Study 24: Joshua 13: 1-7

The sermon in this podcast dives deeply into the study of the Word, focusing on Joshua's journey and God's ongoing communication with him, even as he aged. The key message emphasizes that God's guidance and purpose do not wane with time or age. Joshua's life, marked by battles, victories, and defeats, serves as a reminder that true rest and peace in God are not dependent on the absence of conflict but are rooted in obedience and trust in God's promises. The study challenges listeners to remain sensitive to God's voice throughout life's challenges, ensuring that their spiritual journey remains vibrant and purposeful, regardless of physical limitations or external circumstances. This podcast is dedicated to unpacking scripture, drawing listeners closer to understanding

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Context

• Timestamp: 00:01 - 08:00

• Key Points:

  • Introduction to the sermon and the significance of Joshua's journey.

  • God's continuous communication with Joshua, emphasizing that age does not diminish God's call.

  • Prayer for open hearts and listening ears.

• Scripture References: Psalm 70:17-18

Chapter 2: Joshua’s History and God's Guidance

• Timestamp: 08:01 - 13:42

• Key Points:

  • Review of Joshua's victories under God’s guidance, including the defeat of 31 kings.

  • Importance of recognizing God's role in victories.

  • Introduction of Joshua as a seasoned veteran in both physical and spiritual battles.

• Scripture References: Exodus 17:14-15, Joshua 12

Chapter 3: The Continuation of God's Call

• Timestamp: 13:43 - 18:15

• Key Points:

  • God’s desire to communicate with Joshua throughout his life, regardless of age.

  • The idea that there is no retirement from God’s kingdom work.

  • Encouragement for believers to stay engaged in God's work regardless of physical limitations.

• Scripture References: Psalm 90:12-15, Joshua 13:1

Chapter 4: Joshua’s Age and God's Command

• Timestamp: 18:16 - 23:48

• Key Points:

  • Discussion of Joshua’s age and the continued importance of his mission.

  • God's recognition of Joshua’s physical state but still calling him to significant tasks.

  • The concept of spiritual vitality over physical strength.

• Scripture References: Joshua 13:1, Psalm 90:12-15

Chapter 5: The Remaining Land to Be Conquered

• Timestamp: 23:49 - 27:25

• Key Points:

  • Description of the land that remains to be conquered.

  • The presence of opposition in the Promised Land and the ongoing nature of the mission.

  • The importance of perseverance in the face of continued challenges.

• Scripture References: Joshua 13:2-6

Chapter 6: Rest and Peace Amidst Conflict

• Timestamp: 27:26 - 36:30

• Key Points:

  • True rest in God is not the absence of conflict but trusting in His provision.

  • The peace that God provides is a gift that must be accepted and walked in.

  • The story of the battle with the Amalekites as a lesson on the source of victory.

• Scripture References: John 14:26-27, Philippians 4:8-9

Chapter 7: The Importance of Obedience

• Timestamp: 36:31 - 44:59

• Key Points:

  • Obedience to God as the key to maintaining peace and overcoming opposition.

  • The dangers of disobedience, which can lead to losing the peace that God offers.

  • God’s promise to drive out enemies if His people remain faithful.

• Scripture References: Isaiah 43:1-2, Joshua 23:12-13

Chapter 8: The Perils of Pride

• Timestamp: 45:00 - 47:54

• Key Points:

  • The danger of victories leading to pride, which can deafen one to God’s voice.

  • A reminder to stay humble and reliant on God, even after successes.

• Scripture References: Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6

Chapter 9: Conflict Arising from Disobedience

• Timestamp: 47:55 - 51:42

• Key Points:

  • Conflict in life can often be traced back to disobedience and going against God’s design.

  • An analogy of using a vehicle outside its design to illustrate living outside God’s purpose.

  • The call to realign with God’s will to restore peace and proper function.

• Scripture References: Romans 8:28, Exodus 23:29-30

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Call to Action

• Timestamp: 51:43 - 55:56

• Key Points:

  • A call to self-examination and realignment with God’s purposes.

  • Encouragement to make decisions that reflect God's will in everyday life.

  • The reminder that true change and freedom are found in obedience and faithfulness to God.

• Scripture References: Joshua 24:14-15, Philippians 2:12-13

Scripture References

1. Psalm 70:17-18

• Timestamp: 08:00 - 08:48

• Description: This passage is used to emphasize the idea that God’s guidance and teaching are lifelong. The Psalmist reflects on being taught by God since youth and continuing to declare God’s works even in old age. It reinforces the sermon’s message that God’s purpose continues regardless of age.

2. Exodus 17:14-15

• Timestamp: 13:42 - 14:41

• Description: This scripture recounts the battle against the Amalekites where Moses' hands were held up to ensure victory. It is used to illustrate that victory comes not from human effort alone, but from God’s intervention and support, a theme central to the sermon’s discussion of Joshua’s leadership.

3. Joshua 12

• Timestamp: 10:45 - 11:40

• Description: This chapter in Joshua lists the kings defeated by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. It is referenced to highlight Joshua’s extensive experience in conflict and the divine assistance that ensured these victories, emphasizing the ongoing battle and God’s role in it.

4. Psalm 90:12-15

• Timestamp: 18:15 - 19:27

• Description: This passage is used to draw a parallel between Joshua’s life and the Psalmist’s declaration of flourishing in old age. The scripture is applied to emphasize that even in old age, believers can remain spiritually vibrant and productive in God’s service.

5. Joshua 13:1

• Timestamp: 09:50 - 10:45

• Description: This verse, where God acknowledges Joshua’s age but emphasizes the remaining work, is central to the sermon’s message that God’s calling does not diminish with age. It is used to encourage listeners that there is still work to be done, regardless of physical limitations.

6. John 14:26-27

• Timestamp: 36:30 - 37:35

• Description: Jesus’ promise of peace to His disciples is used to explain that true peace from God is a gift, not dependent on the absence of conflict. The sermon uses this scripture to highlight that peace is given by God and must be accepted and walked in by believers.

7. Philippians 4:8-9

• Timestamp: 37:35 - 39:34

• Description: This passage is referenced to teach that peace comes from following God’s directives and living in accordance with His will. The sermon explains that while thinking on good things is important, true peace is a result of obedience to God’s commands.

8. Isaiah 43:1-2

• Timestamp: 43:24 - 44:07

• Description: This scripture reassures that God is with His people even in times of adversity. The sermon uses it to underscore that opposition and challenges are filtered through God’s hands and can be used for the believer’s benefit, tying it to the theme of enduring conflict with faith.

9. Romans 8:28

• Timestamp: 43:24 - 44:07

• Description: This well-known verse about God working all things for good is used to illustrate that even in the midst of conflict, God is at work in the lives of believers. The sermon ties this to the idea that challenges and difficulties can be used by God to fulfill His purpose.

10. Joshua 23:12-13

• Timestamp: 52:45 - 53:56

• Description: This passage warns against intermingling with remaining nations, linking it to the sermon’s call for obedience. It is used to emphasize that maintaining fidelity to God is crucial for continued divine support and success in overcoming opposition.

11. Philippians 2:12-13

• Timestamp: 55:12 - 55:56

• Description: This scripture encourages believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, with the assurance that God is working within them. The sermon uses it to conclude the message, urging listeners to actively live out their faith and respond to God’s calling in their daily lives.

Word Study

1. יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua)1. Shama (שָׁמַע)1.

• Meaning: To hear, listen, or obey.

• Context in Sermon:

  • Timestamp: 20:27 - 21:53

  • Usage: The word "Shama" was discussed in relation to Solomon's request for a "discerning heart" or a "listening heart" in 1 Kings 3:9. The sermon emphasized the importance of having a heart that is receptive to God's voice, regardless of one’s stage in life. The word is central to understanding how obedience and attentiveness to God are foundational to a believer's spiritual journey, especially as highlighted in the study of Joshua's leadership.

• Connection to Genesis: In Genesis, the concept of hearing and obeying God's voice is fundamental, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Noah, who both listened and acted on God's commands, leading to blessings and covenant relationships.

2. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)

• Meaning: Peace, completeness, or welfare.

• Context in Sermon:

  • Timestamp: 34:21 - 36:30

  • Usage: The concept of "Shalom" was implicitly referenced in the discussion on peace amidst conflict. The sermon highlighted that true peace (Shalom) from God is not dependent on the absence of opposition but is a state of completeness and trust in God's provision, even in challenging circumstances. This peace is a gift from God, as emphasized in John 14:27, where Jesus promises peace to His disciples.

• Connection to Genesis: In Genesis, "Shalom" is exemplified in the idea of wholeness and harmony in creation, particularly in the Garden of Eden before the fall. The concept also relates to the peace that comes from being in right relationship with God, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs.

3. Yashar (יָשַׁר)

• Meaning: Straight, upright, or righteous.

• Context in Sermon:

  • Timestamp: 39:34 - 40:38

  • Usage: The sermon referenced the idea of righteousness or uprightness, which can be linked to the Hebrew word "Yashar." The discussion on living according to God’s directives and maintaining integrity in the midst of challenges ties into this concept. The sermon emphasized that righteousness involves not just external actions but an internal alignment with God’s will, which brings about true peace and favor from God.

• Connection to Genesis: In Genesis, "Yashar" is reflected in the lives of individuals like Noah, who was described as "a righteous man, blameless in his generation" (Genesis 6:9). This word encapsulates the idea of living in a way that is pleasing to God, a key theme throughout the narratives in Genesis.