Faith Brought the Walls Down

Joshua 6:1-20; Hebrews 11:30

INTRODUCTION:

 

Joshua’s Great Challenge

  1. He replaces Moses.
  2. The flooded Jordan must be crossed
  3. Israel must be led into Canaan

 

Miracles Begin at Once (3:9-17)

  1. The Jordan River opens before them and closes behind them.
    1. Reminds them of the Red Sea
    2. Confirms Joshua’s authority under God
  2. Another miracle needed to conquer Jericho

 

              I.      THE OPPORTUNITY OF FAITH  (vv. 1-2)

A.     Jericho stands in the way of the conquest of Canaan

1.      It is a strong, walled city.

2.      The defenders are mighty men of valor.

B.     Humanly speaking the options were clear

1.      Scale the walls

2.      Beat down the gates

3.      Tunnel underneath at night

C.    Faith offered an alternative, just as in salvation

D.    Joshua’s faith builder (5:13-15)

1.      Encounter with an angel

2.      The captain of the Lord’s host

E.     The promise: “I have given into thine hand Jericho”

F.     God’s promise made the victory sure

 

            II.      THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH (vv. 3-14)

A.     A strange battle plan was given to Joshua

1.      Compass the city once a day for six days

2.      The seventh day, compass the city seven times

3.      When the priests blow their ram’s horns all are to shout

B.     Think of the faith required by this plan.

C.    All of God’s blessing come by faith

1.      Our salvation comes by faith (Eph. 2:8-9)

2.      Faith brings answers to prayer (James 1:6-8)

D.    Faith requires obedience

1.      The healing of Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5)

2.      Servants carrying pots for wine at Cana (John 2:1-11)

E.     Paul’s prayer: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6)

F.     How strange this must have appeared to those in Jericho!

G.    The world doesn’t understand obeying in faith.

 

          III.      THE OVERCOMING POWER OF FAITH (vv. 15-20)

A.     The seventh day was the day of victory.

1.      They marched around the city seven times

2.      The priests blew their trumpets

3.      The people shouted and the walls fell flat

B.     Victory comes in God’s time and in His way.

 

CONCLUSION:

 

What is your greatest obstacle?

Expect to overcome through the power of Christ.

He has won the greatest victory at the cross.

Trust Him to bring victory to You.