Study:
VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE – A Study: Part 4
(Based on Joshua 1–8)
Nelson Thomas Mumbai
STEPS TO VICTORY, Jos. 1:8c.
Review:
We have seen the meaning and importance of a victorious Christian life. We have discovered that it should be the natural state of a believer’s life because of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for him. Yet, not all believers enjoy victory in their practical lives because they fail in meeting their part.
However, some think we have nothing to do other than believe. Yes, that is true about our salvation; He has done everything. But to grow and be victors in practical Christian life, we ought to fulfil our obligations. Then alone we shall virtually enjoy our spiritual inheritance in Christ.
We cannot be passive spectators to God’s plan and promises. A dream and hope are not enough for success! It is time for instant products and provisions. In just a click or two, you might have what you desire within minutes, but not victory. As someone has well observed, ‘Only in a dictionary you find ‘success’, before ‘work.’
Success in any sphere of life is the result of sustained and dedicated work, faithfully discharging one’s duties over a period.
Here, the Lord presents several steps that the people of Israel should take before they experience victory, not only to cross over the river Jordan but throughout the promised land (1:8c).
- Act by faith, “Tread upon” (V.3).
By faith, they must act upon God’s Word and claim what has been promised to them. So should we, more than mere words, resolutions, or thoughts of victory, take a step by faith. That is what Apostle Paul says in Rom. 8:37; 1 Cor. 2:14; 15:57; Phil. 4:13, etc. – claim victory in Christ. This is a personal appropriation of victory in Christ.
Remember, it's Christ’s death that qualifies us to be accepted in the Beloved, not our worthiness (Eph 1:7). So, our action cannot cancel God’s work for us. If we fail, we should immediately confess and find cleansing (1Jn 1:9; Pro 24:16). To do that, faith is necessary. No wonder John says, “this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith” (1Jn 5:4).
One step at a time!
As we take courageous, continuous, and bold steps, trusting in the Lord, He will show us a new place to keep our feet (Exo. 23:29, 30). In His sovereign will and purposes, the Lord allows victory little by little. So, whatever may be before us, let us take a step now. If we hesitate to take that small step today, we shall never experience victory at all.
2. Think Biblically, “Meditate on it day and night” (v.8).
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; that you shall meditate on it day and night.”
What is mediation?
Biblical meditation is different from what is associated with some traditional physical exercises. It is pondering over the Word of God repeatedly in our minds till it becomes part of our lives. Thus, the truth is fixed firmly in our memory, and we digest it to make it our own life.
The outcome of consistent meditation is far-reaching. Not only do we begin to understand God’s mind, but we also begin to think biblically. Thus, our thoughts become God’s thoughts (Phil 4:8). In fact, it is in our mind – imaginations – where we must fight our battles first (James 1:14–15; Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28). When our thoughts are divine, we can easily win over temptations (2Cor. 10:5; Psa. 119:11).
Meditation also leads to enlarged faith and zeal (Psa. 39:3; Rom. 10:17; Jer. 23:29). Our new nature being strengthened, we become more spiritual and fruitful (Gal. 5:16, 17; Rom. 13:14).
Without a regular meditation on God’s Word, there can be no true progress or practical godliness (Josh. 1:8). Of course, it is not easy; much time and effort are needed, but it pays eternal dividends.
3. Be strong and courageous (Vs. 6, 7, 9b).
Thrice the Lord refers to ‘strength and courage,’ vs. 6, 7, and 9. Fear is the result of sin. In spiritual life and service, fear can paralyse us, for it prevents us from trusting and obeying God’s Word.
A believer should not fear anything but God (Isa. 8:13). To fight the Lord’s battle, fear should not have a place in his heart. A fearful leader will only make fearful followers (I Sam. 13:7). David’s courage was reproduced in his mighty men.
What makes one strong?
The only basis for a believer’s strength is the ever-abiding presence of God (V.9c; 2Chro. 32:7). It is through the meditation of the law that Joshua will have to experience the presence of God. It is true of us, too. Meditation on the Word of God reveals His presence and manifold promises. That will make us stronger and courageous (1John 2:14; Col. 3:16).
4. Keep the Word, “Observe to do according to all that is written” (v.8)
Obedience should be a natural outcome of meditation and spiritual strength (v. 7). The purpose of learning should be to obey, and it should not be partially as Saul did but fully (1 Sam. 16:20-22). As we obey, He teaches new things to us (John 7:17; Pro. 4:18).
Remember, it may not be easy for us to do as the Lord says. That is why we need divine strength and courage, as mentioned earlier.
Notice, “then you will make your way prosperous …. Success,” Only then! Without absolute obedience to God’s Word, we can never even imagine a victorious Christian life.
However, there is also a word of caution, “Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left,” (v.7). Not to go to extreme positions while keeping God’s Word faithfully.
5. Self-discipline
All the above steps demand self-discipline. Without discipline, Joshua cannot meditate on the Word day and night and obey it without failure. So, even though it’s not explicitly mentioned here in this passage, as we discuss the steps to success, we cannot skip this aspect, as it is implied here.
John MacArthur says, “Self-discipline may be defined as the ability to regulate one’s conduct by principle and sound judgment rather than by impulse, desire or social custom.”
A disciplined person knows their priorities and is willing to sacrifice the less important for the better one. He is well-organised, redeems time, and keeps promises. He is teachable and ready to change if needed (Pro. 15:31, 32).
Only when we are disciplined, we find enough time to fulfil God’s will in our lives. If not, little things eat up our time and life (Song 2:15).
These steps are very much valid for New Testament believers, too.
Victory for all, Jos 1: 10—18
Not only Joshua, but all should reach Canaan. God’s proposed victory and possession is not for a few individuals only, but every child of God should experience it. In the normal race, only one gets the prize, but Paul exhorts that we all can win. That is why saints are exhorted to ‘run in such a way … to win.’ Notice how Paul carefully dealt with the passions of his body so that he would not be disqualified (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
Notice what Joshua did to make everybody move forward triumphantly. He begins to prepare the people just as the Lord prepared Joshua with those promises and exhortations (1:10-15). A prepared leader alone can prepare people to act.
Notice the five essential elements to help others succeed:
- Visitation, “Pass through” (v.11; cf. Acts 20:20).
- Encouraging words of hope (v.11).
- Clear communication (V.13 cf. Num 32:20-29).
- Involvement (V. 14).
- Support (Vs. 15-18).
They are more than ready to do whatever Joshua commands. In the wilderness, they never responded like this. When such an attitude was shown by the people, surely victory was guaranteed.
More than ever, today we need this attitude, supporting and helping one another for the fulfilment of the purposes of God. Where there is such unity of Spirit, the Lord showers His blessings upon them (Ps. 133).
Conclusion
The Lord is calling us to go forward and prosper. All of us need to lead a victorious spiritual life. The Lord Himself outlines the vital steps to be taken for that. Twice the Lord says, ‘You will have good success.’ Victory is God’s promise, desire for us, our birthright – in Christ. But we have responsibilities. We should live accordingly.
Trusting in His promises, let us fulfil our responsibilities and enjoy a higher spiritual life. G&P
(To be continued…)
