Joshua 23-24

Covenant Commitment: Choosing to Serve God

Bible Passage: Joshua 23, Joshua 24

Summary: In Joshua 23 and 24, Joshua, the leader of Israel, calls the people to remember God's faithfulness and urges them to remain steadfast in their covenant with Him. He recounts the victories God has given them and emphasizes the importance of serving God alone and adhering to His commandments as they enter a new phase in their lives.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to reflect on their own commitment to God amidst societal pressures and changes. It inspires them to reaffirm their dedication to serve the Lord and resist the temptation to blend in with the surrounding culture. By committing to God, they can experience His guidance and blessings in their daily lives.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness as a foundation for our future decisions. It highlights the necessity of making intentional choices to serve God wholeheartedly, fostering a spirit of accountability within the community of believers.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this context, Christ is seen as the ultimate mediator of the new covenant. Just as Joshua urged Israel to choose whom they would serve, believers today are called to choose Christ, who fulfills the law and gives the power to follow God completely. The commitment made by Israel foreshadows the commitment that Christ demonstrates through His sacrifice.

Big Idea: Our commitment to serve God must be intentional and based on the remembrance of His faithfulness, regardless of life’s changes and challenges.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider delving into the historical context of Joshua’s leadership and the sociopolitical pressures the Israelites faced. Using Logos, explore commentaries that discuss the covenant theology in Joshua, particularly examining how the historical context influences the theological implications of the passage. Pay attention to potential text-critical issues regarding the translation of key terms related to ‘serving’ and ‘choosing’ in these chapters.

1. Cling To His Faithfulness

Joshua 23:1-8

You could exhort the congregation to consider how Joshua's charge to Israel reflects God’s enduring faithfulness. The point is to encourage believers to cling to God’s promises just as Israel was called to adhere to God's laws. This adherence should be rooted in gratitude for what God has done, fostering a commitment to serve Him only amidst life's transitions.

2. Consider The Consequences

Joshua 23:9-16

Perhaps you might reflect on the historical reminders of God's victories for Israel as catalysts for deeper trust and servanthood today. Stressing the consequences of disloyalty to God serves as a poignant reminder for believers to steadfastly follow Christ, who brought ultimate victory through His death and resurrection. Encourage the audience to consider the eternal impact of their allegiance.

3. Choose Whom You Serve

Joshua 24:1-15

You could delve into Joshua's compelling call for Israel to renew their covenant. The gathering at Shechem represents a pivotal decision, akin to the personal decision each Christian must make to serve Christ. Invite your congregation to assess personal idols and distractions, turning instead to the exclusive worship of God, empowered by Christ’s example and sacrifice.

4. Commit With Conviction

Joshua 24:16-28

Maybe explore how Israel's declaration to serve God reminds believers of their public testimony. Emphasize the need for accountability within the community to uphold this commitment. Highlight how, through Christ, the church supports each member in living out their faith, ensuring discipleship that is dynamic and transformative, grounded in the remembrance of God’s steadfast love.