KEEPING GOD’S WORK ALIVE!
Joshua 23:1-8

Introduction:     Verse one of our text tells the story. Joshua is old and is preparing to die, v. 14. Before he leaves he has something to tell them about serving the Lord. To do this, he calls two meetings. The first, in chapter 23, is held with the elders and leaders of the people. The second, recorded in chapter 24, with the people of Israel . As Joshua’s ministry winds down he wants to encourage Israel to stay the course for God. In these 2 chapters, there are some valuable lessons for us as well. We live in a day when many have forgotten about the glory and power of God, and those who have known about such things are becoming fewer by the day. We need to be reminded of the power and glory of our God. Our children need to be exposed to His power! These verses tell us what we need to know this morning about keeping God's work alive.

I.          JOSHUA'S CONCERN (23:1-8)
There are three things that Joshua fears:

A.        He Fears Complacency (V. 6)

·        The sin of complacency is one of the most common sins there is among the people of God! We have allowed ourselves to adopt a Laodicean attitude - Rev. 3:14-22. We are lukewarm and good for nothing, but to trigger a gag reflex in those acquainted with us!

·        Many here at Southside have been bitten by the complacency bug. No longer do people strive to serve the Lord, win the lost and live holy, consecrated lives to the glory of God. Instead, we are self-satisfied! That, my friends, is a dangerous condition to be in!

B.         He Fears Compromise (V. 7)

·        He fears that they will compromise their standards and bow down to idols. What he was afraid would happen, did happen!

·        We’re just as guilty as the Israelites? Many worship the gods of self, success, materialism, career, etc. We do things that we know are wrong and try to justify ourselves. All the while we smile and sing, "Oh how I love Jesus!" But it has a hollow ring to it! Oh, how we need to avoid the trap of compromise! Some of you are doing things today that you used to think were wrong? God hasn't changed! You have! You have compromised your standards to the will of the flesh! 1 Thes.5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

C.                 He Fears Commitment (V. 8)

·        The lack of commitment. Their commitment will become slack and that they will not cleave to the Lord as they should.

·        Note the Lord Jesus' idea of commitment: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." Matt 10:38. If He is not number one in our hearts and in our lives, then we are not worthy of Him! Also, according to Jesus, the ultimate expression of love for Him is in the willingness to bear one's cross. This means total commitment to the Lord Jesus.

II.         JOSHUA'S CHALLENGE (23:9-24:24)

Joshua challenges the elders and the people to observe certain truths concerning God. His challenge is for them to look at what the Lord has done and is doing in their lives.

A.        Consider God's Wrath (23:9-16)

·        The primary idea that Joshua is trying to convey is this: If you will serve the Lord, He will bless you. If you disobey Him, He will chastise you! (Note: The challenge in verse 11 in the crux of the matter!)

·        This challenge still applies to the people of God today. That admonition is very simple: You play; you pay! Heb.12:5-11! The choice is entirely yours to make! And, the choice you make will be determined by your love for Jesus (John 14:15.)

·        We can say what we want to say, but our life proves the level of our love for Him! (Ill. Rev. 2:1-7 - The church at Ephesus had many commendable traits, but they lacked deep, abiding love for Jesus.)

B.         Consider God's Works (24:1-13)

·        If they will remember His goodness, they will be more likely to serve Him faithfully.

·        The works of the Lord on our behalf are a great motivator for service!

C.        Consider God's Will (24:14-18)

·        The Lord's will for them was to clean up their lives and to serve Him faithfully. Joshua makes the statement that he and his family will do just that, v. 15!

·        Notice Joshua's attitude (v. 15). He tells them what they should be doing then he tells that regardless of what they do, he is going to serve God 

D.        To Consider God's Witness (24:19-24)

We cannot serve the Lord on the one have hand, and serve false God's on the other!
His reminder is that judgment will accompany such an action. ( Ill. May I remind you that the Lord is also watching your life today. (Prov.15:3) "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.").

III.       JOSHUA'S COVENANT (24:25-33)

A.        It Involved A Great Stone (24:25-28)

He erects a great stone as a monument to the fact that the people have sworn to follow the Lord.

B.         It Involved Some Grave Stones (24:29-33) - closes with mention of three funerals.

·        The Gravestone Of Faithfulness (V. 29-31)

The first gravestone that is mentioned is that of Joshua himself. His tombstone spoke about the faithfulness of God to His people!

·        The Gravestone Of Fulfillment (V. 32)

The lesson here is that we serve a God who is able to make that which seems impossible a reality for His children.

·        The Gravestone Of Finality (V. 33)

The death of Eleazar marks the changing of the guard in Israel . Now, it is time for a new generation to pick up the mantle of service and do something for the Lord. ( Ill. It is a shame when old soldiers of Jesus pass from the scene. But, it is an even greater shame when those who are left behind do not lift the mantle and carry on for the Lord. Israel turned to idols after the deaths of their great leaders. So too, the modern church has forsaken the path laid down by those who have gone before. God help us to be like Elisha, who lifted the mantle of Elijah and cried out to God, "You did it for Elijah, now do it for me!” 2 Kings 2:12-14!

Conclusion:       Where are our Elisha's this morning? Where are those who will stand up and be counted for Jesus? Where are those who are tired of business as usual and want to see God moving in power in the midst of His people? Where are those who are willing to pay the price of personal sacrifice and holiness that they might be bright torches in the hand of God? The God of Elijah is not dead! The God of Moses and Joshua is not dead! He is alive and well! The problem with our generation is that there are no Elijah’s, no Moses' and no Joshua’s. God is still willing to use anyone who will make himself or herself available to Him. Is that person you?