Ch. 7 in JOSHUA: CONQUERING The ENEMY, INHERITING The LAND

INTRODUCTION: Defeat can be demoralizing and potentially could set up a pattern of defeat. Even just the threat of defeat can cause detrimental effects. But victory can also be dangerous. It can produce a self-confidence in a Christian whose power and strength are to come through Christ and His Spirit, not by “the arm of the flesh” (JER 17:5).

We are to wait on the LORD, to seek His face and petition Him to take away our human weaknesses as well as our strengths and replace them with His grace and power – only these will do in this walk we live out in this world (ISA 40:31).

After Israel’s victory at Jericho I think the armies were feeling their proverbial oats, and after conquering that major city, the next one they saw on the list was this little “hick town” of Ai. The soldiers were quick to offer their two cents and recommended that only a portion of the army go and take Ai.

Where is Joshua’s prayer to the LORD for counsel? Or at least for confirmation on this plan conceived by the people? Did the LORD speak at all, that He would bless such a plan? I’m sure He was waiting to be consulted, but He was never approached.

Yet if He had been, the LORD would have informed Joshua about a rebellious Hebrew that let his coveting turn into capturing… some of the dainties of Jericho! The ensuing defeat could have been avoided.

May this be a lesson to us: a sanctified saint, free of the corrupt influences and prizes gained from this sinful world is a saint safe in their own integrity! And may we always be sure to consult the LORD in the Word and in prayer as well as godly counsel before making any major life decisions!

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Old Testament Examples of SPIRITUAL WARFARE: Conduct in the Campaign & Implementing the Victory of Christ in our Lives – Part 3

~ By James J. Fire

The Battle of Life Continues – From Victory to Vanquishment

Any believer who has experienced a spiritual victory exults in the joy of it; knowing assuredly that the LORD has been in the midst and has granted such to people like us: mere clay vessels in which the Holy One inhabits and has made us citizens of the kingdom of God!

A series of victories and blessings upon us (and God is ever willing and generous to pour such blessings) however can be a potential spiritual danger.

This is often why God must temper His outpourings, because as is often the case, this can lead our deceptive hearts to the lie that there is something about ourselves that is worthy to receive these things from God; that there is something about our own strength, and wisdom, and saintliness that has brought to us these victorious blessings and blessed victories.

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