Preparing for War

Introduction: (Defining the Pain)

Bible Lesson: (Defining the Passage)

Renounce the Flesh (vs. 2-3, 8-9)

Living in the circumcision

Joshua 5:2–3 ESV

2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel a second time.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

The mark of a child of God is being cut off from the flesh.

Circumcision is a picture of Christ separating us from our sinful flesh so that we can live righteously before the Lord.

The Circumcision of Christ through salvation

Colossians 2:11–12 ESV

11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

We are no longer controlled by our sinful desires of the flesh, but by the Spirit that now lives within us.

The freedom of forgiveness

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

We now yield our bodies as instruments of righteousness instead of yielding to the sins of the flesh.

This is what Jesus meant by, “You shall know them by their fruits.

Healing from the flesh

Joshua 5:8–9 ESV

8 When the circumcising of the whole nation was finished, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. 9 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day.

A wounded soldier is a liability on the battlefield.

If you don’t heal from the wound of the past you will not be ready to fight in the strength of the Lord.

You must allow the power to the gospel to heal the wounds of your heart from the things of this world.

What does it take to heal from the past?

When God forgives you must forgive yourself.

Don’t keep yourself in condemnation with Jesus has set you free from condemnation.

Romans 8:1 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Change your ways to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.

Renew your mind with the ways of God.

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Agree with God about who you are in Christ.

Accepted in the family of God.

A saint not a sinner.

A joint heir with Jesus.

Able to do all things through Christ.

Make decisions based on the truth of God’s Word.

Let your actions be righteous before the Lord.

Remember the Promises of God (vs. 10-12)

Joshua 5:10–12 ESV

10 While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. 11 And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

God’s provision is not determined by our faithfulness.

God provided for Israel in their rebellion because he still fulfills his promises.

When your living in rebellion you get the bear minimum.

God’s blessing comes when you walk in obedience.

Manna and qual was never God’s plan for his children.

God’s plan was to provide the fruit of the land.

Recognize the Commander (vs. 13-15)

Joshua 5:13 ESV

13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?”

God doesn’t pick sides. We must choose the Lord’s side.

Joshua was asking the wrong question. The question must be reversed. Who’s side are you on?

Isaiah 6:8 ESV

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Joshua 5:14–15 ESV

14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Next Steps: (Defining the Process)

Are you ready to fight on behalf of the King of kings and Lord of lords?

What reproach in your life needs to be rolled away from your life?

Repent and begin to obey the Lord again.

Don’t dwell in the past but focus on the future God has in front of you.