
2. First of all, we must understand that what God promises only He can fulfill! (Romans 4:18-2) Notice the three below…
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To Abraham: Genesis 13:14-18
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To Moses & Israel: Numbers 33:50-56
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To Joshua: Joshua 1:1-5
3. Israel was called to possess a land that God would give them.
- Numbers 33:50-54 On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the LORD said to Moses, Speak to the Israelites and say to them: “When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess…”
Many of God’s promises are based upon/conditioned upon our active faith. They never seem to simply tumble out of Heaven in finished form. Just as Israel had to cross the Jordan and aggressively appropriate the land so we must be aggressive with ourselves to appropriate our promises. As the Promised Land was occupied with enemies who were to be dispossessed, so our enemies (doubt, fear, unbelief, etc.) must be dispossessed. Here are a few steps to consider…
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(Romans 10:9-10) Some believe that receiving a promise is to simply confess it into being and are discouraged when they realize that they must partner with God in the process and see that promise become a reality. The heart must believe God’s promise before the mouth makes a confession.
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Confession begins the process of the promise becoming a part of you. It brings accountability to wait for it (Habakkuk 2:2-4).
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Promise: “I have given you the land…” (Numbers 33:50-56)
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Condition: “Drive out all the inhabitants of the land.”
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Promise: Prosperity and success (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
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Condition: “Fully obey the Lord and His commandments.”
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Promise: Knowing and understanding God’s will. (Romans 12:2)
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Condition: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.”
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Possession is an aggressive act. (Numbers 33:50-56) Promises are not received passively but by living in daily partnership with God (Deuteronomy 8:1-9)
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When God gives us a promise it is in its “raw” form. The “enemies” of doubt, fear must be subdued and overpowered. It is a continuing fight as the book of Judges teaches us.
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John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
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The Tithe assures provision Malachi 3:10-12 “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the LORD of hosts; and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts.
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Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
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Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
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John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart ! I have overcome the world!
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John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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John 11:25 Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…”
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John 10:27.28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
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Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
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Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be moved, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.
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Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
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James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
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John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
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Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
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1 John 5:14 This is the assurance we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
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Isaiah 43:1-2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
QUESTIONS…
1. What has God promised to you?
2. Where are you in the process?
3. How will your life change when He fulfills that?
4. How will God be glorified?