Walls Fall When Faith Marches: The Jericho Challenge

Sermon 13 in Series on Hebrews 11

Alternative Titles

· Walls Fall: Faith That Defies Doubt

· Marching Through Uncertainty: Lessons from Jericho

· Unstoppable Faith: Breaking Down Barriers with Believing Loyalty

· Faith Over Fear: How the Israelites Won at Jericho

· When God's Plan Makes No Sense: Trusting Through Confusion

· Believing Loyalty: Standing Strong Even When You Wonder

A Four-Point Sermon on Hebrews 11:30

Opening Prayer

Gracious and almighty God, we gather before You now with open hearts and eager spirits. Speak to us through Your Word, and may the story of Jericho’s walls remind us of Your steadfast love and the power of faith. Strengthen us as we reflect on believing loyalty, perseverance in doubt, and the courage to follow even when Your ways seem mysterious. Let Your Spirit guide our thoughts and our actions so that we might honor You today and always. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Introduction

Hebrews 11:30 declares, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.” This single verse encapsulates a profound truth—not just about miraculous outcomes, but about the faith that endures uncertainty, persists through suffering, and trusts God’s promise above all. The story of Jericho stands as a vivid illustration within the Hall of Faith, encouraging us to root our lives not in the perfection of our performance but in tenacious belief and loyalty to God.

Today, let us draw four lessons from the Israelites’ experience at Jericho—lessons that resonate with our own journey of faith.

Point 1: Faith Is Founded on God’s Promise, Not Human Performance

The Israelites’ actions at Jericho were not born out of military brilliance or personal strength, but out of confidence in God’s nature and promises. They “believed that God would do something in response to His own promise.” Our faith, too, must be grounded in the objective reality of what God has done and what God says He will do.

We are tempted to measure our worthiness by our actions, but Hebrews 11 calls us to see that faith is not earned—it is received as confidence in God’s character. Like the Israelites, we are invited to trust, even when the outcome is unseen, and the steps are unfamiliar. Faith means taking God at His word, believing He is able, regardless of our limitations.

· Reflect: Where do you find yourself relying on your own ability rather than God’s promise?

· Pray: “Lord, help me to root my faith not in myself, but in You.”

Point 2: Believing Loyalty Persists through Doubt and Difficulty

All the heroes in Hebrews 11, including the Israelites at Jericho, shared not the perfection of their performance but a tenacious, persistent belief. They didn’t “shrink back” from faith—even when doubts or questions arose. The act of marching around the city for seven days may have seemed illogical and even foolish, yet their loyalty endured.

Faith does not mean we are never perplexed or troubled. The Israelites likely questioned: “Is this really God’s plan?” But their willingness to act, their persistence in following God’s instruction, revealed the heart of true faith—a loyalty that does not waver, even when the path makes little sense.

· Reflect: What doubts do you wrestle with as you follow God?

· Pray: “God, give me the tenacity to remain loyal, even when I cannot see the way.”

Point 3: God’s Commendation Is for Believing Loyalty, Not Flawlessness

Hebrews 11 highlights that God’s commendation comes to those who display “believing loyalty,” not to those who attain moral or heroic perfection. The Israelites at Jericho undoubtedly wrestled with suffering, moral failure, and doubt. Yet, their obedience—even if mixed with uncertainty—was what God saw and honored.

For us, this is liberating and encouraging. We are not excluded from God’s promises because of our flaws. Instead, the call is to “keep believing” despite our struggles, failures, and questions. God uses imperfect people who choose fidelity over despair.

· Reflect: In what ways do you feel unworthy of God’s commendation?

· Pray: “Thank You, Lord, that Your grace is greater than my imperfections.”

Point 4: Faithful Obedience Leads to Fulfillment of God’s Promise

The story of Jericho’s walls falling is not simply about supernatural intervention—it is about the outcome of faithful obedience. The Israelites acted, persevered, and obeyed God’s word, even when it seemed nonsensical. Their fidelity unlocked God’s promise and led to victory.

In our lives, we are sometimes called to steps that defy logic or comfort. Obedience in these moments is an act of faith, and it is through such obedience that we see God’s promises fulfilled. The story urges us to remain steadfast, trusting that God’s plan—however strange or difficult—leads to ultimate good.

· Reflect: Where is God calling you to step out in obedience today?

· Pray: “Help me, Lord, to obey, trusting that You will bring Your promise to completion.”

Conclusion: Faith That Endures

The falling of Jericho’s walls reminds us that faith is not sterile certainty or flawless living—it is the willingness to persist, act, and trust God when His instructions are perplexing and the outcome is unknown. God’s people are those who “keep believing,” choosing loyalty over perfection, and obedience over comfort.

May we be encouraged by the example of Jericho, and may our own walls fall as we walk in persistent faith.

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, thank You for the witness of those who have gone before us, for the enduring example of the Israelites at Jericho, and for the grace that welcomes us in our weakness and doubt. As we leave this time together, grant us tenacious faith—a loyalty that persists through difficulty and uncertainty. Help us to trust Your promises, to obey Your Word, and to believe that, in Your time, the walls before us will fall. We commit ourselves to You anew, confident not in our perfection, but in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.