Faith to Conquer

Joshua 12:1–7 KJV 1900

1 Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east: 2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Beth-jeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdoth-pisgah: 4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. 6 Them did Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the Lord gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. 7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;

Sermon Abstract

This study of Joshua 12 reveals how faith in God empowers believers to conquer opposition through obedient leadership, courageous advancement, and covenant unity. The faithful victories of Moses and Joshua demonstrate that when God’s people walk in His Word, every enemy becomes evidence of God’s power and promise (Deuteronomy 3:2; Joshua 11:15; 2 Corinthians 1:20). This catalog of conquest reminds us that the life of faith is not passive but persistent, pressing forward until every promise is fulfilled (Hebrews 10:36).

Sermon Introduction:

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary became the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Before that victory, he had failed, but stood before the mountain and declared, "You have beaten me once, but I will return and conquer you—because you cannot grow any bigger, but I can." That determination reflects the power of faith—not in self, but in something greater.

Whenever one reads the Scriptures, there are moments when certain chapters appear mundane to the untrained eye. Lists of names, kings, and details that seem to lack import or inspiration. But do not be deceived, because what may seem like a dull record is, in truth, a divine reminder. Joshua 12 may seem like a list of names, but it is a record of battles fought and won by people who trusted God. Each fallen king is a reminder that faith, brings victory. Just like Hillary kept climbing, God's people kept believing, and so must we. Whatever your mountain, with faith in God, you can conquer.

This is not merely a military record. It is a spiritual monument. Each name represents a battle fought, and each king symbolizes a fear faced. Each line documents the result of obedience to the Lord. And all of it, from the eastern edge of the Jordan with Moses, to the far corners of Canaan with Joshua, tells one story—God honors faith.

Our message is “Faith to Conquer,” because you and I also stand in the midst of spiritual battles. And just like Israel, we can trust God to give us victory when we walk in faith.

I. The Faithful Work That Layed the Foundation (Joshua 12:1–6)

The passage opens by recalling how Moses, the servant of the Lord, conquered Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan—two powerful kings who controlled strategic regions east of the Jordan River. These victories were not just momentary battles—they were prophetic movements. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, but by faith, he began the conquest by taking territory on the edge of the promise.

The land east of the Jordan was conquered and settled by God’s providential hand. While it was not the promised territory, it was strategic because they did not have to worry about enemies coming from behind to ambush them as they crossed Jordan River.

This is the first layer of spiritual truth in this chapter—faith prepares the way.

Faith Places the Groundwork Moses obeyed the Lord and laid the foundation for others to build upon (Numbers 21:21–35). He defeated kings who stood in the way of promise. The land of Sihon and Og was later given to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh. His work was preparatory, not final, but it set the momentum for future conquests.

Faith Prepares a Legacy Moses understood that his part was not the end of the story. By faith, he labored so that Joshua could lead the next phase. Faithful leadership does not crave credit. It builds with vision and sacrifice.

It is important to note that his serve was not to himself it was service to the Lord. Our most impactful work will always be to the praise, honor and gory of our Lord.

Faith Progresses Without Completion Moses did not live to see the full conquest. Yet he moved forward, trusting in what God would do beyond his own days (Deuteronomy 3:24–29). Faith is not always about finishing. Sometimes, it is about starting well.

Application:

You may never see the final result of your labor. But do not let that discourage you. Keep building. Keep praying. Keep sowing. Faithful parents plant seeds. Faithful servants pave roads. Faithful saints fight battles that future generations will win.

Plan boldly even when you may not finish (Hebrews 11:13 “13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” ).

Prepare patiently knowing God will complete it (Philippians 1:6 “6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” ).

Practice faith openly because God sees your faith (Genesis 15:6 “6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” ).

KJV Cross-References:

Deuteronomy 3:2 - “2 And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.”

Numbers 21:34 - “34 And the Lord said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.”

Hebrews 11:13 - “13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

Psalm 78:72 - “72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; And guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.”

Philippians 1:6 “6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

II. The Fearless Work That: Leads in Obedience (Joshua 12:7–24)

The bulk of the chapter shifts to Joshua’s leadership, recording the thirty-one kings he and Israel defeated west of the Jordan. These were no small victories. Every king represented a fortified city, a military threat, and a spiritual challenge. But by faith and obedience to the Word of God, Joshua moved forward, king by king, land by land.

This second movement shows us that faith moves forward.

Joshua was motivated to move forward in realizing the promise of God. His faith was a courageous and not contented. He knew God had declared more, and deeded more land to His people on the western side of Jordan. Couragous faith doesn’t sit idle, enjoying the accomplishments of our predecessors; it marches forward encouraged by them instead.

Faith Complies with God’s Plans Joshua followed the commands of the Lord precisely. Every conquest was ordained and ordered (Joshua 11:15). God gives victory to those who submit to His strategy.

Faith Conquers Persistently These victories were not won overnight. Joshua led through multiple campaigns. But he kept going because he believed what God said about the land.

Faith Catalogs God’s Power The list of kings is a written record of God’s faithfulness. Every name testifies, “God did it again.” We need to write down our victories. They are reminders that God is still working.

Do not lose heart when the road is long. Do not retreat when the fight is fierce. Faith does not skip steps. Faith takes every step trusting that God is ahead.

Step forward even when you feel tired (Galatians 6:9).

Stay faithful even when the results are slow (2 Chronicles 15:7).

Stand firm because God has never failed (Isaiah 26:3–4).

KJV Cross-References:

Joshua 11:15 “15 As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.”

Galatians 6:9 “9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

2 Chronicles 15:7 “7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.”

Psalm 18:39 “39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”

III. The Fruitful Work of God’s People: Trusting the Hope of God (Joshua 12:1–24)

Though this chapter names Moses and Joshua, it is really about the faith of God’s people. These victories were not individual accomplishments. They were covenant accomplishments. The people believed. The people marched. The people fought. And God gave them success.

This third truth reveals that faith brings fulfillment.

Faith Partners Through Community Israel conquered together. No one man could have done it alone. The victories came because the people believed the same promise and acted in unity.

Faith Promotes God Alone No king in Israel is praised in this chapter—only the list of enemies defeated. Why? Because only God deserves the glory for every win.

Faith Praises God’s Promise The listing of thirty-one kings is not just a record—it is a rejoicing. This chapter shouts that every enemy falls before the Word of God. The promise He made to Abraham was fulfilled in part—and pointed forward to the greater fulfillment in Christ.

Application:

You do not fight alone. You do not stand alone. God has placed you in His family for purpose. Victory comes when we fight together and trust together.

Partner in purpose (Philippians 1:27 “27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

Praise God (Psalm 115:1 “1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” ).

Possess the promise (2 Corinthians 1:20 “20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” ).

KJV Cross-References:

Philippians 1:27 “27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

Psalm 115:1 “1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”

Romans 15:5–6 “5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 “20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

Sermon Conclusion:

Joshua 12 is not a battlefield memorial. It is a faith diary. Each king fallen is a reminder that God kept His Word. From Moses to Joshua, from the wilderness to the west, from the plains of Moab to the heights of Canaan, God led His people in victory after victory. Not because they were strong—but because they had faith to conquer.

And so can you.

You may have enemies of fear. Enemies of doubt. Enemies of depression. But take courage. Write down the names. And then let God defeat them. Because when faith leads the way, every enemy must fall.

Would you like me to now create the sermon handout, devotional follow-up, or social media post graphics to go along with this message?

Look again at this chapter—not with tired eyes, but with spiritual insight. Joshua 12 is more than a battlefield report. It is a roll call of redemption. It is a victory list of what happens when faith meets obedience and God gets involved. It is a page in the Bible where every name is not just a king who fell—but a fear that was defeated, a stronghold that was broken, and a promise that was kept.

Do you see it? Thirty-one kings. Thirty-one obstacles. Thirty-one reminders that faith still works. Moses laid the foundation. Joshua took the fight forward. Israel marched in unity. And God—yes, God—gave the victory!

So let me ask you, what kings are standing in your way? What giants are mocking your prayers? What strongholds have you believed are too fortified to fall? Let Joshua 12 preach to your heart: every king can be conquered when you walk by faith.

Do not be intimidated. Do not retreat. God has not brought you this far to leave you. He did not anoint you to abandon you. If He brought down Jericho, if He silenced Ai, if He humbled Hazor, then He can bring down every spiritual stronghold in your life today.

Victory is not reserved for the perfect—it is given to the faithful. You may be weary. You may be wounded. But if you still believe God, if you still obey His Word, and if you still walk with His people, then victory is still your portion.

Let the record show, like it did in Joshua 12—your faith was not in vain. Your obedience was not overlooked. And your battles were not bigger than your God.

Keep walking. Keep believing. Keep fighting. Because the same God who gave them thirty-one victories—is still writing your story.

Faith to conquer. That is the record. That is the reality. And that, my friend, is the reward.

Amen.

New National Baptist Hymnal #429

Verse 1: Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise, And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies; Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled; Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.

Chorus: Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

Verse 2: His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God; We tread the road the saints above With shouts of triumph trod. By faith they like a whirlwind’s breath Swept on o’er every field; The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining shield.