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Text: Joshua 6:1-5. Introduction: There are several lessons that can be learned from this chapter. This morning, I would like to notice some of these lessons. Body:
I. We see the true nature of Grace.
A. Definition of Grace: unmerited favor.
B. God gave the city to the children of Israel.
1. Joshua 6:2.
2. They had done nothing worthy of this.
3. This gift was conditional:
a. "If they had to do anything, then it would not be
'grace' or 'a gift'".
b. Joshua 6:3-5.
c. They had to march around the city once for six days.
d. Then on the seventh day...
e. Then the walls of the city would fall, etc.
4. Although, God had given it to them, it was not in their
possession. They had it in prospect. (Only if they met the
conditions, would they receive this gift.)
C. God gives us salvation today.
1. Ephesians 2:8-9.
2. This gift is conditional.
a. Believe (Mark 16:16) + Repentance (Acts 2:38) + Confession
(Rom. 10:9-10) + Baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4-6).
b. Once you become a Christian:
(1) Love brethren. 1 John 4:11; John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13.
(2) Bear another's burdens. Gal. 6:2.
(3) Attend services. Hebrews 10:19-25.
3. Although God has given us salvation, we do not have it in our
possession. (We have it in prospect). If we do not meet these
conditions, we could lose this gift.II. We see the true nature of Faith.
A. The walls fell by Faith.
1. Hebrews 11:30 (What military expert would have told them
to do this?)
2. Faith is not a mere mental agreement.
3. Their faith led them to obey God's commands.
B. We are saved by Faith.
1. Hebrews 11:6.
2. Romans 5:1.
3. Faith is not a mental agreement. James 2:19.
4. An active, working faith. James 2:14-26; Hebrews 5:9.III. We see the need to strictly follow God's instructions.
A. If they had not done exactly as God told the, they would not
have been able to conquer the city.
B. The same is true for us today.
1. 2 John 9.
2. Galatians 1:6-9.IV. We see that God will take care of His people.
A. This was the reason why God gave the instructions that He did.
1. In Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
2. Jericho was (according to my understanding) the most
heavily defended city in the land of Canaan.
B. God will take care of His people today.
1. Matthew 6:33.
2. Philippians 4:19, 11-12.
3. 1 Timothy 6:8.V. We see the results of sin.
A. Why did God command all of the people to be put to death?
1. Leviticus 18:24-25.
2. Just like the people before the flood & Sodom and Gomorrah.
B. The results of all sinners.
1. Mark 9:41-48.
2. Matthew 25:41-46.
3. Revelation 21:8.Conclusion: We do not have to suffer the fate of the sinners if we follow the example of the Israelites on this occasion by accepting God's gift and submitting to His will.
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