Choose This Day: The Urgency of Commitment

 

Summary

In tonight's message, we delve into the profound choice that Joshua presented to the Israelites: "Choose this day whom you will serve." This pivotal moment in Israel's history at Shechem, where Joshua gathered the people between two mountains, serves as a powerful metaphor for the choices we face in our own lives. The Israelites were caught in a cycle of serving God and then reverting to idolatry, specifically the worship of Baal. Joshua's call was clear: a decision had to be made between the living God and idols. This choice is not just historical but deeply personal and relevant today.

We live in a world filled with modern idols—celebrities, wealth, and personal ambitions—that subtly take the place of God in our hearts. The challenge is to recognize these idols and make a conscious decision to serve the true and living God. This decision is urgent and has eternal consequences. As Joshua declared, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," we too must make a personal commitment to follow Christ, regardless of societal pressures or personal desires.

The choice is between two ways of life, two masters, and ultimately, two destinies. Jesus Christ offers a path of life, peace, and purpose, contrasting with the deceptive allure of worldly pleasures that lead to spiritual death. Our conscience, often dulled by repeated sin, needs to be resensitized through Christ, who offers forgiveness and a new beginning. This decision is not just about avoiding hell but embracing a life of joy and peace in Christ.

The urgency of this decision cannot be overstated. Indecision is itself a choice, and time will not wait. The call is to seize the moment, to choose Christ now, and to experience the transformative power of His grace. This choice affects not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. As we stand in the valley of decision, the invitation is clear: choose life, choose Christ, and experience the fullness of His salvation.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Urgency of Choice: Just as Joshua called the Israelites to choose whom they would serve, we are faced with the same decision today. This choice is urgent and has eternal consequences. Indecision is a decision against God, and time will not wait for us to make up our minds. [01:33]

2. Modern Idolatry: In today's world, idols are not just statues but can be anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, such as fame, wealth, or personal ambitions. Recognizing and rejecting these idols is crucial to serving the true and living God. [02:35]

3. Two Ways of Life: We are presented with two paths: one that leads to life and peace through Christ, and another that leads to spiritual death. The path we choose determines our destiny, and Jesus offers the way to true life and purpose. [05:43]

4. The Role of Conscience: Our conscience can become desensitized through repeated sin, but Christ offers to resensitize it, allowing us to discern right from wrong. This transformation is essential for living a life aligned with God's will. [06:30]

5. Personal Commitment: The decision to follow Christ is deeply personal and cannot be made by anyone else for us. It requires a personal commitment to surrender to Christ and make Him the Lord of our lives, impacting not only us but future generations. [13:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:39] - Joshua's Call to Decision
- [01:33] - Urgency of Choosing God
- [02:35] - Modern Idolatry
- [03:42] - Personal Commitment to God
- [04:59] - Two Ways of Life
- [05:43] - Jesus as the Way
- [06:30] - The Role of Conscience
- [07:21] - Salvation by Grace
- [08:05] - The Price of Redemption
- [09:42] - Choosing Between Two Masters
- [12:07] - The Battle for Your Soul
- [13:49] - Personal Decision for Christ
- [15:43] - Impact on Future Generations
- [19:41] - The Valley of Decision

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Joshua 24:15: "Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your father served in the region beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Observation Questions:
1. What choice did Joshua present to the Israelites at Shechem, and why was it significant? [00:39]
2. How does the sermon describe the cycle of behavior the Israelites were caught in regarding their worship practices? [01:33]
3. What are some examples of modern idols mentioned in the sermon that can take the place of God in our hearts? [02:35]
4. According to the sermon, what is the role of conscience in making the choice to follow Christ? [06:30]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the urgency of making a decision to follow Christ, and what are the potential consequences of indecision? [19:41]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of modern idolatry, and why is it important for believers to recognize and reject these idols? [02:35]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the two paths of life presented to us, and how does Jesus offer a way to true life and purpose? [05:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the personal nature of the commitment to follow Christ, and why is it important for each individual to make this decision for themselves? [13:49]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any modern idols, such as fame or personal ambitions, that might be taking the place of God in your heart? How can you begin to address this? [02:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of choosing to follow Christ. What steps can you take this week to make a more decisive commitment to your faith? [19:41]
3. Consider the two paths of life described in the sermon. Which path do you feel you are currently on, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with the path of life and peace through Christ? [05:43]
4. How can you resensitize your conscience to better discern right from wrong, as suggested in the sermon? Are there specific areas in your life where you feel your conscience has become dulled? [06:30]
5. The sermon highlights the impact of our choices on future generations. How can you ensure that your decision to follow Christ positively influences your family and community? [15:43]
6. Reflect on the personal nature of the commitment to follow Christ. What does it mean for you to say, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"? How can you live this out in your daily life? [13:49]
7. The sermon mentions the battle for your soul. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against the influences that pull you away from God? [12:07]

Devotional

Day 1: The Urgency of Decision
In life, we are often faced with choices that have significant consequences. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were called to make a decisive choice about whom they would serve. This urgency is mirrored in our lives today as we navigate a world filled with distractions and competing priorities. The call to choose God is not one that can be postponed indefinitely. Indecision itself is a choice, and it is a choice against God. The time to decide is now, as the consequences of our choices are eternal. The decision to follow God is not just about avoiding negative outcomes but about embracing a life filled with purpose and peace. [01:33]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What is one decision you have been putting off that could bring you closer to God? How can you take a step towards making that decision today?


Day 2: Recognizing Modern Idolatry
In today's world, idolatry is not limited to physical statues or images. It can manifest in the form of wealth, fame, or personal ambitions that take precedence over our relationship with God. These modern idols can subtly infiltrate our lives, drawing our attention and devotion away from the true and living God. Recognizing these idols is the first step in rejecting them and realigning our hearts with God's will. It requires a conscious effort to evaluate what occupies the throne of our hearts and to make a deliberate choice to serve God above all else. [02:35]

Colossians 3:5 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Reflection: Identify one modern idol in your life that competes for your attention with God. What practical steps can you take to dethrone this idol and prioritize your relationship with God?


Day 3: Choosing Between Two Paths
Life presents us with two distinct paths: one that leads to life and peace through Christ, and another that leads to spiritual death. The path we choose determines our destiny. Jesus offers a way to true life and purpose, contrasting with the deceptive allure of worldly pleasures. This choice is not just about avoiding negative consequences but about embracing a fulfilling life in Christ. It is a call to walk in the light, to experience the joy and peace that come from a relationship with God. [05:43]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

Reflection: Reflect on the path you are currently on. Are there areas where you need to realign your choices with the path of life and peace that Jesus offers?


Day 4: Resensitizing the Conscience
Our conscience can become desensitized through repeated sin, making it difficult to discern right from wrong. However, Christ offers to resensitize our conscience, allowing us to live a life aligned with God's will. This transformation is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves a process of repentance, forgiveness, and renewal, where we allow Christ to cleanse our hearts and minds. By doing so, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance and better equipped to make choices that honor God. [06:30]

Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

Reflection: In what ways has your conscience become desensitized? How can you invite Christ to purify and resensitize your conscience today?


Day 5: Personal Commitment to Christ
The decision to follow Christ is deeply personal and cannot be made by anyone else for us. It requires a personal commitment to surrender to Christ and make Him the Lord of our lives. This commitment impacts not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. As we stand in the valley of decision, we are invited to choose life, to choose Christ, and to experience the fullness of His salvation. This choice is not just about a momentary decision but about a lifelong journey of faith and obedience. [13:49]

2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV): "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well."

Reflection: What does a personal commitment to Christ look like in your daily life? How can you model this commitment to those around you, especially the next generation?

Quotes

"Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your father served in the region beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. He made a choice. Joshua voted." [00:00:08]

"Now they made decisions and they cast their votes, no matter what the cost was, because of what they believed. And Joshua said, I'm calling my family together and we're voting for God. We're going to serve the true and the living God. Now outwardly the followers of God, but deep in their hearts they were idolaters." [00:01:33]

"And Joshua says that such a condition cannot continue. You must decide whether you're going to worship those idols or worship the living God. And they must decide immediately. That was Israel's day of election, Israel's day of decision. They must go on. They must go on record for God or against him. And you must decide tonight." [00:01:59]

"Robert Browning exclaimed 100 years ago, this business of life is made up of terrible choices, and it is. We have to make some of these choices in our lives. Adam had to make that choice. Was he going to build his world with God and have peace in the world and justice in the world, or was he going to go his own way?" [00:04:14]

"Now first, we must choose two ways of life, between two ways. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. Which road are you on? Jesus Christ said, I am the way. I am the way. Come to Christ." [00:05:22]

"Some people say, well, if I follow my conscience, isn't that enough? No, because your conscience can be dead. Many people have a dead conscience. But when you come to Jesus Christ, He resensitizes the conscience. You see, you... You tell a lie when you're a child and your conscience bothers you." [00:06:15]

"one life or the other. Which will it be? A life of surrender to Christ as Lord and Savior, or a life in which you surrender to yourself and your own desires and your own pleasures and your own lust and your own greed and your own jealousies? And then you have to make a choice between two masters." [00:09:08]

"Not only two ways of life, not only two masters, but also you have to choose between two destinies. What is your destiny? Where will you be 50, 100 years from tonight? You'll be somewhere. The real you, your body will be in the grave perhaps, but you, the real you, your soul, your spirit, the thing that thinks and remembers and loves and so forth, that's the part of you that will live forever, either in heaven or hell. And you've got to make a choice between the two." [00:09:45]

"And then this choice or this vote that you make has got to be yourself. You must make that vote yourself. For as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. I don't know one, I guess one of the year's most popular songs is Madonna's Papa Don't Preach. Now Joshua didn't hesitate for one moment to preach to those people." [00:13:26]

"Man is a social being. However, there is an inner sanctuary within us where we retire from all of the fellowship, all of the influences. There's a lonely arena in the depths of your heart where the greatest battle of life must be. There's a lonely arena in the depths of your heart where the greatest battle of life must be." [00:14:04]

"Moses said, I call heaven and earth to record this day that I've said before you, life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life. You choose life. That you and your seed may live. It affects future generations. It affects your children and your grandchildren. A decision that my grandfathers made years ago affects my life today." [00:15:00]

"I believe that none of you are here by accident tonight. I believe that you're here on this particular night because this is the night that you are to meet God in a new way and receive Him into your heart. And it's an urgent decision because to delay makes the right decision harder. Indecision in itself is a choice." [00:19:17]

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Transcript
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