How can Christians today "take possession" of God's promises in their lives? Setting the Scene: Joshua 1:3 “ I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised Moses.” What the Verse Shows Us • The land was already granted (“I have given”). • Israel had to move forward (“where the sole of your foot will tread”). • God’s promise rested on His unchanging word (“just as I promised”). • Possession required partnership—God provided; His people acted. Translating the Principle for Believers Today • Our “land” is every promise secured in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4). • The grant is settled at the cross; the experience comes as we step out. • Faith expresses itself through obedience, not mere agreement (James 2:17). Steps to Take Possession Now 1. Know the Promises – Immerse yourself in Scripture; you cannot claim what you do not know (Romans 10:17). 2. Believe the Promises – Choose to treat God’s word as absolute fact, regardless of feelings (Hebrews 11:1). 3. Speak the Promises – Joshua was told, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (Joshua 1:8). – Confession aligns the heart and reinforces faith (Romans 10:10). 4. Act on the Promises – Israel’s feet had to touch the ground; believers act in line with the word (James 1:22). – Forgive, give, serve, witness—whatever the promise’s condition requires. 5. Stand Your Ground – Expect opposition (Ephesians 6:13); persevere through faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12). 6. Walk in Holiness – Sin forfeits territory (Joshua 7). Pursue purity to enjoy the inheritance (1 Peter 1:15-16). 7. Rely on God’s Presence – “The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). – Cultivate daily communion through prayer and worship (John 15:5). 8. Celebrate Each Gain – Mark victories as Israel raised memorial stones (Joshua 4:7). – Thanksgiving strengthens faith for the next step (Psalm 103:2). Promises Worth Stepping Into • Victory over temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13 • Peace that guards the heart – Philippians 4:6-7 • Provision for every need – Philippians 4:19 • Guidance by the Spirit – John 16:13 • Fruitful witness – Acts 1:8 • Eternal security – John 10:28-29 Living in Continual Possession • Make Scripture the final authority in every decision. • Keep moving; yesterday’s conquest is today’s platform, not a stopping point. • Anchor hope in Christ’s finished work, confident that “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). |
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