Sermon Outline - The Great Decision, Joshua ch.24 v.15
Date | 15/08/2004 |
---|---|
Time | 17:30 |
Preacher | Rev. Maurice Roberts, Inverness |
Sermon Title | The Great Decision |
Text | Joshua ch.24 v.15 |
Sermon ID | 904 |
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Introduction
- This is Joshua's last sermon.
- He confronts Israel with the great decision.
- The same decision faces us all.
WHAT THIS GREAT DECISION IS
- To have the God of the Bible - or not; see the context: v. 14-16.
- Who is this God? His character and Being.
- Observe: People like to put off this decision:
- because of the cost: look at Moses
- because of the work: look at Joshua
- they forget their history: v. 17-18. Ap.
- God requires holiness: v.19
- God is not to be trifled with: v.20
Application: Do not let these things put you off.
- There is an alternative to God: so Joshua says: TEXT: So today:
- Practical Atheism - so popular.
- Mere Nominalism = the "Easy Way".
- Christless Religion.
WHY THIS DECISION IS SO GREAT
- See Joshua's emphasis - his very last word to Israel. The approach of death makes a preacher stress the main thing.
Illustration: W. Carey; Adolph Monod. - This decision is great because:
- God is the greatest Being there is: so all other decisions are vastly less.
- Our attitude to God affects all of life:
Illustration: The Rivers Rhine and Rhone. - We have all to face God at last:
"Best of friends; worst of enemies" = God. - Time is short, but eternity long.
Illustration: A tortoise travelling round the earth a thousand times. But eternity is longer. - See how earnest Moses is: Deuteronomy 30:19-20.
- Look how courageous Daniel and his three friends are: Daniel 3 and 6.
- Look how passionate Christ Himself is: Luke 19:41f
- See Joshua's emphasis - his very last word to Israel. The approach of death makes a preacher stress the main thing.
HELP TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET DECIDED
- There are some who have decided:
- those who have gone away// Orpah.
- those like Ruth.
- Who are the undecided?
- They cannot profess Christ clearly.
- Some love of this world binds them.
Illustration: a fly caught in the web; a moth attracted to the candle.
- I give you this help to decide for God and for the Gospel:
- It is not hypocrisy to change. Some think: "But who am I".
Doctrine: Every Christian is a marvel to himself. Look at Paul. It is God's work. - God will help you in time to come. "How can I keep it up?"
But God changes us - a new life. T. Chalmers: "The expulsive power of a new affection".
Illustration: Chalmers himself. - You must face this mighty question:
"If Christ is the God-Man, what am I to do with Him?
Receive / Reject? - How else can you face the known facts of the Bible:
Sin- death-trouble-judgement?
- It is not hypocrisy to change. Some think: "But who am I".
- This whole world is so influenced by Satan - he is the "god of this world", i.e. it is distorted so that we do not see the truth:
Illustration: a hall of mirrors; a labyrinth from which men cannot get out.
- There are some who have decided:
EXHORTATION
O choose - this day - to give your whole life to God!
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