A Firm Attitude in Dealing with Enemies

Let us look at verse 10 of this chapter:

They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; but to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor. (Joshua 16:10)

In fact, we can see later in the Bible that God was very displeased with what they did. Whether a person believes in the Lord or draws on God's promises, they need to have a firm attitude. Being casual or muddleheaded is not a problem-solving attitude. Chapter 15, verse 63, and Chapter 16, verse 10, as well as other chapters, all speak of not being able to completely drive them out, reflecting people's irresolute attitude. To summarize this passage: If you are not firm enough in claiming God's promised land, it will surely become a thorn in your side.

The theme of this chapter is entering the promised land, which really requires a firm attitude. The descendants of Joseph, the Ephraimites, after receiving this land, did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer. As a result, the Ephraimites went to Joshua and said: We are a large and populous tribe, and the land we have received is too narrow. Can we have more land?

I find it strange that in Chapter 16, they did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer but treated them as forced laborers. In later days, these Canaanites who were not driven out became thorns in the flesh and nails in the bones of the Israelites. We can then see that God actually wants us to have a firm attitude, especially in dealing with enemies. If we are not firm enough, it will surely become trouble for us in the future.

Let us begin to think carefully about whether we are firm enough in our faith in the Lord. If we are not firm enough in dealing with our bad habits, we often leave a little bit behind, which will later become a nail in our flesh and a thorn in our bone, making things very difficult. If you are a Christian with a compromising attitude, there will be too many problems in the future.

In fact, on this path of faith today, during healing and deliverance, we pray for people's illnesses to be healed and solve the problems brought about by the illnesses, but then they relapse, and after being healed again, they relapse again. Why is this happening? Because we lack that firm attitude within us.

When we lack this firm attitude, we are actually violating the words God once commanded us. Either it is because of this reason or that reason; there is always a reason to violate God's words. If a person lacks this firm attitude throughout their life, their path of faith will be quite difficult.

Since we have several pastors among us today, I would like to share my most valuable gain, which is the concept of Chinese Mingding Destiny. If you ponder it carefully, it is that you can only receive the promise by winning the battle; it is a firm attitude. When I shared this most valuable thing with them, I could tell from their expressions that this was not what they wanted. What they wanted was only some scientific, technical, and instrumental things.

Let us think carefully about those who are believers, but couldn't solve their problems by praying in their original churches. Problems get resolved when they come among us. After the problems gotten resolved, we must still strictly require them, not only in the word of God but also in the implementation of it.

This is why we see God clearly with us. If we also learn from many people and do things casually, as if we have cast out demons but cannot completely cast them out, as if we have dealt with the flesh but stop dealing with it after a while, always leaving a little bit, it will eventually become a thorn in our bone and a nail in our flesh. Therefore, we must begin to ponder that this kind of firm attitude is very important.

Uncompromisingly Obeying God's Word

If you ask if this is God's plan, it is also God's plan. God's plan is to allow the remaining Canaanites to enable the descendants of Israel to often practice warfare. This is also good, but it is also very difficult. If we have a firm attitude, I think the days ahead will be much better.

In fact, a person's problem lies in their perspective. Do you see far enough? If you do not see far enough, you might think it is great to have these Canaanites stay and do forced labor among us! But do we really need forced labor? We do not need forced labor; we need to uncompromisingly obey God's word. Do we need to be so cruel? In fact, if we look at this place from a human perspective, it is very cruel. Where will these people live? That is not our concern. What we need to consider is how we can obey God's word.

You will find that obeying God's word may often conflict with our moral concepts, but our God is not the God of the Tao Te Ching; our God is the God of the Bible. Honestly, I do not quite understand why the Bible records this matter, but I ponder God's will, which is actually to have us have a firm attitude. In the Book of Judges:

Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the LORD’s commands. They did not follow their example. Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hand of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and said, “Because this nation has violated the covenant I ordained for their ancestors and has not listened to my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did.” The LORD had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hand of Joshua. (Judges 2:16-23)

In fact, God wants to test whether we have a firm attitude within us. If we often seem to lack faith, still carry an idol-worshipping mentality, cannot completely break our worldly logical system, and cannot thoroughly deal with our fleshly wrongdoings, then we will truly incur God's wrath.

Then you find that there are always problems? You should thank God! It is because:

These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains, from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses. (Judges 3:1-4)

Did the Israelites ultimately keep it? No. By the time of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah were completely destroyed. If we look closely, fulfilling God's promises is simple in some ways and difficult in others. Why is it simple? Because as long as you believe and are willing to obey, you will surely receive the promise, and you will surely win the battle!

Then where is it difficult? It is difficult because we often sacrifice our firm attitude of obeying God's word for the sake of immediate benefits. We must often keep God's word in our hearts. The most important thing in believing in the Lord is to obey God's word. There are so many problems in this world because of not obeying God's word. If everyone can lengthen their perspective and look further, should we have a firm attitude of believing in the Lord?

So in the end, fulfilling God's promises is actually very simple.

Firmly Dealing with Worldly Value Systems

Brothers and sisters, how could something that is beneficial be so difficult? Many people always have this reason or that reason, just unwilling to deal with their own bad habits. Today we cast out demons, and tomorrow we invite them back. When we cast them out, we vow to be mighty warriors of the Lord! After a few days, we are ruined again by the devil's deception.

I am very surprised, why do people have such short memories? Later, I also thank God that it is because of this that we can often practice warfare. We do healing and deliverance for a person, praying loudly for them, and they get better. After getting better, why do they invite the demons back after a few days? This is how our bad habits are.

Sometimes, when we are casting out demons, the demons get angry, Look, he invited me over, and now you're casting me out. What are you trying to do? This person is terrible.

I wonder if we can have a firm attitude through reading Joshua Chapter 16, that is, to completely drive out these enemies. Why did these Ephraimites not completely drive out the Canaanites? Because they found that they needed some people who did not do forced labor to do this forced labor, because they were lazy! As a result, later these people became thorns in their bones and nails in their flesh.

Later, there was not enough space because they had many people, so they went to people and said, This place cannot accommodate us! But Joshua said very clearly, You people are numerous and strong, then all the mountain country shall be yours. Clear the land, and it will be yours. But the Ephraimites said, The people in that place are powerful; the people in that place have iron chariots, chariots of war... Why did the Ephraimites say this? Because they did not dare to fight them.

As our church has come to today, should we begin to reflect after reading this passage? The church must be holy, and this attitude of holiness cannot be changed. To those of you who are leaders among us, I remind you again, do not bring just anyone under your leadership in order to seek the number of people, because sometimes you may not be able to handle them or shepherd them. Then, you think they are still useful, so you keep them, but these people, when the time is right, will surely become thorns in your bones and nails in your flesh, which is very difficult!

So I think we need to have a firm attitude, to what extent? It is to build a holy, united, and glorious church! To build a victorious church, start with a firm attitude, never gathering people just for the numbers! Never pursuing offerings! But to obey God's word. In fact, some of us do not like strictness, so they learn the lessons again and again, which is very difficult.

So I think that the Bible, from Chapter 15 to Chapter 16, says that the Israelites did not completely drive out these people, and then these people lived with the Israelites. This is a bit like SARS, which requires a very firm attitude to isolate it. Why? Because it is an infectious disease! If we do not isolate it and spread it everywhere, how many people will die!

Those who were not driven out lived with the people of Judah in Jerusalem. Although they were doing forced labor there, on the surface it seemed nothing, but their bad habits of idolatry directly infected the Israelites. How do you know? Let me tell you, in later chapters, the Israelites began to imitate these people in worshiping idols, so God's anger was kindled against them.

Where did the Israelites' bad habits of idolatry come from? It was infected from the Canaanites and Jebusites living among them. Why is it so easy to infect? We must know for sure that these acts of idolatry are actually very effective. The evil spirits behind the idolaters are very powerful, and these evil spirits can actually give you what you want.

When we begin to ponder this matter carefully, can we begin to speculate that this is a spiritual problem! If we are not firm enough in dealing with our flesh, it is like the Israelites keeping these Canaanites. If we are not firm enough in dealing with worldly value systems, we will keep them, just like the Israelites keeping the Canaanites. In the end, they will become the object of your battles, and they will become stronger and stronger until they completely destroy you.

We find it difficult to understand, where have God's promises gone? It is not that God's promises have disappeared, but that we have been deceived by the evil spirits operating in the world. Today we must completely deal with our worldly value systems, and we must spare no effort! One of our characteristics here is that either we cast out the demons from that person, or the demons take that person away.

Later, when many people were being taken away, they left a word, I will still go to a church with Mingding Destiny! In fact, I do not care about this matter. What I care about is whether the worldly value system inside them has been completely dealt with. If it is not completely dealt with, I tell you that these things will break out sooner or later. People who come out have to pay it back, but if a person strictly implements God's word, he will surely draw on God's promises.

There is a deep hope in me, hoping that our brothers and sisters can summarize a law in their own experiences, that is, if we leave a little bit of the worldly system inside us, it will become the source of our problems, manifesting again and again, and even defiling our whole person.

You really need to observe that these things we leave inside us will become the root of our troubles in the future. We begin to ponder, what exactly are you still keeping? What exactly have you kept? You may not have problems when you keep it, but when you are weak, those problems will immediately manifest until they destroy you.

From the time of Joshua, these Israelites were not firm enough in their attitude of obeying the word of God. They were casual. Did they not know what God's word said? In fact, they knew, so why did they not implement it? Because they had their own set of views, and their vision was too short-sighted.

Eyes on the Long Game

Brothers and sisters must understand that the seeds of Israel's national demise centuries later were sown right here. Had they known the eventual catastrophic outcome, they surely would have acted differently. However, their vision was short-sighted. What can be done about that? If you lack foresight, you can never see as far as God does.

We need to trust in God's word, diligently observing and obeying it. Disbelief in God's word and failure to observe and obey are at the root of many problems. The fact that some things are not immediately apparent is not necessarily a good thing. When they do manifest, it could be a manifestation of God's wrath. The illnesses of many Christians are exceedingly difficult to pray for effectively. Why is this so? Because the root cause is their failure to diligently observe and obey God's word. If one does not adhere to God's word, God will curse them.

If they refuse to repent and continue stubbornly forward, by the time problems arise, prayer will likely be ineffectual.

Why did Jesus never pray for the Pharisees? Because the Pharisees had devolved into a brood of vipers. If we transform into a brood of vipers, will God not treat us as He treated the Pharisees? Today, let us introspect. Are there still areas where we need to be more diligent in our obedience?

If there are still elements within us that need to be expelled, let us continue to drive them out today. Do not tolerate them. Do not let them remain. It may take considerable time to completely eradicate them. It may take a long time to thoroughly transform the worldly systems within us. However, that is no reason to cease or condone them. Knowing they should not remain, yet still allowing them to persist. Should you not have such introspection today?

Purge Self-Righteousness

Some among us harbor particularly dangerous inner baggage. I don't know why they are so fearful, perhaps fearing failure at work, because of the worldly systems within. Why do some live lives devoid of dignity? Because of the worldly systems within, failing to recognize the immense value of God's promises, and consequently, living in that manner.

We can lack many things, but we cannot lack God, reliance on God, or complete surrender to God. Some may say, 'I don't.' I tell you, the Israelites at this point were still self-righteous, thinking they had diligently obeyed, merely allowing those people to remain for forced labor.

That, I believe, is the crux of the matter. We always find reasons to justify our failure to diligently obey. However, regardless of the reason, in God's eyes, it is no excuse. Perhaps your vision is limited. If you ask me, I will tell you that my hope is that all brothers and sisters will diligently obey God's word, reclaiming lost ground bit by bit, completely expelling the worldly, demonic influences within us, so that we may enjoy the promised land God has given us, enjoying the state of flowing with milk and honey.

I think this is a critical issue. Among us, brothers and sisters, I know that you're generally quite good. However, regarding this strict attitude, if it was so even when Joshua was alive, what unbridled behavior will there be after Joshua's death, until, in the Book of Judges, God Himself tells the Israelites, venting His anger, that He will no longer drive out these Canaanites, leaving them to become thorns in the side and pricks in the flesh of the Israelites.

Are not the books of Joshua and Deuteronomy written for Christians? Are not the curses declared to Christians? However, many read the Bible, meticulously studying the black and white letters, but fail to diligently obey. Today, brothers and sisters, be not surprised that the problems of many Christians are so difficult to resolve.

Radically Deal with Laxity

To all who come among us, I give you this word: The kingdom of heaven is at hand, you must all repent. We have taken the wrong path in the past, but today we must take the right path. I have encountered many self-righteous Christians who think their spiritual life is quite good, but what you lack is a resolute attitude, striving and relentlessly expelling the Canaanites within us, completely dealing with the worldly things within us that provoke God's anger.

If you are a Christian, coming among us with your problems and ailments, seeking resolution through prayer, I encourage you to have a clear understanding. It is very simple: it is because we did not diligently obey in the past. Therefore, from now on, deal with our lax attitude towards implementing God's word, and begin to become a strict person, carefully reading the Bible, and beginning to understand God's will.

Although we often speak of Chinese Mingding Destiny, we may not yet be articulating it accurately, and are constantly revising and adjusting it. As our understanding of God increases, our Chinese Mingding Destiny will become more precise, and closer to God's revelation. But can we firmly hold onto what we receive today?

Do you have a strict attitude, carefully scrutinizing, rather than blindly receiving? I do not want you to passively receive: that you are whatever I say, that you do whatever I tell you to do, that you do it however I tell you to do it. That is a stubborn, rebellious attitude, not obedience. You need to carefully read God's word, strictly understand it, and then constantly scrutinize, and see if what we say is true or not.

If what we say is nonsense, you can discard it. If what we say seems to be true, then carefully read the Bible. I do not want you to listen to my sermons and become mere sermon-hearers, without having read the Bible much. I do not want you to be that kind of person. I want you to be a person who has a clear understanding of the Bible. Carefully read the Bible, and then when you listen to my sharing, see if what I say is true or not.

Conclusion

I tell you, on the road to claiming God's promises, we need to have the attitude of Jesus Christ, we need to have the attitude of the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul was a man who disregarded his own life. He had put life and death out of his mind, completely indifferent to life and death. Therefore, the gospel he preached was a pure gospel, because the worldly systems in the Apostle Paul had been completely shattered.

As for Peter in the Bible, as soon as Peter saw those who came from James, he began to play-act. What is that? Jesus entrusted this Great Commission to His most trusted Apostle Peter, but Peter began to learn to practice deceit. We find it hard to understand, but today, thank God, in that generation, the Apostle Paul arose with no compromise in his life.

So, if you ask me where Chinese Mingding Destiny comes from, it comes from inheriting the uncompromising attitude of the Apostle Paul. To this day, we are still constantly pondering what the teachings in Paul's epistles are actually saying, and we are constantly trying every possible way to put it into practice.

If a person lives and believes in the Lord with a lax attitude, I tell you, he will not be able to live out God's promises and prosperity. Even if he have already entered the promised land, he will still deviate in the end and serve other gods. Because what you have gained is not from diligently obeying and meditating on God's word day and night.

We still need to constantly seek even when we meditate on God's word day and night. If we are careless, how can we seek it out? Therefore, I encourage the brothers and sisters who come among us, from now on, to carefully ponder the words I say, and do not leave these spiritual powers of darkness that dwell in us, nor leave the Canaanites who dwell in Gezer. In the end, these things will become powers of darkness that deceive us.

May God bless everyone.