Continuing in Victory
We’re going to pick up where we left off last time. We’ve been talking about “Absolute Victory” and the victory the Lord wants us to have. Last time we left off with Joshua and the victory, he had at Jericho. After that victory, they immediately marched upon the city called Ai. But because they never sought the Lord on that battle they were defeated. Joshua then began to seek the Lord on why they were defeated. Through his prayer and time seeking the Lord, the Lord revealed to Him that they were defeated because of sin. After the sin was revealed and cleansed, God then gave them direction to go up against Ai.
I) Let’s look at what God said to them in Joshua 8:1.
A) Because God is no respecter of persons he to will give you the same victories over your enemy.
1) The natural enemies that Joshua and the children Israel faced are a type and shadow of the spiritual enemies that we face, which would be Satan and his demonic forces.
2) The qualities that Joshua had in his life enabled him to have such victory.
a) If we demonstrate these same qualities than we too can walk in total victory.
B) Those qualities are...
1) 1st there was LOYALTY, STABILITY, AND FAITHFULNESS.
2) 2nd he had understanding of spiritual things and spiritual warfare.
3) 3rd he took the time to be along with the Lord in prayer and in worship.
4) 4th he had the courage to act boldly on the Word of God in faith.
5) No. 5 he knew that DOUBT AND UNBELIEF had no place in the life of a CONQUEROR. He had to see himself through the eyes of God as a CHAMPION, CONQUEROR and VICTORIOUS.
6) And No. 6 Joshua knew the importance of LIVING A HOLY LIFE.
a) A life with sin would mean defeat or very little success, but those that walk a holy life before the Lord can walk in VICTORY.
II) After Israel defeated Ai, Joshua was drawn into battle against an alliance of 5 mountain kings.
A) Joshua 10:8.
1) He went on the assurance of God’s Word.
2) 1st of all Israel had God’s direction.
B) When God gave Him this Word, He acted on it.
1) To everyone’s surprise, he marched his troops all through the night to battle.
2) JOSHUA 10:9
a) The word “suddenly” in the Hebrew means “By surprise.”
b) In this battle, Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to stand still so they could defeat their enemy before dark.
3) JOSHUA 10:13-14
a) Joshua was in complete cooperation and partnership with God.
(i) Joshua spoke directly to the Sun and moon to stand still and God responded to the words of a man.
C) Look at V 16.
1) After the kings went into the cave, Joshua ordered the cave to be shut with stones. (Guard)
2) After the battle was over Joshua had the 5 kings brought before him.
a) Look what happened in V 24. (JOSHUA 10:24)
(i) This symbolized Israel’s total victory.
(ii) After this victory, Israel could have just taken it easy, but Joshua continued to press on to victory upon victory. V 25.
3) Before Joshua rested, 31 kings and kingdoms would fall.
a) Israel had an assurance in God that could not be quenched.
III) We need to have this same confidence in God.
A) Know that you have authority over the enemy, and know that God will lead you on from victory upon victory.
1) God wants you to put your foot on your enemies’ neck.
2) PSA 18:39-40.
a) Now of course people are not our enemies, but it’s principalities and powers.
B) Look at PHIL 1:28 (Little blind to us)
1) Listen to how the AMP words it. “And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction; but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.”
2) 1 of our enemies’ most devastating tactics is FEAR and INTIMIDATION.
a) If he can get you into this arena, he will begin to control you with uncertainty and confession.
b) But when the revelation of Jesus’ victory over the enemy comes alive on the inside, you can have victory in any struggle.
(i) Joshua’s victory went far beyond his own ability.
(ii) His successes could not have come through human effort alone.
(iii) He became thoroughly convinced that he had access to God’s unlimited power.
IV) There were 3 main principles that brought Joshua from 1 victory to another.
A) These same principles can be keys for your own success.
1) The 1st was a commitment to do all that God has commanded.
a) JOSHUA 11:15
(i) It’s important that we keep God’s Word that we obey it and that we follow His directions.
(ii) Don’t become slack in doing what God has said.
b) Determine to live a committed life without comprise.
2) The 2nd principle Joshua revealed was boldness to occupy new territory.
a) We must not come to a place to where we say; “We have come far enough.”
(i) If we do, we become stagnant.
(ii) Stagnant water may look peaceful, but it becomes bitter, it can even become poisonous and deadly.
(iii) We’re not to stay at the same level were at right now, we are to continue growing in the Lord, growing in holiness, growing in our commitment to Him, growing in our faithfulness, and growing in His Word.
b) Joshua went from victory to victory and we’re told to go from glory to glory.
c) 2COR 3:18
(i) AMP says, “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continue to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transformed into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”
(ii) Allow the Word of God to saturate you daily, it will bring a continual change.
(iii) We’ll pass from 1 degree of glory to another.
d) The question Joshua asked is just as important today.
(i) Look at JOSHUA 18:3
(ii) Don’t be stagnant, but reach out and obtain God’s promises. Stopping that stagnant feeling does not come by going for one church to another because you’ll become just as stagnant in that church. What if there was only one church within driving range? Church hopping does not change anything (as long as you’re going where the Word is being preached). Your faithfulness, loyalty, and commitment are the first steps to you overcoming that stagnant or complacent feeling.
(iii) Then you’re ready to occupy new territory by standing on the Word of God and obtaining His promises.
3) The 3rd principle to obtain victory upon victory is to have a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness to His promises.
a) JOSHUA 21:45
(i) The Berkeley translation says, “Of all the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel, not 1 failed; they were all fulfilled.”
b) 2COR 1:20.
(i) The NIV says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ.”
(ii) Through our commitment to obey the Word of God, to continue to occupy new territory without becoming stagnant, and having a confidence that God is faithful, we’ll begin to move from victory to victory.
(iii) Continue to have that deep relationship and communion with God and not only will we go from victory to victory, but also we’ll go from faith to faith and from glory to glory.
WOLCC Sunday, 5/24/98 the beginning of this message is from Conqueror # 4.DOC that I preached on Sunday May 17, 1998. The rest of it is from Joshua2.DOC. 8/28/93 Sunday.
The message that came after "Continuing In Victory" is called "Vision For Victory." Sunday, July 15, 2001