1. Near the end of his life, Joshua called upon the Israelites to make a choice about serving God. 2. Basically, the Israelites could either "stand with God" or "reject God." 3. We have to make the same choice today -- we can either "stand with God," or we can "reject God." 4. This is an important choice because our eternal destiny is at stake. 5. This morning we are concentrating on "choosing to stand with God." 6. This evening we will focus our attention on "choosing to reject God." 7. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE REPEATEDLY TEACHES CHRISTIANS TO STAND WITH GOD
A. Consider the instructions given in 1 Corinthians 16:13 and Philippians 4:1. B. To help us understand what is involved in standing with God, . . .
II. THE BIBLE SHOWS HOW MANY OF GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE CHOSEN TO STAND WITH HIM
A. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose to stand with God. 1. They chose to stand with God when they refused to worship the golden image (Daniel 3:13-18). 2. They were cast into the furnace (vs.21), but God delivered them (vs.26-27). B. Daniel chose to stand with God. 1. He stood with God when he disobeyed the law by praying (Daniel 6:10). 2. He was cast into the den of lions (vs.16), but God delivered him (vs.23). C. Peter and John chose to stand with God. 1. They were told not to preach in the Lord's name (Acts 4:18). 2. They chose to stand with the Lord (Acts 4:19-20).
III. THE BIBLE TEACHES US HOW TO STAND WITH GOD, EVEN THOUGH THERE MAY BE CONSEQUENCES
A. According to Ephesians 6:10-13, standing with God requires us to "put on the whole armor of God." B. The various items of armor are listed in vs.14-17. C. As fully armed soldiers we are to pray (vs.18).
Conclusion:
1. When Joshua called upon the Israelites to make a choice about serving God, he revealed his choice (Joshua 24:15b). 2. Because Joshua chose to stand with God, he had a great influence upon the Israelites (vs.29-31). 3. To help us choose to stand with God, even though there may be a cost involved, let us remember that: a. the kingdom of heaven is much more valuable than any cost we may have to pay (Matthew 13:44-46) b. the Lord will bless us abundantly for any sacrifices we make on His behalf (Matthew 19:29) c. no cost is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ (Romans 8:35-39).
