The Strand Study Bible

I SAMUEL I SAMUEL defeated in the Red Sea, if you’ve seen the waters of salvation come back together again, separating you forever from the world and its bondage, then God has one thing in mind for you – Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them (Josh 1:6). Simply put: God wants you in Canaan; He wants you in the land of total surrender doing battle for Him. NOTE – There are four kinds of soldiers in God’s army: 1. Those that refuse to enter the battle because of fear (Num 13) They feared man’s ways more than they feared God’s Word. And even though they possessed the truth (they had just come from Mt. Sinai), the truth did not possess them. Note the kind of response these kind of believers cause among other believers. Those who refuse to enter the land of total surrender: * discourage other believers (Num 14:1) * cause other believers to criticize leadership (Num 14:2) * cause other believers to dwell upon the world (Num 14:3) 2. Those that enter the battle but have no intention of continuing the battle because of worldly possessions (Num 32) There is nothing more unstable than a believer that goes to the altar of surrender, but never really surrenders. The 2½ tribes were that way. They didn’t want to battle; they were forced to battle… and their loved ones knew it. Note the kind of response these kind of believers cause among other believers, including loved ones. Those who refuse to stay in the battle: * cause instability in the hearts of others, especially their loved one (Num 32:25-27). 3. Those that enter the battle only to be content with what they get out of the battle ( spoils ) (Judg 1) Because the 9½ tribes that entered Canaan only battled for what they could get out of Canaan, they lost their spoils (rewards) in the end (Judges 1:21,27-33 and II Tim 4:9-10). Rewards are received for finishing, not contending (I Cor 9:24-27 and II Tim 4:6-8). Note the results that these kind of believers cause for other believers. Those who refuse to finish the battle: * lead others into bondage (Judges 1:34). 4. Those that enter the battle to finish the battle (Josh 14) Because truth possessed Caleb, he finished what he started 47 years earlier. Note the kind of response these kind of believers cause among other believers. Those that enter the battle to finish the battle: * encourage others to do the same (Josh 14:6-7,12). Question: What kind of soldier are you? Are you the kind that finishes the battle you started the day you were set free? If so, we know who you are: 511

* You don’t criticize leadership * You don’t dwell on the world * You don’t covet worldly possessions * You don’t let other believers do all the battling * You encourage others to get into the battle for good and for God