Stacking the Deck...Leaving No Doubt

The Pine Belt is faced with the threat of inclement weather... so our leadership team deemed it wisest to cancel our mid-week activities. Since we have been journeying through Joshua, I thought I'd record the teaching and share it with you here! You can get the Vimeo link for our Joshua 5 Study HERE!

Here is the listening Guide: 

Stacking the Deck...Leaving No Doubt

1 The fear of Israel’s enemies at the faith and obedience of Israel. (vs. 1)

a) Melting hearts are a great thing, if they melt unto repentance.But sometimes hearts melt before God, and then solidify again into an even harder state.

b) When our spiritual enemies see that we are trusting in God, and are willing to step out in obedient faith – even when it seems crazy – they instantly lose confidence in their battle against us.

c) We may forget, but our spiritual enemies always remember that If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)They know that when we are really trusting in God, their defeat is assured.

2. Undesirable Circumstances (2-8) Israel crossed over the Jordan at an undesirable time and place. They also incapacitated their army for several days. WHY? They did this because they trusted God, and His directions, instead of their own wisdom.

They were put in the place where they could trust in nothing but God alone – a hard place, but a good place. God only asked this of them after He showed His greatness by the Jordan River crossing.When we remember all the things the power of God has done in our lives, we are willing to trust Him with a radical obedience.

3. Clean Slate & New Provision (9)

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. God called Israel to a place where they saw themselves as they were in Him. By faith, they could see themselves as an obedient, trusting people, and to stop seeing themselves as they were in their slavery and bondage.

This is the same work God wants to do in us, taking away the dishonor and shame of our previous sin and rebellion, and seeing ourselves as who we are in Jesus. God always provides; but He is perfectly free to change the source of His provision from time to time.We need to trust in Him, not in His manner of provision, or we will stumble when that changes.

4. In. The Presence of our King (13-15) When we need him the most, our King shows up His answer is remarkable: No, but I have come

This encounter was not for Joshua to claim the allegiance of God for his cause, but rather for God to claim Joshua. J.M. Boice

Do not make the mistake to ask God to bless your kingdom… There is only one King.

The moment we respond in submission:
1) God reveals himself
2) God reveals his will

The kingdom of God demands our very best Our King deserves it!