Reestablished in Love

Theme: Be reestablished in God’s covenant love and you will be ready for any work. Introduction: As Israel has entered the Promised Land, a surprising development transpires. Though they are on the brink of the actual fulfillment of the covenant, and they are prepared to fight, God calls them to step back in order that he might renew his covenant with them and ground them in his love before they begin to fight. We see this love expressed in 3 truths: Message Info Title: Reestablished in Love Speaker: Peter Privitera `t `\ Date: July 1, 2018 Scriptures: Joshua 5 1. We belong to him (1-9) The Lord calls the Israelites to be circumcised. Circumcision is a sign and seal of several truths: their identity as his people, the call to holiness, and belonging to God. This demonstrates the vital importance of definition: God is the one who defines our identity. Israel was to understand and act as the people of God. One primary area of being God’s people concerns sexual immorality. As common as sexual sin is in every day, God’s people are called to be holy with our sexuality. 2. He provides for us (10-12) God is not stingy or begrudging with his people; he is always faithful to provide for us. During their time in the wilderness, God provided manna miraculously. Israel was tempted to take it for granted; but we must see how provision in our lives always comes from God. 3. He goes before us (13-15) The path of the Christian life isn’t for us to somehow get God to accomplish our dreams. Rather, we are called to follow our Lord that we might fulfill his purposes in our lives. Joshua has an encounter with the commander of the army of the Lord, which is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus (a theophany). When Joshua asks whose side this man is on, he simply replies “No.” Joshua is called to be on the Lord’s side, and not the other way around. The Lord had sent his armies to fulfill his promises to his people, as the Battle of Jericho will make clear. He is the God who goes before us to save and sustain us. Questions: 1. What is God’s covenant love for his people? How is it meant to affect our lives as Christians? 2. How is your belonging to God evident in your lie? Is there any disconnect between your profession and your values and choices? [Type here] 3. Where has sexual immorality marked your life? Have you repented and known God’s forgiveness and grace? Is it an ongoing struggle? 4. How has God provided for you? Have you presumed upon his grace?