A. SIZE UP BIG JOBS WITH A BIG OVERALL PERSPECTIVE: JOSHUA 10:16-43
1. Why big jobs defeat us.
a. We are scared of failure.
b. We do not know where to start.
c. We have failed at big jobs before.
d. Lack of motivation.
e. Worthy goal, but not with my limitations.
“God led Israel to cross the Jordan River and destroy Jericho, located halfway between the north and south borders. Providentially Gibeon forced Israel to march across the middle of Israel to destroy five kings and their kingdoms in the middle of the land, dividing the enemy of the south from the enemy of the north. Then Joshua systemically defeated each capital city one at a time in the south” (Summary of chapter 10).
2. Act in faithful boldness so you will complete the task.
3. Have a compelling force that drives you to work. “Do not fear … not a man of them shall stand before you” (10:8).
4. Realize God is on your side. “The LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel” (10:14).
5. Expect problems, even when they hide. “These five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave” (10:16).
a. If you do not defeat them/solve the problems, they will come back with greater difficulties.
b. Be goal focused, but aware of problems.
6. Put off big problems, solve smaller problems at hand. “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave … pursue your enemies, and attack their rear guard” (10:18-19).
Problem Solving
? Write out the problem.
? Gather all facts.
? Determine the various solutions.
? Test the solutions.
? Choose a solution (make a decision, make it work).
7. Watch out for criticism. “None moved his tongue against” (10:21).
8. Eventually encounter big problems straight on. “Brought out those kings to Joshua” (10:24).
9. Momentum. Every small solution encourages solutions to future big problems. “Come near and put your feet on the necks of those kings” (10:24).
10. Positive outlook on future. “Don’t be afraid … for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight” (10:25).
11. Deal thoroughly with obstacles. “Joshua struck them and killed them, and hanged them on five trees” (10:25).
12. Don’t live with negatives; put past problems/failures out of your mind. “Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees, cast them into the cave … and laid large stones against the cave’s mouth” (10:27).
13. Stair step from one victory to another. “Joshua did to the five kings as he did to Jericho” (10:28, ELT).
14. Some solutions come quickly; others take time. “Lachish … on the second day” (10:32).
15. Don’t let problems cluster together and overwhelm your thinking. “Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish” (10:33).
16. Some problems take longer, so make a long-term commitment to work on it. “Eglon … Israel … encamped against it and fought against it” (10:34).
17. Don’t leave anything out. “Joshua left none remaining” (10:40).
18. God wants you to be overcomers. “Joshua left none remaining … as the Lord commanded” (10:40). “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
19. Learn to divide your work into smaller pieces, and finish one at a time. “Joshua conquered their land one at a time” (10:42, ELT).
20. Learn to be a finisher. “Joshua conquered all the land’ (10:40).
21. Don’t be a neurotic; when you finish one task, rest and enjoy your victory. “Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal” (10:43).
22. Your place to rest is Gilgal, which means “rolled away.” Revisit your repentance and confession to gain God’s assurance in your life.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
