Chop Wood

Joshua 17:14–18 NKJV

14 Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?” 15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.” 16 But the children of Joseph said, “The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.” 17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, 18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Introduction

Joshua the Conquering Leader

Joshua in charge after Moses died

Instructed to “Be Strong and Of Good Courage

the law shall not depart from your mouth - meditate in it follow it

And As I was with Moses I will be with you...

Joshua Dividing Canaan

Each tribe receiving its portion

Canaan pictures the Christian life

We have battles to win; territory to conquer

There is a mission for each of us

Our mission affects all of us

The Tribe of Joseph Receives Its Land

The largest of the tribes

The tribe from which Joshua came

Body

The Complaint of the Tribe of Joseph (v. 14)

“Why … only one lot?”

They thought their lot too small

They thought they deserved better

This is not unlike so many Christians today

people often think they deserve more than they have-

they think what they have been given is too small for them

The pride in their protest:

“I am a great people”

They even used the Lord’s name to complain

these folks even pointed to what God had given them as evidence that they deserved even more - more than others

Many Christians are not content

“The church doesn’t recognize my talent”

“Why can’t I have that position?”

They complain constantly

Although they always appreciate it when they get what they want - they very quickly want more

they even think of themselves as being grateful and Godly -

since they acknowledge God when they get their way, or their desires

But i a few minutes, they find something more they need or deserve -

Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6–8)

1 Timothy 6:6–8 NKJV

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

The Counsel of Joshua (v. 15)

Joshua tells them to chop wood

If you really want more - it is available - but you have to get to work

Stop trying to get what someone else has and look for what God has for you

Now the truth comes out

Clearing the land will take work

But these complainers didn’t want the job

Lessons for us from this griping group

Salvation by faith but work follows (Eph. 2:8–10)

Ephesians 2:8–10 NKJV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Reaching our potential requires work

You were saved for this purpose - you have a mission

WORK to fulfill that mission

What are you doing to develop your lot?

The Chariots of Iron (v. 16)

The enemy is strong (Satan)

Not only was there going to be work - there might be some danger also

not everyone is going to be happy when you follow God

Many people fail becasue of fear -

but God’s Word is harsh against the fearful

These folks, like many Christians, were thinking more about the obstacles than the objective

worried more about the villains than the victories

We are at war with powerful forces (Eph. 6:12–18)

We were in a war before we got saved - we just didn’t know it

AS Christians, you are made aware of the war -

and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal - but Mighty indeed!!

We are equipped to win

We have the armor of God (Eph. 6)

We have the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4)

The chariots of iron were a distant threat (v. 16)

Those chariots were far away - not immediate

yes, they would face them eventually - but they would be ready

so many people give up over threats that are not even here yet -

They needed to cut that wood first

Then they could defeat the iron chariots (v. 18)

do what God calls you to do today - with what you have today - where you are today

then you will be prepared for anything the devil brings your way

then you will be ready for whatever storm beats against your house

then you will withstand in the evil day

then you will prevail

Conclusion

Let Us Serve God Where We Are … Now

He Will Give Strength to Work and Win Each Day