Joshua’s final commands – part 2

Joshua’s final commands (2) The context Joshua is now elderly (23:1) The promised land has been largely conquered and has been at peace or rest for a long time (23:1) The tribes have all been allocated their inheritance (23:4, 5) Joshua now calls the leaders to give them his final commands (23:2)

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 11 Take care of your walk with God The Hebrew means “hedge it about, put a barrier around yourself” Examine yourself regularly (1 Corinthians 11:28, 2 Corinthians 13:5) When we become aware of our shortcomings we can take action The Holy Spirit will help us as we open up our hearts and minds to Him

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 11 Love the Lord your God every day that He gives you If you love someone you will: spend time with them listen to them speak to them speak of them - tell others about them be loyal to them wholeheartedly love them

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 24:14 Fear the Lord in all things We are to have a reverence and respect for God We should also be fearful of the consequences of disobeying or offending Him God is our loving heavenly Father but is also the One who disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6, 10)

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 24:14 Serve the Lord The Hebrew word for serve means “toil” Whilst serving God is a pleasure and good for our souls and spirits, nevertheless there are times when it is tough going It is sometimes necessary to press through to the blessings that come from service

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 24:14 Be sincere in approaching and serving the Lord The Lord knows the hearts of everyone- Romans 8:27 We are to serve wholeheartedly Take care that our loyalties do not become divided or tainted by hypocrisy Remember the first part of the armour of God is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 24:23 Deal with any false Gods in your life This will involve not allowing ourselves to be influenced by anything that pollutes our minds – guard the eye and ear gates! Paul said we are to mortify the deeds of the flesh – Colossians 3:5 – very sound advice! The Holy Spirit helps us to do this – Romans 8:13

Joshua’s final commands (2) Verse 24:23 Train you heart to be obedient to God “Incline your heart to the Lord” can be translated “stretch” or “bend” your heart Picture a plant being trained to run along a fence or trellis to create the shape you want Picture the Vine of John 15 with God as the heavenly gardener This involves an act of the will to prefer to go God’s way rather than our own or the world’s

Joshua’s final commands (2) Conclusion The response of the Israelites to Joshua’s speech is encouraging – 24:24 “And the people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!” Sadly, we know the history after Joshua’s death is one of disobedience and a falling away from God – this is written as a warning to us – 1 Corinthians 10:11 Let’s learn from their mistake and serve our wonderful Lord wholeheartedly and diligently, with gladness!