Sermon Series: The Book of Joshua: Hold Your Ground 01-29-2012 Pastor Mark DuPre.

The book of Joshua tells us how to "take the land." The last few chapters give us wisdom to how to hold our ground spiritually once we've taken it. Learn some very practical advice on how to hold onto the victories, the direction and the vision that God gives.

Hold Your Ground

Joshua 21:43-45 

At the end of Joshua, tribes have their allotted land. The question was how to hold onto it. We can learn a lot from them. 

We’re at the end of the fast. What land has God given you? Promise, freedom, wisdom? 

Eastern tribes were thanked, honored, went over the Jordan to their homes. They built an altar of remembrance so that NEITHER side would forget their connection. 

If there is a natural boundary, if you’re apart for a season, find a way to stay connected. Remember who your God is and who your people are. 

Don’t forget those you’ve fought spiritual battles with! Battle buddies! 

Protect your victory… by loving God. Josh. 22:5 and 23:6 

We love Him by obeying His commandments. Jesus said that too.

Obedience to God is His Love Language. 

Victory in ancient Israel was tied to steering clear of the way of the peoples around them AND pressing into God’s ways. Otherwise, they would perish. 

We have to resist worldliness. 

What has God been speaking to you about: your habits, your speech, your service to Him, your thought life, a particularly unhealthy relationship?

Keeping something sinful alive is an open door to losing your ground. 

Never forget where you came from. Or what He’s done for you. 

Josh. 24: History of ancient Israel up to that point. Remember His mercies, victories and promises. 

Know where you came from. Recall your story to yourself and others. 

Make a firm RE-commitment to serve the Lord.  Josh. 24:23 

Lean in to the Lord. Change something. Don’t go back to that old relationship or way of doing something. Find the support you need to hold your ground. 

Finally: Set up YOUR stone of witness Josh. 24:26-28 

Remind yourself of whatever promises you have made, and what you have heard from God. 

Tell someone to hold you accountable for not slipping back in any way. 

Let’s hold on to what we’ve received, learned, seen, and heard. 

Hold your ground.