Text: Joshua 14:6-12; 15:13-14
As one of the two faithful spies, Caleb was promised an inheritance in the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 1:36). But in order to receive this inheritance, he needed to exhibit certain characteristics in order to obtain it.
Caleb’s Example:
Patience
- Caleb was 40 when he spied out Canaan (Joshua 14:7) – he was now 85 (Joshua 14:10)
- Waited patiently during wilderness wanderings, conquest, and waited to make his request until after the land was divided (Joshua 14:5-6)
- Waited for the right time in the Lord’s eyes (Joshua 15:3)
Diligence
- He was 85, but still willing to fight (Joshua 14:10-12)
- Taking the land would not be easy – Anakim, sons of Anak – giants (Numbers 13:33) – lived there in fortified cities (Joshua 14:12)
- So after 40 years of wandering, 5 years of war, Caleb undertook the task of defeating these people
Faith
- When he returned from spying the land 45 years earlier, he firmly trusted in God (Numbers 13:30; 14:8)
- At this time he still believed and trusted in God (Joshua 14:12)
- Faith in God’s works (to help him) and God’s words (His promises)
We Must Follow His Example to Receive Our Inheritance (1 Peter 1:4):
Patience
- Endurance/patience is an essential quality for Christians (Hebrews 12:1-2)
- The reward we seek is not of this world (Matthew 6:19-21) – we seek an eternal home (Philippians 3:20)
- We don’t know how long we must work for our reward, but we must endure to the end (Matthew 24:13)
Diligence
- God will not save us unconditionally – we must display certain works (James 2:24)
- We are to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14)
- We must be willing to sacrifice all to serve the Lord (Luke 9:23)
Faith
- We cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)
- Trust in His words & His promises (Hebrews 6:17-19)
- Trust in His power to save (1 Peter 4:19)