Joshua 3:1-3 – The Fulfillment of A Dream – Bible study

II. What will it take to make this dream a reality? A. Again, I dont have all the answers, but I think there is a parallel in what the Jews did and what we must do. 1. Spiritual Vision \Joshua 3:3\ a. While I dont see a command, I notice that the people were expected to keep their eyes on the things of God. b. They were to watch the Ark of the Covenant. c. When it moved, they moved. When it rested, they rested. d. Without spiritual sight, they would not be able to receive the things God desired to give them. 2. Spiritual visual is extremely important in order for Gods dreams to become our reality. a. Without this spiritual vision, we would never see anything God has to offer. (1) One does not get saved without spiritual vision. (2) One does not change without spiritual vision. (3) One does not begin to seek the lost without spiritual vision. (4) One does not surrender his life without spiritual vision. b. All of us are limited in what we can see spiritually by our flesh and our will. (1) Some never see the need for salvation. (2) Some Christians never see the need for true change. (3) Some never see the need to help the lost. (4) Some never see the need to give their lives to the Lord. c. But with a willing heart, your vision can be greatly improved. (1) You need to look for the spiritual passages in life. (2) This world is deceptive and enticing but you know there is more to life than this. (3) If you do not look for the alternate paths, the spiritual paths, you may lose your soul and you will lose the glory of the life ahead. d. God has better for you. Look for it. II. Preparation \#Joshua 3:5\ A. These people were about to have a meeting with God where they were to receive their dreams. 1. They needed to do some preparation. 2. I think the parallel continues. B. They needed to so some cleaning up. 1. They needed to put some sin away from them. a. I find it interesting that since before the children of Israel had left Egypt, more than 40 years ago, God had been telling them to put the sin away from them. Ex 19:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, b. The days before they are to receive Gods dream, He is still having to tell them. (1) By now, these people know that those old idols and lusts are no good for them, but still they cling to them. (2) Comfort? Familiarity? Security? Sentimental value? c. Are there any parallels there? (1) Sure there are. (2) What sin are you holding to? (3) Whatever it is, it is holding you back. Keeping you from Gods dream. (4) To receive Gods dream you are going to have to quit holding onto the sinful treasures of Egypt! (5) Put it away from you tonight. 2. They needed to focus on the Lord. a. Typically, before a major spiritual event occurred, God would tell Israel to separate themselves from their mates, their work, their pleasures, everything. b. Why? To focus on Him. c. If you want to receive Gods dreams, you need to focus your heart and mind on Him. III. Direction \#Joshua 3:7-9\ A. To receive Gods dreams, we must get direction from God. B. Here is something very interesting to me. 1. If you and I were on the river brink with Israel that day, we all would have probably thought we knew what God wanted. 2. He had told us that our land lies on the other side of the river. that He has given it to us, and that we are going into it on the third day. 3. We all get up, line up, and are standing on the rivers edge. 4. What do you think God is going to tell them next? 5. You WOULD think that God is going to tell them to cross over and get at it, but He does not. 6. He tells them to STAND STILL! 7. Now, Israel is going to cross the river and get the land, but not right now. Right now, they are going to stand still for awhile. 8. How would they know that? 9. They would not if they were not getting their directions from God. C. If we are going to receive what God has dreamt for us, we are going to have to know His mind. 1. We may have our vision set on the spiritual things, but knowing Gods mind is far more specific and personal than that. 2. How do we get this kind of personal direction? a. Through the WORD, written or preached. b. Through the INNER VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, typically a burden or some kind of understanding. c. And through some OPEN and CLOSED DOORS. IV. Obedience \Joshua 3:14-16\ A. Then comes the last step, but the one that is most pivotal. We must do what God tells us to do. B. We get a spiritual vision focused on the Lord; we get prepared and cleaned up; we get personal direction from the Lord; then we do what God is telling us to do. C. Some get so close then stop! 1. This nation had been this close before! 2. Forty years ago, they stood on a similar crossing but turned back. 3. Obedience is that last step but it is mandatory. D. Go ahead and do it! Do what God is telling you to do. 1. Serve Him. 2. Surrender to Him. 3. Trust Him. 4. Do whatever it is God tells you to do. a. You may not understand it completely today. b. You may not understand how it will work out. c. You may not think you can. d. You may not want to do it. e. But go forward! God will bless you. Almost twenty years ago, I wrote these words in regards to this text. They are still good advice today. Have you been burdened to witness? Find a crowd. Have you been called to teach? Make a class. Have you been called to preach? Build a ministry. Want to help the cause of righteousness? Jump into the fray. God has dreamed a dream for you and you can have it, if you want it.