ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

(Joshua 10:29 – 12:24)
A Message by Rev. Dr. Vincent Leoh on 22nd 23rd July 2000

Through the rest of chapter 10 and on into chapters 11 and 12, Joshua completes the major part of the conquest. These chapters contain a true story of battle after battle. In them we see a fascinating spiritual parallel with the Christian life today. It is important that we study how God worked in ancient times not to become knowledgeable historians but so as to discover how He works in contemporary times.

I. AN ONGOING BATTLE
“Joshua made war a long time with all those kings” (Josh. 11:18)

This “long time” war lasted at least seven full years, longer than either World War of the 20th century. It was a stupendous achievement that went on without let-up year after year with success following on success. The Christian life is a life of ongoing warfare. Paul exhorted, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim.6:12). Perhaps you are tired of fighting this long-drawn warfare and have already thrown in the towel. Hang in there. We will prevail. “It’s always too soon to quit.”

II. AGAINST OVERWHELMING ODDS
“So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots.” (Josh.11:4)

War-horses and chariots were advanced weapons of war that the Israelites would not master for hundreds more years. Militarily and economically, the Israelites were up against people more sophisticated than they.
No matter how awesome the “giants” in our experience, God can enable us to conquer them. And in His own good time, in His own generous way, He will grant us that inner rest which is the rightful heritage of His people.

III. GAINING NEW GROUND (Josh. 11:16-23)
“I will not drive them out from before you in one year lest the land become desolate…Little by little I will drive them out from before you until you have increased, and you inherit the land.” (Exo. 23:29,30)

And so, steadily, surely, the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites would be cut off. Not in one year, or two, but over a protracted period of time. Thus we note: Conquests of the Southern cities (Josh. 10:29-43); Conquests of the Northern cities (Josh. 11:1-15); Summary of Conquests (Josh.11:16-23); Names of kings defeated (Josh. 12:1-24). “Thus Joshua took all this land: The mountain country, all the South, all the land of Goshen, the lowland, and the Jordan plain – the mountain of Israel and its lowlands..” (Josh. 11:16)

Basic Principle:
1. Let us be always be ready to accept any new challenge given to us under God.
2. Let us keep on the move with Him.
3. Do not stagnate spiritually.
4. Be bold enough to take new territory with Christ.

IV. A SPIRITUAL HOME BASE
“Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal”. (Josh. 10:43)

Do you have a Gilgal to which you periodically return? It is your own private place of quietness, a place in which you can be alone with God. But Gilgal also has community significance. It is a sanctuary where God’s people are gathered to hear His Word. Ours is not an individualistic campaign. We have colleagues in the fight. We gather in the church to share our war stories.

GILGAL – A Place of Rest, Energy and Strategy.

V. SECRET OF VICTORY
“He (Joshua) left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses”. (Josh. 11:15)

Joshua was a man who lived for only one thing: TO DO GOD’S WILL!
Because of that “…The Lord God of Israel fought for Israel” (Josh. 10:42)
It was the Lord who gave the victory (Josh.10:30,32,42 ; 11:6,8)

Basic Principle
Leave nothing undone which Christ commands us to do. Let us be diligent, earnest, and thorough in any assignment He gives us. There must be no shirking of our responsibilities to Him and others.

CONCLUSION
We are engaged in an ongoing warfare, many times against overwhelming odds, but with sure gains and victories. We have the privilege of the church as our home base, our Gilgal,and the Lord our God as our Commander in Chief. Someday we will stand before Christ the Victor who will look us in the eyes and say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into thy eternal rest.”