Are You Standing For Something or Falling for Everything?

Joshua 1

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

Theme:  The convictions we must have about the Scriptures.

 

According to the latest polls, the majority don’t believe there are any absolutes.  Hence, they reason, there is nothing you can absolutely trust except yourself.  Christians, however, hold the Scriptures as the final authority and the source of all truth.  We need to grow in our certainty and confidence of the Word.

 

  1. WHAT GOD SAYS IS CORRECT  (vv. 10-12)

A.    You take it literally.  Joshua did not sit around and rationalize God’s word or seek some deeper meaning.

    1. You take it totally.  Joshua left nothing out as he transmitted God’s instructions.
  1. WHAT GOD SAYS IS CERTAIN  (vv. 13-15)

A.    It calls us to remember.  It finds expression in phrase “God is giving” or God gave” that occurs in 1:2,3,6,11,13,15.

    1. It calls us to trust.  Joshua took God at His word and by faith, commanded the people to pack up and get ready for the journey into the land of Canaan.
  1. WHAT GOD SAYS IS CONCLUSIVE (vv. 1:16-18)

A.    It demands obedience. “All that you say we will do and wherever you send us we will go.”  (1:16)

    1. It brings results.  The Israelites affirmed Joshua as their leader.
    2. It produces joy.  The peoples’ response to Joshua:  Only be strong and of good courage.”

 

CONCLUSION:

Are you treasuring God’s Word?  Examine yourself:

·        Do you make time to read it?

·        Do you make time to meditate on it?

·        Do you make time to study it?

·        Are you consumed with it?

·        Are you obeying it?

·        Are you sharing it with others?