"the day of the Lord comes": avoiding the humiliation

Isaiah includes a huge section on the judgment of the nations (chapters 13-27) that is difficult to preach.  Look for reasons why judgment falls on them.  Isaiah is urging God's people to not act like the nations so they will escape judgment.  In Isaiah 13:6-11 and 14:12-17 we encounter a description of the day of the Lord that's coming, "cruel, with wrath and fierce anger...to destroy its sinners..." (13:9).  Then 14:12-17 contain the well-known claims of an egotistical king ("I will make myself like the Most High" v. 14).  As 2 Peter 3:1-13 states, all this talk about coming judgment is designed to urge God's people to holiness.  All the pride of the king in 14:12-17 is contrasted by our Savior who "...humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death..." (cf. Phil. 2:5-8).  Believers respond to the prediction of future judgment by trusting and obeying their Savior.  Allow judgment Texts to spur us on to holiness.

Isaiah 12:1-6 Saying, Praying, and Singing Thanksgiving to the God of our Salvation

Verse 1 begins, “You will say in that day...”  So the preaching portion describes a predicted confession on the part of God’s people.  Much like the Psalms, this chapter in Isaiah is designed to be recreated in the experience of God’s people.  The content of what we say helps us understand how our salvation operates on a daily level.  The reasons why we say these things to God and about God remind us of all God has done for us in Christ.  It is fitting for redeemed people to sing praises for their redemption (cf. Exodus 15 and the song of Moses and Miriam).  The Gospel appears in this song as we explain how God turned away from His anger towards us so He could comfort us (cf. Isaiah 12:1).

Isaiah 11:1-9 Making Sure We’re Enjoying the Righteous Rule of our Lord

One of the challenges of preaching through lengthy prophetic sections in Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel, is deciding how to handle the restatement of themes.  Isaiah 9:8--10:34 continue to bounce back and forth between destruction and deliverance.  The judgment is aimed at His own people who do not form the redeemed remnant, but also against the nations that oppress His people.  Deliverance is being offered to “the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob” (cf. vv. 10:20-21).  Isaiah continues to challenge church attendees to be sure they are in that remnant.  The way that happens in Isaiah 11:1-9 is through providing a glimpse of the object of our faith and the kind of new world God is creating (sort of like the current TV series, Terra Nova).  This Text is designed to urge God’s people to be sure they are trusting in this Spirit-empowered Deliverer so that His attribute become ours.  No other god has this ability.  Also, when we read the peace-filled life portrayed in vv. 6-9, it should make us all want to be there, to be able to get there (in part now, but fully one day).  Of course, on the cross, Jesus was the one struck and killed by God for our sins so we could enjoy His righteous rule now and forever.

Isaiah 9:1-7 “to us a Son is given”: Seeing a Great Light in Dark Times

Ah, the joy of preaching Isaiah 9 when it’s not Christmas!  It’s interesting that the constant context of Christmas may actually keep us from hearing Isaiah 9.  Except for a few parishioners, most everyone is fairly happy at Christmas time and this makes it hard for us to understand the darkness of this paragraph.  The sermon’s purpose is derived from the explanation in vv. 6-7.  God tells us that the birth of the special child is the reason for the hope of increased joy for God’s people.  In order for us to experience the beginning of the fulfillment of increased joy (v. 3), we must be experiencing the rule of this child (notice the emphasis on “government” in vv. 6 and 7.  In other words, we must benefit from our Savior’s counsel, victory, care, and peace (v. 6).  Of course, in order for Jesus to function this way for Believers, He first suffered crucifixion before ascending to His Father’s throne.  On the Cross, Jesus suffered the yoke, staff, and rod of his oppressor (v. 4).

Isaiah 8 “What have I to dread; what have I to fear?” Answer: the Lord of Heaven’s Armies

This section continues to analyze what happens when God’s people are afraid and turn away from faith in Him.  The sermon is driven by the instruction to Isaiah in vv. 11-15, especially, “do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread” (v. 12).  This paragraph also provides a concise look at two ways God relates to people: either “a sanctuary” or “a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling” (v. 14).  Instead of fearing men, we are called to fear the Lord.  The faithful remnant is characterized by hearing God’ teaching and hoping in Him (vv. 16-17).  It’s interesting and sad that God’s people turn away from trusting God only to ask Isaiah to ask mediums for answers (cf. v. 19).  How in the world did God’s people get in such bad shape!?!  Little by little, they stopped believing God’s teaching (v. 16).  Our Lord experiences the darkness (v. 22) of the Cross and separation from the Father to create a people who can trust and obey Him.

Isaiah 7 Developing a Firm Faith to Overcome Fear

According to v. 4, this sermon is intended to dispel our fears.  Verses 1-2 describe the cause of fear--powerful ruling forces.  Verses 3-9 function as a call to faith.  Verses 10-23 tell the results of unbelief.  The object of our faith is in v. 14, “Immanuel.”  This sign from God to Ahaz gives Believers the opportunity to be “firm in faith” (v. 9).  This faith keeps us from making the kind of fear-induced, bad decisions that Ahaz made--to trust Assyria instead of God.  One way to preach the Gospel in Isaiah 7 is to highlight our Lord’s ability to “refuse the evil and choose the good,” something no other Israelite had done or could do.  His perfect life allowed Him to make a perfect sacrifice as a crown of thorns was put on His head on the Cross (cf. vv. 23-25).

Isaiah 6:8-13 Making Sure We Have Eyes that Can See and Ears that Can Hear

In this frightening section, God’s people are urged to become a part of the remnant (cf. v. 13) that is able to understand God’s message of deliverance.  The sermon is designed to make us sure that we are not responding to God like the majority in the nation were doing during Isaiah’s ministry.  This is the most quoted part of Isaiah in the New Testament.  Jesus cited it to explain his ministry and Paul did the same (cf. Matthew 13:10-17; Acts 28:23ff.).  The more they preached the more God’s people turned a deaf ear to the preaching of the Gospel.  However, the hope is found in vv. 11-13 and the talk of a “holy seed” (v. 13).  Every sermon is an opportunity for pastors and parishioners to reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ by submitting to His authority.  Either the subjects of the “stump” (v. 13) or the “holy seed” (v. 13) create a path to the Gospel.  Our Savior is later described in terms of “stump” and “root” in 11:1, 10.  The Cross was the place where our Lord experienced the judgment of God described in v. 13.

Isaiah 6:1-7 The Vision that Shows the Way to Much Needed Holiness

It is important to connect Isaiah’s, “Woe is me,” with all the “woes” found in the previous chapter (cf. 5:8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22).  All the rebellious would fall due to God’s triple holiness (cf. 6:3), including the prophet’s own unclean lips (v. 5).  Allow Isaiah’s own condition to reveal our true condition, without Christ, before a holy God.  Verses 6-7 show us how our Holy God cleanses us from our guilt.  The instrument of cleansing--“the burning coal...from the altar”--provides a connection to the Gospel.  Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin atones for our sin (v. 7) and creates the desire and capacity to live holy lives that are welcomed into God’s holy presence.

Isaiah 5 Help and Hope from a Tough Love Song

Isaiah continues his vivid description of what was wrong with God’s people and what God will do to those who do not change their ways.  The keys to the purpose of this sermon lies in vv. 7, 16, 24b.  Here we find an implied call to live lives of justice, righteousness, holiness, obedience to God’s law and word.  Without this kind of life, one cannot hope to escape the terrible woes to the wicked (vv. 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22).  The Gospel creates this kind of people and the Gospel can be seen in v. 7 where Jesus receives the ultimate injustice, His own blood is shed, and He cries out to the Father.

Isaiah 2:6-22 Escaping the Terror of the Lord

The chapter ends with clear instruction: “Stop regarding man...” (v. 22).  In order to make sense of this section, it is important to realize that the instruction in v. 22 is designed to move people out from under the terrible situation of being “rejected” by God (v. 6).  We are given more specifics concerning why God rejected His people (vv. 6b-11), what God will do to judge them (vv. 12-18), and how the rejected will respond to the “terror of the Lord” (vv. 19-21).  The way to avoid God’s fierce judgment is provided in v. 22--worship God, not man.  This is a good section to offset man’s arrogance with the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Phil. 2).

Isaiah 3:1--4:6 Being Sure We’ll Survive the Lord’s Day

This lengthy section is similar to 2:6-22, but I recommend preaching it because of the new material given concerning “the branch of the Lord” in 4:2.  I would not spend too much time on the details of the judgment because this has been discussed in detail earlier in Isaiah.  However, it is important to highlight what “the branch of the Lord” will be like “in that day” (4:2).  It is also important to call our listeners to the standard of 4:3 “...he who...remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem...”  Again, you can see Isaiah’s purpose displayed in this section: to create a people of God who are confident of receiving deliverance, not destruction, on the Lord’s day.  That kind of holiness is received when we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb (v. 4:4).

Isaiah 2:1-5 “in the latter days”: the One Time We’re Supposed to Follow the Example of the World

The invitation in v. 5 displays the purpose of this section: “come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”  That is addressed to God’s people.  This invitation follows the description of what will happen as “all the nations flow to” the mountain of the house of the Lord (v. 2).  It’s interesting that the reaction of the nations becomes a model for all God’s people.  Again, the assumption of this section is that there are many among God’s people that are not currently walking in the light of the Lord.  In light of what the nations will do in the future, it’s time for God’s true Believers to be sure their lifestyle matches their profession.  One way to move to the Gospel is through the imagery of v. 2 and the Son of Man being “lifted up” to draw all men to Him (cf. John 3:14; 12:32).

Isaiah 1:10-31 Attacking Hypocrisy in the Church

The description of God’s people continues in this section.  God exposes the hypocrisy that exists in every church.  It should be shocking that God addresses His people as “rulers of Sodom” and “you people of Gomorrah.”  God describes what’s going wrong and how He responds (vv. 11-15, 21-25).  Then in verses 16-20, 26-31 He explains how to remedy the situation.  God clearly spells out what will happen to two groups of people--those who repent (v. 27) and those rebels and sinners (v. 28)--all for the purpose of moving us away from rebellion and closer to true worship.  Both the talk of sacrifice (vv. 11-14) and cleansing (vv. 16, 18) provide opportunities to explain how the Gospel creates a “willing and obedient” people (v. 19).

Isaiah 1:1-9, 16-17 A Disturbing Vision of the Condition of God’s People, Plus a Way Forward

I allowed the description of verse 2, “they have rebelled against me,” to be the focus of this sermon. Most of the section describes what this rebellion is like. It’s important to state that our Christian lives are lived out with this stubbornness playing a major part of it. Sanctification occurs as our rebellious tendencies are conquered little by little. Verses 9 and 16-17 are Isaiah’s first glimpses of hope. The “few survivors” or remnant of verse 9 are those who respond to the instructions in verses 16-17. The entire book of Isaiah will continue to aim at creating a people among God’s people who respond to the command to wash up. Of course, we wash ourselves in the blood of the Lamb, that Servant described in detail later in Isaiah 53. God provides for our cleansing as we trust Him. Statistics consistently tell us that the Church is looking more and more like society and less and less like her Savior. The opening of Isaiah’s Gospel shows God’s intention to stop this trend.

Isaiah: Turning Rebellion Into Worship

Often, the way a book of the Bible begins and ends will provide clues for what the book is intended to do. In the case of Isaiah, the purpose of our sermons can be seen in the description of God’s people in 1:2 (“but they have rebelled against me”) and the repeated refrain in 66:24 (“the men who have rebelled against me”). Let this emphasis determine the purpose of the middle of Isaiah. Throughout the book we’re encouraging all who come to worship to be sure they are truly worshiping God and not simply claiming to worship while rebelling against Him.

Joshua 24:29-33 How Three Burials Bolster Our Faith

Joshua 24:29-33 concludes the book by highlighting three key individuals who are buried in their piece of the Land. Joshua, Joseph, and Eleazar the high priest all have strong connections to the Promised Land. Joseph’s faith in God’s deliverance was displayed in Genesis 50:25-26 “...God will surely come to your aid...” Eleazar figured prominently in the distribution of the Land (cf. 14:1; 17:4). More importantly, though, is where these three burials leave the reader. Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16, 39-40 teach us that although they were buried in the Promised Land, that land was not the promise they were waiting for. These three burials foreshadow the resurrection of the dead to eternal life spoken of in Daniel 12:1-3. The life, death, and resurrection of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, makes it possible for us to hope ultimately in the creation of new heavens and new earth where the righteous will live (cf. Is. 65:17-25).

Joshua 24:1-28 “choose this day whom you will serve”

Joshua 24:1-28 records Joshua’s third and final farewell message to God’s people.  It is designed to help them maintain the LifePlus God has graciously provided for them.  One key to this section is to note the repetition of idolatry in v. 2 and v. 14.  When the people express their good intentions to worship God alone, Joshua says, “You are not able to...for he is a holy God...” (v. 19).  Of course, we know the rest of the story: God’s people didn’t keep their end of the covenant and were taken into exile.  The covenant Joshua made with the people at this renewal service (vv. 25-27) was violated and God judged His people severely.  Thankfully, the rest of the story includes another covenant made by Jesus’ blood (cf. Hebrews 8:6-12; 13:20-21).  By faith in Christ we fulfill our obligation to the covenant and live a life that pleases God (cf. Gal. 2:20).

Joshua 22:10-34 “the people of Israel...spoke no more of making war against them”: Handling the Tension between Unity and Holiness

This section contains a situation that threatened the plan of God. Verses 12-20 contain an accusation against the 2.5 tribes that were featured in the beginning of Joshua. It was perceived that they had built an unauthorized altar. However, that was not the case (cf. vv. 21-29 for their explanation). Verse 31, thankfully, contain the resolution. Attempts to maintain holiness must be balanced with the need to maintain unity. The scenario does show us how devastating sin is in the assembly of Believers. God’s people took sin very seriously because they knew that God’s anger would lash out against “the whole congregation of Israel” (v. 18) if this perceived sin went unpunished. Emphasis on the altar and sacrifices points to our Savior’s death for sin and the creation of His unified Body.

Joshua 23:1-16 The Condition for Enjoying LifePlus, Plus a Severe Warning

In this section the wrap-up of Joshua’s message continues. Verses 6-8, 11 contain instructions that provide conditions for enjoying God’s salvation. Verses 12-13, 15-16 contain severe warnings against those who do not meet those conditions. Joshua’s second farewell sermon teaches how faith in Christ empowers us to obey our Lord and enjoy God’s life. There was no way God’s people could keep from “transgressing the covenant of the Lord” (v. 16). However, the good news is that on the cross, Jesus, the only perfect, Law-abiding citizen, gave His life so Believers could escape the wrath of God (cf. vv. 15-16).

Joshua 22:1-9 Five Requirements for Maintaining LifePlus

In this section the book of Joshua is wrapping up.  Verse 5 contains five instructions.  Enjoying God’s kind of life is conditioned upon loving and obeying Him.  Without such devotion to God, we cannot count on His spiritual provision and protection.  In verse 8 the concept of dividing the spoil portrays our Lord who would do the same (Is. 53:12).  On the cross, Jesus’ clothes were divided (Matt. 27:35).  His sacrifice resulted in the ability of Believers to meet the five requirements.

Joshua 21:1-42 God graciously provides Bible Teachers for His people

Joshua 21:1-42 records the final allotment of land in the Promised Land. The distribution of cities for the Levites stresses the importance of teaching God’s ways. Theology is communicated through a study of the ministry description of the Levites. Why was it so important for God’s people to have Levites throughout the Land (cf. Deuteronomy 33:8-11)? Worship was to be and always will be central for God’s people. There is no enjoying LifePlus without vital worship of God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice.

Joshua 21:43-45 “not one word of all the good promises...had failed”: Believing in our Promise-Keeping God

21:43-45 concludes the longest section in Joshua (chapters 13-21). 21:45 appeared to be such a significant summary verse that I felt it should stand alone in a sermon. Like many places in Joshua’s narrative, this story is not designed for Christians to emulate a particular character. This summary of Joshua provides Christians with great confidence in God’s ability to deliver on His promise to save/sanctify Believers. It’s amazing how much progressing in the Christian life is dependent upon whether or not I believe God will keep His promises to His people. We know that all the promises of God are “yes” in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). In all this discussion of inheritance, we do well to remember that Christ is the true Heir of God whose life, death, and resurrection life provide the ultimate victory over God’s enemies. Belief in God’s promises-in-Christ drive our quest for practical holiness (cf. 2 Cor. 7:1). Is this important? Even though our Lord gave all their enemies into their hands (Joshua 21:44), God’s people did not always completely wipe them out. This tension explains that the Christian life involves receiving all God’s promises while, at the same time, working hard by faith in the power of the Spirit to fight temptation. This lack of faith-driven effort in the promises of God would lead to disastrous results in the Land. I must believe in the promises of God that are legitimately for the Believer and act on that faith.

Joshua 20:1-9 Finding Mercy Within the Justice of God

Chapter 20 discusses the remote-to-us concept of the cities of refuge.  I found it to be one of the most difficult sections in Joshua to preach.  God in His mercy continues to make provision for saints who sin in the Land while maintaining justice.  The need for this legislation shows how messy life can be for God’s people.  Verse 6 explains how long the manslayer stays in the city of refuge--until the death of the High Priest.  The death of the residing High Priest restored fellowship in Israel by clearing the guilt.  His death cancelled the debt owed by the manslayer.  Jesus’ death, which extends mercy and procures justice at the same time, is pictured in the death of the high priest that allowed the manslayer to return to his own town.  These cities showed how much God valued life.  This process helps explain why Scripture such as 1 John 1:9 work for us regularly.  In a messy world God continues to extend mercy while maintaining justice for those who believe.  The Church is one place where God’s people can find spiritual refuge. We know from 1 Corinthians 5 and 6 that the local church is supposed to be able to administer justice.

Joshua 14-19, 21 “give me a blessing”: Making Sure You Get your Piece of Salvation Pie

Chapters 14-19 in Joshua record how each tribe in Israel received their inheritance in the Promised Land. One way theology is conveyed in the narrative is the special pleas that are made for certain pieces of real estate (cf. vv. 14:6-12; 15:16-19; 17:3-6; 19:49-50; 21:1-2). Five individuals display the kind of faith and tenacity necessary to enjoy LifePlus. They are included in the narrative as examples to follow. How and why God gave them their request is important. 14:8, 9, 14 repeat the reason why Caleb received Land: “because he wholly followed the Lord.” We also learn that women request and receive Land. In 15:18-19 Caleb’s daughter asks her husband to ask Caleb for a field and a blessing of two springs to go along with the property. In 17:3-6 five daughters ask for property and it’s granted to them. In 17:14-18 the tribe of Joseph asks for more land in the Land, but their request is turned down. Joshua tells them to get busy and clear off the wooded land they had. In 18:2-6 Joshua has to encourage seven tribes to get busy taking their inheritance. They were not following through to possess their land and needed to be prodded along. The quest or non-quest for enjoying more of LifePlus (God’s salvation) is mirrored in these mini-narratives. One key Christological idea is contained in the fact that Caleb is from the tribe of Judah. He points to our Savior who is the true Heir of God’s life. Through Him all who believe have an eternal inheritance (cf. 1 Peter 2:5-10). Caleb’s description of being someone who “wholly followed the Lord” (cf. 14:8, 14) points to our Savior who perfectly obeyed God’s laws. Through His death, believers can take on His righteousness and receive an inheritance of eternal life.

Joshua 13-21 Learning to Finish the Job of Battling Temptation and Sin

Like the previous preaching portion, this one is also extremely long to handle in one sermon (Joshua 13-17). Plus, there are so many historical details that do not function for the Church. However, I’ve made this decision in light of the reoccurring themes found throughout the chapters. Verse 13:6 records what God promised He would do (“I myself will drive them out...”). That would give His people an opportunity to move in, thoroughly defeat their enemies, and enjoy their new location (note the repetition of “inheritance”). Tension develops in 13:13; 15:63; 16:10; and 17:12-13 as God’s people fail to completely drive out the enemies. It’s not only what God promised to do, but also what God determines His people must do in this fight. This shows us that the only thing that keeps Christians from enjoying all the Life God has made possible is our disbelief/disobedience, not the strength of our enemy. Often Jesus called His disciples, “O you little-faiths.” Only our Lord Jesus’ death on the cross would make victory over our enemies possible, thereby providing a spiritual inheritance to all who believe. You may want to track some uses of the term, inheritance, in the NT epistles. In a practical sense, every Christian must expend great amounts of energy defeating temptation by faith, in the power of the Spirit. Without this fight, we can never enjoy all that God has for us. The story, of course, drives us forward in history to our Lord who would one day enter that same Land and completely conquer our enemy on the cross. Romans 6 contains the same dual emphasis of what God has done in Christ and what we are responsible to do in light of what God has done. We believe the Gospel and we do not let sin reign in our bodies. Believers never let up in their fight against temptation and sin.

Joshua 10-12 Our Lord Is Fighting For Us!

10:10-14 records what the Lord did to supernaturally defeat the enemy nations (cf. also 10:42 “...the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel”). The phrase, “do not fear,” is repeated in 10:8, 25; 11:6. Despite facing powerful foes, Christians can take courage in their fight to enjoy more of God’s life because He fights for them (and, along with them). The comprehensiveness of the victory is seen in the list of 31 kings which Joshua defeated (cf. 12:24). Fear should give way to faith in light of what God did through Joshua. The action of the “chiefs of the men of war” putting “their feet on their necks [of the defeated kings]” (cf. 10:24) foreshadows Jesus defeating our enemies through His death and resurrection. Cf. Psalm 110:1. Jesus’ death and burial mirrored the plight of the five defeated kings who were hung on trees and buried in caves closed by large stones (cf. Josh. 10:26-27). God’s victory through Christ guarantees our victory over the forces of darkness that threaten our spiritual lives.

Joshua 9 Our Failures, God’s Successes

Joshua 9 records the story of Joshua being tricked by some Gibeonites. Verse 14 explains why this happened: “So the men...did not ask counsel from the Lord.” Obviously, this decision functions as a bad example, a “go and do otherwise” goal of the narrative. Thankfully, Joshua and the rest of “the leaders of the congregation” (v. 18) followed that blunder with obedience: they made an oath and stuck by it despite pressure from the Israelites. How do we follow their faith? How do we remain humble and in need of God’s guidance? It begins by seeing our Lord Jesus Christ in this story. Three times near the end of the chapter we read of the Gibeonites becoming “cutters of wood and drawers of water” (cf. vv. 21, 23, 27). In v. 27 we read that this service was performed “for the altar of the Lord.” This was said to be a curse (cf. v. 23 “you are cursed...”). Our Savior was the Servant who suffered the curse of God (cf. Gal. 3:13). All the wood cut and water drawn by the Gibeonites was used to sacrifice sacrifices which pointed to the ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus. Seeing and savoring our Savior will slowly but surely drive independence out of us.

Joshua 10:1--12:24 How Joshua’s Victories Become Our Victories

It’s one thing to read history that shows how Joshua won battles for God’s people. It’s another thing to discover the theology of these narratives--the ability to understand how Joshua’s victories become ours. Joshua chapters 10:1--12:24 record God’s victory over a long list of kings. Chapter 12 lists 31 kings. It might be helpful to preach this lengthy section with the following theological ideas: (1) God’s people were fighting against kings or rulers or authorities who had their own warriors (cf. Joshua 10:1-5; 11:1-5; 12:1-24 for a list of kings). This is important in light of Paul’s descriptions in Ephesians 6:12 and Colossians 2:15 (notice the “rulers...authorities...cosmic powers” and “rulers and authorities” respectively). (2) 10:8-14 records the miraculous way God fought for His people, including the way He answered Joshua’s prayer for extra daylight. (3) Because the Lord fights for His people they can go ahead and conquer temptation and sin and enjoy LifePlus (cf. 10:22-25; 11:6-12, 23; 12:1, 6, 7). 10:22-25 contain the scene where Joshua commands his chief warriors to come and put their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. (4) Finally, we must ask how God makes victory possible for those who believe. You might begin by noting that on the cross Christ suffered a fate similar to the defeated kings as recorded in 10:26-27 “...Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees....and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave...and they set large stones against the mouth of the cave...” Through His death and resurrection Christ completely conquered His enemies (cf. Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25; Heb. 10:13 “waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.”). All who believe will one day experience a similar complete victory (cf. Rom. 16:20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...”). This process shows how we can move from the victories in Joshua’s day to victories in our lives, allowing Joshua to function for the Church.

Joshua 8:30-35 Renewing our Relationship with God and Enjoying Victorious Living

Joshua 8:30-35 records a covenant renewal service that Joshua initiated. One important theological issue is the connection between this renewal service and the preceding narratives. Through a victory (Jericho) and then a defeat (Ai), Joshua realizes that success in the Promised Land is the result of a healthy relationship with God. Notice the dual emphasis of worship (the altar) and the Word (“a copy of the law of Moses” in v. 32). The intent is to bless God’s people (v. 33), but “all the words of the law” are read, “the blessing and the curse” (v. 34). Joshua read it all. Of course, we know the rest of the Story: Israel didn’t believe it all. God’s people ended up receiving the curses because of their unbelief/disobedience. But our Savior would enter the scene to be sacrificed on a cross not far from that same location. As Galatians 3:13 says, He became a curse for us. As we look on Him each weekend we are able to renew the covenant practically speaking and worship through the Word.

Joshua 7:1--8:29 Sin’s Devastating Effect on our Ability to Fight Spiritual Battles

Joshua 7--8:29 could easily be broken into two or three messages united by the thought of what God does (or doesn’t do?) when His people sin against Him. After a spectacular victory comes a stunning defeat. What happened? Where was God?!? 7:12 presents a clear reason for spiritual weakness: “Therefore [due to Israel’s sin] the people...cannot stand before their enemies....I will be with you no more, unless...” Notice that one man is responsible for the defeat of the entire nation (cf. Romans 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 5:6; 12:12-14). God is very gracious to His people to expose the sin and the sinner. This story, however, is not just about one man being responsible for spiritual defeat. It’s also about one Man being responsible for spiritual victory for all who believe. Our Savior is pictured in a couple of ways: (1) Achan was from the tribe of Judah, the tribe from whom our Lord would emerge; (2) Jesus’ crucifixion and becoming a curse for us is seen in the way in which the king of Ai was executed (cf. 8:29). By faith Christians confess their sin and receive forgiveness and cleansing (cf. 1 John 1:9).

Joshua 6 The Fall of Jericho and the Rise of our Faith

Joshua 6 records the victory that God’s people enjoyed over the inhabitants of Jericho.  It deserves status as the most famous of all the stories in Joshua, partly because this is the first recorded victory in the Land.  God would not always fight like this, but this first conquest in the Land becomes paradigmatic for our spiritual battles.  Verses 1-2 should not be overlooked since they describe the condition of God’s enemies, our enemies.  Despite the fact that Jericho had competent soldiers, they are already defeated by their fear of God.  Colossians 2:13-15 teaches us that God has “disarmed” the spiritual authorities.  Then, in verses 3-26 we learn how victories are won in the Christian life.  God’s bizarre instructions means Israel must be totally dependent on Him while they marched and made music.  Joshua obeys God and the people obey Joshua, everyone displaying a faith that conquers Jericho and saves Rahab (cf. Hebrews 11:30-31).  One key to this chapter is the repetition of the Ark, the presence of God in the middle of His people (cf. vv. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13) and the blowing of trumpets (cf. vv. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 16, 20).  This is why God’s people can live victoriously.  Finally, in v. 26 we encounter a clue as to why Christians can expect to experience continual spiritual victories.  The clue is found in Joshua’s curse: “At the cost of his firstborn...”  Colossians 1:15, 18 describe our Lord Jesus Christ as God’s firstborn son.  It is through His death that we have victory over sin and Satan.  When Christ returns to complete His conquest it will not be seven priests blowing trumpets, but seven angels (cf. Revelation 8:2; 18:2, 8, 10, 20; 19:1-3)!  The fall of Jericho creates a significant rise in our faith!

Joshua 5:13-15 Encouragement from an Encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army

Joshua 5:13-15 records Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army. Some key’s to it’s theology are as follows: (1) timing: this encounter happens right before the Jericho campaign begins, right before Israel is going into battle; (2) the Commander does not say He was on Joshua’s side because it was important for Joshua to realize God’s people must be on His side. This Divine Warrior is ready to administer God’s judgment on Jericho. God’s people are in a spiritual battle in which God will fight for His own (cf. Ephesians 6:10-20); (3) this encounter makes us understand our need to respond to God’s holiness. Joshua has to take off his sandals. But in order for this encounter to do something to us, we must see our Lord in this story. In order for Jesus to be “for us”, He ends up being God’s adversary on the cross and is able to confer His righteousness on all who believe in Him. This puts us on the Lord's side and assures He will fight for us so we can experience LifePlus. One day Jesus will arrive again with a sword to administer God’s final justice and secure for us complete salvation.

Joshua 5:1-12 Meeting the One Condition for Spiritual Success

Joshua 5:1-12 records a massive circumcision ceremony that Joshua conducted prior to beginning their military invasion into the Land.  This shows that our relationship with God is the basis for spiritual victories.  Only as everyone was in right relationship with God, evidenced by succumbing to circumcision, could God’s people begin to experience LifePlus in Canaan.  This circumcision ultimately points to the circumcision of the heart which God said was necessary for entrance into His kingdom.  Spiritual victories are guaranteed for those who by faith in Christ meet the conditions of God’s covenant.  On the cross, Jesus’ sacrifice “rolled away” our reproach (cf. v. 9).  Notice the emotional state or condition of God’s enemies in v. 1 (“...their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them...”).  However, if God’s people had not obeyed the one condition of the covenant, the enemies would have got their spirit back!  Praise God that His grace forms an obedient people!

Joshua 4:1-24 Twelve Stones: Remembering what God has Done to Bring You this Far

Verses 5-7 present God’s instructions to build a memorial and the reason why. In order to make progress in the spiritual life we must remember God’s mighty, saving acts. Again, the plot drives the theology. Verse 14 repeats the concept of Joshua being exalted. There could be no victories in the Land, no settling in to enjoy LifePlus, unless Joshua is followed. It is important to note in v. 19 that God’s people come up out of the river on the same day the Exodus occurred. That day is also the time when the Passover lamb was chosen for sacrifice four days later. The great acts of deliverance at the Exodus and the Jordan River point to the ultimate act of deliverance at the cross. Remembering what God has done for us is the starting point for all righteous living. To forget is to fall into unbelief and disobedience. This makes our worship services so important.

Joshua 2:1-24 The Story of Rahab: Gaining Confidence that our Mission is Succeeding

Verses 2, 3, 9, 14, 24 highlight “the land” the Lord gave to His people.  Once again, something about this life in the land must translate into our life in Christ.  But in this narrative the unlikely alliance with Rahab gives us confidence that our Lord has provided LifePlus living for Believers.  Of all characters in the OT, a prostitute believes in God and is instrumental in gaining an important victory for His people in the Land.  Certainly, Rahab’s faith is to be copied, but observe that God guarantees His blessings on Believers through Christ who was born in Rahab’s line (cf. Matt. 1:5).  Salvation was secured for us as Christ gave His life in place of us (cf. Joshua 2:14 and the oath, “Our life for yours even to death!”).  Application takes the form of gaining confidence or trust in God’s ability to save from temptation.

Joshua 3:1-17 Crossing over into LifePlus: the Impossible Barrier of the Jordan River

Verses 3, 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 contain references to “the ark of the covenant.” Verse 7 states that God would use this event to ‘begin to exalt” Joshua “in the sight of all Israel.” The presence of the Ark teaches us that God is present and at work in our lives and we can follow Him to enjoy more of the life He provides. This narrative isn’t so much about how to live the Christian life, but more about giving us confidence to live it in spite of fierce opposition. Our Great High Priest went through the waters of death ahead of us just as the priests who were carrying the ark. As Joshua was exalted in the Jordan, so also our Lord was exalted at His baptism (cf. Matt. 3:13-17). By faith we follow our Lord through every obstacle that poses a threat to our advances in holiness.

Joshua 1:10-18 “help them until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you.”

Verses 14-15 record Joshua’s instructions for the 2.5 tribes to help their brothers.  It’s probably significant that this is Joshua’s first take-charge moment.  The plot drives the theology of this passage.  Enjoying God’s rest is a family affair, not every man for himself.  God describes entrance into the Promised Land as “rest.”  It’s one angle on how life in the Promised Land relates to life in Christ.   Notice that every able-bodied warrior is needed in this fight.  Although the 2.5 tribes were already experiencing their rest, they couldn’t rest while their brothers and sisters had battles to fight.  The response of the 2.5 tribes urges us to obey our Lord.  They were so serious that they issued the death penalty on anyone who disobeyed.  Of course, on the cross, Jesus, the Obedient One, died in place of the disobedient ones.  By faith in Him we are able to obey and join the fight for the rest He provides (cf. Hebrews 4).

Joshua 1:6-9 The Condition to Having “good success” in your Effort to Enjoy God

I considered v. 6 important enough to include it in two sermons. Since the command to obey is repeated in vv. 7-8, this is an important part of the theology of this opening scene. Enjoying God’s eternal life (LifePlus) is conditioned upon obedience. And that obedience requires strength and courage due to all the opposition we face from the world, flesh, and the devil. The OT condition of “good success” and “prosperity” need to be defined in terms of our salvation in Christ--LifePlus. Joshua’s obedience points to Christ--God with us (v. 9)--who completely obeyed God’s Law and made His perfection available to us who believe. Verse 8 drives the application by urging Believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word.

Joshua 1:1-6 How God Makes His Life Possible for Us who Believe

Joshua is presented as God’s new commander and God guarantees him victory because He would be with him.  Theology follows this portrayal of him.  Joshua’s responsibility was to be strong and courageous (v. 6).  Life in the Promised Land contains similarities to our Christian life.  Like those who followed Joshua, those who follow Christ by faith are able to enjoy God’s unlimited spiritual protection and provision.  On the cross, God did to Jesus what He said He wouldn’t do to the Israelites (cf. v. 5 “I will not...forsake you”) and this secures our victory.  In the application, before we talk about the need for a strong and courageous faith (following Joshua’s positive example), it is important to highlight that what Joshua did for Israel, Jesus does for those who believe.  Then Believers can be strong and courageous in the fight for holiness.

Preaching Theme for Joshua

The story of Israel’s invasion, conquest, and division of the Promised Land bolsters the faith of Believers by showing them God’s faithful exercise of His power on behalf of His redeemed people. Joshua also provides numerous instructions for Believers that help them in their quest to enjoy all God has provided for them in Christ. This type of summary gives the sermon series a sense of unity and purpose.