Victory in Battle # 5

     I’m going to continue teaching on the subject of Victory in Battle. We have been looking mostly at the life of Joshua. Joshua had a very important role to play, not only for the Children of Israel, but also for us.

     The things that Joshua went through and the battles that he faced show us how the walk in victory, just as he did, and how to receive God’s promises.

     I. There are some noticeable things that Joshua did that brought Joshua from 1 victory to another.

              A. These things or principles that Joshua followed are going to help you have victory in battle.

                        1. The 1st was a heart diligently committed to do all that God had commanded.

                                  a. Look at JOSHUA 11:15-16, 23a.

                                  b. It’s so important in our Christian walk that we do not become slack in finding out God’s direction for our lives and then walking in them.

                                           i. If we serve God and follow His Word and His direction with the same commitment Joshua displayed, we can be led into the promises that He has set before us.

                                           ii. Don’t be slack, But be determine to fulfill all that God has spoken.

                                           iii. Determine to live committed without compromise.

                                  c. Joshua learned to move into battle under the direct leadership of the H. S.

                                           i. His plans were not his own, they came through communion with God.

                                           ii. Your diligence to let God direct your paths will be an important key to obtaining what seemed to be unobtainable.

                        2. The 2nd principle that was Revealed in Joshua’s life was boldness to occupy new territory.

                                  a. You can’t allow our past successes to Fool you into thinking that we have come far enough.

                                           i. You can’t yield to spiritual stagnation.

                                                     a. Spiritual stagnation will steal from you, it will steal God’s best from you.

                                           ii. Stagnant water may look peaceful, but there’s no life in it, except disease, germs, and parasites it becomes a breeding ground for everything we don’t want.

                                           iii. Did you know that stagnant water left alone long enough will stink. It smells like rotten eggs.

                                  b. A question that Joshua asked some 3500 years ago rings out today.

                                           i. Look at JOSHUA 18:3

                                           ii. We must set aside stagnation and reach out to obtain fresh water and new territory.

                                           iii. Step out and believe God for new victory.

                        3. The 3rd principle for having Victory in Battle is a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness to His promise

                                  a. JOSHUA 21:45

                                           i. The NIV words it, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”

                                  b. (2COR 1:20) Says, “For all the promises of God in him {are} yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

                                           i. When God gives a promise He also gives the power to cause it to come to pass.

                                           ii. When we simply add our agreement with it, we obtain the power of God for the promise.

                                  c. God remained faithful to Israel even in their time of rebelling and there time of wandering in the wilderness, but when they stepped into a steady walk of loyalty to God, they activated the power within the promise.

                                           i. They were living in the land of their dreams. All their enemies were conquered, and they were living in peace, Living in victory.

                                           ii. JOSHUA 21:43-44

     II. As we remain diligent and committed to God and to His Word, following His leadings, Holding on to that boldness to take new territory for the glory of God, (not allowing ourselves to get stagnant) and placing our total trust and faith in Him, knowing that He is faithful that promised, we will have Victory in Battle.

              A. The principles that Joshua lived by can help any believer move from where he is now to a place of victory in their lives.

                        1. Overcoming the obstacles that’s hindering you from total victory.

              B. 1 of the qualities that Joshua had in his life is found in (EXO 24 12-15)

                        1. God called Moses to come up into the mountain to receive the instructions that God had for the nation of Israel.

                                  a. Moses took Joshua with him, and left everyone else below.

                                           i. As Moses ascended up the mountain of God, he left Joshua on the slopes of the mountain.

                                           ii. Joshua stayed there 40 days and 40 nights.

                                           iii. He could have returned to camp but even in a time of feeling forgotten and unimportant, he remained confident in God.

                                                     a. There may be times that you feel out of the mainstream of the kingdom of God.

                                                     b. But it’s that desire to go on with God, that stability (in Him and His Word) that faithfulness to Him which is important.

                        2. The 2nd of Joshua’s qualities that aided him in conquering the Canaan land was an understanding of spiritual battle.

                                  a. When Moses came down the mountain, he heard the sound of music, singing, dancing, shouting in worship to the golden calf, coming from the camp.

                                  b. In (Exodus 32:17) it says, “And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.”

                                           i. There was a war in the camp. It was a spiritual war.

                                           ii. (EPH 6:12) Says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high {places}.”

                                                     a. 1 translation says, “We struggle not against flesh and blood...”

                                                     b. Another says, “We contend not with flesh and blood...”

                                           iii. The RSV translation says, “But we do wrestle against the spiritual hosts of wickedness.”

                                                     a. That’s where the battle is, it’s a spiritual battle.

                                                     b. We need to be aware of the enemies spiritual strategies.

                                                     c. Many homes could have been saved and tragedies avoided if we would not have overlooked this area.

                                                              i. It’s a spiritual battle.

                                                   d. Rise up with the authority of God’s Word and bring the presence of the H.S. into the picture, and things will begin to change.

                        3. In (EXO 33:9-11) we see another part of Joshua’s character. (3rd)

                                  a. Joshua separated himself from the people, to be in the presence of the Lord. He wanted to be totally identified with God.

                                  b. He demonstrated his loyalty and devotion to God and chose to stay where God would manifest His glory.

                                  c. Joshua was different from the rest.

                                           i. He was not going to be swayed by pressure or opinions of others. He would remain where he could hear the voice of God and then move in accordance with what he heard.

                                           ii. We need, more than ever, a renewed dependence on God’s Word.

WOLCC Sun AM 2/16/92 and Sun AM 6/16/96