March 28, 2021
Sermon notes March 28, 2021
AM Service
Scripture: Joshua
This morning I want to look at the book of Joshua as a whole. It begins with covering the Lord’s transition of Israel’s leadership from Moses to Joshua. Early in Joshua, we find the Lord encouraging Joshua to faithfulness, obedience, and courage. We see God perform miracles that showed the Israelites God was still with them and Joshua just as God had been with them under Moses. We have read about the battles, Joshua’s conquests, and the Lord’s miracles in bringing the victories. Towards the end of the Book, Joshua divides the land of Israel among the tribes and gives a farewell address, which you will read this week in your daily Bible reading.
Here are some key points from Joshua:
- God keeps His promises. In Joshua 23:1-3, 5, 9-10, 14 and 24:14, Joshua reminds the Israelites what God had done to keep His promises. God has proven to be faithful to His Word. It is so important for you and I to know God’s Word for ourselves so we can know God’s promises.
- The key to us experiencing God’s promises for ourselves is being faithful and obedient to God. In Joshua 1:6-9, God tells Joshua to know His Word and that success will be found only in obedience to God. That is proven throughout Joshua, not only by the success the Israelites experienced when they were faithful but also in their defeat at Ai after Achan’s sin at Jericho.
So what does this history mean for us other than giving us information? We can trust that God keeps His promises now as God did then. Are there promises for us? You and I do not have a Promised Land like the Israelites, but we do have promises. I believe the promises offered to us are greater than the Israelite’s Promised Land, because the promises made now are superior in the power of Christ! The Israelites followed good men, Moses and Joshua, to their promise. While Moses and Joshua are faithful men they are not perfect like our Lord Jesus Christ! When we follow Jesus by abiding in Him we can experience the promises Jesus made possible by His work on the cross! Consider these promises:
John 3:16 – those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior are promised eternal life
John 16:33 – believers are promised peace despite troubles in life
Matthew 11:28-29 – believers are promised rest for our soul
Philippians 4:6-9 – believers are promised the peace of God during times of anxiety and that God will be with us though those times
1 Peter 2:24 – believers are promised we can live for righteousness
Romans 8:29 – believers are promised God works all things for good for those who love Him
James 1:5 – believers are promised wisdom when we genuinely seek it from God
1 John 1:9 – believers are promised forgiveness of sins and purification
Philippians 4:19 – believers are promised that God will meet our needs
Revelation 22:20 – we are promised that Christ will return
However, if we are going to fully experience these blessings, we must obey the Lord. We must abide in God. Joshua 24:14-15 reminds the people of Israel that they must make a choice whether to follow God or not. You must also make a decision – for yourself, for your family, and for your household. Wherever you have influence, will you put aside sin, selfishness, and lack of faith? Will you instead put your faith in God?
As Joshua instructed the Israelites in Joshua 3:5, we must get ready. We must repent and commit to God. We must obey Him. Then, we will see what God will do!
God bless,
Pastor Charlie