Freedom Demands A Fight | Dr. Myles Munroe
Summary
TLDRIn this video, the speaker discusses the biblical account of Joshua and the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, highlighting the significance of Jericho as the first stronghold they encountered. The speaker uses this narrative to parallel the journey from bondage to freedom, emphasizing the challenges and responsibilities that come with maturity and freedom. They explore the metaphor of 'crossing the river' as a transition from dependency to self-reliance, and the importance of recognizing God's presence in both comfort and struggle. The speaker also touches on the concept of God as a fighter, illustrating the need for individuals to actively participate in their own spiritual battles.
Takeaways
- 📖 The speaker references the biblical account in Joshua 5, where the Israelites, after crossing the Jordan, camped at Gilgal in the plains of Jericho.
- 🗺 The speaker shares personal experiences visiting the historical site of Jericho, noting the significance of its ruins and the enduring impact of Joshua's curse.
- ⛰ The geographical setting is described with Egypt, the Red Sea, the wilderness, the Jordan River, and Canaan, symbolizing the journey from bondage to freedom.
- 🛐 The speaker emphasizes the spiritual significance of the Jordan River, acting as a boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land, Canaan.
- 🍇 The Israelites' transition into Canaan and the cessation of the manna symbolize the end of divine provision in the wilderness and the beginning of self-sufficiency and responsibility.
- ⚔️ Joshua's encounter with a figure with a drawn sword represents the need for spiritual and physical combat to claim the Promised Land, indicating the burden of freedom.
- 🙏 The figure's identification as 'neither for nor against' and then as 'a commander of the Lord's army' suggests a divine presence and a call to align with God's will.
- 👟 Joshua's instruction to remove his shoes upon standing on holy ground echoes Moses' experience, underscoring the sanctity of the land and the divine encounter.
- 🛡️ The speaker contrasts the nurturing role of God in the wilderness with the fighter role in Canaan, indicating a shift from dependency to active participation in one's destiny.
- 🛣️ The journey from Egypt to Canaan is likened to the Christian life's journey, where challenges and tests are part of the process of maturation and claiming one's inheritance.
Q & A
What significant event is mentioned in the scripture from the book of Joshua?
-The scripture from the book of Joshua mentions the Israelites' arrival at Gilgal in the plains of Jericho after crossing the Jordan River, which is a significant event as it marks their entry into the Promised Land.
Why is the location of Jericho significant in the context of the scripture?
-Jericho is significant because it was the first stronghold the Israelites encountered after crossing the Jordan River, and it is also where the walls fell down according to Joshua's declaration, symbolizing the beginning of their conquest of the Promised Land.
What geographical lesson is being taught in the script?
-The script provides a geography lesson about the placement of Egypt, the Red Sea, the wilderness, the Jordan River, and Canaan, illustrating the journey from bondage to freedom and the challenges faced in between.
What does the phrase 'between the two rivers' signify in the context of the sermon?
-The phrase 'between the two rivers' signifies the transitional phase in life where one is neither fully in bondage nor in freedom, but in a period of testing and growth, represented by the wilderness between the Jordan River and Canaan.
Why did the manna stop according to the scripture in Joshua 5:12?
-The manna stopped because the Israelites had entered the Promised Land and began to eat the produce of the land, symbolizing the end of their dependency on God's miraculous provision in the wilderness and the beginning of their self-sufficiency.
What does the appearance of a man with a drawn sword represent in Joshua's encounter?
-The appearance of a man with a drawn sword represents the transition from dependency to responsibility and the need for the Israelites to engage in battle to claim their freedom and the Promised Land.
Why did Joshua initially question whether the man with the drawn sword was for or against him?
-Joshua questioned the man's allegiance because the presence of a fighter with a sword was unexpected and different from his previous experiences of God's provision and protection in the wilderness.
What is the significance of the instruction to take off one's shoes in both Moses' and Joshua's encounters?
-The instruction to take off one's shoes signifies the recognition of standing on holy ground, indicating a place of divine presence and the need for reverence and respect.
How does the sermon suggest our concept of God might change as we grow and mature?
-The sermon suggests that our concept of God might change from seeing Him as a provider who meets every need without requiring much from us, to a fighter who calls us to take responsibility and participate in the battles of life.
What does the sermon imply about the nature of miracles and divine intervention as one enters the phase of maturity?
-The sermon implies that as one enters maturity, the nature of miracles and divine intervention changes, with God expecting individuals to become part of the miracle by living righteously and taking responsibility for their actions.
Outlines
🗺️ Joshua's Geography Lesson at Jericho
The speaker recounts a visit to Jericho, highlighting the historical significance of the location as mentioned in the Book of Joshua, chapter 5. They describe the old city as a mound of dirt with the remnants of the fallen walls still visible. They emphasize Joshua's declaration that no one should build on that cursed spot, which remains unbuilt upon to this day. The speaker uses this to illustrate God's power and the importance of geography in understanding the biblical narrative. They also discuss the symbolic meaning of the Jordan River and the Red Sea, positioning Jericho as the first stronghold to be overcome on the path to the Promised Land, representing the transition from bondage to freedom.
🍇 The Transition from Manna to Freedom
The speaker discusses the moment when the Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. They highlight the significance of the cessation of the manna, which symbolizes the end of God's miraculous provision in the wilderness and the beginning of self-sufficiency in the land of Canaan. This marks a transition from dependency to responsibility, indicating that freedom comes with its own set of challenges and burdens. The speaker uses this narrative to parallel the journey of individuals and nations towards development and self-reliance, emphasizing that with freedom comes the necessity to fight for one's rights and possessions.
⚔️ God as a Commander and Fighter
The speaker narrates Joshua's encounter with a mysterious figure armed with a sword, who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord's army. This figure, interpreted as a manifestation of God, challenges Joshua's understanding of God's role as a provider and protector. The speaker suggests that this encounter signifies a shift in the nature of God's involvement in the lives of the Israelites, from a nurturing presence in the wilderness to a fighter demanding responsibility and participation in the struggle for freedom. The speaker uses this story to encourage listeners to embrace their own responsibilities and to recognize that God supports those who actively engage in the fight for their destiny.
🛠️ The Demands of Maturity and Responsibility
In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the concept of maturity and responsibility in the context of spiritual growth. They argue that as individuals or communities mature, they are expected to contribute to their own well-being and奇迹, rather than relying solely on divine intervention. The speaker suggests that the end of the miraculous manna and the introduction of the need for self-sufficiency are metaphors for the transition to a more responsible and active role in one's life journey. They emphasize the importance of righteousness and holiness as foundational to being a part of the miracle, indicating that God expects individuals to live in a way that aligns with divine principles and to actively participate in the creation of their own blessings.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Jericho
💡Freedom
💡Wilderness
💡Manna
💡Jordan River
💡Test
💡Commander of the Lord's Army
💡Holy Ground
💡Responsibility
💡Miracle
Highlights
The significance of the plains of Jericho in the Book of Joshua.
Personal experience visiting the historical site of Jericho and its current state.
The enduring impact of Joshua's curse on the site of Jericho, preventing construction for thousands of years.
The geographical layout of the region, including Egypt, the Red Sea, the Jordan River, and Canaan.
The metaphorical significance of the wilderness and the two rivers in the journey to freedom.
The encounter with Jericho as the first challenge upon entering the Promised Land.
The psychological and spiritual transition from slavery to freedom, symbolized by the crossing of the Jordan River.
The cessation of manna as a symbol of the end of divine provision and the beginning of self-reliance in freedom.
The appearance of the Lord as a warrior to Joshua, signifying the need for struggle in the Promised Land.
Joshua's uncertainty about the identity of the Lord, reflecting a shift in the nature of divine interaction.
The importance of recognizing the Lord in different forms and the evolution of divine guidance.
The spiritual growth required for entering the Promised Land and the responsibilities that come with it.
The change in God's approach as people mature, from providing for all needs to requiring active participation.
The challenge of recognizing God in times of struggle and the necessity of personal responsibility.
The transition from miraculous provision to active participation in one's own spiritual journey.
The practical implications of spiritual maturity on the ministry and personal life.
Transcripts
[Music]
in chapter 5 of joshua
it says on the evening of the fourth day
verse 10 while they were camped at
gilgal in the plains of where
jericho now i want you to look at me a
second let me give you a little
geography lesson here my wife and i were
there not too long ago we went to
jericho we saw the old city
it is still there it's just a hump of
dirt i mean
the place where the walls fell down are
still present and by the way
joshua did declare that no one shall
ever build there on that spot again it's
right there in that chapter
and do you know that no one has built
their sins
and people are afraid to build it
they're building all around it but not
on that spot because joshua already
declared a curse on the spot
two thousand no six thousand years later
it is still
there no one is built on it isn't god
awesome
and so we went to visit this spot and it
was amazing
the the jordan river
is on this side and the red sea
is on this side and over here is egypt
and there's the red sea and in here is
the wilderness
and here's the jordan river and over
here is canaan
can you see that so you get egypt
red sea wilderness jordan
and canaan so you got bondage training
and freedom and between bondage
and freedom is wilderness and separating
all three of them are two rivers that's
why i say
you most of our life is spent between
the two rivers why
because god won't let us cross the last
one until we pass the test in the
wilderness now here's the way it works
here is jordan and the wilderness and
kanan
when they cross jordan right on this
side of jordan
is jericho jericho is the first
stronghold that you meet when you cross
jordan when we went on the bus
we crossed jordan and as soon as we came
across the the mound where
jericho was still there and my mind went
back
four or five thousand years and i said
to myself my goodness i can imagine what
joshua saw
when they came out of the water with the
ark on their shoulders
and the priest singing and they
worshipping and everybody happy
they're going into the promised land oh
yeah remember joshua sent some spies to
check it out they were thinking about
the grapes
everybody said grapes they were thinking
about the milk and the honey
and they thought oh yeah we're going
into freedom here
we're gonna be good and they start
singing free at last free at last
great god almighty and free at last yes
free
you know the song we sing free out loud
yes and they got dog the ark on their
shoulder
everybody the children lined up millions
walking in free at last
joshua in the front free at last free
out loud
and all of a sudden they got a cross and
they went free
at last
you see there's a burden to freedom
the minute you enter freedom there's
trouble
jericho was standing there
with walls as thick as this building is
wide
and jericho was saying free at who
if you want to be set free you're going
to get rid of me first
yes this is your land that god promised
you but you're going to fight for every
foot of this property yes it is the
promised land
but the promise is going to be yours
after you
take it
joshua thought that was the only problem
but that was just the first one
behind jericho was the moabites
and behind them were the hittites and
behind there were the
jebusites and behind them were the
canaanites
and all the other ice were lined up
waiting
for the test you see that's the way life
is just when you think it's getting
easier
freedom demands a fight
it's a burden and here they cross the
river now i want you to check this out
because this is the message that i gotta
get across to the whole church
and to the world as well because even as
our national
development takes place as a country and
nations in the third world
we must understand god's process
it says here in chapter 5 when they got
on the plains of jericho where they
could see it
the bible says they
ate some of the produce of the land
and what happened verse 12 the manna
stopped the manner
stopped what's he talking about what man
is this that's the manner that they got
in the wilderness
that's the free food free stuff
he says the man or what stopped
and from that day forward they never had
manner again
when you enter freedom then suddenly
all of the welfare programs shut down
that's why people don't want to be free
why
because in slavery you get your own food
free
when you come into freedom all the
things that were done
for you you now have to do for yourself
you see freedom has a heavy burden the
manner stops when you enter freedom
all of the things that god did for you
now he's demanded you do it
for yourself and he works with you
and i want you to check this here it
says that the manner stopped
and they it stopped after they tasted
the food from freedom
the next few verses are awesome
it says
and then joshua saw a man standing in
the front of him
with a drawn sword in his hand and
joshua went up to him and asked
are you for us or against us
please underline that everybody say
a man this is not really a man
in the sense that we know it was
actually god let me prove it
it says here the answer came neither
am i for you or against you
whoops he says are you for
us or for our enemies he said i'm not
for you nor for your enemies
read on but as a commander of the army
of the lord
i have come now
as a commander of the army of the lord i
have come
then joshua fell face down to the ground
and reverence and worshiped him
and he said what message does my my lord
have for his servant
and the command of the lord's army
replied take off your shoes
for the place you are standing is holy
ground
and joshua did so
listen to me for a second where did you
hear that
similar story before moses
now here's how you know when the
individual
in the old testament is jesus whenever
an angel appears before man
and the man kneels down to worship the
angel
in every case the angel picked him back
up
angel says don't worship me i am just
like you
in every case read the bible everywhere
that's done he picked the man back up he
never let the man worship him
but this is a is an account here where
this particular individual left joshua
on the ground
secondly joshua calling what my lord
and what is he the commander the
commander a commander
the commander of what the army of the
lord the host of the lord which means he
commands
everything that god created
which is what jesus why because he
created all things
so here is god showing up to joshua
joshua is about to enter what freedom
and the first person he meets is who
god oh boy when moses was about to go
and deliver them out of egypt the first
person he met was who
god and god told him what take your
shoes off
now how did god introduce himself to
moses through a burning bush
and moses went over to the bush because
it was very interesting
and moses was intrigued and moses said
to himself
this is interesting he was there he was
intrigued
and god says moses he says yes
he says i am the lord he says yes
he said take your shoes off he took his
shoes off he said for the land you stand
is holy ground
yes and he began to give moses
instructions about
what he must do to deliver the people
now it's a different situation
this is not deliverance now this is
freedom we're getting ready for
and here comes joshua in the land of
freedom the first
spot on the land god meets him but this
time
please underline these words you might
have missed this
but it says there was a man standing in
front of him
with a drawn sword underline the words
drawn
sword this time god shows up as a
fighter
this is no little quaint bush burning to
get your attention
he's now telling joshua i am still god
but look what i'm dressed in i got an
armor on this time
and i got a sword this time in other
words freedom demands a fight
i was with you in the wilderness and i
fed you like a father
and i healed you like a doctor and i
sold your clothes
like a seamstress and i paid for
everything in the desert he says but now
this is a brand new
level of life you've come into maturity
now and you better put your sword on
you remember last session we dealt with
that jesus told disciples he said send
you out
and don't take a purse don't take money
don't take sandals don't take nothing
just go i'll take you of everything it's
already paid for
the second time he sent him out he says
you better take everything
plus a sword in other words when you
grow up
god is demanding that you become
responsible for the fight
this appearance of jesus of the lord
shocked joshua now here's something cool
when god showed up joshua did not
recognize god
i want you to get this point it's very
important to me when i
understood this joshua actually
didn't know whether god was on his side
or on the enemy side
come on think about that question are
you on my side in other words
based on what you bought this don't look
like you you brought tribulation and
tests and trials
you bring in a fight you ain't god i've
been taught by my church
that you don't fight that you are a god
who meets every need and you take care
of me
but now you're giving me a sword
you see our mentality and our concept of
god
has been created by our experience in
the past and we got to be careful
because what i'm telling you is the same
god who was with this ministry 10 years
ago
hang on look like the same god the next
10 years
some of you got to say god's not witness
anymore something's gone wrong no
it's still god it's just that he wants
you to do more work now
i've been telling god oh god
i wish i had the ministry the way it was
ten years ago
in another man's place where the other
man
paid the rent i mean i paid for the
lights and the other man took care of
the lawn and the other man manicured
when he was in the hotel it was great we
came into the hotel remember was in the
hotel yeah it was so wonderful
hallelujah
we went to church through the gardens
he was wonderful in the hotel he asked
me walking and then there was a little
pool and
and there was fountains it was our
church meeting place
and there was a man there clipping the
the hedge
we never paid him the hotel was paying
him there was a man changing the bob in
the room we were using
and we weren't paying him the hotel
paying him and paying for the ball
but we sure enjoyed that and we were so
proud to say we meet in the hotel
hallelujah come to our meeting
hallelujah
praise the lord glory to god and now we
tell them come here
and the roof ain't finished and the
front ain't finished
and the yard ain't got nothing in it i
mean don't come yet
[Music]
everybody say fight when you take on
your own responsibility then you gotta
receive the sword of god
this appearance of god was so
unexpected joshua said
are you god or are you on our enemy's
side
i believe that there are times when you
really rebuke god
how many of you have done that before i
rebuke god many times this i rebuke you
guys
this ain't the devil this is me he said
but no no no you
i always say use a good god i say yeah
i'm good i'm good at what i'm doing
and right now i'm training you how to be
responsible
god is not going to give you a warm and
fuzzy every time you meet him he's not
going to bless you with free manner
and nice clothes and take your water off
the rock one time
when god comes to you he's going to tell
you take your own well
you say but lord last last ten years you
gave us water from the rock
yeah i know the next ten years you're
gonna find your own water
joshua didn't recognize god because when
you grow up
you enter the area of responsibility and
you meet a fighter
can i suggest to you then that when the
season of maturity has come
the miracle supply stops
i want to say this very carefully
because some folks are you saying that
miracles cease
no what happens then is god demands that
you become a part of the miracle
you see when they were eating manna the
manner came from the heavens
and they didn't do anything to get it
matter of fact they were murmuring while
it was coming down
they were living rotten and god was
still feeding them but when you grow up
god expects you to live clean to live
righteous to be holy
to walk circumspect and to be a part of
the miracle
and therefore god will not finish this
building for us he will not complete
what you started for you
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