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LESSON ABOUT THE SAINTS Introduction:
Battles are a reality in the life of the child of God, but we never
have to face them alone. In the day of battle, we have the promise of help
from One Who is "an ever present help in a time of need" (Psa.46:1). In verses
1-15 we discovered the supernatural
aspect of our battles. This section portrays the personal aspect of the battles we must fight in life. God gave I. WE MUST CONTROL OUR ENEMY (VV. 15-21) You are your own worst enemy. How can we control the old nature? A. Set A Constant Watch Whatever that thing may be in your life, it must be controlled, or it will eventually come to control you B. Start A Consistent Warfare (2 Cor.10:3-4) It is important to note that part of the Fruit of the Spirit is "temperance", Gal. 5:23. This word literally means "self-control". It refers to that person who is the master of himself. As a child of God, you have no right to do as you please! In fact, if you are saved and allowing sin to reign in your life, you are doing so with stolen property! You are the Lord's and you have no business using His body, His mind, His anything for sin and wickedness, 1 Cor. 6:19-20. One proof of walking in the Spirit is self-control! How are you doing in this area? II. WE MUST CONFRONT OUR ENEMY (VV. 22-25) After the battle had been won, Joshua came back to that cave and brought these kings out. A. Confess Sin Openly Every
person in this room knows what kings hide in your life. You know about
your secret sins and those problems you have with the flesh. The only way
for you to get absolute, permanent victory over these things is for you to
confront them. I mean, you need to drag them out of their hiding place and
lay them out before the Lord, place your foot on their necks in the name
of Jesus and proclaim the victory over them this morning! You will never
prosper as a child of God until your sins are handled God's way (Pro.
28:13) "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy." B. Pronounce Victory Publicly This was a well-known Oriental symbol of victory and superiority. But Joshua’s command was more of encouragement than conceit (see vs. 25). III. WE MUST CONQUER OUR ENEMY (V. 26-28) Joshua takes the step that ensures the victory of these 5 kings. He puts them to death! A. Die To Self Unconditionally The flesh is good for nothing! Your old sinful nature and your fleshly lusts are good for nothing. The only way for you to walk in victory before the Lord is to put you flesh to death! It must die daily, or it will keep you from walking in power and victory (Col. 3:1-5). B. Delivered To Serve Unhindered (Heb.12:1) Conclusion: If we apply these principles in life’s battles victory we’ll have victory in Jesus. The only way for you to walk in victory before the Lord is to control, confront, and conquer the enemy of the flesh. It must die daily, or it will keep you from walking in power and victory (Gal.2:20) |