Faith That Fights

The Gospel Story 
Faith That Fights
Joshua 10

Battles are a daily reality in the life of the child of God. While that is true, we can thank God, that we never have to face our battles alone!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, ESV)

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Lessons About Our Savior (6-15)

1. He gives us Peace (8)

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)

2. He gives us Promises (8)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37–39, ESV)

3. He gives us Power (9-15)

• God moved in the Hail
• God moved in the Heavens

Lessons About Ourselves (16-27)

1. We are called to Engage In The Battle

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5, ESV)

The posture of a follower of Jesus Christ is not Passivity but of confident rest!

“God’s work does not make our effort unnecessary, but rather makes it effective.” Jerry Bridges

2. We must Confront the enemy

“But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20–24, ESV)

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16–17, ESV)

3. We must Deal Ruthlessly with sin

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5–6, ESV)

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29–30, ESV)

Paul’s Perspective:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

We fight hard because of God’s Promise and God’s Power

Our progress in self-conquest is in direct proportion to the confidence we have in God’s Greatness

Making It Personal:

• Where in your life are you sensing the greatest struggle with sin and self?
• Where in your life are you finding it difficult to trust God and obey Him fully?
• What practices or rhythms can you build into your life to help remind you to rest in the greatness of God’s promises and power?
• Is today the day for you to turn from self-rule and self-righteousness and trust in Jesus Christ to be the forgiver of your sin and the leader of your life?
• What is your next step of obedience to God today?

Ready to take your Next Step?

• See Pastor Jeff after the service today
• Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the offering box
• Text Next to 803-637-8484
• Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”