Joshua Series #2
The Amazing Race
“The Secret to Success”
Review / Introduction
Last week I tried to provide the background necessary to better understand this book. The events of the book of Joshua is an obvious continuation of a long journey, an amazing race to the Promised Land; a journey filled with testing, trials, difficulties and opportunities to trust God to make good on His promise to bring Abraham’s multiplied descendants in to a rich land of rest and blessing. It was a journey also filled with spectacular displays for God’s sovereign power and specific guidance. (Cloud, fire, manna, water). It was a journey not unlike the journey every Christian must travel. It is a journey to a life of complete trust in the promises of God on our way to ultimate rest and peace at the return of Jesus.
Joshua provides great insight regarding a life of peace and rest today. It is a guide to the walk of faith. There were cycles of peace throughout Israel’s history where God gave them rest through trusting Him. There are periods of rest when we trust Him today. True rest will only be realized when Jesus returns and restores all things. That will be the ultimate Sabbath rest.
God called Israel to celebrate a weekly Sabbath to illustrate the concept of a period where God is the prime focus and we rest from the kind of labor resulting from the rebellion.
We live in a culture that fails to experience peace and rest because they fail to give priority to God. What is the secret to living in the heavenlies and possessing the blessing promised not just to Abraham but to every born again believer? Paul urged the Ephesians to bless God who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ. Very few Christians possess what has been provided in Christ. Joshua teaches us how to possess what God promised. Joshua teaches us how to enter into a rest promised to every believer here and now.
Joshua was among General Douglas MacArthur’s favorite generals of history. Teddy Roosevelt stated that Joshua was his favorite book in the bible and referred to him often in his speeches.
Unfortunately, like the older generation of Jews, many have adapted to a wilderness life.
They had adapted to their surroundings.
They no longer had any expectation of inheriting the promise.
The wilderness had taken its toll.
They had convinced themselves that manna, water and indestructible shoes and clothes was all they could expect.
They just wandered around with an ungrateful, unexpectant, unbelieving complaining heart.
I am convinced that a large number of Christians are content with salvation. Like a life insurance policy, they put it in the drawer and pay it little attention until it is needed. Churches are full of wilderness wanderers complaining about how miserable life is in the wilderness.
The secret to success is found in the very first chapter of this book.
Do you want to know the secret to spiritual success?
Do you want that rest promised to every believer?
Do you want unhindered accesses to the storehouse of blessings provided by Jesus?
Here in this first chapter, God shares with a reluctant leader the path to his success as commander and chief of the nation Israel on the eve of claiming her God-given inheritance.
It has not changed today. It has been the same principles all through history for every successful follower of God. God had prepared Joshua for leadership for the past 40 years as Moses’ assistant. He is about to take charge and the final training touches are implemented.
God commissioned Joshua personally
Joshua took command
The people responded to his leadership.
I. Purge the Land 1-12
A. Joshua Prepared for leadership 1
1. The Lord commissioned Joshua 1:1-9
And it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Joshua 1:1-2
As we mentioned last week the “and” indicates that this is a continuation from a previous narrative. That chronicle of the journey began with Exodus and continued through Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is the story of a Leader named Moses leading a group of nearly 3 million people out of bondage to bounty; from being renters of property to owners of property. It is a riveting account but I have touched on only the parts of the journey/race necessarily to orient us to this part of the race. We need to know the characters of the journey; the race participants. There is God, Moses, Joshua, the people, the enemies.
In this part of the journey the Lord spoke to Joshua because Moses, the former leader is dead.
a. The Glaring Reality check – Moses is dead
“Moses My servant is dead.”
You’re in charge now Joshua. You are my chosen vessel. I can use anyone, but I have chosen you. It is not the instrument, but the one who wields the instrument that counts.
Leaders may change but God doesn't. Why did God speak to Joshua? Why not Moses’ children. Why not someone else? There seemed to be no expectation on Joshua’s or Moses’ part to appoint Joshua (humility)
Then Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, "May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep which have no shepherd." So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. Numbers 27:15-19
Joshua however was the most likely candidate. God called him a “minister to Moses” which he had faithfully been doing for some 40 years. Joshua had a proven record of faith. Joshua had served next to Moses since the Exodus. (Even on Sinai) Joshua and Caleb were the only ones out of nearly 3 million people to go the distance. They were the oldest ones around. Joshua was probably no his 80’s which demonstrated he had no ambitions to usurp Moses. The best leaders are those who also know how to follow. Every leader must have a calling. Calling by people is one thing, calling by God is another. Not even the death of leaders will stop God’s plan. Moses is dead Because of the people’s rebellion, Moses never fulfilled his calling to bring them into land. His dream went unfulfilled. His purpose of living never came to completion.
It is God's promise & responsibility not Moses. Follow God not people. God is our focus. It is His dream not ours. God didn't have to use Moses. He is bigger than people. God gets things done no matter what. He can use pagans. He can use sinning Christians. He can use animals. He can use 'rocks!' Moses may be dead but God’s mandate is still very much alive and He will commission another to finish the journey. It has been the same all through church history. Moses first commissioned Joshua in Num 27 after praying for a successor. He encouraged Joshua with words given by God, laid hands on him before the priest and the people, gave him increased authority and the Holy Spirit filled him for the task. God’s plans are not frustrated and sometimes even furthered by the death of His servants. Moses death was not unexpected by God, it was actually expedited by God. Moses was still strong and vigorous even at the old age of 120. Got took him and personally buried him. It is one thing for man to call you to a task, it is quite another to receive a call from God. All of us have been called by God. All of us have a purpose in the kingdom. We all have a commission. Paul prayed that we world come to realize the hope associated with our calling. (See supplementary notes to study this week.)
b. The Impossible Assignment
Now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.
Get up, get moving, cross the Jordan. Take everyone with you. It is time to move. Face the obstacle standing between you and the promise (Jordan). Cross the Jordan and take the people with you. What does the Jordan River represent?
It is one of several things standing in the way of the promised rest.
It is a seemingly impossible obstacle. (overflowing and treacherous. 40 feet per mile drop.)
It is a formidable barrier that prevents us from possessing God’s promise that can only be removed through God’s supernatural intervention requiring our unflinching faith.
It is a community effort.
It is not a self-centered focus but an others-centered focus.
We’re in this together. Take possession of the land already given by God. God procured the deed to the property you need to occupy it.
How do I do it? At first, God gave no specific instruction as to how this impossible thing was going to happen. Just get up and get moving. It is easier to steer a moving vehicle than a parked one. Joshua realized he was no Moses. Joshua was new at the helm. Joshua did not have the kind of relationship with God as Moses did. Would the people follow him or run?
What about the giants? What about the raging river? I don’t know about you, but the first thing that would strike me is fear and dismay. I would be concerned about how to tackle this humanly impossible task.
God sometimes asks the humanly impossible in order to demonstrate the divinely powerful.
Calling
We are all called by God to do something related to the establishment and growth of His kingdom. What has God asked you to do? What is your assignment? The service you render to the kingdom here will affect the life you live hereafter. For more on the nature and power of God’s calling see the supplemental study. Peter told his readers to make certain of their calling and choosing by God. How? By honestly evaluating their walk. Does it demonstrate the character of Jesus on a consistent and increasing basis?
c. The Powerful Promise
Whenever there is an impossible task or assignment there is always a powerful promise.
God promised Joshua two things.
1) No one will stop you.
The land is yours. Take it! Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.
Here are the boundaries of your inheritance.
From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.
Interestingly enough that Israel did not possess the territory originally promised which comprised nearly 300,000 square miles. They generally only possessed 30,000 square miles. (10% of the promise)
No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.
The land was a free gift. It need not be purchased only possessed.
2) I will be with you
Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
The realization of God’s presence is part of the road to success. God included an illustration for Joshua to understand what all that meant. I will be with you like I was with Moses. Since Joshua had been with Moses the whole time, I am sure a flood of examples probably filled his thinking. 10 plagues, Red Sea, Bitter water turned sweet, Manna, Quail, water from the rock, serpents, ground opening up, battles won.
If only God would do for me what He did through Moses I would move. I love the two promises here.
“I will not fail you”
God assured him His determination to have Joshua’s back, complete the mission, bring about the promised inheritance. The “I AM” had spoken. He has promised victory.
“I will not forsake you.”
I will be alongside you the whole way. I will maintain a personal relationship with you. It is true that this promise was originally spoken to Joshua but the same kind of thing is promised all through the New Testament to every born again believer who puts their trust in Jesus. The seemingly impossible Great Commission (Matt 28) issued by Jesus to reach and teach the whole world came with the promise “I am with you even to the end of the age.”
God’s presence is a major factor in the life of every person used by God.
Moses and Joshua.
Samuel
Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. 1 Samuel 3:19
David
David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14
David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him. 1 Chronicles 11:9
Solomon
Now Solomon the son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and exalted him greatly. 2 Chronicles 1:1
Hezekiah
And the LORD was with him; wherever he went he prospered. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 2 Kings 18:7
John the Baptist
All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, "What then will this child turn out to be?" For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him. Luke 1:66
We need an all-powerful God to face an impossible task. It is the realization of His presence and power that motivates us to face impossible situations with courage and strength.
d. The Charge
God next informs Joshua of his part in this venture.
1) Be strong and courageous
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous;
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:1-9
Moses passed on almost the same charge when he commissioned Joshua earlier. Deut 31:6.7.23 Joshua charged the people to be strong and courageous later in 10:25 The secret to success is to courageously face the obstacles to our inheritance. The key to maintaining such strength and courage is found in the repetition of the charge. The first is followed by a reason “for no one will stop you.” (you will give this land to the people) The second is followed by a reason “for I am with you. Courage to face opposition is based on divine promises.
For Joshua, it was a flooding Jordan River, an obstinate and sinful people, superior enemies. The key to success begins with strength and courage to face life’s difficulties and obstacles to fully realizing our inheritance. It takes strength courage to face life in a broken world.
Strength of mind and heart along with the courage to engage the foe.
“Strong” the strength to grasp or hold on.
“Courageous” strength of knees for standing solidly.
That kind of courage comes from a realization of God’s presence.
David
Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I fear no evil, for You are with me… Psalm 23:4
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," Hebrews so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" Hebrews 13:5-6
'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10
This world is off the rails. We are trying to live in the heavenlies while stuck in the uglies. We must face not only the battle of outside influence but the influence of the fleshly impulses left over from our former life in Adam. We have been saved. We have been redeemed. We are on our way to a different life. We are part of a new community with a new king and new longings for His righteousness. We are minorities. We are similar to the Israelites; a tiny nation up against massive evil empires out to destroy us.
The basis for being strong and courageous and not afraid rests in God’s promises.
I will not fail you (the power and ability to get it done)
I will not forsake you (the love and faithfulness and willingness to stick with you)
Courage comes from a realization of God’s promised presence
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:2-4
God reminded Joshua to be strong and courageous 3 times. The people reinforced the charge.
Moses told Joshua to be strong and courageous. The opposite would be dismayed and afraid.
Dismayed could be mental confusion or to fall apart. Fear is to shake or loose courage. Perhaps Joshua had a inclination to be afraid or the encouragement was need because of the enormity of the task at hand. It was kind of like God telling Chico to go over to Iran and courageously proclaim the gospel. Wherever you go, you will possess Satan’s territory. We are often afraid of far less. In regard to living the faith life, it takes courage to go against the tide.
It takes courage to face a brutal unseen force. Paul told the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Find your courage and strength from your connection to Jesus Christ.
Timothy
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Where does one get that kind of courage? Where does one gain a greater awareness of God’s involvement and presence? That comes from the second charge.
2) Continually talk about, meditate on and obey the word
God charged Joshua to interact with the word on three levels. Obey it. Talk about it. Meditate on it
“Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:6-8
It is clear that God was not just concerned about Joshua’s education level but his obedience level. God instructed Joshua to meditate day and night in order to proclaim loudly and obey fully what God commanded. The term for meditate means to murmur or mull over and over, ruminate. You know how you get something stuck in your head and you think it to death. These people were adept and quick to complain and murmur over difficult situations. Joshua, rather than think over problems was to continually mull over the will of God and verbalize it to others. The content of his speech was to be saturated with the truth of goods word. Moses charged the people to learn talk and do the word. Paul prayed that the Colossians would find strength and courage through saturation with God’s will and a strengthening with His might to attain all steadfastness and patience and a deep gratitude they had been qualified by God for an eternal inheritance. (Col 1) Joshua was instructed to meditate on day and night came from the first five books of the Bible. Especially important would be the instruction of God through Moses regarding life in the land and the process to lay claim to it found in Deuteronomy.
By the way – When Jesus responded to Satan’s temptation with Scripture, all three Bible quotes came out of Deuteronomy.
Paul instructed the Philippians concerning obedience and the word.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Philippians 2:12-16
Paul shared his secret to peace and rest in Philippians 4
What happens if we practice this?
e. The Promised Result
so that you may have success wherever you go for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
This is not the only place were success and prosperity are linked to meditation and obedience to the word.
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
Paul told timothy to focus on the teaching of the word.
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:15-16
Paul reminded him of the purpose of the Word of God.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Here it is. Putting all these things together we come to the key to success in every area of life.
Regular interaction with and obedience to the word of God is the key to a greater awareness of God’s active presence which is the key to strength and courage to face the things that block us from our inheritance in the heavenlies and the key to success in every area of life.
You can try all kinds of things. You can exert more effort in trying harder. Nothing will bring success that does not include a courageous encounter with whatever blocks our inheritance motivated by a realization of God’s active presence derived from a continual interaction with His truth. Without a realization of His presence there will be fear and anxiety and reluctance to engage the obstacles of the world, the flesh and the devil.
2. Joshua assumed command 1:10-15
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, to possess it.'" To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, "Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God gives you rest and will give you this land.' "Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, until the LORD gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise." Joshua 1:10-15
This is almost verbatim what Moses told them recorded in Deut 3:18-20 It ws to be a community effort. It also tells us to encourage one another daily lest we be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
3. The people committed to follow Joshua as they did Moses
They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous." Joshua 1:16-18
I am not sure their pledge was all that comforting since they didn’t do such a great job obeying Moses and cost him his dream
Application
What possessions aren’t we claiming because of fear? What calling are we ignoring because of ignorance of rebellion? What are we missing because we have failed to take time to interact with His truth a priority? What comes out of our mouth? Truth or complaining?
Jesus said abide in my word.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32
Could it be that if we don’t continue in His word we are not truly disciples of His and are still in bondage or wandering around in a spiritual wilderness? There is NO other way to live in your spiritual inheritance. NO other way to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
NO other way to walk worthy of our calling.
Regular interaction with and obedience to the word of God is the key to a greater awareness of God’s active presence which is the key to strength and courage to face the things that block us from our inheritance in the heavenlies and the key to success in every area of life.
SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES
Here are some areas to deepen your grasp of the truths taught in this message.
Deeper thought on Calling
The benefits of God’s calling
• We are sons of the living God by His calling
And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. As He says also in Hosea, "I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, 'MY PEOPLE,' AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, 'BELOVED.' " Romans 9:23-25
• We are saints by His calling not conduct
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2
• We share in the glory of Christ by His calling 1Pet 5:10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
• We are justified and glorified on the basis of His calling Rom 8:30
and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
• We are guaranteed that everything will work to our good because of His calling Rom 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
• We are guaranteed eternal inheritance
And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. HEB 9:15
• We are called into His kingdom and glory
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1Thes 2:12
• We are hopeful because of His calling Eph 1:18; 4:4
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; Ephesians 4:4
• We are secure in His calling
Rom 11:29 the gifts and the CALLING of God are IRREVOCABLE!
Heb 9:15 Christ is the mediator that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
I Pet 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
1Th 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
The Purpose of His calling
* Called by God into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord 1Cor 1:9
God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our relationship (fellowship) with Jesus Christ is a result and privilege of our calling.
* Called to freedom Gal 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Freedom to now live according to design and not according to drives.
Freedom to truly love others rather than manipulate for our own purposes
Caution to not turn our freedom into opportunity for selfishness of the flesh
* Called to peace and unity in the body of Christ Col 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
* Called in sanctification (purity) not for impurity 1Thes 4:7
For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
God has called us to be special people who live distinct lives in the world. He has not called us to practice impurity. In this regard we are to abstain from sexual immorality and conduct our life in sanctification and honor not in lustful passion as if there were no God. To reject this call is to reject God who gave His HOLY Spirit to us.
* Called to gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ 2Th 2:14
And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
* Called to eternal life 1Tim 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
* Called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness 1Pet 2:9
1PE 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
* Called to respond to suffering like Jesus 1 Pet 2:21
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
* Called to inherit and give a blessing 1Pet 3:9
not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
Response to our calling
• Walk a walk worthy of our calling
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.1TH 2:12
• Live a holy life like our Heavenly Father
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." 1 Peter 1:14-16
Make certain of His calling
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:10-11
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5
Paul’s secret to contentment
There are several clues to Paul’s contentment that can be found in Chapter 4.
See if you can spot them and list them out under the passage.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. Philippians 4:4-14
