance allows believers to navigate life's uncertainties with peace, knowing that He is leading them every step of the way. [57:27]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What unknowns are you facing right now, and how can you intentionally focus on Christ's presence to guide you through them?
Day 5: Joshua's Story Points to Christ
The narrative of Joshua is a foreshadowing of the ultimate crossover through Christ's sacrifice. Each act of obedience and consecration in the book of Joshua points to the greater story of salvation found in Jesus. Believers are reminded that their journey of faith is not just about historical events but about living in the reality of Christ's redemptive work. Every step taken in faith, every moment of surrender, is a step towards embracing the salvation and new life offered through the cross. This perspective transforms the way one views obedience, consecration, and the unknown, seeing them as opportunities to draw closer to the heart of God through Christ. [55:21]
Hebrews 11:30 (ESV)
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days."
Reflection: How does viewing your spiritual journey as a reflection of Joshua's story change your perspective on obedience and faith in Christ?
Quotes
1) "It's Joshua leading out of his relationship with God and his obedience to what God has asked him to do. God is the one that ultimately wins all of the battles." [36:27](Download | )
2) "We fight knowing that God is already out in front of us working for the good of His people. That's something that we have to keep in mind as we move forward through the story." [43:20](Download | )
3) "These crossover moments change the trajectory of our lives forever. It changes everything. And for the Israelites, it pulled them out of a wilderness into a new trajectory, a new land that God had for them." [55:21](Download | )
4) "In all of these moments, we have to be following God. It's the only way to make it across the Jordan River. It's the only way for them to have a path made for them to get across, right?" [57:27](Download | )
5) "When we cross over from one way of life into a new way of life, God is the one that creates that pathway for us. We don't set the steps. We don't decide how we get from A to B. God does." [59:21](Download | )
6) "We follow Jesus now as closely as we can get to him. Because in that regard, Jesus will make that path for us. It's not the Ark of the Covenant that we're talking about. There's no laws keeping us away from Jesus." [01:00:16](Download | )
7) "I think those are the most important crossover times in my life because those were the moments where I chose to serve God to the fullest extent that I could." [01:04:34](Download | )
8) "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you. They consecrate themselves. They give themselves to God to be used by him. And so that the promises would be fulfilled." [01:02:22](Download | )
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