June 21 & 28 2009

“Press Into the Promise”
Joshua 3

Two women each standing on the opposite side of the river from each other, and the women on this side yells over to the one on the other side, “How do I get to the other side?”  The women on the other side yells back, “You are on the other side!”  (Bible says … “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”  Lk 6:21)

As we venture further into the book of Joshua we come to chapter three which is all about getting to the other side of the river … that is the Jordan River.  The Bible tells us  … (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest) (Josh 3:15b)

Read: Joshua 3

From this text we draw three “pressing” points to help us “press into the promise.”

 1.    Press Into the Unknown (vs. 1-2)

They came to the Jordan and they stayed there THREE days.  Three days of looking at a pretty ominous raging river, to which they had to cross to get over to the other side.

 “Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide” (America lyrics) may well have been what Israel was thinking as they looked upon the mighty roaring Jordan river. 

Flood stage creates a most interesting scenario for crossing the river.  In fact most would say an “impossible” task.  The Jordan flows north to south from Mount Hermon to the Dead Sea.  The spring rains and melted snow would turn the normal stream into a torrent of raging water.  It is suggested that the river could swell to a mile wide and 12-15 feet deep.  (Adult Online Commentary: Joshua-Judges 2005 Baptist Press)

Logically and practicality it looked like a great time to wait it out on the “this side” rather than risking life to get to the “other side.”  But it was not time for delaying, but all the more a time to “Press into the Promise.” 

• Looking back was the desert (wilderness) … How many people go right back to the problem they just left?
• Looking ahead was the Promise (land) … It’s where you want to be but aren’t.
• Looking between was the River! … That which is currently stopping us.

They couldn’t go over it… and they couldn’t underneath it … they could only go through it … that’s God’s way!

Key to Pressing into the Unknown … “GOD IS THE KNOWN IN THE UNKNOWN”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Each of us in some capacity has a flooded river (raw emotions, physical pain, spiritual wars) to cross in our lives.  What is keeping you from God’s promise for your life, who has given us “everything and all things” to live this life in God-like fashion?

Israel didn’t know HOW they were going to cross, all they knew was they WERE going to cross it in order to get over to the other side.  It’s a measure of belief that allows us to go on and into the unknown … knowing WHO goes before us and with us!

2.    Press Into the Plan (of God) (vs. 3-13)

The question among the people could have easily been, “Ok, what do we do now?  What’s the game plan?”  But here is the great thing about our God … HE KNOWS THE PLAN!  (He IS the Plan!)

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

• He Plans for us to Follow

“then you set out from your place and follow it.” (vs.3)  The ark represented the presence of God … don’t follow to close so as to get ahead, and don’t follow to far behind so as to lose sight … just follow as instructed.

Why Follow? … that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.

Every day we walk into to unknown territory and we have need for God’s guidance (by Word, by Spirit).

Jesus made no bones about it … in the simplest of terms and yet in the weightiest of measures He said, “Follow Me.”  It is a “Letting go” and going on after Christ.

Our task is to follow.  It is imperative to follow God (Christ) in the Word and our deeds.

• He Plans for us to Dedicate

Joshua 3:5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

Sanctification is ultimately God’s work in us.  However we have the responsibility to dedicate our daily lives & living to God in Christ.  It’s called “consecration”

It has a “Romans 12:1” foundation … “by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God”

Be assured … God is NOT asking us to better our lives, as we are 100% saved and kept.  But what God is asking is for us to DRAW NEAR to Him, wholly, fully, totally.

2 Chronicles 29:31 “You have now consecrated yourselves to the Lord. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the Lord.”

-        Draw Near to God … spiritual purity (James 4:8 … draw near, cleanse & purify)
-        Draw Away from Sin … practical purity (1 Thess 4:4 … know how to control your body in holiness & honor)

1 Peter 3:15a But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Christ is our sure foundation … in life and living … otherwise we drown in our troubles.

Psalm 124:1-5 (ESV) A Song of Ascents. Of David. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone the raging waters.

Dedication is foundational!   

• He Plans for us to Believe

“Come here and listen to the words of the Lord Your God …” (vs.9)

HEARING GOD IS INSTRUMENTAL TO FOLLOWING HIM.

Jesus says … “My sheep hear My voice … and they follow Me.” (Jn 10:27)

Paul says … “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

Do you believe?  “Unbelief Hinders Entering In”

Mark 6:6a  And He marveled because of their unbelief (see: vs.5 hindering mighty works of God)

Why did He marvel?  Because they/we are to be people of “faith-believing” in knowing our God can get us across the river.  He plans for us to believe!

3.    Press Into the Power (vs. 14-17)

Joshua reminds the people to get ready … to see the power of their God. 

• Power to Drive Out

As Joshua & Co were ready to move in, God was ready to flex His muscles and “drive out” the enemies in the land. It would be God (not themselves) that would drive out the enemy before them.

Reminder of Affirmation …

Joshua 3:10 … he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

Deuteronomy 7:1-2a (ESV) “When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than yourselves, 2 and when the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them

The enemies in the land, the Canaanites believed their god “Baal” exercised control over the river.  But God would show Himself greater than the river and any so-called god of the Canaanites.

God wants to defeat the enemies that plague, push, and possess us  

• Power of Truth

“AS SOON AS” … see the Ark follow it (vs3) … the feet of those carrying the ark and the priests feet touch the water … GOD WILL … “do wonders among you” (vs.5) … pile up the waters (20 miles upstream) … dry up the river bottom … cross you over!

Joshua 4:10b … The people passed over in haste.

Joshua 4:18b … the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks, as before

Are we “AS SOON AS” people?  As soon as God speaks (written Word) do we follow?  “Delayed obedience” is still disobedience.  We are to be the “AS SOON AS” people of God!  The power of the truth of God’s Word awaits us to press into the power of the Word.  God had said He would, and He did, and He will!

The steps of every child of God, the born-again, are to be those of “faith and obedience” following after Christ.

Press into the Promise(s) of God: 

• Press into the Unknown keeping our eyes on your God
• Press into the Plan following hard after your God
• Press into the Power of obeying the Word of your God

And then watch Him do wonders among you!

Amen!

* This sermon was preached in two-parts.

June 14 2009

Prepare Your Provisions
Joshua 2

Three men were planning to walk across the desert was considering what provisions to take with them.  The first man said he was taking an umbrella so that when the sun beat down he would have shade.  The second man said he was taking a canteen of water so that when he became thirsty he would have a drink of water.  The third man said he was taking a car door, so that when it got really hot he could roll the window down.

We’ve set out to take a walk through the book of Joshua and it’s time to “Prepare Your Provisions.”

Joshua 1:11 (ESV) “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan …”

In preparation Joshua sends out two spies, who are helped by a prostitute, and receives a stirring report, “Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands …” (vs.24)

Read: Joshua 2

1.       PTP of Your Mind (2:1)

“And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying ‘Go, view the land, especially Jericho.’” (2:1a) 

• Last week … God said “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life.” (1:5)
• Why Spy? … Did Joshua not trust God’s Word?
• Was it less than faith he was walking by? (2 Cor 5:7 we walk by faith not sight)

Principle: “FAITH DOES NOT PRESUME ON GOD”

Presumption leans in the corner of arrogance.  Remember, the thought of “no man shall be able to stand before you” was for comfort not cockiness.  

• In reality (real stuff!) he was acting by faith!  (See: Numbers 13:1-2)
• Joshua was living and acting in faith according to what he had been commanded to do.  (See Joshua 1:7-8)
• Faith looks for the principles of the scriptures to stand upon and walk by.
• In sending out the spies, Joshua was preparing faith to be lived by.

1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

“Everything Joshua and the people were called to do, humanly speaking, was far beyond their ability.” – J. Hampton 

• The attention of the mind is to upon God and His Word … by faith.

Principle: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PROMISE NOT THE PROBLEM 

• Prepare Your Provisions in the Mind!

2.       PTP of Your Heart (2:1b-21)

“And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.” (2:1b)

It is easy to get distracted at this point as all sorts of questions can be asked … “How did they choose Rahab’s dwelling?” … “Why a prostitute?” … “Why did she lie?” … “Is it okay to lie?” … “Is it okay to deceive others?”

Okay, let’s stop here and tell what the story is not suggesting … It is not suggesting “prostitution” is okay, or that lying or deceiving others is okay (Ex 20:16).  To say that would say God is not true to His own Word, and we know that is not the case.  And it is not suggesting we play “situational ethics” … that suggests moral or right living can be set aside for the moment if love is best served.  Don’t believe it!  Prostitution, lying, deceiving at all points is never right, but always sin.  Okay let’s move on! 

• So … Why Rahab? 
• This point in the story is like “rolling down the car window to feel the cool breeze!”
• God’s work of grace is always “amazing” isn’t it?  People we would never think of, God does!

I think the Bible Knowledge Commentary (Walvoord & Zuck) says it well …

How the spies chose the house of a prostitute named Rahab is not revealed. While some suggest they saw her walking the streets and followed her, it seems better to believe that in the providence of God the men were led there. God’s purpose for the visit of the spies to Jericho included more than securing military information. A sinful woman was there whom God in His grace purposed to spare from the judgment soon to fall on the city. So the Lord, moving in a mysterious way, brought together two secret agents of the army of Israel and a harlot of Canaan who would become a proselyte to the God of Israel 

• Prostitute to Proselyte … all God’s work of grace, as Rahab acted on faith to believe.

Principle: GOD CAN SAVE AND USE ANYONE

• Let your heart be encouraged!

Now here is an interesting point to take note of …

Joshua 2:8-11 (ESV) Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof ⁹ and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. ¹⁰ For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. ¹¹ And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

The inhabitants of Jericho had heard of the Red Sea crossing … some 40+ years ago!  

• The Non-People of God were looking at God! (positive outlook)
• The People of God were NOT looking at God! (negative outlook)

Well the faith to act in favor toward the spies would be the same faith “to ask” for deliverance as well as to believe their word so as to encourage her heart and all who resided with her.

Joshua 2:12b “… please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, ou also will deal kindly with my father’s house …” 

• Let us be those who are able and willing to extend the “deal kindly” grace of God to others.
• Prepare the provision of heart to believe that God is and God acts to save by grace.

3.       PTP of Your Home (2:22-24)

The spies with the help of Rahab leave Jericho and bring a sound resounding report back to Joshua … “Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands.  And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.” (Joshua 2:24) 

• Why Jericho?  … “especially Jericho” … it was a foothold as well as stronghold in the land.

The land and cities would become “home” to this generation … and it would be obtained and maintained by faith. 

• Jericho would be the first point of conquest and victory … “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.”
• The land would be possessed by one victory at a time.
• Their faith echoes the faith of Rahab!
• Faith had established the victory before the fight!

Principle: WHAT GOD PROMISES GOD BRINGS TO PASS

From the mind, to the heart to the home, prepare your provisions for what the Lord your God has for you His people!  Go now and cross over!

Amen!

June 7 2009

Possessing the Possession
Joshua 1

It is said, “Possession is nine tenths of the law.”  What does that mean?  Some say … “It’s yours until someone legally proves different” … “If you have possession you have the advantage.” … “It’s an old wives tale.”

Regardless of what we might think it means, in the way of “grace” we possess “ten tenths” … that is everything!  And with that in mind let’s enter into the Old Testament book of Joshua this morning to experience, “Possessing the Possession.”

 KEY BACKGROUND:

• Moses & Co at Kadesh Barnea … Refusal to Enter In … Numbers 13-14
• The generation 20 years and older, except Caleb & Joshua die in the wilderness … Numbers 26:65
• 40 years of wilderness wandering.
• Moses dies only seeing Canaan … Deut 34

Deuteronomy 34:9 (ESV) And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Joshua 1:1-11

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joshua 1:11b (ESV) pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’ ”

KEY THOUGHT: Take possession to possess. 

• God’s deliverance from Egypt (bondage) would find fulfillment when they would enter, occupy and possess Canaan.
• They were brought out in order to be brought in. (by God’s hand)
• Canaan was the goal all along!

KEY TRUTH: The land could be possessed only when they walked in obedience to God’s Word. 

• They would have to learn to depend on God’s strength … not their own.
• The steps of “faith & obedience” would allow them to take possession.

KEY UNDERSTANDING: The land was theirs, but they would have to take possession by the appropriation of faith & obedience.

In like fashion we as Christians (the born-again) have been given, not by our own doing, every spiritual blessing … enrichment needed for spiritual life (Eph 1:3) and everything we need to live a life of godliness (2 Pt 1:3).

We too often live like poor people of the Kingdom … when God has given us great riches to sustain us, keep us, help us, build us up! 

• Romans 2:4 … presume on the riches of God
• Romans 9:23 … God makes known the riches of His glory
• Romans 11:23 … oh to know the depths of the riches of His wisdom and knowledge!
• Ephesians 1:18 … that we would know the riches of the glory the inheritance

 

• Joshua did not have to ask for the land … it had already been given.
• Christian’s do not have to ask for blessings & power to live the Christian life … it has been given!

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.  (Key: Take possession to possess)

Miles J. Standford in the “Green Letters” speaks of … “two realities … to SEE what is already ours (in Christ) and to BE AWARE of our position, possessions and privileges in Christ.

“How often we simply admire and talk about truths the Holy Spirit reveals to us in the Word, whereas His primary purpose in giving them to us is that we might stand upon them in faith.” – Miles Stanford

So as God spoke to Joshua … “go in to take possession” … let us so do. 

1.       Possessing the Challenge

Joshua 1:2 (ESV) “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 

• Challenge of the Uncomfortable

“Arise, go over” (Get Up! Get Out! Get In!) … there comes a time in the believer’s life they must leave the shadows, the comforts of a mentor, leader, teacher and begin to walk on their own. 

• Challenge of the Untamed

The land is always occupied with those (enemy) who would just soon you not possess.  It means they must leave!  And the first act of entering would be crossing the Jordan at flood stage (3:15). 

1 John 4:4 (ESV) Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Getting up and going on is never easy, but needful and doable with “willing” hearts that trust in God. 

• Challenge of the Unknown

The land we desire to occupy, like with Joshua, is always filled with matters and fears of the “unknown.”  Not knowing what the future holds … not knowing what’s around the corner … not knowing what the day holds … However, we are called to live not by “sight” but faith (2 Cor 5:7) in the God who is calling us IN!

Possess the challenge and get up and go in with God.

2.       Possessing the Promise

Joshua 1:5 (ESV) No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

Two-fold promise … No one can stand up against you and God will be with you.

On the first … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 ESV)  It is not cockiness … but a “calmness” knowing … God is with us … the second fold.

I will be with you.  I will not leave you … reassuring presence of God. 

• Powerful Presence … no man shall stand
• Personal Presence … I will be with you (as with Moses)
• Permanent Presence … I will not leave/forsake you (not now, not ever)

Begin appropriating truth as you are possessing the promises of God.

3.       Possessing the Commands

Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV) Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Take note of the language … “careful to do” … “do not turn from it” … “shall not depart from” … “meditate on it” …

Bottom line … there is NO SUBSTITUTE for obedience to God’s Word! 

• Obey Completely … no scriptural buffets!
• Obey Consistently … no stop gap measure! (right or left)

Deuteronomy 12:28 (ESV) Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.

What God said then, He continues to say today!

KEY TRUTH: The land could be possessed only when they walked in obedience to God’s Word.

“The Christian does not work up toward victory, he works down from it.” – Alan Redpath

Amen!

Outline (though changed) and subpoints are from a sermon by Michael Rochelle “How to Get From here to There” from Lifeway.com