The Story Chapter 7

<aside> <img src="/icons/book_blue.svg" alt="/icons/book_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Joshua 1:1-11 (NKJV) ****story pages 93-94

Joshua 1:1-11 (NKJV)

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’ ”

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INTRODUCTION

Judgment was pronounced upon the unbelieving Israelites over 20 years old.
They had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation died.
Moses has died and God is leading Joshua to take the people across the Jordan and into the Promised land.

This is where our text begins….

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Joshua is now the leader and it’s time to possess the promise.

Joshua 1:11 (NKJV) story page 94

11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’ ”

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It is important to understand that people with power and possessions will not willingly give them up!
For our remembrance, here’s what Paul told the Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

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These evil spiritual forces don’t want to give up territory.
Whatever God has promised us has to be possessed by us.
It has to be taken from whatever or whoever had it before.

Matthew 11:12 (NKJV)

12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

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What Joshua finds on the other side of the Jordan are ENEMIES, some of them are Giants!
Before God leads Joshua into battle, these younger men had to be circumcised.
Circumcision is the sign of the covenant.
Before you attempt to engage the enemy, make sure your covenant is intact!