In what ways can we ensure we are faithful to God's promises today? Context of Joshua 5:6 “For the Israelites had wandered forty years in the wilderness until all the nation’s men of war who had come out of Egypt had perished, because they did not obey the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that He would not let them see the land that He had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.” What went wrong for the first generation • They heard God’s promise yet refused to act in obedient faith (Numbers 14:1-4). • Fear of giants outweighed confidence in God’s power (Deuteronomy 1:26-32). • Persistent grumbling revealed hearts that cherished Egypt more than Canaan (Psalm 106:25). • Unbelief became rebellion; rebellion led to forfeited blessing (Hebrews 3:16-19). Timeless lessons on faithfulness • God’s promises are certain, but participation is conditioned on trusting obedience (Deuteronomy 7:9). • Delay never cancels God’s word; it exposes whether faith or unbelief rules the heart (Habakkuk 2:3-4). • The next generation experienced the promise because they followed the Lord fully (Joshua 14:8-9). Practical steps for staying faithful today 1. Live saturated in Scripture • Hide the word in the heart (Psalm 119:11). • Meditate day and night, then act on it (Joshua 1:8; James 1:22). 2. Choose obedience over convenience • Keep short accounts with God; confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Let love for Christ, not cultural pressure, shape decisions (John 14:23). 3. Guard against unbelief • Encourage one another daily so no one is hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:12-14). • Remember past deliverances; gratitude fuels faith (Psalm 103:2). 4. Walk in covenant signs • Israel renewed circumcision and Passover before entering Canaan (Joshua 5:2-10). • Believers today honor baptism and the Lord’s Supper, affirming identity in Christ (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:26). 5. Persevere through waiting seasons • Imitate those who inherit promises through faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12). • Cast every care on Him; He cares and never fails (1 Peter 5:7). 6. Pass the testimony forward • Teach children diligently so the next generation knows the Lord’s mighty acts (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 145:4). • Model consistent faith at home, work, and church; authenticity invites imitation (Philippians 4:9). Encouraging promises to hold onto • “All the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) • “He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) • “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Living it out Cling to God’s unchanging word, respond with wholehearted obedience, nurture a community of encouragement, and keep eyes fixed on the One who never breaks His promises. In doing so, today’s believers walk the path the faithful have trod since Joshua, entering fully into every good thing God has declared. |
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