Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The Walls Came Tumbling Down

Intro.

1. Walls signify strength, protection, and security (cf. ancient cities, Num. 13:28; Deut. 3:5).

2. Tale of two cities and their walls: Jericho and Jerusalem.

a. Jericho: Israel’s first victory in Canaan.

b. Jerusalem: Zion / City of David / City of God.

3. Why did the wall of each city fall? The answers are a contrast between blessings and curses:

a. Jericho: God’s blessing of victory, Josh. 6:2, 16, 20.

b. Jerusalem: God’s curse against sin, Deut. 28:47-48, 52; 2 Chron. 36:15-21.

4. The church is Zion; her walls are “Salvation” (Heb. 12:22-23; Isa. 60:18; 62:6-7). Blessed or cursed? Deut. 30:19-20 (Heb. 12:28-29)

I. THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN.

A. Jericho: Because of Faith, Heb. 11:30.

1. Jericho a fortress against eastern invaders.

a. These nations greater and stronger than Israel, Deut. 7:1.

b. Trusted God to deliver Israel, Josh. 1:5.

2. Our faith will overcome the world, 1 Jno. 5:4.

a. Faith to face enemies of righteousness (fear, trials, error, immorality, etc.).

b. Trust God’s deliverance, Eph. 6:10-11.

B. Jerusalem: Because of Faithlessness, Jer. 5:10-13.

1. Unbelief was the reason for God’s wrath, Jer. 16:10-13.

a. Forsook God / Idols / Disobedient, 16:11.

b. Stubborn hearts didn’t listen to God (proud, self-reliant), 16:12.

c. A just punishment, 16:13.

2. Did not trust in God; Trusted in the walls they built, and were destroyed, Deut. 28:52; Lam. 4:11-12.

3. What are we trusting in and serving today: Materialism (1 Tim. 6:17)? Human teachings (Gal. 1:8)? Prestige (Rev. 3:1)? Self (Rev. 3:17)? The living God?

C. Jericho: Because of Obedience, Heb. 11:30 (10:39).

1. Responsive and submissive to God’s commands – Victorious faith. (Lk. 6:46; Matt. 7:21)

2. Israel trusted God enough to obey Him, so must we, Heb. 5:9.

D. Jerusalem: Because of Disobedience, Jer. 16:11-12; 6:15-17.

1. Idolatry turned them from God. Gave God lip service, but served/worshipped the idols (16:11), Isa. 29:13-14 (hypocrisy).

2. Even in exile their attitude toward God’s word was wrong, Ezek. 33:30-32.

3. We must hear God’s word and obey it; Not applaud it and then do as we please, Jas. 1:21-25 (2 Thess. 1:8).

E. Jericho: Because of Purity, Josh. 3:5; 5:8-9.

1. Set themselves apart from defilements of flesh and spirit; totally devoted to doing God’s will – Victory achieved.

a. Circumcision: Sign of God’s covenant with them.

b. Identified as God’s people; 5:9 – Reproach removed.

2. We must do likewise, 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1 (Rom. 6:22).

F. Jerusalem: Because of Defilement, Lam. 1:8-9.

1. Her sins separated her from God, brought wrath, Isa. 59:1-4.

2. When we defile ourselves with sin the enemy has breached God’s wall of protection (Ezek. 42:20; 44:23); 2 Pet. 2:20-22.

3. Perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor. 7:1).

G. Jericho: Because of Self-denial, Josh. 6:3-4.

1. No small task for 600,000 soldiers to compass city daily (hot, dry, crowded, silent, etc.).

2. Could have said, “Ridiculous!” (cf. Naaman, 2 Kgs. 5:10-13)

-Willingly sacrificed personal feelings, ideas, and comfort.

3. Daily denial of self, Lk. 9:23.

H. Jerusalem: Because of Self-indulgence, Ezek. 7:19.

1. What they indulged themselves with would not satisfy or deliver them in the “day of the Lord’s wrath” (Zeph. 1:18).

2. The world and its sins cannot satisfy, 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

3. We need self-control, Jas. 4:1-4.

4. Self-indulgence brings wrath, Eph. 5:3-7 (The walls will fall!)

Conclusion

1. Like Israel, a blessing and a curse is set before us, Deut. 11:26-28. -Rom. 11:22-

a. Victory in Christ (faith, obedience, purity, and self-denial).

b. Wrath from God (faithless, disobedience, defilement, and self-indulgence).

2. God’s wall of safety rises up around His church (remnant of grace). Her walls are “Salvation” (Isa. 60:18).

3. Find safety in Christ; be saved now. Isaiah 26:1-4

By: Joe R. Price

Posted October 28, 2020