Joshua 23:4
“Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.”
At the end of Joshua’s life, Israel still had much land to conquer. God addressed the nation through Joshua by telling them that He had already divided their land, which was simply telling them that in His eyes the land was already conquered. Joshua then reminded them that God had already helped them conquer the land they possessed, which was a reminder that He would not leave them as they continued conquering. The only thing left for Israel to do to possess the remainder of the land was to continue conquering, even in Joshua’s absence. God then shows six things needed to be a conqueror.
First, you must never be satisfied with past successes. Israel was reminded in verse 4 that there was still much land that remained to be conquered. You must never be satisfied with living in past successes if you want God to continue to work through you. You must always remember that God has more for you to do if you will move on from past victories. Be careful not to allow past victories to become the epitaph of your future. Rejoice in what the LORD has done through you in the past, but keep a conquering vision for what He still wants to do through you.
Second, you must know from Whom your success will come. Joshua reminded Israel in verse 5 that their success would come from the LORD. Don’t become so overconfident because of past victories that you don’t continue to go to the LORD for help. You must continue begging God for His help if you want to continue to conquer.
Third, don’t expect anything to be given to you. Verse 5 says, “…ye shall possess their land…” Yes, God was going to help them, but they had to work to make it happen. God will help you, but He will only help you as you step out to possess those victories. Don’t sit waiting for God to give you victories, but bring Him with you through prayer as you attempt to conquer.
Fourth, don’t limit yourself and God. Verse 6 says, “Be ye therefore very courageous…” The worst thing you can do is put a limit on what God can do through you. You must be courageous enough to step out on the impossible and trust that God will help you. God loves to help the person who believes that He will help them do what seems impossible.
Fifth, separate from anything that will keep you from God’s help. Verse 7 shows that Israel was to stay completely separated from the nations around them. Conquerors understand that there are activities and people who will hinder them from conquering. If you are going to be a conqueror, you are going to have to learn to live a separated life; separated from that which hinders, and from those who would cause you to leave the Christian life.
Sixth, stay close to God. Verse 8 warns, “But cleave unto the LORD your God…” The only way you will be a conqueror is to keep a close walk with God. Don’t let anything or anyone come between you and God. Don’t get so busy that you forsake your walk with God. Staying close to God is the key to continuing to conquer.