Sermon Recap: Promises of God, Joshua 1:1-9 Part 2
God Promises His Presence
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God’s Promise of Faithfulness through Tough Times
- Explanation: The central theme is God’s assurance of faithfulness during challenging periods in life, providing comfort and encouragement.
- Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
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Unchanging Nature of God’s Power
- Explanation: God’s power is constant and unwavering, as He remains the same—unchanging, loving, true, and good throughout time.
- Bible Verse: Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
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Joshua’s Leadership after Moses
- Explanation: The focus is on Joshua’s role as a leader, receiving divine instructions to guide the Israelites into the promised land after Moses’ death. This is significant because it reveals the changing of leadership for God’s people.
- Bible Verse: Joshua 1:1-3 – “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua… ‘Go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them.'”
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Emphasis on Trusting God’s Promises
- Explanation: The importance of unwavering trust in God’s promises is stressed, discouraging doubt in the reliability of His assurances.
- Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
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Contrast with the American Dream
- Explanation: The American Dream is juxtaposed with the biblical call to pursue a life beyond mere moralism, encouraging a higher purpose. Christians ought to pursue even more than just material wealth and “happiness.”
- Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
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Belief in the Word of God
- Explanation: The text underscores the necessity for the people of God to believe in and prioritize God’s word above all else.
- Bible Verse: Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
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Superiority of God’s Word for Success
- Explanation: God’s word is presented as superior in guiding and ensuring success, surpassing other ways of thinking or human constructs.
- Bible Verse: Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
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Three Ways to Abide in God’s Word
- Explanation: Practical ways to abide in God’s word are outlined: keeping it in one’s mouth, meditating on it day and night, and obeying it entirely.
- Bible Verse: Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… meditate on it day and night.”
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Promise of God’s Presence
- Explanation: The central theme of God’s presence is highlighted, emphasizing that God is already with His people wherever they go.
- Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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Living in Light of God’s Promises
- Explanation: The text encourages believers to live in light of God’s promises, trusting His word and embracing the completed work of Jesus for a transformative way of life.
- Bible Verse: John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
