CALEB - THE MAN OF FAITH
I THE CLAIM OF FAITH
v.6 You know what the LORD said . . . about you and me
a. DIVINE INFALLIBLITY
I Kings 8:56 "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.
b. DIVINE ABILITY
Romans 4:21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [NIV]
fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. [RSV]
II THE CONSECRATION OF FAITH
v.8 I . . . followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
a. CONSECRATION IS REQUIRED
Exodus 32:29 Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, . . . that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.
b. CONSECRATION IS REWARDED
John 7:17 If any man is ready to do God’s pleasure he will have knowledge of the teaching and of where it comes from. [BBE]
III THE CONFESSION OF FAITH
vV.10 just as the LORD promised, he has kept me
a. CONVICTION
II Timothy 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
b. CONTINUAL
Psalm 121:4 He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
IV THE COURAGE OF FAITH
v.11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then
a. GOD’S POWER
Isaiah 12:2 God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
b. GOD’S PRESENCE
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and take heart, and have no fear of them: for it is the Lord your God who is going with you; he will not take away his help from you. [BBE]
V THE COMPANY OF FAITH
v.12, the LORD helping me,.
a. IN BATTLE
Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, . . . will be with you.
b. IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Matthew 28:20 surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
VI THE CONFIDENCE OF FAITH
v.12 I will drive them out just as he said
a. PROMISED
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: [NIV]
Put your life in the hands of the Lord; have faith in him and he will do it. [BBE]
b. THE SAME TODAY
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.
VII THE COMPENSATION OF FAITH
v.13 & 14 Then Joshua blessed Caleb . . . and gave him Hebron as his inheritance . . . because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
a. VICTORY OVER OPPOSITION
Psalm 44:5 Through Thee will we push down our adversaries; through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. [Dby]
b. VICTORY OVER THE WORLD
I John 5:4 everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
