In our spiritual journey, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, facing battles both within and without. But there's a profound truth we must grasp: our access to the throne of God is not just a privilege; it's the very foundation of our identity in Christ. As adopted sons and daughters, we have been given an all-access pass to the Father, allowing us to boldly enter His presence without restrictions or limitations.

This adoption opens doors to our identity and secures our place in God's family. Just as children have legal access to their parents' legacy, we have access to all that God has built and prepared for us. This isn't just about our personal benefit; it's about building a future that extends beyond ourselves to impact those around us.

However, access alone isn't enough. Before we enter into any battle, we must consecrate ourselves. Consecration brings about the presence and power of God in our lives. It's not enough to have just a sprinkle of faith or a touch of Christianity. True consecration means being all in, allowing the anointing to flow and God's presence to take center stage in our lives.

The story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho beautifully illustrates this principle. God gave specific instructions to Joshua: march around the city for six days with seven priests carrying trumpets in front of the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march seven times, blow the trumpets, and shout. These weren't just arbitrary commands; they were designed to keep God's presence at the forefront of their mission.

The Ark represented God's presence, and the instruction was clear: let God go before you into battle. This is a key lesson for us today. We may already have the victory, but we need to walk through the process with the right posture – acting, talking, and carrying ourselves as if we've already won.

When the Israelites followed these instructions faithfully, the walls of Jericho fell, and victory was theirs. God gave them possession of everything available, but with one crucial condition: it all belonged to Him. They were to seize it and give it back to God.

However, human nature often gets in the way. In the midst of battle and victory, pride can rise up, making us feel like we've won by our own strength instead of acknowledging the One who secured the victory before we even began. This pride can block God's presence and power in our lives, leading to defeat – as we see in the subsequent battle at Ai.

The Israelites, fresh from their victory at Jericho, approached the smaller town of Ai with overconfidence. They sent a small force, believing it would be an easy win. Instead, they were soundly defeated and chased away. This loss wasn't just a military setback; it introduced fear into the camp and even caused Joshua to falter.

But God's response to Joshua's despair is crucial for us to understand: "Get up! There is sin in the house." Sometimes, when breakthrough doesn't come, when our prayers seem unanswered, there may be unrepentant sin blocking God's work in our lives.

This truth hit home for one leader who shared a personal story of delayed progress due to a lack of faith. Despite serving God, he realized he had been trusting in human efforts and resources rather than in God alone. It wasn't until he fully surrendered and said, "Now I trust you," that God began to move powerfully.

The contrast between Jericho and Ai teaches us a vital lesson: when God's presence goes before us, victory is assured. But when sin blocks His presence, defeat is inevitable. This pattern follows us just as it followed Israel. We must be willing to give God everything so His presence and power can lead us.

So, what does this mean for us today? It's time for honest self-reflection. Are there hidden sins in our lives that we've been ignoring or trying to hide from God? Have we been living with a casual attitude towards grace, forgetting that it cost the blood of Jesus?

We're called to take our sins seriously and make amends. This isn't about wallowing in guilt, but about clearing the way for God's presence to move powerfully in our lives. Some of us may be on the brink of victory, having been obedient and walking in faith. For others, we might find ourselves in the middle, unsure of where we stand.

Wherever we are, God is calling us to press in. He wants to give us a glimpse of the doors He's about to open, to fill us with His Spirit and increase our faith. He's ready to release His fire – a fire that both consumes and combusts.

This fire consumes our offerings – our lives laid down before Him, our destinies, plans, and dreams submitted to His will. But it also combusts, propelling us forward, accelerating our progress, and advancing us in His purposes.

The enemy of this fire is complacency, comfort, and prioritizing our own desires over the Holy Spirit's leading. We must be people who carry this fire within us, keeping the pilot light burning so that when we need it, we can access what God has prepared for us.

As we close, let's remember that God has the last say in every situation. No matter what we face – persecution, trials, or seeming defeats – He is still in control. Like the Apostle Paul, we can say, "If You want me here to be persecuted, I'm good. But if You want to take me home, I'm good." The world doesn't have the final word; God does.

So today, let's consecrate ourselves anew. Let's allow God's fire to consume everything that's not of Him and to ignite a passion that will drive us forward in His purposes. Let's be a people who carry His presence, who walk in His power, and who trust Him completely – knowing that He always has the last say.

If this sermon spoke to you and you’re ready to explore it further, this study guide is for you! Inside, you’ll find key Scriptures, reflection questions, and practical applications to help you grow in your faith. Open it up, dig in, and let God’s Word transform your life!