All Nations Community Church
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.
Today: There are many reasons to quit anything. "I'm tired." "It's not my season." "It will never work." "I'm too inexperienced." "Not talented." or "I'm old." Do not give up or lose hope! The end is worth the fight!
Today, we will examine the life of a seasoned warrior. His walk with God is undeniable and for many years Caleb remained unseen while holding fast to the promises of God. When his time had come, Caleb makes an audacious request.
Caleb realized there is fight still within himself, and he was not done yet.
Joshua 14:6-15 ESV
The backdrop of the story of Caleb:
• From the tribe of Judah
• 1 of the 12 spies sent to spy out the land God promised them
• 1 of 2 men (the other being Joshua) that were confident in God’s promise of the land!
• 1 of 2 in a generation that would come into the promised land (Numbers 14:30)
• Nothing else mentioned about Caleb until Joshua 14 and 15
Caleb’s winter years teach us how we might be able to finish strong:
Follow God completely, vv. 6-9
- Caleb reviewed his past performance (vv. 6-8)
- and Caleb reviewed God's promise (v. 9)
- v. 9 is a direct result of His willingness to follow God
Have complete confidence in God, vv. 10-12
- Caleb reviewed God's goodness
- Caleb made a bold request, "...give me this hill country."
- v. 12 Caleb chooses the hill the biggest challenge, the Anakim w/ great fortified cities
- The Anakim/Anakites were a formidable race of giant, warlike people (Deuteronomy 2:10, 21; 9:2); cf. to Numbers 13:33
- Joshua 15:13-17 — not only did Caleb defeat these giants, but he inspired others (defeat of Kireath-seapher)
- The twilight of our years doesn’t mean let up… but pushing ahead (Apostle Paul 2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Talk it over:
· What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
· When is a time in your life where you felt like giving up? Why did or didn’t you?
· How should God’s goodness and promises affect how we view our circumstances?
· Today, what promises from God’s Word can we put our trust in as we live out our lives?