What lessons from Joshua 13:10 can be applied to spiritual battles we face? Setting the scene Joshua 13:10 records Israel’s previous victory: “all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon—whom Moses had defeated, with the chiefs of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon who lived in the land.” The land east of the Jordan is secure, yet much territory in Canaan still must be taken (13:1). God’s people stand between a finished triumph and unfinished battles. Key observations from the verse • Sihon’s kingdom once dominated the region. • Moses, by God’s power, had already overthrown that kingdom. • Multiple Midianite chiefs had joined Sihon; God’s victory swept them away too. • The text roots Israel’s confidence for future conquests in this past, literal victory. Principles for present-day spiritual warfare • Past victories prove God’s power – Just as Moses crushed Sihon, Christ has already “disarmed the powers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15). – We fight from victory, not for victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). • Remaining territory still matters – Israel could not settle for partial possession; neither can believers leave strongholds unchallenged (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). – Complacency lets old enemies regroup. • The enemy’s alliances are many, yet finite – Sihon and Midian combined forces, but God toppled them together. – Satan may marshal varied temptations, yet “greater is He who is in you” (1 John 4:4). • Geography of the “plateau” warns against comfortable ground – Plains appear easy and safe; spiritual plateaus lure us into neutrality. – “Be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8); vigilance is required even when life feels level. • Leaders must remind the people of God’s record – Joshua preserves this history to fuel faith. – Parents, pastors, and mentors rehearse testimonies so the next generation marches forward (Psalm 78:6-7). Supporting passages to stand on • Ephesians 6:10-18 – Armor for ongoing battles. • Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors.” • Revelation 12:11 – Overcoming “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Putting it into practice today 1. Recall specific times God delivered you; thank Him aloud. 2. Identify any “unpossessed territory” in your walk—habits, fears, relationships. 3. Apply Scripture to each area, resisting with truth. 4. Share your testimony to encourage fellow soldiers. Encouraging reminder The same Lord who toppled Sihon is alive in every believer. Because the decisive victory is already won, every remaining skirmish can be faced with confidence, perseverance, and praise. |
    |