TLDR;
The sermon encourages listeners to pursue personal growth and success in God's kingdom by focusing on what they can control and committing wholeheartedly to God. It uses the story of Joshua and Caleb to illustrate the importance of remembering God's promises, trusting in His presence, and facing challenges with courage. The sermon challenges the congregation to avoid spiritual passivity, overcome fear, and actively engage in their faith journey through commitment, fasting, and community involvement.
- Focus on personal growth and success in God's kingdom.
- Remember God's promises and trust in His presence.
- Overcome fear and actively engage in faith.
- Commit to personal growth through fasting and community.
Introduction: Let Me Succeed [0:00]
The speaker introduces the series "Let Me Succeed," inspired by the book "Let Them Theory," which advises against exhausting oneself trying to control others. While acknowledging the value of releasing control over what one cannot influence, the speaker cautions against spiritual passivity. The series encourages focusing on personal responsibility and growth, such as forgiveness, personal health, and sharing faith, to achieve success in God's kingdom by becoming more of who God intended. Success is defined not by material gain but by developing one's mind, body, soul, and spirit to love God fully.
The Story of the Promised Land [4:43]
The speaker uses the Old Testament story of the Israelites on the edge of the Promised Land to illustrate the themes of the sermon. When Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan, 10 returned with a report emphasizing the difficulties, such as powerful inhabitants and fortified cities, leading them to believe the cost of conquest was too high. These spies felt like grasshoppers in their own eyes and assumed the inhabitants saw them the same way. In contrast, Joshua and Caleb urged the people to seize the land, confident in their ability to succeed.
Caleb's Wholehearted Commitment [9:39]
After 45 years, Caleb, at age 85, approaches Joshua to claim the land God promised him. Caleb recounts how, as one of the original spies, he wholeheartedly followed God, unlike the others who were fearful. He reminds Joshua of Moses' promise that the land of Canaan, where he had walked, would belong to him and his descendants because of his unwavering devotion. Caleb emphasizes that his strength remains intact and requests the hill country, despite the giants residing there, confident that God's presence will ensure victory. Joshua blesses Caleb and grants him Hebron, acknowledging Caleb's steadfast commitment to God.
Joshua's Unexpected Responsibility [14:47]
The focus shifts to Joshua, who faces the unexpected responsibility of leading the Israelites after Moses' death. God reassures Joshua, promising His presence and support as He was with Moses. God reminds Joshua of His promise to give the land to their ancestors and assures him that no one will be able to stand against him. The speaker encourages the audience to remember the promises God has made to them, which may have been forgotten or buried under life's challenges. God's promises do not expire, and remembering them is an act of faith that provides the courage to move forward.
Confidence in God's Presence [18:29]
The speaker emphasizes that success comes not from personal strength but from God's presence. Caleb's confidence stems from his belief that God is with him, enabling him to drive out the giants. Similarly, God promises Joshua His unwavering presence, assuring him that He will be with him as He was with Moses. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize that the same God who empowers others is also with them, and it is His presence that brings victory.
Evaluation: Are You Spiritually Retired? [22:52]
The speaker presents a series of self-evaluation questions to assess the audience's spiritual state. These questions address whether they have stopped expecting God to use them, are more excited about vacations than their calling, pray more about problems than purpose, fear failure more than wasting their life, or feel inadequate due to age, ability, or experience. The speaker asserts that relevance comes from one's unique assignment from God, not personal attributes, and that this assignment can be accomplished because God is with them.
Embracing the Hard Assignment [25:59]
The speaker highlights Caleb's choice to ask for the hill country, the most challenging territory inhabited by giants, as an example of embracing hard assignments. The speaker identifies three common "giants" people face: sex, money, and power, which often lead to fear and distrust in God's promises. The speaker encourages the audience to confront these giants and trust in God's path, even when it is difficult. Just as Joshua had to step up after Moses' death, the speaker urges listeners to embrace the mountains that choose them, recognizing that these challenges prepare them for the future.
26 Days of Fasting in 2026 [31:09]
The speaker introduces a 26-day fasting initiative in 2026, explaining that fasting is not a punishment but a training exercise to refocus and reaffirm commitment to one's assignment. Participants can choose to fast from food, social media, or anything that distracts them from their purpose. The goal is to spend 26 days refocusing and training to demonstrate a serious commitment to one's future.
Finishing What You Start [32:37]
The final mindset for success is finishing what one starts. The speaker highlights Caleb's success in driving out the giants, naming them specifically, and Joshua's leadership in leading Israel to possess the promised land. The speaker emphasizes that faith finishes and does the work, not just makes declarations. The speaker encourages the audience to identify their "giants," name them, and commit to defeating them.
Commitment and Next Steps [35:01]
The speaker outlines the topics for the upcoming weeks, focusing on loving God with one's mind, body, soul, and spirit. The speaker asks the audience to commit to attending services for the next five weeks, join the 26-day fast, and take a step into community through exercise classes, Bible study, or serving. The speaker encourages those ready to commit to stand and scan a QR code to join the initiative, emphasizing that accountability is necessary for success.
