Sermon Tone Analysis

We've been *looking at* the *life of Joshua* for these past few weeks & we're going to *continue* for *1 or 2* more *weeks*.

There's *so much in* the book of *JOSHUA* that we could even go on to it for several more weeks.

I.

*At this time in Joshua's life*, he *came* to a place *where* *he understood God* in a way *that produced total confidence*.

A.

*He discovered* that *God's resources* were *available to him*.

He was *convinced* that *God was dependable and faithful*.

*1*.

*After Joshua* & the children of Israel *had* the *victory over* the *city* *Ai* *they* were *drawn into battle* *against* the alliance of the *5 mountain kings*.

*a*.

They reasoned that their *only hope* to defeat Israel was to *join* their *forces* together.

*i*.

*Everything* that they did was *powerless against Israel*.

*b*.

*Joshua* did *not hesitate* in the *face* of his *greatest challenge*.

*i*.

He *went* *in* the *assurance of God's Word*.

*ii*.

*JOSH 10:6-8*

                                           *iii*.

*Those* that *challenged Israel* *suffered* a *great* *defeat*, many were killed, the ones that did live, *turned* and *began* to *flee*.

*iv*.

But *God's* Word *declared* *total victory* for Israel.

In (JOSH 10:8) the Lord said, “There shall not a man of them stand before thee.”

So *God rose up* to *fight* for them.

*v*.

He *sent* a *hail* storm with hailstones to *destroy* the rest of the enemy.

There were more killed by God and by the Hailstones, then were killed with the sword.

c.

This shows us 2 important aspects that we need to see about God.

                                 

              *B*.

This *divine intervention* of God *brought Joshua* *into* a *new realm of faith* in God.

                        *1*.

Just *after this Joshua had* the *faith* to *speak* to the *sun &* the *moon* to *stand still*.

*a*.

This *additional daylight* *gave Israel* the *time needed* to *defeat* their *enemy*.

*b*.

Notice that *God responded* to the *word of a man*.

*2*.

The *5 kings* *fled* to a *cave* to *hide themselves*, but *Joshua* *ordered* it *sealed* w~/ *huge stones*.

*a*.

*Once* the *cities* they just *conquered* were *secured*, *Joshua returned* to the *cave*.

*i*.

He *had* the *5 kings* *brought before* the *commanders* of the *Israel army*, who *put* their *feet* *on the necks of the kings*.

*ii*.

This *symbolized* Israel's *total victory*.

*iii*.

(Also *brought clear focus* *God's covenant*, {that they would *possess every place* their *feet* would *tread upon*.})

*C*.

*With* this *great victory* behind them they *could have fallen into contentment.

*

                        *1*.

But *Joshua kept* *them out of that by continuing* to *press* *on* from *victory upon victory*.

*a*.

*City after city*, *kingdom after kingdom* would *fall*.

*b*.

*31 kingdoms* would *fall* *before Joshua* would *rest*.

*i*.

*Israel had* a *faith in God* that could *not be quenched*.

*2*.

*Once you* begin to *realize* that *you have* this *same power* of *God dwelling* *on* the *inside* of you, *you're going to do exploits* for God

                                  *a*.

(*DAN 11:32*) Says, "The people that do know their God (The ones that know that their God is willing, is able, & will do those things that He's promises) will be strong, and do {exploits}."

*b*.

Look at *PSA 18:39-40*

                                           *i*.

He wants to *put your foot* *on* your *enemy's neck*.

*ii*.

Of course, *our enemy* is *not people* but the *principalities & power, against spiritual wickedness*.

*3*.

Look at *PHIL 1:28*

                                  *a*.

That might be a *little blind* to us.

*b*.

Listen to how the *AMP* translation puts it, "And do *not [for a moment*] *be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries*, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impeding] destruction; but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God."

                                           *i*.

*1* of our *enemy's most devastating tactics* is *fear* and *intimidation*.

*ii*.

If he can *get us into his arena*, he will begin to *control us with confusion and uncertainty*.

*iii*.

But when the *reality* of *Jesus' victory* comes *alive* on the *inside* of *you*, then *you can have* the *victory* in *any struggle* or battle.

*D*.

*Joshua's* *victory* went *far beyond* his own ability.

He became thoroughly *convinced* that he was *not limited* to his *own strength*; instead *he* *had access to God's* limitless *power*.

*II*.

There are *3 things* that *brought* *Joshua* *from 1 victory to another*.

*A*.

These *3 things* (principles) are going to *help any Christian* go from *victory* to victory.

*1*.

The *1st* was a *heart committed diligently* *to do all that God had commanded*.

*a*.

Look at *JOSHUA 11:15-16, 23a*.

*b*.

It's *vitally important* that we *do not become slack* *in* our *pursuit* of *God's direction* for our lives.

*i*.

*If* we *serve God* *& follow* His *Word* *& His direction* *with* the *same commitment* *Joshua displayed*, *we* can be *led into the promises* that He has set before us.

*ii*.

*Don't be slack*, be *determine to fulfill all that God* has *spoken.

*

*                        *                   *iii*.

*Determine to live committed* *without compromise*.

*c*.

*Joshua learned* to *move into battle under* the *direct* leadership of the *H.

S*.

                                           *i*.

*His plans* were *not his own*, they *came through* *communion w~/ God*.

*ii*.

*Your diligence* to *let God direct* your *paths* will be an *important key to obtaining* *what seemed* to be *unobtainable*.

*2*.

The *2nd* *principle* *Joshua revealed* *was **boldness to occupy new territory*.