Intro: It should become more and more apparent [revelation] to the human race that we have zero righteousness to live spiritually victorious in this dark world without God. Every day may we understand humanity’s need for humility before God; according to Scripture it will be survival in the days prior to Jesus’ return. I want you to think about that statement, because at God’s appointed time he will be sending his angels to harvest the wicked from the righteous (Mat 13:49). In the meantime, “God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus” (Rev 14:12).
In our passage today, Moses seeks to persuade the people to remain humble and confident in God’s guidance and protection. Israel is getting ready to cross over the Jordan and into the Promised Land; this is their second attempt. Forty years earlier the giants in the land intimidated the leaders; therefore, evil successfully robbed them of the experience of possessing the land through the mighty hand of God. This time Moses wants them to trust God and following His instructions. Victory rests upon their willingness to place their faith in God’s unfailing ability—Grace.
God’s children may face giants of some kind every day. Sometimes these giants are physical in nature: sickness, disease or harm. Sometimes these giants are emotional bullies: pride, anger, unforgiveness, and unholy desires. Sometimes these giants attack and rob us through relationships: friendships die, marriages reach for divorce, and betrayal wounds the soul. This one thing is always true: giants come to shake our faith through fear, so we are too weak to lay hold of God’s promises. Don’t let evil giants intimidate you; reach for God’s courage and speak defeat to your giants. Like David said to the nine foot giant Goliath, “I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands…the battle is the LORD’s!” (1 Samuel 17:46-47). Faith in God and trust in His grace is what brings victory over the works of evil!
Deuteronomy 9:1-5 (NLT) Victory by God’s Grace
1 “Listen, O Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land belonging to nations much greater and more powerful than you. They live in cities with walls that reach to the sky!
2 The people are strong and tall—descendants of the famous Anakite giants. You’ve heard the saying, ‘Who can stand up to the Anakites?’ 3 But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised.
4 “After the Lord your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The Lord has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way. 5 It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The Lord your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Prayer: Lord, according to Your Word to Isaiah, no weapon turned against me will succeed. I will silence every voice raised up to accuse me. These benefits are mine to enjoy as a servant of the LORD. Thank you for going before me each day and subduing my enemies so I may conquer them! Increase my faith I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.