No Battle, No Victory Series

No Battle, No Victory

O God, we have heard it with our own ears— our ancestors have told us of all you did in their day, in days long ago: You drove out the pagan nations by your power and gave all the land to our ancestors.

You crushed their enemies and set our ancestors free. They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.

You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel. Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me.

You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.

- Psalm 44:1-8

NOW THIS MORNING – we are continuing our message series, ‘Such Things Were Written’ the theme verse for this series is…

‘Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises. – Romans 15:4

AND – so far in this series we have been both taught and given hope and encourage, from…

• The story of Ruth and Naomi

• David’s defeat of the giant Goliath

• The life of the prophet Jeremiah

• A surprising warrior named Gideon

• AND – for the last 2 weeks we have looked at the period of history in the life of God’s people known as the wilderness or wandering period… in a conversation called, “Are We There yet?”

NOW THIS MORNING (September 6, 2020)…

WE ARE - going to unpack a conversation called,

‘No Battles, No Victory.’

AND LISTEN – as with our recent conversation…

‘Are We There Yet?”

This conversation centers around another period of Old Testament History, one known as ‘The Conquest’ period.

It’s a 27 year period of history recorded in the book of Joshua that chronicles the events surrounding God’s people leaving their desert wandering, and settling in the land of promise.

OKAY SO – let’s do this… “No Battles, No Victory”

We will begin in Joshua chapter 1.

BTW - Joshua is 83 years old at this time.

UNDERSTAND – the book of Joshua is primarily a book about war…

ABOUT – battles and enemies, victory and conquest.

There are 13 major battles recorded in the book of Joshua, and 31 different kings fall to Joshua as the Israelite army conquers the land.

Joshua chapter 1:1…

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead.

QUESTION – what emotions do you think that Joshua is feeling at this time? (doubt, fear, sorrow…)

Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.

4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life.

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’”

- Joshua 1:1-11

Prayer

OKAY SO…

• The people get ready to cross the Jordan in three days