Overcoming Obstacles Through God's Presence (Deuteronomy 7:21-26)

Sermon Summary

Pastor David Yan

11 June 2023

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Israel faced the obstacle of hostile nations. The Lord told Israel not to be terrified. The reason? He was among them. If God is for his people who can be against them?

The Lord is the great and awesome God. He is unchanging. Just as he was with Israel so he is with his church..."Lo I am with you always" (Matt. 28:29).

The Lord would drive out the enemies and Israel would enter the promised land. Jesus drives out demons and liberated souls will reach heaven.

Entry to the promised land is progressive. Israel would drive out the enemies little by little. So Christian pilgrimage is progressive. Little by little we become more like Christ and so enter our promised land.

It is certain Israel cannot drive out the enemy in its own strength. Without the Lord they could do nothing. So Christians can do nothing unless they are connected to the vine (John 15:4).

God would deliver the enemies into Israel's hands and inflict defeat and judgement upon them.

In overcoming obstacles with the presence of the Lord we note some differences between Israel and us for we live under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. It is salvation not servitude. The Israelites had been delivered from servitude. We have been delivered from the dominion of sin. The Lord has..."delivered us from the power of darkness..." ( Col 1:13).

It is progression not perfection. We are on our way to heaven. This world is not our home. We progressively grow in holiness and will not be perfected until we reach heaven.

It is separation not slaughter. Israel had to literally slaughter their enemies. For us we are to separate from the ungodly not slaughter them. This separation is in the mind and in the way we live.

Let us rejoice in our salvation and face obstacles without fear. God is with us. We shall triumph through him.