joshua 3 - Releasing the full potential of God in us

INTRO: Josh series

Story of me in the Lakes. Settled on a bench half way up tired out. Kids went all the way up and were blown away by the view they saw. But I stayed “I am content here.”

Joshua 7:2–10 (NLT)

Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.”

So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.

Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the Lord until evening. Then Joshua cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies? For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?”

But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this?

Joshua had been enjoying great success up until this moment. He’d crossed the Jordan quite supernaturally as God dried it up so that the whole of Israel could cross. He’s also led Israel to conquer Jericho. All good. But this is the 1st setback. The first problem. And its a massive disappointment. What rises in Joshua is the fear that he hasn’t got what it takes. He loses confidence. He can’t go any further.

This fear manifests often with self-talk of “Its too hard!” or “I can’t do it” Maths lessons.

And so he complains if only we’d been content cos going any further will hurt. Hurt/ fear/ disappointment are all emotions that can stop us moving into the future God has for us. We rationalise and try to make out we’re content with our r with God, content with the fruit we are bearing/ difference our lives are making.

Joshua is emotionally floored. But to his credit it drives him to prayer. Drives him back to God’s presence. And it is here that Joshua hears the voice of God once more and his faith is filled afresh. By spending time with God and hearing His whisper our faith is strengthened. By chp 8 God is telling Joshua how to advance and be victorious. He’s telling him how to advance into his future and inherit the fullness of that which God has for him.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE WHAT DOES GOD WANT 4 US?

Peace, joy, freedom, life in all its fullness.

Close loving r with Jesus - John 3v16

Ongoing transformation to become more like Jesus

Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Q: WHERE ARE WE SETTLING FOR LESS THAN GOD’S BEST FOR US?/ HIS FULLNESS?

For everything God has called us to do (r/w/ serving Him) God has equipped us to do. We can do everything that God calls us into because of Christ in us. Also, God knows us intimately. He’s picked you. He knows what your limits are. He knows what you can handle. What you are capable of. Not just surviving but thriving. With joy.

Think of the most frightening thing you are dealing with at the moment. Can Jesus deal with it? Does he have the power, wisdom to deal with it? If it was thrown at him, would he know what to do? Did he have to deal with it while he was walking on the planet?

Galatians 2:20 NLT

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The Christian live and life itself can be lived without us being dictated to by fear because Christ lives in us. it can be lived in boldness with courage and confidence because Christ lives in us.

Can we pray for people to get well? Yes, because the same Jesus that worked the signs and wonders lives in us. Can we declare the gospel and see people saved and set free? Yes, because the same Jesus that did these very things worked lives in us. Can we face opposition and the negative opinions of others? Yes, because the same Jesus that did those things lives in us. Can we overcome disappointments, darkness, and stress? Yes, because the same Jesus that overcame those things, with his Hope and his light lives in us. We are not to live alone. Battling life challenges alone. Trying to build God kingdom alone. We are to look to Jesus in us. To pray God I can’t do this alone, but I trust you in me to handle this. to produce me all that’s required. Because in Christ we have got what it takes.

PERSONAL APP

Fear/ hurt/ disappointment can all stop us moving on into God’s future for us. Know this. Whatever it is .... God knows about it already. Simply tell Him. Let Him into the hurt. And it won’t be long before, like Joshua, God is saying to you “Get up”

MISSIONAL APP (IBTC)

MENTION p & P again here

GOSPEL & SALVATION: Seek God on how to do this differently