JOSHUA SERIES #12: PRINCIPLES FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE (Johsua 11)

Expository, History, Joshua, Joshua Series - Moving Forward, Old Testament, Series

JOSHUA 11 – PRINCIPLES FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE

#12 – MOVING FORWARD – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

  • What do you know about Spiritual warfare?
  • How does Spiritual warfare parallel literal warfare?
  • After conquering the Canaanites in the southern part of the Promised Land, a northern coalition is formed to oppose the Israelites.
  • Let’s see some lessons relating to Spiritual warfare based on Joshua’s northern campaign.

EXPECT ATTACKS – Joshua 11:1-5

  • 1 – Hazor was the principal city in the north. It was about 8 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. The remains of the city cover about 200 acres.
  • 1-4 – The opposition was formidable and larger than what Joshua faced in the south.
  • It was only logical for Joshua to expect an attack.
  • We are going to face attacks Spiritually. 1 Peter 5:8-9, Ephesians 6:10-13, John 15:18-25

DON’T FEAR – Joshua 11:6

  • Once again, Joshua is assured by God that he has nothing to fear in the battle. He is assured of victory.
  • We are also assured that we have nothing to fear. Ephesians 6:10-17, Romans 8:31-39

BE OBEDIENT – Joshua 11:7-15

  • 7 – Joshua again uses the element of surprise, although no miracles are reported.
  • 8 – No one was spared. We should do the same in Spiritual warfare. Colossians 3:5-9
  • 11-13 – Hazor, Jericho, and Ai are the only cities Joshua burned. The other cities were reoccupied by Israel. Deuteronomy 6:10-11
  • 15 – As Joshua was totally obedient, we should be also. John 14:15, 1 Peter 1:13-16

HANG IN THERE (ENDURE) – Joshua 11:16-20

  • 16-18 – The war extended probably for about seven years.
  • 19-20 – Notice that the Lord hardened hearts so the enemy, a definite threat to Israel, could be totally destroyed. Spiritual warfare for us will last a lifetime. Philippians 3:12-14

EXPECT VICTORY – Joshua 11:21-23

  • 21-22 – The “giants” feared by the spies were mostly destroyed. Numbers 13:33
  • 23 – Although there were pockets of resistance, Israel took control of the whole land.
  • Although we will face pockets of resistance, let us strive to allow the Lord to have total control of us. Galatians 5:16