The Power of Choice in Joshua 24:15
Joshua 24:14-15 presents a powerful message about the importance of making choices in serving the Lord. Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, emphasizing the need to put away idols and serve God faithfully. The doctrine of God's sovereignty and the concept of predestination are also discussed in relation to the ability to make choices. The passage highlights the significance of individual decisions in serving God amidst various influences and temptations.
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CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY Joshua 24:15
JOSHUA 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 2
INTRODUCTION Joshua utters a final farewell appeal to Israel He reminds them of the past blessing from God - vss. 2-13 He challenges them to put away idols and serve God - vss. 14-25 Joshua s words are well known and seen posted in homes Plaques with these words hang of the walls of countless homes This verse is seen highlighted in many people s Bibles These words uttered by Joshua contain important truths about man s ability and the blessing to make choices What choices are you making? 3
GOD CREATED MAN WITH THE POWER TO CHOOSE Calvinistic TULIP doctrine, not God, robs men of their choice U U nconditional Election L L imited Atonement I I rrestible Grace P Perseverance of the Saints The Sovereignty of God T Total Hereditary Depravity What is to be will be in life s events, according to the Sovereignty of God theory 4
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD The doctrine of election is but a part of the much broader biblical doctrine of God s absolute sovereignty. The scriptures teach not only that God predestinated certain individuals to eternal life, but that all events, both small and great, come about as the result of God s eternal decree. The Lord God rules over the heaven and earth with absolute control; nothing comes to pass apart from His eternal purpose The Five Points of Calvinism, Steele/Thomas/Quinn, p. 37 5
WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass yet hath he has not decreed anything because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass on such conditions By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men are predestinated to everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter III, Sections 1-4, 1960 6
GOD CREATED MAN WITH THE POWER TO CHOOSE If God did not create man with the ability and power to choose He asks the impossible of man - Joshua 24:22-23; Deuteronomy 30:19 He holds man accountable for what it is impossible to do Adam and Eve - Genesis 2, 3 He attaches conditions to blessings that man could never meet Matthew 11:28-30 Revelation 22:17 7
GOD GAVE MAN THE RIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY TO CHOOSE We must make careful choices based on truth - Acts 17:11 having done all, to stand - Ephesians 6:13-18 walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called - Ephesians 4:1-3 give diligence, to make your calling and election sure - vs. 10 2 Peter 1:5-11 It is irresponsible to make a choice Without study and investigation of any issue Based on sentiment, emotion or who is on one side or the other To remain undecided on vital issues - 1 Kings 18:21; Revelation 3:15-16 Indecision is often based on cowardice - John 12:42-43 Some are sitting on the fence or taking the middle road 8
WE MUST ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF OUR CHOICES WE will reap what WE sow - Galatians 6:7-8 Remember the man of God and the old prophet - 1 Kings 13 The man of God believed the lie of a man and did not obey God - vs. 18; cf. Acts 5:29 If you choose a certain lifestyle - prepare to accept the consequences Romans 6:23 If you choose to be a Christian - be ready & willing to accept the results Mark 10:29-30; Hebrews 11:25: 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Luke 9:62; Hebrews 10:38-39 Our daily choices must be carefully made - choose you this day Where will you choose to be when the saints assemble? - Hebrews 10:24-25 Each first day of the week will you choose to give liberally? - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Each day of your life, will you choose to let your light shine? - Matthew 5:16 Each day will you chooseto read and study God s word? - Acts 17:11 9
DAILY BIBLE READING AIDS US IN DAILY CHALLENGES Do you ever MURMUR? - 1 Corinthians 10:10 Do you ever GRUMBLE? - Philippians 1:14-15 Do you ever GOSSIP? - James 1:26 Are you ever COVETOUS? - Luke 12:15 Does the devil ever fail to TEMPT you? - Ephesians 6:10-18 Are you ever ANXIOUS? - Matthew 6:25-34 Do you ever LOSE YOU TEMPER IN ANGER? - Ephesians 4:26-27 Do you ever CUT CORNERS IN YOUR WORK? - Colossians 3:22-24 Do you ever FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF? - Psalms 73 10
REVIEW & CONCLUSION Consider all the choices you have the opportunity to make Remember that your choices can influence & affect others but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord - Joshua 24:15 Our choices can have eternal consequences choose life - Deuteronomy 30:19; Romans 6:23 Always choose the way of righteousness which leads to life Proverbs 12:18 11
PROVERBS 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death 12
Who are you choosing to serve, God, man or self? 13
WHAT SHALL WE DO? Alien sinners must Hear the Gospel Romans 10:17 Believe the Gospel John 8:24 Repent of Your Sins Acts 17:30 Confess Your Faith in Christ Before Men Matthew 10:32 ACTS 2:37 Be Baptized in Water to Wash Away Thy Sins Acts 2:38 Erring children of God must Repent & Pray for Forgiveness Acts 8:21-23 Christians must live faithful unto death Revelation 2:10 14
