Sermon: Essentials for Spiritual Renewal and Spiritual Warfare

Sermon Date: 8/17/2025

Bible Verses:

• Joshua 5

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Introduction:

The people of Israel have crossed the Jordan River. The Promised Land is before them. But before they draw their swords against Jericho, something unexpected happens…

God halts them.

No charging into battle. No immediate conquest.

Instead, God prepares their hearts for what lies ahead. Because before we fight outward battles, we must be made ready inwardly.

Joshua 5 outlines three essentials for spiritual renewal and spiritual warfare:

1. We Go – But Not Alone (v. 1)

“As soon as all the kings… heard that the Lord had dried up the waters… their hearts melted…”

Key Point: When God moves ahead of us, even our enemies know it.

The Jordan crossing was not just for the Israelites—it was a declaration to the nations: “God is with His people.”

Spiritual Application:

• Before you ever face a trial, God goes before you.
• The enemy may look strong, but their hearts melt in the face of a God-empowered people.

Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

When we walk in obedience, we walk under His banner.

1. When We Fail, We Don’t Wallow—We Obey (vv. 2–12)

Instead of attacking Jericho, God commands Joshua to do something odd: circumcise the men—an entire generation that had neglected it in the wilderness.

This was painful. Humbling. Risky. They’re in enemy territory—yet God calls them to stop, obey, and be marked again as His covenant people.

Key Point: Before victory comes repentance and obedience.**

The wilderness generation had broken faith, but this new generation would begin their conquest with obedience and submission.

Then what happens?

• The manna stops.
• They eat from the land—God is leading them into maturity.

1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, not hearers only.”

Application Questions:

• What obedience have you delayed because it feels inconvenient or painful?
• Are you trying to fight spiritual battles while neglecting spiritual disciplines?

Don’t wallow in the past—respond to God’s call now.

III. We Recognize the Lord – and Submit (vv. 13–15)

As Joshua surveys Jericho, he sees a man with a drawn sword.

He asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

The reply?

“Neither. I am the commander of the army of the Lord.”

This was not just an angel—it was a theophany, an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ.

Joshua falls down in worship.

“What does my Lord say to His servant?”

And the Lord says:

“Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing is holy.”

Key Point: Before we march forward, we must fall down. Before we take ground, we must give ground—to the Lord.

Joshua needed to know: God doesn’t come to take sides. He comes to take over.

Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”

Spiritual Warfare starts with Worship.

Conclusion:

Before the walls of Jericho fell, the hearts of God's people had to be rebuilt.

God led them:

• Forward in His strength
• Back into covenant obedience
• Down in worship before rising in victory

Three Takeaways:

1. God goes before us—walk in boldness.
2. When conviction comes—don’t hesitate. Obey.
3. Recognize His presence—remove your sandals. Bow before Him.

Call to Action:

Maybe you’ve been trying to fight spiritual battles while neglecting spiritual foundations.

Maybe God is calling you to a fresh act of obedience. Or maybe He’s simply calling you to bow down and remember who leads the army.

It’s not about our strength. It’s about our surrender.