What role does faith play in experiencing God's victories as seen in Joshua 23:9? Verse in View “ ‘The LORD has driven out great and mighty nations before you, and no one stands against you to this day.’ ” (Joshua 23:9) Covenant Context - Joshua is addressing Israel near the end of his life, reminding them that the victories they enjoy are completely the LORD’s doing. - The statement presumes the truthfulness of earlier promises (e.g., Joshua 1:3-5) that God Himself would defeat Israel’s enemies. - The reliability of these victories is rooted in the unchanging character of God and His covenant word. Faith as the Key to Participation - God alone “has driven out.” Faith is the human response that accepts this fact before, during, and after the battle. - Israel’s experience shows: • Faith does not manufacture victory; it receives what God has already pledged. • Faith aligns the people with God’s action so they can walk forward courageously (Joshua 3:13-17). • When faith wavers, victory stalls (Joshua 7:1-12). - Hebrews 11:30 links the fall of Jericho directly to faith, underscoring that trust activates obedience, which in turn positions believers to witness God’s power. How Faith Expresses Itself 1. Confidence in God’s promise: “Not one of all the good promises the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). 2. Courageous obedience: “Be strong and very courageous… do not turn from it to the right or the left” (Joshua 1:7). 3. Continual dependence: Israel had to keep stepping forward—crossing the Jordan, circling Jericho, occupying the land—believing that each step would be upheld by the LORD. Living Out the Principle Today - God’s victories remain available, though they appear in spiritual, moral, and personal arenas (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). - Believers share in triumph by: • Holding firmly to God’s written word, trusting every line. • Acting on that word even when circumstances seem impossible, as Israel did against “great and mighty nations.” • Persevering in wholehearted devotion (Joshua 23:11), refusing compromise. - 1 John 5:4 affirms, “This is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” The same pattern seen in Joshua still operates. Summary Encouragement Faith is the bridge between God’s declared victory and our experienced victory. As Israel trusted and stepped forward, God’s power was displayed. Believe His unerring word, obey without hesitation, and watch the LORD “drive out” every obstacle that rises against His purposes in your life. |
    |