A New Way
Joshua 3:4 “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: Come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which you must go: For ye have not passed this way heretofore.”
“You have not passed this Way, before.”
The Israelites were crossing Jordan to obtain their inheritance as God’s people.
They were to keep in their sight the Ark of God, which was way out front, for that would lead them right.
There would be battles, some miraculous, others hard fought. (Jericho—Joshua 6:20; the forced march to Gibeon—Joshua 10:9-10)
There would be failures, and repentance’s. (Achan’s theft—Joshua 7:10-11)
There would be those who did not want to leave the safety of the camp, to go into their own territory. (Joshua 18:3-4)
And mostly there would be God, always present, guiding and leading….first, by Joshua.
Then by the Law and priests.
Then by their own love of God……if they would continue in it.
We have not passed this Way before. We are entering into new territory, new promises.
There is new ground to walk, new heights to be gained.
[Once I was taking one of my prayer walks, and I was praying about some things the Lord had been dealing with me about….when the Lord showed me that I had finally got these things into my life.
(Sometimes, when you have been working at something for a while, as I had, we need to see just how far we have come….it is a great feeling to know you have got further with the Lord.)
Wow! I felt on top of the heights! And the Lord let me feel that for awhile as I praised Him for bringing me through.
Then it was like He nudged me, and said, “But up there is where we are going”……and as though the fog lifted before me, I saw a mountain, very high, and a pinnacle there.
Yes, I had finally gotten this habit taken care of, but there was so much more to have in Christ….and He wanted me to know the….’where “we” are going’.
There had been joy before, but now there was joy poured forth. I felt empowered to leap mountains.
I have found, since then, the way up, is difficult….but He has been with me. And He has always been my greatest joy.]
“You have not passed this Way, before.”
Our inheritance is in what we become, by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
And the calling and ministries He has given us.
It is the fruit of the Spirit within. As we bare this fruit within, we conqueror our souls.
Christ has saved them…now we are to possess them and give them back to Him, in love, joy, peace, etc.
Luke 21:19 “In your patience possess ye your souls.”
In other words, have your mind, heart and will under subjection to God,….so no matter what is going on around you, you will be kept and steady in the storm.
The Holy Spirit uses His Word to guide us into bearing these fruits; having what the Lord has for us….within us…and then through us.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith,
Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.”
Love: The Spirit first makes sure, you know, you are loved of God. (1 John 4:19)
Then He implants love within you, for the Lord, and His people. He leads you into desiring Him, in all His attributes.
Joy: This is a choice fruit….for it is the lifting up of our hearts and minds, no matter what is going on. It is of the Lord, and not circumstances…and it can not be “worked up”, but it is a gift from our most Joyous God. (It makes us like cream….always rising to the top)
Peace: This places us firmly on the only solid ground…the Rock of Christ…and keeps us there. The wind, storm, and enemies below may threaten….but can not move us off our Rock. (Philippians 4:7)
Long-suffering: This is “putting up with” people for Christ’s sake. Giving them another chance. In the Greek it means, “long enduring temper” or patience.
Gentleness: Being as kind to others, as Christ has been to you.
(We know a “yeller”. When this person would get frustrated or upset, their voice would get louder and louder. Not screaming or horrible words, but loud. It took a long time for the Holy Spirit to work this in that person’s life. And as they say, Keeps working in me.)
Goodness: This comes from the “good works” we are to do as His workmanship…”created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”(Ephesians 2:10).
We are to be useful: to our family, our church, and others. (Romans 15:14)
Faith: This is a gift from God to us, that we might know Him, and this we are to do…using our faith, we are to increase our knowledge of the Lord by believing.
(Matthew 9:28-29 “And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus said unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto Him, Yea, Lord.
Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.”
We are to increase our faith by believing Him, in all situations.)
Meekness: This is becoming humble…letting the Lord have all the glory, and letting Him exalt you, when He thinks it is good.
[It is interesting to note, that as we go on with the Lord, we become more focused on giving Him all the praise…for we realize, after dealing with us so tirelessly, He deserves more than we can ever give.]
James 4:6 “But He giveth more grace, wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Temperance: Self-control, or to have the mastery over yourself.
And this leads us back to:
“In your patience possess ye your souls.”
God wants us to obtain all the promises, all the gifts, all the fruits…..all…everything that He has for us, in and by the Holy Spirit within.
He uses every situation, everyday to lead us forth to new things.
Will we be lead out, and follow Him?…..”for ye have not passed this way, before”.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 