Dr Tom Hover
May 22, 2022
Joshua 5:13–6:5, 20–21 / Ephesians 5: 1 - 21Â
BREAKING THE BARRIERSÂ TO YOUR BLESSINGSÂ / Being A Follower Of God As One Of His Dear Children
REAKING THE BARRIERS TO YOUR BLESSINGS
Joshua 5:13–6:5, 20–21
Introduction: We all encounter Barriers To Our Blessing! Today we will shed Light from God’s Word on how to Break Down the Barrier Walls to our Blessings.
Israel has finally crossed the Jordan and are now ready to Battle the next Barrier to their blessings. They have prepared themselves spiritually and they have, thus far, followed God’s orders to the letter. They are ready to begin the conquest of the Promised Land. They are ready to claim for themselves the land that flowed with milk and honey. However, like most things in life that are worth having, it wouldn’t come cheap!
For Israel, Jericho would be a benchmark. It was at Jericho that they would flex their muscles and experience military victory and conquest. Now, just for a moment, try to put yourself into the shoes of the average Israelite soldier. For most of these men, Jericho was the first city they had ever seen that was surrounded by huge walls. It must have looked like and absolute impossibility to many. However, they listened to the instructions they were given by the Lord and they saw those massive walls fall down flat.
I. WE MUST HAVE A HOLY CONFRONTATION!
Joshua 5:13-15
A. With The Person Of God
This is just a thought but notice that Joshua’s encounter with the Lord caused him to bow in worship: Joshua 5:14 “...And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?”
B. With The Position Of God
C. With The Power Of God Joshua 5:15
II. WE MUST HAVE A GODLY CONFIDENCE! Joshua 6:1-5
A. In God’s Promises Joshua 6:1-2
There were Past Promises: Joshua 2:9
There were Present Promises: Joshua 6:2 I Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37, 4:21, Ephesians 3:20-21
B. In God’s Plan Joshua 6:3-5
1. They were to take seven priests.
I John 2:1, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34
2. They were to take seven ram’s horn trumpets.
3. They were to take the ark of the covenant.
The ark represents the Lord Jesus Christ in all of His fulness. In the ark was the golden pot of manna, which speaks of His full provisions. Aaron’s budding rod was also in there. This spoke of Christ’s power and His life. The tables of the Law were also there. These remind us that He is the fulfillment of the Law for you and me. The idea is this: in Jesus we find all we need to wage Battle with THE BARRIERS TO YOUR BLESSINGS in our lives. He gives us all the provisions we need as we fight.
4.They were simply to take these things and walk with them around the city. Galatians 2:20
C. In God’s Power Joshua 6:5b
III. WE MUST HAVE A COMMITMENT IN ORDER TO CONQUER! Joshua 6:6-21
A. A Commitment that Involves Determination
Joshua 6:6-15
B. A Commitment that Involves Dedication
Joshua 6:16-20, Hebrews 11:1
C. A Commitment that Involves Death Joshua 6:21
For you to achieve victory over your BARRIERS TO YOUR BLESSINGS, the Barriers must die! Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5-10, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:24
Conclusion: What is it that is keeping you from going forward with God? Is it lust? Is it hatred? Is it envy? Is it unforgiveness? Is it a bitter, critical spirit? Whatever it is, that BARRIERS TO YOUR BLESSINGS needs to be conquered right now. Will you bring it to the Lord and defeat it His way? Some of you are trying so hard. I invite you to come to Jesus, lay down your sword, hand Him your shoe and say, “Lord, I can do it, but you can.” He will change your life. He will enable you to live for His glory. Some here have never had that first confrontation with the Lord. You are not saved. If you died today, you would be lost and you would go to Hell. It doesn’t have to be that way! If you will come to Jesus Christ, He will receive you and save you! Whatever the nature of the BARRIERS TO YOUR BLESSINGS in your life may be, there is help and hope in the Person of Jesus today. But only if you will come to Him. BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO YOUR BLESSINGS
PM SERMON
Being A Follower Of God As One Of His Dear Children. Ephesians 5: 1 - 21
