The Day the Sun Stood Still

Introduction: Read the scripture. This chapter illustrates three important spiritual principles, valuable for Christians today.

I. Christians must be Christians in reality, and not just in name.

A. The pagan king of Jerusalem was named "Adonai-Zedek," which means,
"Lord of Righteousness."
B. A good name, yet he plotted the destruction of God's people. And he led
the Jebusites, a very wicked nation.
C. True Christians have three characteristics:
1. They trust in Jesus alone for salvation.
Not in themselves, not in any other God.
2. They believe the doctrines of the Bible.
They don't deny the virgin birth, the resurrection, and so on.
3. They live godly lives.
They are not perfect, but they are trying!

II. Christians must see themselves as soldiers in a great spiritual war.

A. As in the last chapter, we see the conspiracy against God and His people.
B. Jesus has called His people to be aggressive toward the world.
(see Matthew 5:13-16; and 28:18-20)
C. There are many militaristic hymns, and they are true to the Bible: Onward
Christian Soldiers; Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus; Am I A Soldier of the Cross?
I'm In the Lord's Army; Lead On O King Eternal.

Lead on O King Eternal, the day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest, your tents shall be our home;
Through days of preparation your grace has made us strong,
And now, O King Eternal, we lift our battle song.

III. Christians need to see themselves as God's co-workers.

A. Paul told the Corinthians they were "laborers together with God."
B. Jesus told us that He would send the "Comforter," the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word is paraclete: "one who labors alongside"
C. Joshua and Israel fought together with God (Josh. 10:7-11).
D. We need to persevere in doing our best for the Lord.
E. Yet at the same time, remember that the battle is the Lord's.

Conclusion: Three important principles are illustrated by this story: 1) We need to be Christians in reality, and not just in name; 2) We need to view ourselves as soldiers in the Lord's army; 3) We need to labor together with the Lord in His work, doing our very best, yet relying on Him for the victory.