Untitled Sermon (16)

Bible Study: Trusting God’s Promises Despite What We See **Scripture Focus:** Joshua 6:2 *"And the Lord said to Joshua: 'See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.'"* --- ### **Introduction** Joshua 6:2 is a powerful reminder of God’s promises. In this verse, God speaks to Joshua, declaring that Jericho is already defeated and in his hands. However, from Joshua's perspective, Jericho’s walls were still standing, its gates were shut tight, and the city was heavily fortified. Nothing in the physical seemed to confirm what God had said. This moment reveals a profound spiritual truth: God’s Word and promises are not dependent on visible circumstances. What He declares will come to pass, even if it hasn’t manifested yet. Our faith is tested when we must trust His promises despite what we see. --- ### **Study Outline** #### **1. God Declares the Victory Before the Battle** - **Scripture Insight:** God says, *“I have given Jericho into your hand,”* using the past tense to emphasize that the victory is already secured. Joshua had yet to march, shout, or fight, but from God’s perspective, the outcome was certain. - **Application:** God often speaks to us about victories and blessings we can’t see yet. Whether it’s a promise of provision, healing, or restoration, we must trust that His Word is true, even when the evidence is not immediately visible. - **Reflection Question:** How do you respond when God declares something in your life that hasn’t yet come to pass? --- #### **2. Faith Requires Us to See Through God’s Perspective** - **Scripture Insight:** God begins His instruction with the word *“See!”* He invites Joshua to view the situation not through human eyes but through faith. God calls us to see His promises as already fulfilled because He operates outside of time and circumstances. - **Application:** Like Joshua, we must align our vision with God’s perspective. This means walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our circumstances may not reflect the victory yet, but our trust in God’s faithfulness allows us to move forward in confidence. - **Reflection Question:** What practical steps can you take to align your perspective with God’s promises, even when circumstances seem unchanged? --- #### **3. Trusting God's Instructions Even When They Seem Unconventional** - **Scripture Insight:** After declaring the victory, God gives Joshua detailed instructions on how to conquer Jericho (Joshua 6:3-5). These instructions likely seemed unusual and illogical to the Israelites, but obedience to God’s Word was the key to their success. - **Application:** Often, God’s guidance may not make sense to us in the moment. He may ask us to forgive, wait, or take steps of faith that seem contrary to human logic. Trusting His instructions, even when they seem unconventional, demonstrates our faith in His wisdom. - **Reflection Question:** Are there areas in your life where God is asking for obedience despite the instructions not making sense? --- #### **4. The Victory is Secured Through Faith and Obedience** - **Scripture Insight:** When the Israelites obeyed God’s commands and shouted on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6:20). The breakthrough came as a result of their faith and obedience, not their strength or strategy. - **Application:** Similarly, our victories come through trusting God and following His guidance. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, our faith and obedience prepare the way for God to act. - **Reflection Question:** What walls in your life do you need to trust God to bring down, and how can you exercise faith and obedience in this process? --- ### **Key Takeaways** 1. **God’s promises are certain, even if circumstances haven’t changed yet.** 2. **Faith requires us to see beyond the physical and trust in God’s Word.** 3. **God’s instructions may not make sense, but obedience leads to victory.** 4. **The breakthrough comes in God’s timing and through His power, not ours.** --- ### **New Testament Connection** **Hebrews 11:30** - *“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.”* This verse reminds us that it was faith—not physical might—that caused Jericho’s walls to fall. It serves as a New Testament affirmation of the principle that faith in God’s promises brings victory. --- ### **Closing Prayer** “Lord, thank You for the promises You have spoken over our lives. Help us to trust in Your Word, even when circumstances seem unchanged. Give us the faith to see through Your perspective and the courage to obey Your instructions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight, believing that You are faithful to bring every promise to pass. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” --- This study reminds us that God’s promises are trustworthy, even when we don’t see immediate results. Our faith in His Word enables us to walk in victory, just as Joshua did. Sent from my iPhone

What was the significance of God using the past tense in His promise to Joshua about Jericho?

How does the story of Jericho reflect on the importance of trusting God's promises when things seem tough?

In what ways can we see God's perspective in our daily situations, similar to how Joshua was invited to see?

How can we apply the lesson of faith leading to victory in our own lives when facing insurmountable challenges?