Scripture Text
Joshua 14
Theme
Despite the challenges, and although our service may go unseen, we are called to follow God throughout all our lives, believing in Him till the very end.
Introduction
In chapter 13, we considered the fact that there comes a time when the older generation must pass the baton to the younger generation so that they can continue the work.
There were two main things we noted that the next generation must pick up on:
- Each generation must seek to attain greater spiritual heights for themselves
- Each generation has its own battles that must be faced and fought in the power of God
In chapter 14, we see the faith of Caleb as he continues trusting God for victories over the enemy while following God with his whole heart.
Sermon Outline
- Caleb Believed God (Vs 6-12)
- Caleb Followed God (Vs 13-15)
Caleb Believed God
(Joshua 14:6-12)
Caleb Believed God Despite the Giants
Caleb and Joshua Were Among the Twelve Spies
When God sent the spies into the land of Canaan, Caleb and Joshua were among the twelve.
They saw the same land and the same people as the other spies.
Numbers 13:22
“And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were…”
The spies saw the sons of Anak, who were giants, and the people became fearful.
Numbers 13:33
“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak…”
The report of the giants caused the people to refuse to enter the Promised Land.
Caleb and Joshua Brought Back a Good Report
Despite the giants, Caleb and Joshua trusted God.
Their faith was not ignorance of the facts, but confidence that God was greater than every obstacle.
The other ten spies said:
“There is no way we can overcome the giants.”
Caleb and Joshua said:
“God will deliver these giants into our hands.”
All twelve men saw the same circumstances, but only Caleb and Joshua believed God’s promises.
Spiritual Application: The Giants We Face
For the Christian, the “giants” we face may be:
- Fear of man
- Materialism and worldly security
- Faithlessness and doubt
These things seek to keep believers from fully obeying God.
The Fear of Man
Fear often keeps Christians from:
- Sharing the gospel
- Fully surrendering to God
- Living boldly for Christ
The Appeal of Material Gain
Materialism may appear in two ways:
- Desire for wealth and influence
- Desire for security instead of dependence upon God
The Giant of Faithlessness
Faithlessness keeps believers from:
- Trusting God’s way
- Depending upon prayer
- Believing God will provide victory
Caleb and Joshua believed God despite the giants.
Caleb Believed God Despite the Grumblers
Caleb Stood Against the Crowd
When the spies returned from Canaan, only Caleb and Joshua brought back a faithful report.
Numbers 14:6-10
“Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land…”
The congregation was prepared to stone Caleb and Joshua rather than trust God.
Faith Often Requires Standing Alone
It is easy to follow God when the crowd is moving in the same direction.
It becomes much harder when obedience means standing against popular opinion.
Caleb believed God despite both the giants and the grumblers.
Caleb Depended Upon God
(Joshua 14:9-15)
Caleb Trusted the Promises of God
Caleb Claimed God’s Promise
Caleb reminded Joshua of the promise Moses gave him concerning the land he had walked upon while spying out Canaan.
Caleb trusted God’s promises as he faced the giants of the land.
Application for the Christian
Christians are called to claim the promises of God when facing spiritual battles.
Matthew 28:18-20
“All power is given unto me… go ye… and, lo, I am with you alway…”
Matthew 16:25-26
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it…”
The promises of God strengthen believers in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Caleb Depended Upon God for Future Victories
Caleb Trusted God’s Strength
Caleb requested the mountain of Hebron where the giants still dwelt.
He believed:
“If so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out.”
Caleb’s faith allowed him to see potential victories rather than probable defeats.
Caleb Desired More Victories
Caleb did not ask for an easy inheritance.
He wanted the mountain occupied by giants.
His confidence rested in the God who called him to a life of faith.
Caleb Wholly Followed God
(Joshua 14:14-15)
Caleb Took the Mountain by Faith
The city once called Kirjath-arba became Hebron after Caleb conquered it.
Caleb fought faithfully until the giants were driven out.
“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.”
Caleb’s Faithful Testimony
The Bible repeatedly says Caleb:
“Wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.”
Caleb was not the national leader like Moses or Joshua.
He did not write books of the Bible.
No book bears his name.
Yet God gave Caleb one of the greatest testimonies in Scripture:
He wholly followed the Lord.
The Great Man of Faith
Kirjath-arba was named after a giant of a man named Arba.
Yet the man remembered most is Caleb, the man who followed God by faith.
Faith in God overcame the giants.
Conclusion
For the Christian, the “giants” we face are any people, circumstances, or things that seek to keep us from doing the will of God.
Have you identified a giant in your life that God wants you to overcome through faith?
Caleb believed God despite the giants and despite the grumblers.
Do not allow the world, your circumstances, or other people to discourage you from believing that:
“With God, all things are possible.”