How God Prepared Joshua - Victor & Zac Poonen
Bangalore Conference 2014: A NEW GENERATION OF SPIRIT FILLED WITNESSES
Summary
The sermon draws parallels between the preparation of Joshua and the spiritual journey of the church, emphasizing that leadership and victory are not based on personal ability but on God's power and the Spirit. Key lessons include maintaining humility, recognizing that God's power is at work, and the necessity of faith to carry the mantle to the next generation. The speaker urges the congregation to build up the church and remain rooted in faith.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Meditating on Joshua's preparationThe speaker shares that he has been meditating on Joshua's life and how he was prepared to succeed Moses after one generation of leadership.
Joshua's choice to stand apart from murmuringAs a young man serving Moses, Joshua chose to separate himself from the murmuring and complaining crowd of mixed people.
A faithful servant available for camp workJoshua made himself available as a warrior and a willing helper to take care of all the practical tasks and activities needed in the camp.
Fighting Amalek with humilityJoshua led the troops to crush the enemy while recognizing that victory came not from his own strength, but from God through Moses lifting his hands in prayer.
Samson's pride and immediate restorationSamson took credit for his own victory after killing a thousand people, but when rebuked by God and facing death from thirst, he immediately repented and gave glory back to God.
Moses publicly rebukes JoshuaWhen Joshua reacted out of jealousy for Moses' honor during the outpouring of the Spirit on the elders, Moses rebuked him gently, showing the need to accept correction.
Remaining in the church despite offensesBelievers must learn to take correction and stay planted in the church rather than becoming offended and leaving, which ultimately harms the next generation.
Moses appoints Joshua as his successorAs Moses grew old, he prayed for a new leader so God's people would not be like sheep without a shepherd, and God pointed to Joshua.
Joshua's minority report of faithWhile ten spies spread a negative report that discouraged the people, Joshua and Caleb stood out with faith, trusting that God was bigger than the giants.
Joshua waiting on the mountain with MosesWhen Moses went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, Joshua accompanied him partway and faithfully waited near the cloud of God's presence.
Not departing from the tabernacleJoshua learned to linger in the tent of meeting, cultivating a deep personal fellowship with God similar to how a friend speaks to a friend.
David's brokenness and trust in GodUnlike Saul and Solomon who came from privileged backgrounds, David went through deep struggles and trials that broke him, leading him to declare that the Lord is his light and salvation.
Paul's clear conscience and deep humilityThe Apostle Paul lived with an upright, clear conscience before God while simultaneously viewing himself as the greatest of sinners because he lived in God's presence.
The difficulty of apologizing and examining our livesSenior brothers and elders must examine themselves to see if they are quick to humble themselves, apologize when wrong, and seek God rather than relying purely on ministry success.
Service must flow out of true worshipTrue worship comes before service, and believers must learn to sit quietly at the Lord's feet without asking for anything except to behold His beauty.
Carrying the aroma of ChristBelievers in the next generation must cultivate a deep life in God's presence so that wherever they go, they carry the fragrance and aroma of Christ.
