Study 22: Joshua 11: 12-23

In this sermon, we delve into Joshua 11, exploring the conquest of the northern kingdoms by Israel under Joshua's leadership. This chapter highlights the battles and challenges faced by Israel as they strive to fulfill God's command to take possession of the Promised Land. Despite overwhelming opposition from a coalition of kings, Israel prevails due to God's influence and guidance. The sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith, likening our spiritual journey to a marathon rather than a sprint. It also touches on the necessity of aligning our hearts with God's purpose to secure victory in our battles, understanding that God's purposes prevail. By studying this passage, we are encouraged to develop endurance and trust in God's plan, drawing strength from His Word and presence to navigate and overcome the challenges in our lives.

Sermon Outline

Introduction

• Timestamp: 00:03

• Opening remarks and acknowledgment of the need for God's presence in our lives amidst societal challenges.

Chapter 1: The Importance of Knowing God

• Timestamp: 01:36

• Emphasis on the necessity of understanding God through scripture to transform and change us.

• Key Scripture: Joshua 11

Chapter 2: Review of Joshua's Conquests

• Timestamp: 02:34

• Overview of Joshua 10 and 11, focusing on the conquest of southern and northern kingdoms.

• The significance of God's promise to Israel and the coalition of opposition they faced.

Chapter 3: The Battles We Face

• Timestamp: 05:22

• Discussion on various battles in our lives—marital, cultural, spiritual—and how they relate to Joshua's battles.

• Key Point: We are in constant battles, both seen and unseen.

Chapter 4: God's Purpose and Our Identity

• Timestamp: 11:40

• Understanding our identity in Jesus and the purpose God has for us.

• Key Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 – "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood..."

Chapter 5: The Journey of Faith as a Marathon

• Timestamp: 21:41

• Comparison between sprinters and marathoners in faith.

• Illustration: Usain Bolt vs. Eliud Kipchoge.

• Key Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running with perseverance by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Chapter 6: Spiritual Endurance Training

• Timestamp: 26:03

• Importance of daily spiritual practices to build endurance.

• Key Point: Consuming God's Word and resting in His presence daily.

Chapter 7: God's Sovereignty and Human Hearts

• Timestamp: 33:15

• Exploration of God hardening hearts (e.g., Pharaoh) and giving people over to their desires.

• Key Word: Kazakh – to strengthen or fortify the heart's resolve.

Chapter 8: Facing and Overcoming Giants

• Timestamp: 40:39

• Joshua's battle against the Anakites, symbolic of facing our past giants.

• Key Point: Addressing and overcoming past issues to prevent them from affecting our present and future.

Chapter 9: The Significance of Rest After Victory

• Timestamp: 54:01

• Reflecting on God's grace and victories in our lives.

• Key Point: Sometimes it's necessary to sit and reflect on what has been conquered by God's grace.

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Application

• Timestamp: 57:39

• Encouragement to watch the "highlight reels" of God's work in our lives.

• Final remarks on aligning with God's purpose to secure victory in our battles.

Scripture References

Joshua 11

• Timestamp: 02:34

• Context: The primary scripture for the sermon, focusing on Joshua's conquest of the northern kingdoms and the battles Israel faced under God's guidance.

1 Peter 2:9

• Timestamp: 11:40

• Context: Used to emphasize the identity of believers as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God's special possession, which underscores the purpose and identity given by God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

• Timestamp: 21:41

• Context: Illustrates the need for perseverance in the faith journey, likening it to a marathon rather than a sprint. Encourages fixing our eyes on Jesus to endure and succeed in the long race of faith.

Proverbs 19:21

• Timestamp: 14:25

• Context: Highlights the contrast between human plans and God's purpose, reinforcing the idea that aligning with God's purpose ensures victory in battles.

Romans 8:28

• Timestamp: 17:02

• Context: Clarifies the concept that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Emphasizes God's role as the agent of change and influence.

2 Timothy 4:7

• Timestamp: 31:57

• Context: Used as an example of finishing the race and keeping the faith, encouraging believers to run faithfully and purposefully to the end, without quitting on God.

Exodus 7:14; 8:15; 8:19; 10:20

• Timestamp: 34:57

• Context: Discusses the hardening of Pharaoh's heart (Kazakh) and how God gave Pharaoh over to his desires. This illustrates God's sovereignty and the condition of human hearts in rebellion or obedience.

Numbers 13:31-33

• Timestamp: 42:58

• Context: Refers to the report of the spies who saw the Anakites (giants) in the Promised Land, linking it to the fears and obstacles faced by Israel. Emphasizes the importance of trusting God's word over fear.

1 Samuel (Jonathan and David)

• Timestamp: 39:10

• Context: The relationship between Jonathan and David, where Jonathan strengthens David in God (Kazakh), highlighting the positive application of strengthening one's resolve in God.

Deuteronomy (General reference to the spies' report)

• Timestamp: 41:19

• Context: Used to describe the initial fear and doubt among the Israelites when the spies reported giants in the land. Emphasizes overcoming past fears through God's strength.

Word Study

Kazakh (חָזַק)

• Meaning: To strengthen, to make strong, to harden.

• Scripture References:

• Joshua 11:20: "For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses."

• Exodus 7:13: "Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said."

• Context in the Sermon: Kazakh is used to describe the condition of the heart, whether in obedience or disobedience. The sermon emphasizes how God strengthens the resolve of both the obedient (Joshua) and the disobedient (Pharaoh), demonstrating His sovereignty and the importance of aligning our hearts with His purpose.

• Timestamp: 33:15

Kabad (כָּבַד)

• Meaning: To be heavy, weighty, or boastful.

• Scripture References:

• Exodus 8:15: "But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said."

• Exodus 8:32: "But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go."

• Context in the Sermon: Kabad describes Pharaoh's heart condition as heavy and boastful before God further hardens it (Kazakh). This illustrates the progression of hardening one's heart against God and how God responds to the stubbornness and pride of individuals.

• Timestamp: 34:57

Echad (אֶחָד)

• Meaning: One, unity.

• Scripture References:

• Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."

• Joshua 11:23: "So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war."

• Context in the Sermon: Echad is used to emphasize the unity and completeness of God's purpose and plan. In the context of Joshua, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel as a unified nation, taking possession of the land as one body under God's direction.

• Timestamp: 50:12