LWWC - Joshua - Session 5

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Theme: From Defeat to Victory — Obedience, Judgment, and God’s Longsuffering

Pastor Matthew continued his series on the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter 8, where Israel returned to face Ai—the place of their previous defeat. The sermon unfolded three key themes: restoration through obedience, understanding God’s justice, and the call to overcome through repentance and faithfulness.

Returning to the Place of Defeat

After Israel’s failure at Ai (caused by Achan’s sin), God instructed Joshua to go back:

“Do not be afraid nor dismayed. Take all the people of war with you… I have given into your hand the king of Ai.” (Joshua 8:1)

Pastor explained that God often sends us back to the place of defeat — not to relive shame, but to redeem it through obedience.
- “When you go back in the power of Christ and the Word of the Lord, you can’t lose.”
God gave new instructions: this time, the spoils of Ai would belong to Israel. The principle:

“The first fruits belong to God; the rest He blesses for you.”

Lesson: God is fair and faithful — He doesn’t take to deprive but to teach trust and honor.

The Strategy of Obedience

Joshua followed God’s detailed battle plan:

Set an ambush behind Ai while Joshua and the main army pretended to retreat.
Once the enemy was drawn out, the ambush rose, took the city, and set it on fire.
When the enemy looked back and saw the smoke, Israel turned and struck them down (v. 19–22).

Pastor emphasized how God is a God of detail:

“If we would listen long enough, God would tell us exactly what to do. But we’ve become a drive-thru culture—no patience, no waiting.”

Application: Faith follows God’s word precisely. Victory is not random — it comes through listening, waiting, and acting on divine instruction.

Renewal of Covenant

After Ai was destroyed, Joshua built an altar at Mount Ebal, offered burnt and peace offerings, and read all the words of the Law before the people (Joshua 8:30–35).
This marked a spiritual renewal — a recommitment after failure.

Pastor’s takeaway:

“They renewed their covenant because someone thought it was okay to steal from God. Never steal from God — He owns everything.”

He reminded that God’s ownership and our stewardship are central to understanding His commands.

God’s Justice and Longsuffering

The message turned theological as Pastor explored why God ordered the destruction of Ai:

God owns everything and has all knowledge.
When judgment comes, it’s because a people or person has exhausted God’s grace.
Using Genesis 15:16, he explained that the Amorites’ “iniquity was not yet full” — God’s patience always precedes judgment.

He compared this to modern examples:

“God knew when Saddam Hussein’s time was up. When a man’s cruelty or sin reaches its limit, God says, ‘That’s enough.’”

Scriptural anchors:

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Romans 1 – How rejecting truth and embracing sin leads to delusion and depravity.
Revelation 2:18–29 – The church of Thyatira and “Jezebel,” who was given time to repent of immorality.

Core Message:

“When judgment comes, it’s never sudden — it’s the result of mercy refused.”

Sexual Immorality and Idolatry — The Downfall of Nations

Pastor linked Israel’s ancient idolatry to modern culture:

Sexual immorality causes more destruction than drugs and alcohol combined.
Every society that normalizes it must invent idols to justify sin.
The last straw before national judgment is not immorality itself but idolatry — worshiping false gods that excuse disobedience.

“If I’m going to live against God’s Word and refuse to repent, I’ll find a god that makes me feel okay about it.”

He warned that America faces similar danger:

“The nations that forget God will be turned into hell.”

Mercy, Repentance, and Overcoming

Despite these warnings, Pastor underscored that God still offers mercy:

Even Jezebel was given time to repent — showing the depth of God’s compassion.
“No one is as long-suffering as God. When judgment finally comes, it’s because He’s exhausted Himself trying to reach us.”
Quoting 1 John 1:9, he assured:

“If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you.”

He then linked this to Jesus’ message to the seven churches in Revelation:

“To him who overcomes…” (Greek: nikao / neo — to gain victory).

The word is the root of “Nike,” meaning to prevail — symbolizing the believer’s call to overcome through repentance and obedience.

Application:
Set yourself up to succeed spiritually — not to fail.

“The strongest Christians aren’t the ones who can endure anything; they’re the ones who know their weaknesses and guard against them.”

He gave practical examples:

The man freed from alcoholism who changed his route to avoid temptation.
The believer who moved his computer into the living room to avoid secret sin.

“Don’t set yourself up to fail — paristano means to ‘position yourself to succeed.’”

Closing Prayer and Reflection

Pastor closed by reminding:

God’s mercy is real, but so is judgment.
We must renew covenant, walk in holiness, and guard our hearts.
“Be kind to yourself, be honest before God, and stay the course.”

He led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer, ending with worship and thanksgiving for God’s mercy and truth.

Core Message

God is long-suffering but just.
He gives space to repent, but not forever.
Victory follows obedience, repentance, and humility.
Set yourself up to succeed — abide in His Word and overcome.

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