All Nations Community Church
Up Against the Wall
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not command you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” These words were spoken to Joshua, but they hold meaning for us today. What has God called us to do? How are we a part of His salvation story? This sermon series through the book of Joshua examines these questions, encouraging listeners to follow God’s commands, even when it’s not easy.
Locations & Times
All Nations Community Church
18620 Kedzie Ave, Homewood, IL 60430, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Today: This chapter tells the story of Jericho. The people of God had to decide whether they would continue the journey to where God wanted them. Would they move forward in spite of the obstacles, or would they once again retreat into safety?
We each arrive at crossroads in our spiritual walk. God has a divine design for each of us. But as we seek to follow God's direction, difficulties confront us. Joshua teaches us how to overcome the obstacles that would keep us from following the will of God for our lives.
We each arrive at crossroads in our spiritual walk. God has a divine design for each of us. But as we seek to follow God's direction, difficulties confront us. Joshua teaches us how to overcome the obstacles that would keep us from following the will of God for our lives.
When "Up against a wall", know that God Speaks... to YOU (Chapters 1-5, 6:1-7).
God spoke in...
· Joshua 1:1 - Change in command (Moses to Joshua)
· Joshua 3:7 - Crossing the Jordan; God affirms Joshua
· Joshua 4:1 - Acquiring Memorial stones; reminder to the people
· Joshua 5:9 - The reproach of Egypt had been rolled away
· Joshua 6:2 - God speaks about Jericho
Throughout scripture, God had direct, personal, reciprocal communication with a lot of men . . . Abraham, Moses (Now Joshua), Gideon, David, Paul. What about you and me?
When God speaks, God gives clarity!
· Note the specificity of the instructions in vv. 3-5…
· …and note the immediacy of their actions in vv. 6-7
God spoke in...
· Joshua 1:1 - Change in command (Moses to Joshua)
· Joshua 3:7 - Crossing the Jordan; God affirms Joshua
· Joshua 4:1 - Acquiring Memorial stones; reminder to the people
· Joshua 5:9 - The reproach of Egypt had been rolled away
· Joshua 6:2 - God speaks about Jericho
Throughout scripture, God had direct, personal, reciprocal communication with a lot of men . . . Abraham, Moses (Now Joshua), Gideon, David, Paul. What about you and me?
When God speaks, God gives clarity!
· Note the specificity of the instructions in vv. 3-5…
· …and note the immediacy of their actions in vv. 6-7
When "up against the wall", know that God expects us to make moves (vv. 11, 20-21)
· God promised them the victory (God's sovereignty), but they still had to march (man's responsibility)
· Israel's obedient moves were motivated by God's Word in v. 2 (God has given Jericho into their hands)
· And v. 5 (the wall of the city will fall down); they never seen or experienced anything like that!
· God expected obedience (marching and shouting); yet God handles the wall
· God promised them the victory (God's sovereignty), but they still had to march (man's responsibility)
· Israel's obedient moves were motivated by God's Word in v. 2 (God has given Jericho into their hands)
· And v. 5 (the wall of the city will fall down); they never seen or experienced anything like that!
· God expected obedience (marching and shouting); yet God handles the wall
Talk it over:
· What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
· If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you attempt? Why?
· Have you ever been in a situation where obeying God seemed to be foolish or even dangerous? How did you respond?
· Have you ever (just for 1 minute) looked at the circumstances around you and doubted God's presence (looking back at Joshua 5:13-15)? Be specific.
· What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
· If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you attempt? Why?
· Have you ever been in a situation where obeying God seemed to be foolish or even dangerous? How did you respond?
· Have you ever (just for 1 minute) looked at the circumstances around you and doubted God's presence (looking back at Joshua 5:13-15)? Be specific.