Destined To Take Over Territories — The Joshua Generation!

And Joshua said, “By this, you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: (Joshua 3:10 (NKJV)

When you read this scripture it is easy to overlook the deeper meaning of what Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites was saying to the people. When you see the names of the tribes mentioned it could mean nothing more than that — names of tribes. But each of these names meant something very significant to both Joshua and the Israelites and something even more significant to us today as believers.

There is a reason God told His people He would drive out all these ‘ites’ from among them and cause them to possess the land God had promised them from the days of Abraham. These seven nations were seven obstacles that were standing in the way of the people successfully claiming their God-given inheritance. Therefore, before they could claim the land, they first had to fight and clean out every last bit of these tribes.

According to Dr. Jasmin Brown, Bishop, and Overseer of the New United Bibleway Church of God, Jamaica, and Maryland, these are the seven forces we have to fight against as we cross over to take over what God has promised us in our own personal lives. But what are the significance of these nations, why did Joshua and his people have to get rid of them, and what do they mean to us today?

Canaanites — symbolize ‘materialism’. The people living here were merchants who were focused on trading material things and made their wealth this way.
Hittites — Symbolise ‘fear‘. These people drove fear into other nations because they were mighty warriors.
Hivites — Signifies ‘humanism’, slave laborers.

Perizzites — Means ‘immorality’.
Girgashites — ‘Compromise’
Amorites — ‘Rebellion and pride’

Jebusites — ‘Discouragement’

Therefore, it was no coincidence that God told Joshua that he had to get rid of all these tribes before they could comfortably settle in the promised land of Canaan. If they didn’t, these tribes who did not serve God but worshipped idols, would always be a burden to God’s people.

Just as much, in our everyday lives, we have to ensure that we get rid of materialism, fear, humanism, immorality, compromise, rebellion and pride, and discouragements from our own lives before we can be overcomers and inherit what God has in store for us.

1. The Spirit of Materialism — Canaanite Spirit

Materialism has become an increasingly prevalent force in this day and age. As Christians, it’s essential to understand the impact materialism can have on our ability to live out our God-given purpose. Materialism is a belief system that places a high value on material possessions and physical comfort, often prioritizing them above God. This mindset has become increasingly significant in modern society, where advertisements and social media encourage us to constantly seek the latest gadgets, luxury items, and other symbols of success.

The Impact of Materialism on Christians:

As Christians, our primary purpose is to love and serve God and others wholeheartedly (Matthew 22:37-40). However, the pursuit of material possessions can distract us from these core values. Some people work so hard to buy their houses, cars, pay bills, and take care of their everyday needs that God does not filter into the picture. And while these things are very necessary they should not take away from the quality time we spend with God and from putting Him first and foremost in all things. After all, it is His strength that allows us to function daily and achieve what we have. When we prioritize material wealth, we may neglect our spiritual growth, compromise our relationships, and overlook our ethical responsibilities.

For example, the Bible warns us of the dangers of materialism in several passages:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Practical Steps to Resist Materialism:

Cultivate a relationship with God: Strengthen your faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. By keeping our focus on God, we can better resist the temptation of materialism (Colossians 3:2).

Practice gratitude: Cultivate a grateful heart by regularly expressing thankfulness for the blessings in your life. This can help shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Be content with what you have: Learn the value of contentment, recognizing that true happiness comes from within, not from material possessions. As Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).
Give generously: Develop a generous spirit by regularly giving your time, resources, and talents to serve others. This helps shift your focus from accumulating wealth for yourself to using it for God’s purposes (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Evaluate your priorities: Regularly assess your priorities to ensure they align with your Christian values. If materialism is creeping in, make necessary adjustments to refocus on what truly matters (Matthew 6:33).

As Christians, resisting the influence of materialism is essential for living out our purpose on earth. By understanding the dangers of materialism and taking practical steps to combat its influence, we can find true fulfillment in our relationships with God and others, staying true to our calling as followers of Christ.

2. The Spirit of Fear — Hittite Spirit

Fear is a powerful emotion that can hinder our ability to live victorious lives as Christians. It is an emotional response to a perceived threat or danger, often causing feelings of anxiety, uneasiness, or dread. many people today are on medications for anxiety. While fear can serve as a protective mechanism, it can also become a significant obstacle when it prevents us from moving forward in our faith and living out our purpose as Christians.

Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals whose fear hindered them from fulfilling God’s plans for their lives:

The Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14): Fear of the inhabitants of Canaan caused the Israelites to doubt God’s promises, leading to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33): When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm around him, fear caused him to sink, requiring Jesus’ intervention to save him.

Fear can negatively affect a Christian’s mindset, causing them to doubt God’s promises and question His goodness. It can also lead to emotional turmoil and hinder spiritual growth, preventing believers from fully embracing their identity in Christ and living out their purpose.

The Bible offers numerous scriptures that encourage believers to overcome fear and trust in God’s promises:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Real-Life Examples of Prominent Christians Overcoming Fear:

Corrie ten Boom: Despite the dangers she faced as a Christian during World War II, Corrie ten Boom overcame her fears and played a vital role in hiding Jews from the Nazis, later sharing her story of faith and forgiveness worldwide.

Billy Graham: Though initially hesitant to become an evangelist, Billy Graham overcame his fears and went on to preach the gospel to millions of people, becoming one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century.

How to Overcome Fear and Live Victoriously

It is very important that as a believer you strengthen your faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Focus on God’s promises and His faithfulness in all situations; Replace fearful thoughts with scripture and affirmations of God’s love and protection; Share your fears with trusted friends or mentors who can provide support, encouragement, and prayer. Take small steps of faith, trusting God to guide and strengthen you as you face your fears.

As Christians, overcoming fear is essential for living victoriously and fulfilling our God-given purpose. By understanding the negative impact of fear, embracing the encouragements found in the scriptures, and learning from the examples of others, we can conquer our fears and rely on God’s strength to achieve victory in all areas of life. Remember, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

3. The Spirit of Humanism — Hivite Spirit

In recent times, the infiltration of humanism into Christian beliefs has become a growing concern. As followers of Christ, it’s crucial to recognize this destructive spirit and understand how it can undermine our faith.

Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, often prioritizing human reason, experience, and desires over divine revelation and guidance. While some aspects of humanism may seem appealing or compatible with Christian values, it ultimately undermines the authority of Scripture and the sovereignty of God, leading believers astray from their divine purpose. This is very evident in our society today even with the great push from the LGBTQ+ group to push God out of schools and society and embrace the opposite of what God says. Humanism forces persons to become slaves to sin.

Biblical Examples of Humanism Hindering Individuals:

Adam and Eve (Genesis 3): The first instance of humanism in the Bible occurred when Adam and Eve chose to rely on their own understanding instead of obeying God’s command. This decision led to sin entering the world and humanity’s separation from God.

The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11): In an attempt to make a name for themselves and reach the heavens, the people of Babel relied on their own abilities rather than trusting in God. Their pride and self-reliance led to confusion and division among them.

Humanism can negatively affect a believer’s mindset, emotions, and spiritual growth by encouraging self-reliance and independence from God; Undermining the authority and relevance of Scriptures; Diminishing the importance of prayer and divine guidance; Promoting moral relativism and subjective truth.

The Bible contains numerous passages that attest to the power of Christ to overcome any evil spirit, including humanism:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

This means we do not have to fall prey to what the world is pushing us to accept but to lean solely on God — even if it cost us our lives!

Testimonies of Biblical Figures Overcoming Humanism:

Moses: Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, Moses overcame humanism by embracing his divine assignment to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, relying on God’s strength and guidance throughout the journey (Exodus 3-4).
Joseph: Faced with numerous challenges, Joseph maintained his faith in God and resisted the temptation to rely on his own understanding. As a result, he became a powerful leader in Egypt and played a crucial role in preserving his family during a famine (Genesis 37-50).

David: Though he faced significant obstacles and personal failures, David continually sought God’s direction and acknowledged His sovereignty. This humble dependence on God allowed him to overcome humanism and become a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 5).

Real-Life Examples and Practical Steps for Overcoming Humanism:

Prominent Christians such as C.S. Lewis, Mother Teresa, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer overcame the spirit of humanism by fully embracing their divine purpose and relying on God’s guidance.

To overcome humanism and live victoriously, you can develop a strong relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers; submit to the authority of Scripture and seek divine guidance in all aspects of life; recognize and resist the temptation to rely solely on human reason, experience, desires and even societal laws and requirements that are contrary to God’s; and embrace a spirit of humility, acknowledging our dependence on God and His sovereignty.

Overcoming the spirit of humanism is essential for Christians to live out their divine purpose and experience victory in all areas of life. By understanding the dangers of humanism, relying on Christ’s power, and following the example of biblical figures and prominent Christians, we can triumph over humanism and embrace the abundant life God has planned for us.

4. The Spirit of Immorality — Perizzite Spirit

As Christians, one of our primary responsibilities is to live according to God’s standard of moral purity. In today’s society, however, the spirit of immorality has become increasingly prevalent, even in the church. This has posed a significant threat to believers’ walk with God.

Moral Purity as a Cornerstone of Christian Faith:

Moral purity refers to living a life that aligns with God’s commandments and principles, particularly in the areas of sexual ethics, honesty, and integrity. It is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, as it reflects our commitment to honoring God with our thoughts, words, and actions. By maintaining moral purity, we demonstrate our love for God and our desire to follow His guidance.

The Dangers of the Spirit of Immorality:

The spirit of immorality can corrupt and damage a person’s walk with God in several ways. It can weaken our relationship with God as immorality can create a barrier between us and God, hindering our ability to experience His presence and grow in our faith; It damages our witness to others — when we engage in immoral behavior, our credibility as followers of Christ is undermined, making it difficult for others to see the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. We end up misrepresenting Christ. Some people do not read the Bible or go to church, but they look at our lives to know who Christ is. Another danger of immorality is that it leads to negative consequences. Immoral actions often result in emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences that can cause lasting harm to ourselves and those around us.

The Bible contains numerous passages that emphasize the importance of moral purity and warn against the dangers of immorality:

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Ephesians 5:3)

Biblical Examples of Immorality Leading People Astray:

Samson (Judges 13-16): Samson’s lust and involvement with Delilah ultimately led to his downfall, as he lost his strength, was captured by the Philistines, and died in disgrace. He was born to be a leader, but his destiny was cut short because of the lust of the flesh.
David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12): King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up caused significant harm to his family and kingdom, leading to the death of their child and ongoing turmoil within his family.

Practical Steps to Guard Against the Spirit of Immorality:

It is very imortant to regularly seek God’s guidance and strength to resist temptation and maintain moral purity. This can be done by establishing relationships with trusted friends or mentors who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance in maintaining moral purity. Having fellowship with other believers by surrounding yourself with fellow Christians who share your commitment to living a pure life, providing mutual support and encouragement. and by embracing biblical principles. This can be achieved by studying and meditating on scriptures that promote moral purity, and allowing them to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

Guarding against the spirit of immorality is essential for Christians who desire to honor God and live according to His standard of purity. By understanding the dangers of immorality, seeking God’s guidance, and implementing practical steps to maintain moral purity, we can experience the joy and peace that come from living a life that honors God and reflects His love for the world.

5. The Spirit of Compromise — Girgashites

In our walk as believers, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of remaining steadfast in our beliefs and not compromise God’s standards for anything or anyone! It is a fact that we often face situations that challenge our faith and tempt us to compromise, situations that if we don’t give in to the other side we could lose, our jobs, our friends, our homes, and unfortunately even our lives.

Compromise is making concessions or finding a middle ground in order to reach an agreement or maintain peace. While compromise can be beneficial in certain situations, it becomes damaging when we compromise on God’s standards, diluting our faith and weakening our commitment to His principles. It’s important to recognize that not all compromises are beneficial, especially when they involve sacrificing core values or principles.

Compromising God’s standards can have several adverse effects. These include eroding our faith, since when we compromise on God’s principles, we implicitly question His wisdom and authority, which can lead to a gradual erosion of our faith; Damaging our testimony: Compromising our beliefs can undermine our credibility as followers of Christ and hinder our ability to share the gospel with others. Another adverse effect is that it can invite spiritual consequences. Because disregarding God’s standards can result in negative spiritual consequences, distancing us from His presence and guidance.

According to Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV):

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

This verse highlights the dangers of compromising our faith, as lukewarm believers you are not fully committed to God’s standards and risk being rejected by Him. We have to take a stand — we are either in or out. We cannot be in between.

There are so many things happening today that see even some of God’s churches who should know better, compromising and watering down the Gospel. Recently, we saw in England where the archbishop of the Anglican church apologized to the gays and stated that the church has been wrong all along for not accenting them. This is utter compromise and not of God. This should not be a shocker to Believers though, since we know all too well that it was religious leaders who crucified Jesus!

As Christians, it’s essential to recognize the dangers of compromising God’s standards and remain committed to upholding His principles in our lives. By understanding the perils of compromise and seeking strength and guidance from Scripture, we can maintain a strong, unwavering faith that honors God and serves as a powerful testimony to others.

6. The Spirit of Rebellion and Pride — Amorite Spirit

We are called to live a life of humility and submission to God’s will. However, the spirit of rebellion and pride can creep into our lives, leading us down a dangerous path that undermines our faith and relationship with God — a path that many never get back off and which cost them their souls.

Rebellion refers to the act of opposing or defying authority, often resulting in resistance to God’s will and His commandments. Pride, on the other hand, is an excessive sense of self-worth or superiority, leading to arrogance and a lack of humility. Both rebellion and pride can negatively impact a believer’s life, hindering spiritual growth and damaging relationships with God and others.

Recognizing Rebellion and Pride

To guard against the spirit of rebellion and pride, believers must first recognize these traits in themselves. Some signs may include disregarding or questioning biblical teachings; Resisting correction or guidance from spiritual leaders; Believing that one’s opinions and beliefs are superior to others; And refusing to submit to God’s will in various areas of life.

Consequences of Unaddressed Rebellion and Pride

If left unaddressed, rebellion and pride can lead to disastrous consequences in a Believer’s life. These include strained relationships with God and fellow believers; Hindered spiritual growth and maturity; Loss of opportunities to serve and bless others; Possible discipline from God to correct our behavior.

The Bible contains numerous warnings and teachings about the dangers of rebellion and pride:

Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Samuel 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

A few years ago I met a reverend in Nigeria that I respected very much because of the wealth of spiritual knowledge that he carried. He was one of those persons who when he teaches, you are awed by how he explained the deeper truth of the Word. As a result, myself, and two of my friends (one of whom was a Pastor) decided to have him teach us via Zoom. But during his classes, we found him to be very arrogant and would speak down to us. We couldn’t ask questions during class and we couldn’t oppose anything he said. Before long my pastor friend stopped attending and myself and my other friend left the class. I realized that he possessed the spirit of pride that made him place himself above others. We had initially respected him to the point where I applied for a Canadian visa on his behalf so that he could come and teach in our region. When the embassy emailed to say that my application on his behalf was accepted and that he should take his passport to the embassy to be stamped, we had long stopped communicating. I realized that his rebellion and pride were shutting doors that God was opening. Something I told him back then for which he didn’t take kindly to. But his behavior also resulted in the closing of his own church doors in Nigeria. This reminds me of what was mentioned above — rebellion can cause strained relationships with God and fellow believers; Hindered spiritual growth and maturity; Loss of opportunities to serve and bless others; and possible discipline from God to correct our behavior. I can only pray that he has rid himself of the spirit of rebellion and pride and has humbled himself before God so He can be used in the most effective way to bless thousands.

Practical Advice for Avoiding Rebellion and Pride:

To avoid falling into the trap of rebellion and pride, we should:

Cultivate a humble spirit through prayer, Bible study, and self-reflection.
Seek accountability and mentorship from trusted spiritual leaders.

Embrace correction and guidance from God and others.
Focus on serving and loving others, putting their needs before our own.

The spirit of rebellion and pride poses a significant threat to the life of a Christian believer. By recognizing these traits in ourselves, understanding their consequences, and applying biblical teachings, we can guard against their influence and find renewed faith in our walk with God. May we continually strive to be humble and submissive to His will, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives.

7. The Spirit of Discouragement — Jebusites

In our journey as believers, we will encounter various challenges and trials that can lead to feelings of discouragement. One such challenge is the malicious spirit of discouragement, often referred to as the “Spirit of Discouragement — The Jebusite Spirit.” This spiritual abomination can significantly impair the spiritual and mental well-being of a believer.

Defining the Spirit of Discouragement — Jebusites

The term “Jebusites” comes from the inhabitants of the ancient city of Jebus, later known as Jerusalem. They were known for their resistance against the Israelites and their efforts to discourage them from conquering the Promised Land (see Joshua 15:63). The “Spirit of Discouragement — Jebusites” refers to a spiritual force that seeks to demean, demoralize, and bring sorrow to the life of a Christian believer. This spirit aims to undermine our faith, weaken our resolve, and prevent us from fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives.

Scriptural References:

Numbers 13:31-33: The spies sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land became discouraged due to the strength of its inhabitants, including the Jebusites. This led to the Israelites’ fear and eventual rebellion against God’s command to enter the land.

Joshua 15:63: The Jebusites continued to resist the Israelites, even after they had entered the Promised Land, serving as a constant source of discouragement and difficulty.

The Operation of the Spirit of Discouragement

The spirit of discouragement operates in various ways to negatively impact a believer’s life:

Attacking our thoughts

Discouragement often begins with negative thoughts, leading us to doubt God’s promises and question our worth or abilities.

Amplifying our weaknesses and failures:

This spirit can magnify our shortcomings and past mistakes, causing us to feel inadequate and unworthy of God’s love and blessings.

Isolating us from others:

Discouragement can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it difficult for us to seek support and encouragement from fellow believers.

But there are strategies and tools that we can use to overcome discouragement. Some of these are;

Prayer: Regularly bring your concerns and struggles before God in prayer, asking for His strength, guidance, and peace to overcome discouragement.
Biblical meditation: Meditate on scriptures that speak to God’s promises, love, and faithfulness, allowing them to bolster your faith and combat discouraging thoughts.

Establish close relationships with fellow Christians: Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting believers who can provide encouragement, wisdom, and accountability in times of need.
Seek God more closely: Pursue a deeper relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and worship, drawing strength and comfort from His presence.

The spirit of discouragement can pose a significant threat to the spiritual and mental well-being of Christian believers. By understanding the nature and operation of this malevolent force, we can employ strategies and tools to overcome it and experience renewed faith and joy in our walk with God. May we continually turn to God for strength and support as we face life’s challenges and trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness to carry us through.