24-0526p - Detailed Summary

Title: The sermon is titled "WWJD, What Would Joshua Do?"

Focus: The theme revolves around Joshua, known for his military leadership, to illustrate the concept of mind renewal.

Verse 2 Exploration: Discusses the transformation of the mind through repeated exposure and experience with God’s word.

Renewal of Mind: Questions how the mind is renewed, suggesting it occurs through repetition and experience.

Scriptural References:

Public Reading: Scripture reading in church is emphasized as a means of mind renewal.

Warning: Matthew 13:15 warns against becoming dull in heart, urging attentiveness to scripture to prevent spiritual dullness.

Spreadsheet Analogy: Compares the process of working with complex spreadsheets to how one might need to revisit and understand God’s word repeatedly for clarity and application.

Repetition: The importance of the repeated public reading of scripture for mental and spiritual refreshment.

Numbers 13: Describes Moses sending twelve leaders to spy out Canaan, the land God promised to Israel.

Divine Displeasure: God was displeased with the majority report of fear and unbelief.

Punishment: Those who gave the bad report died by plague, whereas Joshua and Caleb, who trusted God, were spared.

40-Year Consequence: The Israelites were condemned to wander for 40 years in the wilderness due to their lack of faith in God’s promise.

Land of Livestock: After 40 years, the tribes of Reuben and Gad see the land by the Jordan as suitable for their livestock, suggesting a desire to settle there instead of crossing the river.

Negotiation: The tribes of Reuben and Gad request to settle on the east side of the Jordan, which Moses initially challenges due to the precedent set by the spies' discouraging report.

Moses' Reminder: Moses reminds them of the consequences of their fathers' reluctance, warning against similar actions that could provoke God’s anger.

Compromise: Reuben and Gad agree to fight with their brethren to conquer Canaan but request to return to the east side of the Jordan for their inheritance.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20: Discusses the king’s responsibility to personally write a copy of the law, emphasizing the continuous engagement with scripture for leaders.

King’s Duty: The king is instructed to write out the law himself, emphasizing personal engagement with scripture to learn and respect God’s laws.

Leadership Transition: After Moses' death, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan, promising divine support.

Encouragement: God tells Joshua that no one will stand against him, reinforcing His presence and support.

Courage and Law: Joshua is thrice told to be strong and courageous, to adhere strictly to the law, and to meditate on it day and night for success.

Divine Promise: God reiterates His promise of support, urging Joshua not to fear or be dismayed.

Preparation for Conquest: Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan within three days to take possession of the land.

People’s Response: The people vow to obey Joshua as they did Moses, pledging allegiance and reinforcing the need for Joshua to be strong and courageous.

Hebrews Reference: The sermon concludes with a call from Hebrews to guard against unbelief, urging daily exhortation and steadfast faith.

Historical Reminder: Reminds the congregation of the consequences of unbelief from 37 years ago.

Final Encouragement: Encourages personal and communal commitment to God’s word for strength, steadfastness, and courage, highlighting the importance of clinging to God’s truth.