How should Joshua 13:2 inspire us to claim spiritual territories today? Setting the Scene Joshua 13 opens with Israel settled in the Promised Land, yet God tells an aging Joshua that unfinished business remains. Though victories have been won, untouched territory still lies before the nation. The Remaining Land: Joshua 13:2 “This is the land that remains: all the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites”. God names specific regions not yet possessed. His promise to give Israel the entire land (Joshua 1:3) still stands; they must move forward to occupy it. Key Principles We Learn • God’s promises are comprehensive; partial possession is not His goal. • Past victories do not cancel present responsibility. • Unclaimed territory is not failure but invitation. • God identifies what is left so His people can pursue it in faith (Philippians 3:12–14). Identifying Spiritual Territories Today • Areas of personal holiness still needing surrender (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Family members, friends, and neighbors yet unreached with the gospel (Acts 1:8). • Cultural arenas—education, business, media—awaiting Christ-honoring influence (Matthew 5:14-16). • Spiritual gifts and callings not yet exercised (1 Peter 4:10). • Mission fields at home and abroad where Christ is not named (Romans 15:20). Steps to Lay Hold of Them 1. Hear God’s assessment • Let Scripture and the Spirit reveal where territory remains (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Believe the promise • “Every place the sole of your foot treads I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). 3. Advance in obedience • Act on God’s word, trusting His power rather than your adequacy (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). 4. Engage in spiritual warfare • “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Use the armor of God and the weapons “mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). 5. Occupy and steward • Once ground is gained, cultivate it through prayer, discipleship, and faithful service (Colossians 2:6-7). Encouragement for the Journey Just as Israel’s map still had open spaces, our lives and communities contain God-assigned territories awaiting faithful occupation. Joshua 13:2 reminds us that unfinished does not mean unattainable. In Christ “we are more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37), equipped to claim every spiritual inheritance He has marked out for us until the whole landscape reflects His glory. |
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