Study 36: Joshua 24: 29 - 33

This study of the Book of Joshua, particularly the closing verses in chapter 24, emphasizes the enduring impact of a life lived in obedience to God. The message explores how Joshua’s identity as a “servant of the Lord” was evident through his actions and faithfulness, despite the title being formally mentioned only at the end of his life. The study encourages listeners to consider their own identity in Christ, not defined by titles but by the fruit of a life rooted in Him. Joshua’s legacy, marked by strength, courage, and commitment to God’s word, challenges believers to reflect on their paths and embrace a steadfast dedication to God's purposes. Through Joshua's life, we see a model of spiritual endurance and success, achieved by consistently aligning one’s life with God's guidance, demonstrating that true identity in God shapes actions and influences generations.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction and Reflection on Worship

• Timestamp: 00:01 - 02:59

• Key Points: Opening reflections on worship and community. The speaker acknowledges the mix of joy and heartache in life, highlighting the comfort of expressing gratitude to God even in difficult seasons.

• Scripture Reference: None in this section.

2. Closing the Book of Joshua

• Timestamp: 02:59 - 04:47

• Key Points: The sermon’s primary focus is announced—the conclusion of Joshua in chapter 24 (verses 29-33). Emphasis on Joshua’s legacy and the importance of finishing life’s race strongly.

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:29-33.

3. Identity as “Servant of the Lord”

• Timestamp: 04:47 - 08:30

• Key Points: This is the first time Joshua is called “the servant of the Lord” (Joshua 24:29). The significance of being identified by our actions rather than titles is underscored.

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:29, Joshua 1:1.

4. Identity in Christ vs. Titles

• Timestamp: 08:30 - 12:28

• Key Points: Discussion on how identity in Jesus should guide our lives. Our actions reflect our identity rather than defining it.

• Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20.

5. Living and Dying in God’s Inheritance

• Timestamp: 12:28 - 20:25

• Key Points: Joshua lived and died in the land of his inheritance, symbolizing a life faithfully committed to God’s promises. Success in life is presented as living within God’s purpose.

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 19:49-50; Joshua 24:29-31.

6. The Recipe for Success: Obeying God’s Word

• Timestamp: 20:25 - 24:56

• Key Points: The key to Joshua’s success was obedience to God’s Word, remaining steadfast without deviation. Reflects on Joshua’s farewell message to Israel to “be strong and very courageous” in following God.

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:7-8; Joshua 23:6.

7. The Danger of Straying Off Course

• Timestamp: 24:56 - 30:01

• Key Points: Warning about the risks of straying even slightly from God’s path, as minor deviations can lead to significant separation from God.

• Scripture Reference: None directly, but the speaker warns of the slippery slope of compromise in faith.

8. The Legacy of Faithfulness

• Timestamp: 30:01 - 34:12

• Key Points: Joshua’s legacy, which extended beyond his lifetime, impacted the elders and people of Israel who continued to serve God. A well-lived life in Jesus has a reach beyond one’s years.

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:31.

9. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises

• Timestamp: 34:12 - 41:15

• Key Points: God fulfilled promises even from generations before, as shown with the burial of Joseph’s bones. This symbolizes the continuity of God’s faithfulness across generations.

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 50:25; Joshua 24:32.

10. Grace Through the High Priest’s Death

• Timestamp: 41:15 - 48:22

• Key Points: Eleazar’s death allowed refuge seekers to return home, a picture of grace. Parallels are drawn to Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, whose death secures our freedom and identity in God’s mercy.

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:33; John 15 (abiding in Christ).

Scripture References

1. Joshua 24:29-33

   • Context: The sermon closes the Book of Joshua, focusing on Joshua’s legacy as a faithful servant of the Lord. The verses recount Joshua’s death and burial, marking the completion of his life’s work and impact on Israel.

   • Timestamp: 02:59 - 04:47

2. Joshua 1:1

   • Context: The sermon refers to Joshua’s beginnings as “Moses’ aide,” contrasting his initial title with his eventual identity as the “servant of the Lord.” This emphasizes the transformation through a life lived in obedience to God.

   • Timestamp: 04:47 - 08:30

3. 2 Corinthians 5:17

   • Context: This verse highlights the concept of a new identity in Christ, with “old things passing away.” The speaker uses this verse to illustrate that Joshua’s life was shaped by who he was in God, not merely by his title.

   • Timestamp: 08:30 - 12:28

4. Galatians 2:20

   • Context: Referencing this verse, the sermon explains how living “crucified with Christ” establishes one’s identity in Him, emphasizing that actions flow from this identity rather than define it.

   • Timestamp: 08:30 - 12:28

5. Joshua 19:49-50

   • Context: Joshua’s inheritance in the Promised Land symbolizes God’s faithfulness and is a reward for his obedience. It highlights living within God’s purpose as a model for believers.

   • Timestamp: 12:28 - 20:25

6. Joshua 1:7-8

   • Context: At the beginning of Joshua’s journey, God commands him to be strong and courageous, obeying the Law without deviation. The speaker uses this to underscore that Joshua’s success came through steadfast obedience.

   • Timestamp: 20:25 - 24:56

7. Joshua 23:6

   • Context: In his farewell speech, Joshua reiterates God’s command to be strong and obey the Law. This mirrors God’s initial instruction to him, emphasizing the importance of following God’s Word as a path to success.

   • Timestamp: 20:25 - 24:56

8. Genesis 50:25

   • Context: Joseph’s request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land is fulfilled in Joshua 24:32, symbolizing God’s long-standing faithfulness and the continuity of His promises across generations.

   • Timestamp: 34:12 - 41:15

9. John 15 (Abiding in Christ)

   • Context: The sermon draws parallels between Joshua’s life in his inheritance and Jesus’ words on abiding in Him, stressing that faithfulness and fruitfulness flow from a life rooted in God.

   • Timestamp: 41:15 - 48:22

10. Joshua 24:33

• Context: Eleazar’s death is used to illustrate God’s mercy, as his passing allowed fugitives to return home, symbolizing the grace Jesus offers as our High Priest who secures our freedom.

• Timestamp: 41:15 - 48:22

Word Study

1. **Servant (עֶבֶד, ‘eved’)

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:29

• Definition and Context: The Hebrew word ‘eved means “servant” or “one who serves.” This title is given to Joshua only at the end of his life, reflecting his lifelong faithfulness and obedience to God. In this context, ‘eved signifies a deep and committed service, highlighting that Joshua’s actions and character, rather than titles, earned him this final designation as “servant of the Lord.”

• Application: The term invites us to reflect on our lives, encouraging believers to embody servanthood in action rather than seeking titles or recognition.

2. Remain / Abide (יָשַׁב, yashav and μένω, meno)

• Scripture Reference: John 15:4-5; Joshua 24:31

• Definition and Context: The Hebrew yashav and Greek meno both convey the meaning “to remain,” “abide,” or “dwell.” Yashav is used in Joshua’s story as he “settled” in his inheritance, living out his life purpose in the land God provided. Similarly, meno in John 15:4-5 describes a deep connection to Jesus, where abiding in Him leads to a fruitful life. Together, these terms illustrate a life fully committed to God’s presence and purposes.

• Application: These words emphasize the importance of consistency in faith, encouraging believers to remain rooted in God’s promises and live in alignment with His will.

3. Peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom)

• Scripture Reference: Implied in Joshua’s legacy and inheritance

• Definition and Context: The Hebrew shalom means “peace,” but it encompasses much more, including completeness, wholeness, and fulfillment. Joshua’s life and legacy of faithfulness demonstrate shalom, as he fulfills God’s purpose and rests in the inheritance promised to him. His peaceful end symbolizes the holistic well-being that comes from a life aligned with God’s word.

• Application: Shalom reminds us that true peace is found in obedience to God and living within His promises, encouraging a focus on spiritual wholeness as a legacy.