The Battle Begins Series

• Water, town, roads

• Understand this was the most strategic piece of land in the world at this time.

• Everyone passed through this stretch of land… and when they did they would meet God’s people and find out about the one true God.

Why must there be battles?

• God’s people have an enemy

• Someone else occupies the land

AND LISTEN - whether we want to admit it or not, wars, battles and enemies did not come to an end at the close of the OT era.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:34

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

– John 10:10

BUT LISTEN – before Jesus said 14 awesome and inspiring words, in the very same sentence He said these not so fun words…

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

By all means, God intends life for us. BUT - right now that life is opposed. IT – doesn’t just roll in on a tray. There is a thief, he comes to steal, kill and destroy… IN OTHER WORDS – the offer is life, but we are going to have to fight for it, because there’s an enemy with a different agenda. TIM/LAURIE – there is something set against us.

WE – are at war!

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

– Revelation 12:17

Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 6 about the war we are in…

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, - Eph 6:10-13

Why must there be battles?

• God’s people have an enemy

• Someone else occupies the land

How Can We Ensure Victory?

OKAY…

I THINK BEFORE – we talk about how to ensure victory…

WE NEED – to define victory.

FOR JOSHUA AND THE ISRAELITES…

VICTORY – was… conquering the land, winning the war…

AND – establishing themselves in the land as God’s people.

FOR US/CHRISTIANS/THE CHURCH…

VICTORY – is living the life we were created to live…

A LIFE… where:

• Hope is living

• Joy is unquenchable and inexpressible

• Peace transcends understanding

• Love is unconditional, unending and never faiking

• Bondages are broken

• Captives are set free

• We are more than conquerors

By Obeying God’s Word

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. – Joshua 1:7,8