Renewal
Joshua: Strong and Courageous • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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ILLUST - skunk stain
— After being sprayed by the skunk, we tried everything to rid the stain
— Learned you first needed to wash with dish soap to remove the oil
— That was the key to getting clean
— To be honest, that was the worst smell I have ever smelled - I wasn’t sure I’d ever be clean!
Last week we dealt with a hard passage - not because it was hard to understand; rather, because it was hard to accept. We saw:
Nature of Sin
Danger of Sin
Pattern of Sin
Lies about Sin
End of Sin
Sin must be dealt with
You cannot win with hidden sin.
— To be honest, that was the worst smell I have ever smelled - I wasn’t sure I’d ever be clean!
Today, though we will see:
Forgiven sin is a fresh start toward a renewed faith.
Fresh Start (1-2)
New Victory (3-29)
Renewed Faith (30-35)
Joshua 8
1 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.”
Go up to Ai? Remember two verses earlier:
25 And Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him with stones. They burned them with fire and stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his burning anger. Therefore, to this day the name of that place is called the Valley of Achor.
God says they can take the spoil - Achan should have waited!
Does this seam cruel? No, they were to obey God’s word no matter when or what He said. He needed to feed his people.
This time instead of the spies explaining how they should take the city, God gives the battle plans.
Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.”
This is a tactic later recorded by other armies in the ANE, but what is important is this is God’s battle plan for guaranteed victory.
3 So Joshua and all the fighting men arose to go up to Ai. And Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out by night. 4 And he commanded them, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you remain ready. 5 And I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. And when they come out against us just as before, we shall flee before them. 6 And they will come out after us, until we have drawn them away from the city. For they will say, ‘They are fleeing from us, just as before.’ So we will flee before them. 7 Then you shall rise up from the ambush and seize the city, for the Lord your God will give it into your hand. 8 And as soon as you have taken the city, you shall set the city on fire. You shall do according to the word of the Lord. See, I have commanded you.”
30,000 - could be 30 units
They will lie in ambush. Joshua will lure the people out of the city and those lying in ambush will take the city while it is vulnerable
9 So Joshua sent them out. And they went to the place of ambush and lay between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai, but Joshua spent that night among the people. 10 Joshua arose early in the morning and mustered the people and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.
11 And all the fighting men who were with him went up and drew near before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai, with a ravine between them and Ai. 12 He took about 5,000 men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. 13 So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley. (Joshua sets up the ambush and positions others in front of the city)
14 And as soon as the king of Ai saw this, he and all his people, the men of the city, hurried and went out early to the appointed place toward the Arabah to meet Israel in battle. But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. 15 And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness. 16 So all the people who were in the city were called together to pursue them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn away from the city. 17 Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel.
18 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. 19 And the men in the ambush rose quickly out of their place, and as soon as he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it. And they hurried to set the city on fire. 20 So when the men of Ai looked back, behold, the smoke of the city went up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that, for the people who fled to the wilderness turned back against the pursuers. 21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. 22 And the others came out from the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. And Israel struck them down, until there was left none that survived or escaped. 23 But the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him near to Joshua. 24 When Israel had finished killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the open wilderness where they pursued them, and all of them to the very last had fallen by the edge of the sword, all Israel returned to Ai and struck it down with the edge of the sword. 25 And all who fell that day, both men and women, were 12,000, all the people of Ai. 26 But Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had devoted all the inhabitants of Ai to destruction. 27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as their plunder, according to the word of the Lord that he commanded Joshua. 28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it forever a heap of ruins, as it is to this day. 29 And he hanged the king of Ai on a tree until evening. And at sunset Joshua commanded, and they took his body down from the tree and threw it at the entrance of the gate of the city and raised over it a great heap of stones, which stands there to this day.
The last heap of stones was over Achan as a reminder of defeat.
This heap of stones lay over Ai in victory
30 At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, 31 just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. 32 And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. 33 And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them.
Joshua leads the people to worship and recommit to the covenant
1 Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster.
God gives a fresh start.
God gives a fresh start.
Old Scottish theologian, Alexander Whyte:
Be Strong Chapter Eight: Turning Defeat into Victory (Joshua 8)
“the victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings” (Alexander Whyte).
1 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Exact same phrase
It’s as if Israel had not sinned!
God did not approach Israel with shame or guilt. He approached them as if they were clean . . . because they were.
They had dealt with their sin before God, and it was done.
ILLUST - for about a week after my run-in with my black and white striped friend, I felt as though I still smelled. Whether the smell was burned into my nostrils or I was just fearful others smelled “skunk” on me, I felt I still stank.
Sometimes our battle with sin is like this.
We realize our sin, we confess and repent, but we still feel guilty. We still wrestle with shame.
*Have you ever experienced this? The nagging feeling that you still “stink of sin?”
You’ve confessed and repented of your sin, but feel that it seems too simple. You need to do more to atone for what you’ve done.
You hear the enemy tell you that you can’t be near God or others without them “smelling” your sin.
34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
“If ‘A,’ ‘B’ necessarily follows. God has promised that if you confess your sins, He will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of your unrighteousness. You don’t believe that you’re forgiven because you don’t feel forgiven. What, then, are you trusting—your feelings or the truth of God?” I finally got the message he was trying to help me see.” - R. C. Sproul
If you have asked for forgiveness, God has granted it through Jesus Christ
If you do not believe it, then repent again this time for unbelief
These are the things God says in his word do you believe anything different is to believe a lie
If Satan can’t have you stay in your sin, he would have you stay in your shame. Both make you ineffective. Not ready for victory.
For the forgiven believer, shame is a tactic of Satan to make you ineffective.
What if Joshua had said that he was too ashamed to try to attack AI again what if he believed the lie of Satan that he likely heard that he had not done his job as a leader?
God is a God of new beginnings - Noah, etc.
If you have confessed and repented of your sin, you are no longer:
a liar
a failure
an adulterer
an addict
a murderer
You are forgiven, and you are clean. Say I am clean!
God can give victory where there was once defeat.
God can give victory where there was once defeat.
(2) Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai.
I wonder how many Israelites go around AI rather than go back to the place of their defeat
Shame will do that. It will cause you to shrink back, but Grace calls you to step forward.
How fearful for those men who had been beaten back from Ai - still healing from their wounds - now going back to the place of defeat
The difference is, this time Joshua and the people will follow God’s plan.
When we follow God, he can turn our shame into victory!
I have seen marriages restored!
I have heard the stories of freedom from addiction!
Do not expect only a temporary separation from sin before defeat — follow God’s plan and find victory!
Interestingly, the strategy for victory was born out of previous defeat - How might God use your past defeats for great victories?!?
What does this look like? Stop trying to defeat or resist sin in only your power and pray for God to lead you into victory.
God gives us what we need for victory.
God gives us what we need for victory.
Be Strong Chapter Eight: Turning Defeat into Victory (Joshua 8)
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. When we run ahead of the Lord, we usually rob ourselves and hurt others.
Verse 2 - God to Joshua: Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.”
Verse 4 - Joshua to people: 4 And he commanded them, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it.
This was different than Jericho - Joshua would need to seek God for every move
27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as their plunder, according to the word of the Lord that he commanded Joshua.
God’s Word today guides us:
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
How many times do we know that if we would just do what God has told us, we would have victory?
God has given us his Holy Spirit to sanctify us.
A victorious life requires commitment and REcommitment.
A victorious life requires commitment and REcommitment.
30 At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal,
Joshua worshipped.
31 just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. 32 And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; 6 you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, 7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.”
“I remember this from when I was a child. I remember hearing stories of what God did with Moses”
Renewal in scripture
Ex 34:10-28
Deut 29:1-29
Josh 24:1-13
This renewal of faith will set the tone for the battles and the events ahead
Renewal of worship
Renewal of relationship
Renewal of commitment
Do you need your faith renewed today?
Conclusion
John Newton was a man who knew defeat, failure, and the deep stain of sin. Once a wicked slave trader, he lived a life of rebellion against God. He was known for his cruelty and sinful ways—so much so that even other sailors, notorious for their rough living, were shocked by his behavior.
But God, in His mercy, pursued Newton even in his darkest moments. During a violent storm at sea, when Newton thought his life was over, he cried out to God for help. That moment marked the beginning of a transformation. Over time, God not only saved Newton but renewed his heart, his mind, and his entire life. He left the slave trade, became a pastor, and devoted the rest of his days to preaching the gospel of grace.
The man who once trafficked in the bondage of others would go on to write the words we all know so well:
“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.”
Newton’s story is our story. Like him, we have all known the weight of sin, the shame of failure, and the fear that we will never be clean again. But God’s grace is greater. Just as He restored Israel after their failure at Ai, just as He gave them a new beginning, He does the same for us.
But here’s the thing—Newton didn’t just recognize God’s grace and move on. He recommitted his life to living in that grace. He didn’t just receive forgiveness; he responded to it. He dedicated himself fully to Christ and never turned back.
Maybe today you feel like you still carry the smell of past sin, as if you can never be truly free. Maybe you’re struggling with the same sins over and over. Or maybe you’ve simply drifted away from your first love, Christ.
God’s grace doesn’t just cleanse us; it calls us to renewal. Just as Israel recommitted themselves to God after their failure, just as Newton turned from his old life and gave everything to Christ, today can be your day of recommitment.
Are you willing to take that step? Will you surrender again to the One who has never stopped pursuing you?
If you need renewal, if you need to recommit, God is not holding you at arm’s length. He is calling you back. He stands with arms open, saying, “Do not fear, and do not be dismayed… Arise, and go up” (Joshua 8:1).
Your past does not define you. Grace does.
Will you recommit to walking in that grace today?
Benediction
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
