The Wall Collapsed

Intro:

Text: Joshua 6:1–27

Main Point: We can trust that victory in God is better than any victory we could earn. Key Verse: “See, I have given Jericho into your hand.” — Joshua 6:2

Introduction:

Have you ever followed instructions that made absolutely no sense at the time? Maybe a coach, a teacher, or even a GPS told you to do something and you thought, “There’s no way this is going to work.” That’s what Joshua and the Israelites were facing when God said: “March around the city. Blow trumpets. Shout.” That’s the whole battle plan. No battering rams. No siege towers. No ladders. Just marching and music.

But God wasn’t calling them to figure it out—He was calling them to trust.

I. God's Instructions May Seem Strange, But They Are Always Strategic

(Joshua 6:1–5)

Jericho was tightly shut up—no one went in, no one came out.

God gives Joshua what sounds like a bizarre strategy: march, blow trumpets, shout.

To the world, this makes no tactical sense. But this wasn’t about military might—it was a spiritual test of faith and obedience.

📌 Application: God still calls us to obedience today—even when it doesn’t make sense. Love your enemy. Forgive those who hurt you. Give generously. Remain sexually pure. These are hard commands in a culture that praises revenge, selfishness, and compromise.

🗣️ Quote: “God doesn’t always give instructions that fit our logic—but He always gives instructions that fit His glory.”

II. Victory Belongs to the Lord, Not to Us

(Joshua 6:15–21)

On the seventh day, they marched seven times. The trumpets sounded. The people shouted. The walls collapsed.

But notice: not a single person swung a hammer or pulled down a stone. God brought the walls down.

Joshua said in verse 16: “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.” Not “will give,” but “has given.”

Application: Victory in your life won’t come from your strength, your plan, or your performance. It comes when you walk in obedience and trust God to do what only He can do. This is true for battles with sin, anxiety, addiction, fear, or broken relationships.

 Illustration: Imagine showing up to a job interview and someone says, “Don’t worry, you’re already hired—just walk in and meet your team.” That’s the level of confidence God wants us to have when we walk into battle with Him by our side.

III. Our Faithful Obedience Shows We Trust in God’s Victory

(Joshua 6:18–19)

-God commanded that all the silver and gold go into the treasury. None of it was to be taken personally.

Why? Because this was the firstfruits of conquest. The victory belonged to God, so the spoils belonged to Him too.

Obedience wasn't optional—it was evidence of trust.

Application: Are we giving God what belongs to Him? Our time? Our worship? Our gifts? Or are we claiming credit, taking shortcuts, or picking and choosing what we obey?

Warning: Sometimes we “steal” from God when we take the credit, skip obedience, or withhold what He’s asked us to surrender.

IV. Faith Trusts Even When We Don’t Understand

(Reflection – Hebrews 11:1)

The people of Jericho had heard about God’s power but chose idolatry over repentance. Israel chose to trust.

The victory didn’t come from understanding—it came from believing.

📌 Application: You might not understand the season you’re in. The walls around you may seem unmovable. But faith says, “God is with me even when I don’t see the outcome.”

Conclusion:

God is still bringing down walls today. The walls of addiction, depression, fear, anxiety, and pride. But He’s not asking you to break them down. He’s asking you to trust Him, obey Him, and walk in faith.

 Call to Action: What wall are you facing today? Where do you need to surrender control and trust God’s plan?

Encouragement: Victory is already declared through Christ. The cross and empty tomb are your Jericho moment. You don’t fight for victory—you fight from victory.

Closing Scripture:

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." —1 Corinthians 15:57