Joshua Sermon #1

INTRO: Historical setting. Moses had led Israel out of Egypt. They had wandered in the wilderness 40 years. Moses has died. Now Joshua is God's appointed leader, and in only three days will lead the nation over the Jordan River to fight for the land. The date is approximately 1400 BC. This is history. These things actually happened, and were recorded for our instruction. What lessons can we learn from today's reading? Four simple spiritual truths:

I. We Shall All Die.
A. Moses had just died (Deut. 34:1-8).
No one else ever knew God as Moses did (Deut. 34:10-12).
B. Yet he died, and God replaced him with Joshua.
So shall we all die, and be replaced.
ILLUS: I was shopping in K-Mart yesterday, and saw a lady looking at some
T-shirts. She was holding one up to show to her friend, and I read the slogan.
"100 years from now, all new people."
C. Are you and I ready to die?

II. The Christian Life Should Be A Life of Conflict.
A. "Get ready to cross the Jordan." (Josh. 1:2).
Some of our Gospel songs have made us think this means dieing, but it really
means to pass into the promised land.
B. What did Israel have to do immediately upon entering Caanan? Fight!
This is not a symbol of Heaven, but a symbol of the Christian life.
C. Remember Jesus' words in Matthew 10:34-39.
D. We are not left here by God so that we can slip by as easily as possible, with
the least conflict. He wants us to be salt and light. If we are faithful to Jesus'
wishes, we will experience conflict with those around us.
E. We are faced with hard choices: What will you do when your child's sports
schedule interferes with Sunday worship services? What will you say to your
friends who invite you to see a movie with them, that you would be ashamed
to see with Jesus? What will you say to your boss when you find out that
your company's business practices are unethical?

III. Whatever We Have Is A Gift from God.
A. God gave Israel the land (Joshua 1:3-4). From the deep South to the far
North. From the Mediterranean Sea to TransJordan. Let all nations who
lay claim to this land beware. God gave it to Israel!
B. What has God given you? All you have (Deut. 8:17-18).
C. Why did Jesus tell us the parable of the three stewards?

IV. God Keeps All His Promises (verse 3, "As I promised.")
A. But people constantly break even solemn vows! Marriage, debts, appoint-
ments to do work, or meet you...etc.
B. Joshua, before he died at age 110, reminded Israel of God's faithfulness.
(Joshua 23:14).
C. Imperative: TRUST in the Lord. He will be faithful to you!

CONCL: These truths are simple. Nothing new. Yet they are deep: 1) We shall all die. 2) The Christian life should be a life of conflict. 3) Whatever we have is a gift from God. 4) God keeps all His promises. May the Lord increase our faith!