Introduction: The children from the tribe of Ephraim had a complaint. They brought their concern to Joshua. They said, "We need more room. Our inheritance is not enough. We are a great people (numerically) and need a larger portion than the other tribes of Israel!"
Joshua saw right past their complaint. He knew the truth. The truth was that the leaders of the Tribe of Ephraim were afraid to possess the land that had been given to them. Their were "giants" in the mountains. There were "chariots of iron" in the valley.
Many people ask for "more," when as yet they have not made proper use of what they already possess. That is the reason for the title of today’s message, it is time to
mount the Mountain!
Here is the outline:
Quit looking at your yourself...
They claimed they were a "great" people. Sounds like they had spent too much time in front of the mirror!
Quit looking at your brother...
Just because you might be "bigger" than your brother, does not mean you are better than your brother!
Quit looking at the mountains...
Joshua named the mountain "Mount Ephraim." It’s time to mount the mountain!
Quit looking at the giants...
God is able....
Quit looking at the chariots...
God is able...
Quit looking at me.
Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim. Perhaps they thought that their "cousin" would show them special favor?
Get your eyes upon Christ!
Study over this passage and observe the greatness of our Christ:
(Heb 1:3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
THREE CONCLUSIONS:
QUIT MAKING EXCUSES
THERE IS A DIFFERNCE BETWEEN ASKING FOR A HAND OUT AND A HAND UP
IT’S TIME TO MOUNT THE MOUNTAIN!
