Give Me This Mountain!

Sermon Title: "Give Me This Mountain!"

Joshua 14:12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said."

Introduction:

Caleb's faith and boldness inspire us to claim the promises of God, even when faced with great challenges.

Illustration: Share a story of someone overcoming obstacles to achieve a God-given dream, such as a missionary or entrepreneur who persevered despite challenges. Key Scripture: Joshua 14:12.

Main Points:

1. A Life of Faithful Obedience (vv. 6-9)

Caleb's confidence in claiming the mountain was built on decades of unwavering obedience to God.Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly (v. 8), in contrast to the fear of the other spies.

Supporting Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 1:36 - "Except Caleb... he shall see [the land], because he wholly followed the Lord."

John 14:21 - Obedience to God demonstrates love and brings His blessing.

Illustration: The discipline of an athlete training for years to reach their goal.

Caleb followed the Lord fully (v. 8). His confidence in claiming the mountain was rooted in a lifetime of obedience. Illustration: A farmer planting seeds consistently in faith, waiting for a harvest despite uncertain weather. Supporting Scripture: Numbers 14:24 - Caleb had a "different spirit" and followed God wholeheartedly.

2. Remembering God's Promises (v. 12a)

Caleb held onto God's promise for 45 years, showing unwavering faith in God’s Word.

God’s Word does not fail, even if His timing differs from ours.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 89:34 - "My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips."

2 Corinthians 1:20 - "All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen."

Illustration: A farmer waiting for the harvest, trusting that the planted seed will yield fruit.

Illustration: A child holding onto a parent's promise of a gift, trusting it will be delivered despite delays.

Supporting Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promises.

3. Facing Challenges with Courage (v. 12b)

Caleb didn’t ignore the giants (Anakim) or the fortified cities. Instead, he trusted that God would help him overcome them.

Challenges are opportunities for God to show His power.Supporting Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and of good courage... for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you."

2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Illustration: David confronting Goliath with confidence in God’s power, not his own strength. (1 Samuel 17).

Supporting Scripture: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

4. Claiming God’s Inheritance (v. 13)

Caleb received Hebron as his inheritance because he fully trusted in God.

Our spiritual inheritance is secured through Christ, but we must step out in faith to claim it.

Supporting Scriptures:

Ephesians 1:11 - "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance."

Colossians 1:12 - "Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance."

Illustration: A young person inheriting a family business, stepping into responsibility with confidence.

Illustration: A student receiving a diploma after years of dedication and perseverance.

Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:17 - We are heirs with Christ, promised a rich spiritual inheritance.

5. The Power of Perseverance (vv. 10-11)

At 85 years old, Caleb's strength and resolve had not diminished because he relied on God.

Illustration: Harriett Thompson, a 92-year-old cancer survivor, completing a marathon as an example of enduring strength. A two-time cancer survivor, Thompson was a regular at the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, running with Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She started running the marathon in San Diego in 1999, and ran the race every year through 2015, except for 2003, when she was undergoing treatment for cancer. She raised more than $115,000 for cancer research through her efforts.

Perseverance is key to seeing God’s promises fulfilled.

Supporting Scriptures:

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who endures temptation... he will receive the crown of life."

Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap."

Illustration: The persistence of Thomas Edison, who tried 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb.

Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 - Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.

6. Relying on God’s Strength (v. 12c)

Caleb acknowledged that it was the Lord who would enable him to drive out the Anakim.

Caleb trusted that God would empower him to drive out the Anakim. Success in life’s battles comes not by human strength but by God’s Spirit.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 121:2 - "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you... I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you."

Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit."

Illustration: A mountain climber relying on specialized equipment to scale impossible peaks.

Illustration: A construction crew relying on a crane to lift heavy beams—impossible by human effort alone.

Supporting Scripture: Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit."

7. Passing Down a Legacy of Faith (v. 14)

Caleb’s bold faith and obedience set an example for future generations.

Caleb’s faith and courage inspired future generations to trust God and claim their own promises.Faithful living impacts others beyond our own lifetime.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 145:4 - "One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts."

2 Timothy 2:2 - "Commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Illustration: The legacy of Billy Graham, whose faith influenced millions and continues through his family and ministry.

Illustration: Share the story of a family patriarch or matriarch whose faith influenced generations.

Supporting Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach your children to walk in God’s ways.

Conclusion:

Caleb’s faith teaches us to live boldly, hold onto God’s promises, and trust Him to overcome any obstacle.

Call to Action: What is the “mountain” God is calling you to claim? Step forward in faith and obedience.

Closing Illustration: A modern example of someone who claimed their “mountain” for God’s glory, encouraging the congregation to rise up with similar courage.

The Anakim were a race of giants mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. They are described as being of great size and strength, and they were considered a formidable and fearsome people. Here’s a detailed overview of the Anakim: Biblical References Origins: The Anakim are said to be descended from Anak, whose name means "long-necked" or "strong." Anak was a member of the Nephilim, according to some interpretations, who were a group of giants or mighty beings mentioned in Genesis 6:4.Location: They primarily lived in the hill country of Hebron, in the land of Canaan. This region was known as Kirjath-Arba, named after Arba, who was regarded as the greatest man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15).Other cities where the Anakim were reportedly found included Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai (Numbers 13:22).Encounter with Israel: The Anakim are first introduced during the account of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13). The spies reported seeing the Anakim and described themselves as "grasshoppers" in comparison to these giants (Numbers 13:33).Their presence contributed to the Israelites' initial fear and reluctance to enter the Promised Land.Defeat: The Anakim were eventually defeated and driven out by Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan (Joshua 11:21–22). However, remnants of the Anakim are said to have fled to the cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.Goliath Connection: It is often speculated that Goliath, the giant defeated by David, and his brothers may have been descendants of the Anakim, as Goliath hailed from Gath, one of the cities where the Anakim fled.Cultural and Historical Context Physical Stature: The Anakim are described as being of enormous size and strength. While the Bible uses this language symbolically at times, these descriptions contributed to the perception of the Anakim as literal giants.Symbolism: The Anakim are often portrayed as symbols of overwhelming challenges and obstacles that require faith and divine assistance to overcome.Modern Interpretations Scholars and historians debate whether the Anakim were an actual race of people or a mythical group. Some propose that their descriptions could have been exaggerations or symbolic representations of fearsome enemies.Archaeologists and anthropologists have not discovered evidence of giants matching the biblical description, but the Anakim remain an important cultural and theological symbol.In essence, the Anakim represent the formidable challenges that the Israelites faced as they sought to claim the land promised to them by God.

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