Godliness Is A Challenge

Godliness is a Challenge

Joshua 24

He had served as Moses’ servant. He had been Moses’ general for the armies of Israel. He and Caleb had been the only spies that came back from the promised land, wanting to go in. He had taken over leadership of Israel after Moses’ death. He led Israel into the promised land.

Now he was at the end of his life. He would pass on the torch to men known as judges, who would rule the land. It was time for him to give his farewell speech to the nation. What would this man of God, General Joshua, say to the people? He knew their bent towards sin. He knew that they were prone to wander away from God. Under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, he challenged them to Godliness.

You and I, who live many years after Joshua, need to be challenged to Godliness as well.

REVIEW OF THE PAST - Vss. 1-13

It is always good to remember past blessing and blunders. Joshua reminds Israel of God’s blessing on them in the past.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRESENT - Vss. 14-15

God’s blessings require our OBEDIENT cooperation. Because He has been so good to us, we should chose to serve Him now.

RECOGNITION OF A PROBLEM - Vss. 16-20

When Joshua gave his challenge to the people to chose whom they would serve, they evidently answered quickly. In Vs. 19 he reminds them of their bent towards sin. He basically tells the Israelites that they can’t do what they were promising to do. And it’s true for us as well. In our own strength we can not live Godly lives. We need God’s strength.

RESOLVE TO PERFORM - Vss. 21-24

The people are persistent. They claim that they will serve the Lord. Joshua points out that they are witnesses against themselves. Later on their own words could be witnesses against them if they did not do as they said they would. The people agreed with Joshua and resolved to serve the Lord.

REMINDER OF THE COMMITMENT - Vss. 26-28

A stone was put up as a reminder. People would see the stone and remember their commitment. Reminders of our commitments are good as well.