Freedom Demands A Fight | Dr. Myles Munroe

Summary

In 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

00:00

🗺️ 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.

05:02

🍇 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.

10:04

⚔️ 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.

15:05

🛠️ 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.

Keywords

💡Jericho

Jericho is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, which is significant in the narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. In the video, it symbolizes the first obstacle or 'stronghold' that the Israelites had to overcome after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The speaker refers to a historical visit to Jericho, noting its current state as a mound of dirt where the walls once fell, and discusses the enduring impact of Joshua's curse that no one should build there again.

💡Freedom

Freedom in the video is portrayed as both a destination and a challenge. It represents the state of being liberated from bondage, but it also comes with the responsibility and the 'burden' of fighting for one's rights and possessions. The speaker uses the Israelites' journey as an allegory for personal growth and national development, emphasizing that with freedom comes the necessity to fight for what is rightfully yours.

💡Wilderness

The wilderness is depicted as a transitional space between bondage and freedom, a place of testing and preparation. In the video, it is mentioned as the area between the Jordan River and the Promised Land, where the Israelites had to pass through trials before entering Canaan. It serves as a metaphor for the challenges one must face and overcome to achieve true freedom.

💡Manna

Manna is the miraculous food that God provided for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, as mentioned in the Bible. In the video, the cessation of manna once the Israelites entered the Promised Land signifies the end of divine provision and the beginning of self-sufficiency, symbolizing the transition from dependency to responsibility.

💡Jordan River

The Jordan River is a geographical feature that plays a crucial role in the biblical narrative as the boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land. In the video, crossing the Jordan River represents the act of moving from a state of testing and preparation into the realm of freedom and responsibility.

💡Test

Tests are challenges or trials that individuals or groups must face to prove their worthiness or to achieve a goal. In the video, the speaker discusses how tests are a part of life, especially when it comes to achieving freedom. The Israelites faced numerous tests after crossing the Jordan, each representing a step towards maturity and self-reliance.

💡Commander of the Lord's Army

This phrase refers to a divine figure who appears to Joshua, identified as the commander of God's army. In the video, this figure symbolizes the divine guidance and protection in times of battle and struggle. The speaker uses this encounter to illustrate the transformation of God's role from provider in the wilderness to fighter in the Promised Land.

💡Holy Ground

Holy Ground is a term used to describe a place that is sacred or set apart due to a divine presence or event. In the video, when Joshua is told to take off his shoes because the ground he stands on is holy, it signifies the sanctity of the Promised Land and the need for reverence and respect in the face of God's presence.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility in the video is discussed as a key aspect of maturity and freedom. It is the obligation one has to act and make decisions for oneself, rather than relying solely on divine intervention. The speaker contrasts the provision of manna in the wilderness with the need for the Israelites to work and fight for their sustenance in the Promised Land, highlighting the shift from dependency to personal responsibility.

💡Miracle

Miracles are extraordinary events attributed to a divine agency. In the video, the speaker discusses how miracles change in nature as one grows and matures. In the wilderness, miracles were passive provisions from God, but in the Promised Land, individuals are expected to participate in and contribute to the miraculous, reflecting a deeper level of engagement with the divine.

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