AGED JOSHUA ADDRESSES ISRAEL (Part 2)

Text: Joshua 23:7-13
27 September 2010

AGED JOSHUA ADDRESSES ISRAEL (Part 2)

1. Definite prohibitions Joshua 23:7

a) Influence of the gods of Canaan noted

b) Express prohibition

i) Name of the gods of Canaan not to be mentioned

ii) Not to swear by the name of these deities

iii) Not to serve them

iv) Not to bow down to them (in worship)

2. Determination to be steadfast must be renewed Joshua 23:8

a) Hold fast to the Lord all these years

b) Commitment to continue in this steadfastness

3. Dynamic promise of the Lord Joshua 23:9-10

a) The Lord will drive out all the enemies

b) Even if they are great and strong nations

c) No one will be able to stand against them

d) One man will chase a thousand

e) It is God who fights for His people

f) God will honour and keep His promise made to His people

4. Dangers highlighted Joshua 23:11-13

a) Backsliding (“go back”)

b) Embracing the religious ideas of the remnant of the Canaanites

c) Marrying people not of the same faith

d) They will become

i) Snares

ii) Scourges on your sides

iii) Thorns in the eyes

iv) Instruments of death to Israel

5. Distinct Commitment needed Joshua 23:11

a) To take careful heed

b) To love the Lord