Clinging to God: Legacy, Community, and Faithfulness
Summary
In a sermon centered on the theme of legacy, the speaker draws from the biblical narrative of Joshua to inspire believers to live lives that honor God and leave a lasting impact. The speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of community in the Christian journey, urging believers to seek support and accountability from their brothers and sisters in Christ. They are encouraged to be honest about their struggles and to think beyond the present moment, considering their legacy in terms of generations, kingdoms, and eternity.
The speaker reflects on Joshua's old age as he gathers the leaders of Israel to remind them of God's faithfulness and to exhort them to cling to the Lord and His word. This call to faithfulness is not just about personal piety but about leaving a legacy that honors God and impacts others. The speaker also shares a personal story about a girl and her pet snake, illustrating how sin can grow and eventually consume us if we are not vigilant.
The sermon delves into the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of Christian salvation, where believers are saved but still await the final consummation of their salvation. The speaker highlights the continuity of God's faithfulness from the time of Moses to the coming of Jesus, who provides abundant life through His sacrifice. Believers are called to live in light of this inheritance, dying to themselves and living out of the life of Jesus.
The speaker also addresses the issue of God's justice, using cultural references to show how human standards of morality change over time, yet God remains the faithful standard. They encourage believers to reflect on God's faithfulness in their own lives and to discuss these experiences within their communities.
Finally, the speaker concludes by focusing on the power of God's faithfulness, as seen in the life of David and the Israelites. They encourage the congregation to trust in God's faithfulness, even in moments of crisis, and to consider how they can live a faithful life that carries a meaningful legacy. The sermon ends with a prayer for the community to walk in holiness and bear fruit for God's kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone; believers are called to live in community, supporting and holding each other accountable. This interconnectedness is essential for growth in holiness and for bearing fruit that lasts beyond our years. The body of Christ is designed to function as a whole, where each member contributes to the growth and well-being of the others. [45:12]
- Legacy in the Christian context is about more than personal achievements or material inheritance; it is about the spiritual and moral impact one leaves for future generations. Joshua's example of gathering Israel's leaders to pass on wisdom and knowledge underscores the importance of imparting what we have learned to those who follow after us. [09:56]
- The concept of "already but not yet" captures the essence of the Christian life. Believers live in the tension of experiencing salvation through Christ while anticipating the fullness of that salvation in the future. This perspective shapes how we live today, with an eye toward the eternal inheritance promised to us. [19:59]
- The speaker's story about the girl and her pet snake serves as a powerful metaphor for sin's deceptive nature. It warns of the gradual entanglement with sin and the need for vigilance. This illustration reminds believers to be discerning and to resist the allure of sin that can subtly measure and consume us if left unchecked. [30:54]
- Reflecting on God's faithfulness is a source of strength and hope. As Joshua reminded the Israelites of God's past faithfulness, believers today are called to remember and trust in God's unwavering commitment to His promises. This remembrance is not just intellectual but deeply rooted in the heart and soul, providing confidence for the battles ahead. [18:06]
Study Guide
Bible Reading
1. Joshua 23:6 (ESV)
"Be very strong, then, and keep all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left."
2. Joshua 23:14 (ESV)
"And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed."
3. Romans 8:15 (ESV)
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"
Observation Questions
1. What does Joshua instruct the Israelites to do in Joshua 23:6, and what might be the significance of his emphasis on not turning "to the right hand nor to the left"?
2. In Joshua 23:14, how does Joshua confirm the faithfulness of God to the Israelites?
3. According to Romans 8:15, what kind of spirit have believers received, and what does this imply about their relationship with God?
Interpretation Questions
1. How might the instruction given by Joshua in Joshua 23:6 apply to the concept of legacy and the impact of one's actions on future generations?
2. Reflecting on Joshua 23:14, how can the testimony of God's faithfulness in the past provide assurance for His promises in the present and future?
3. Considering Romans 8:15, what does it mean to live as children of God rather than in a spirit of fear, especially in the context of community and mutual support?
Application Questions
1. Identify a specific area of your life where you may be tempted to "turn to the right hand or to the left" from God's commands. What is one practical step you can take this week to remain steadfast?
2. Think of a situation where you doubted God's faithfulness. How can you remind yourself of His promises and past faithfulness the next time you face uncertainty or fear?
3. Reflect on your spiritual legacy. What is one action you can commit to this week that will contribute positively to the spiritual and moral influence you leave behind?
4. Recall a recent instance when you faced the temptation of sin that seemed small or harmless at first. What is one way you can actively guard against such temptations in the future?
5. Considering your identity as a child of God, what is one fear you can surrender to God today, and what scripture can you use to reinforce your trust in Him?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Interdependent Faith
In the Christian walk, believers are called to live in a community that fosters spiritual growth and accountability. This interconnectedness is not a sign of weakness but a divine design that strengthens each individual's faith journey. By sharing burdens, celebrating victories, and working together, the body of Christ becomes a powerful force for transformation and a beacon of God's love in the world. [43:54]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: Who in your faith community have you connected with recently to share your journey, and how can you strengthen that connection this week?
Day 2: Building a Lasting Legacy
The legacy of a Christian is measured by the spiritual and moral influence they leave behind, impacting generations to come. It is about living a life that echoes into eternity, setting an example of faithfulness and obedience that inspires others to follow. The choices made today are the foundation of the legacy that will outlive us and shape the faith of future believers. [09:56]
Psalm 78:4 - "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to contribute to a legacy that points others to Christ?
Day 3: The Subtlety of Sin
Sin, when left unchecked, can grow insidiously within our lives, leading to destruction. It often starts small, but without vigilance and the Holy Spirit's guidance, it can become a consuming force. Recognizing the progression of sin is crucial, as is actively resisting its allure through prayer, scripture, and community support. [29:44]
James 1:14-15 - "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Reflection: What temptations are you facing, and how can you proactively guard against them becoming a stronghold in your life?
Day 4: Living in the 'Already Not Yet'
Christians exist in a tension between the present reality of salvation and the future hope of resurrection. This 'already not yet' state calls believers to live out kingdom values in the present while longing for the full realization of God's promises. It is a life lived in anticipation, with eyes fixed on eternity and hands at work in the world. [21:10]
1 Peter 1:3-5 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the hope of your future inheritance shape the way you live and interact with others today?
Day 5: Anchored in God's Faithfulness
Trusting in God's faithfulness is essential, especially when facing life's storms. The stories of David and the Israelites remind us that God's steadfast love and promises are unwavering. Remembering His past faithfulness can embolden us to face current and future challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us and for us. [18:48]
Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God's faithfulness was evident in your life, and how can that memory encourage you in your current circumstances?
Quotes
"We're actually meant to do this in community so that there would be moments that we would call on a brother or sister, another saint, that would minister to us and that they would call out these things into the light and that they would provide a space where someone can be honest about these are the things that I've got hidden, those snakes, this is what I got, and I just can't handle them alone and I can't kill them alone. I need a brother or sister to help me do this." [42:37]
"A faithful Legacy is built by setting your heart on God's faithfulness." [12:48]
"These things lead to death like they consume us and if we're not careful they grow to a certain point where they will actually destroy us." [32:03]
"The nature of marriage is one where two people become one, and he's saying you are in the world but you're not of the world, do not become the world." [32:37]
"God has kept his promises, he's been faithful, and because he's been faithful, you can draw near to him, you can be in his presence where you will be washed clean. Trust him. What that does for us is that it provides an opportunity for us to live a life that leaves a faithful legacy." [26:04]
"Your legacy will be shaped by what you cling to. Remember there are three chapters here at the end, chapter 22, 23, and 24, and the question that we are asking is how should we now live in this land. And what you see in chapter 22 is that there's this inner conflict that happens within the tribes, and then you get to chapter 23 and what we have is these external dangers that are coming for the people of Israel. So Joshua says in 23:7, 'You may not mix with the Nations remaining.'" [27:14]
"In order for you to endure these battles, you need to reflect on the faithfulness of God because everything that we have gone through is a testimony to what will happen." [20:28]
"We are already adopted in Christ, but we wait eagerly for the adoption." [22:25]
"The way to this life that you are seeking is to die to yourself and to believe in me and to live out of my life." [24:15]
"God's faithfulness is a truth that we have; it's a seed of truth that we have because God has faithfully walked with us and displayed this truth over and over again in our presence." [18:06]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?