Faithful Living: Lessons from Joshua's Legacy
Summary
The sermon series "The Story," which took the congregation through the Bible in chronological order, was highlighted for its impact on spiritual growth. The church's decision to distribute copies of "The Story" was met with enthusiasm, as around 900 copies were ordered due to high demand. The speaker also reflected on the importance of adhering to God's word, as exemplified by Joshua's challenge to the Israelites.
The speaker shared personal experiences, including a Thanksgiving gathering and the anticipation of reconnecting with the congregation. They previewed upcoming sermons and events, including the conclusion of the "courageous series" on the Book of Joshua, Christmas-themed sermons, and a year-end celebration.
Joshua's farewell address to the Israelite leaders was discussed, focusing on three challenges: keeping God's word, holding fast to the Lord, and loving the Lord. These challenges remain relevant for Christians today. The speaker shared a personal story about their father's illness, emphasizing the importance of passing on faith to future generations.
The concept of a covenant relationship between God and His people was likened to a marriage, with faithfulness and loyalty being paramount. The speaker drew parallels between the Israelites' unfaithfulness and the challenges Christians face today in maintaining their relationship with God.
The importance of reading about God's past deeds to build trust was emphasized, with Joshua's success attributed to his devotion to God's word. The speaker encouraged the congregation to stay committed to God's word for spiritual growth and success.
The speaker discussed the practice of thanking God in advance and the anticipation of studying the Book of Judges. They reflected on Joshua's old age and the urgency to pass on a message before dying, sharing a story about a 106-year-old woman's reflections on the past.
The audience was reminded of their history, including crossing the Jordan River and witnessing God's miracles. They were urged to be strong, obedient, and to avoid the influence of surrounding nations and their gods. The speaker warned that turning away from God would lead to consequences.
Joshua's completion of his tasks and the importance of passing on a message before one's time on Earth ends were highlighted. The leaders were urged to stay faithful and not jeopardize what God had done for them.
The significance of holding fast to the Lord was discussed, with the Hebrew word for "hold fast" being compared to a husband's relationship with his wife. The speaker warned against the temptation of other nations' gods, which led to the Israelites' downfall.
A personal story about the speaker's father's illness and his imparting of wisdom to his grandson was shared, relating to Joshua's wisdom and challenges to the leaders in Joshua 23. The importance of studying and memorizing scripture was emphasized.
Finally, the speaker shared a story about a 106-year-old woman's reflections, suggesting that Joshua, at 110 years old, had many memories to share and a final task to guide the Israelites towards future success.
Key Takeaways:
- The enthusiastic response to "The Story" demonstrates the congregation's hunger for engaging with the Bible in a structured and communal way. This underscores the importance of providing accessible resources for spiritual growth and the collective exploration of scripture. [47:17]
- Joshua's farewell address to the Israelite leaders, with its emphasis on keeping God's word, holding fast to the Lord, and loving the Lord, serves as a timeless reminder of the foundational principles that should guide Christian living. These challenges are not just historical directives but are applicable and vital for contemporary faith practice. [37:51]
- The metaphor of a covenant relationship between God and His people, akin to a marriage, highlights the depth of commitment and fidelity required in the spiritual journey. This analogy serves as a powerful reminder of the exclusivity and seriousness of the relationship between believers and God, calling for unwavering loyalty and love. [52:41]
- The narrative of Joshua's adherence to God's word and the resulting victories in his life serves as a compelling argument for the transformative power of scripture. It suggests that a deep and consistent engagement with the Bible is crucial for spiritual success and a closer fellowship with God. [44:17]
- The speaker's personal anecdotes, both of their father's imparting wisdom to his grandson and the 106-year-old woman's reflections, illustrate the profound impact of legacy and the transmission of faith across generations. These stories highlight the importance of sharing life's lessons and God's truths with the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of faith. [41:14]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 23:1-16 - Joshua's farewell address to the leaders of Israel.
2. Genesis 2:24 - The concept of holding fast in a marriage relationship.
3. Jeremiah 2:1-2 - God's remembrance of Israel's early devotion.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three challenges Joshua gives to the Israelite leaders in his farewell address? ([36:14])
2. How does Joshua describe the current state of the Israelites' relationship with the surrounding nations and their gods? ([30:14])
3. What metaphor does Joshua use to describe the relationship between God and His people? ([47:17])
4. What personal story did the speaker share to illustrate the importance of passing on faith to future generations? ([38:29])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Joshua emphasize the importance of keeping God's word, holding fast to the Lord, and loving the Lord in his farewell address? ([36:14])
2. How does the metaphor of a marriage covenant help us understand the depth of commitment required in our relationship with God? ([47:17])
3. What can we learn from Joshua's life about the impact of consistent devotion to God's word on spiritual success? ([43:02])
4. How do the personal stories shared by the speaker highlight the importance of legacy and the transmission of faith across generations? ([38:29])
#### Application Questions
1. Joshua warned the Israelites about the dangers of associating with surrounding nations and their gods. Are there any "modern-day gods" or influences that you need to be cautious of in your life? How can you avoid these influences? ([30:14])
2. Reflect on the metaphor of a marriage covenant. How can you "hold fast" to the Lord in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with God? ([47:17])
3. The speaker emphasized the importance of reading and memorizing scripture. What is one specific way you can incorporate more Bible reading into your daily routine? ([41:14])
4. The speaker shared a story about their father's wisdom being passed down to his grandson. What is one piece of spiritual wisdom you have received from a family member or mentor? How can you pass this wisdom on to someone else? ([38:29])
5. Joshua's farewell address included a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to stray from your faith? How can you seek support and accountability to stay on the right path? ([35:01])
6. The speaker mentioned the enthusiastic response to "The Story" and the hunger for engaging with the Bible. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage more deeply with scripture? ([45:19])
7. Reflect on the concept of thanking God in advance for future blessings. How can you incorporate this practice into your prayer life? What are some things you can thank God for in advance right now? ([24:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Engaging with Scripture Collectively
The congregation's eagerness to delve into "The Story" reflects a shared desire to connect with the Bible in a meaningful, structured way. This collective journey through scripture fosters a deeper understanding and a stronger community bond, as members learn and grow together. The act of exploring God's word as a body of believers not only enriches individual faith but also strengthens the church's unity. [47:17]
Deuteronomy 31:12 - "Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law."
Reflection: How can you contribute to a communal understanding of scripture within your church or small group this week?
Day 2: Timeless Principles for Christian Living
The challenges presented in Joshua's farewell address—keeping God's word, holding fast to the Lord, and loving the Lord—serve as foundational principles for Christian living. These directives are not confined to history but are essential for guiding believers in their daily walk with God. By embracing these principles, Christians can navigate contemporary life with a firm foundation rooted in timeless truth. [37:51]
Psalm 119:9-11 - "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to keep God's word more central in your life?
Day 3: Covenant Relationship with God
The covenant between God and His people is likened to a marriage, requiring the same depth of commitment, fidelity, and exclusivity. This powerful metaphor underscores the seriousness of the spiritual journey, calling for unwavering loyalty and love. As believers, the call to faithfulness is paramount, mirroring the sacred bond of marriage in our relationship with the Divine. [52:41]
Hosea 2:19-20 - "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD."
Reflection: In what ways can you renew your commitment to God this week, reflecting the faithfulness and loyalty of a covenant relationship?
Day 4: Transformative Power of Scripture
Joshua's life exemplifies the transformative power of scripture, with his devotion to God's word leading to remarkable victories. This narrative encourages believers to immerse themselves deeply and consistently in the Bible, as it is crucial for spiritual success and a closer fellowship with God. Engaging with scripture is not a passive act but an active pursuit that shapes one's life and faith. [44:17]
Jeremiah 15:16 - "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day this week to read and meditate on scripture, allowing it to transform your life?
Day 5: Legacy and Transmission of Faith
The stories shared about the speaker's father and the 106-year-old woman illustrate the profound impact of legacy and the importance of transmitting faith across generations. These narratives remind us that sharing life's lessons and God's truths with the younger generation is crucial for the continuity of faith and the shaping of future believers. [41:14]
Psalm 78:4-6 - "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. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."
Reflection: What is one piece of wisdom or a spiritual truth you can share with a younger person in your life this week?
Quotes
"The hunger for God's word was really powerful, so we ordered a couple hundred more. Next weekend, gone. Do you realize that we've given away around 900 now? It does not get old, almost weekly now, people are feeding me back." [45:54] (Download)
"We will be here at New Life a people known for our unapologetic, non-compromising, courageous commitment to God's word. We will be that." [46:34] (Download)
"Hold fast to the Lord your God. This is one of those places in the Bible that taking a few extra minutes to peel back a couple layers can yield profound insight into our relationship with Him." [47:17] (Download)
"I don't know if you spend much time thanking God in advance for things that have not happened yet, but we do around here, and so we use that weekend to do that." [24:59] (Download)
"Be careful and you keep God's word. That is a good reminder for us today too, as we are studying out God's word and we read the Bible." [41:14] (Download)
"Keep God's word, hold fast to the Lord, and love the Lord your God... this is what it's going to take to be successful." [37:51] (Download)
"As I read about all that God did, it makes me want to trust Him more. It encourages me in my daily life to trust Him as I face my own challenges, and I faced them with courage and confidence." [41:51] (Download)
"Joshua's devotion to God's word is what enabled him to get to know God really well, to love Him well, and to want to please Him. I believe it started with devotion to His word and his relationship grew from there over the course of his life." [43:40] (Download)
"Your relationship with God is like a marriage between a husband and a wife, and you hold fast to the Lord like a husband holds fast to his wife." [49:52] (Download)
"I think about that, what do you got to get out, what do you got to pass on before your time on Earth is gone? I sense that this Joshua, he knows his time is short and he's got to get this message out." [31:26] (Download)
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