1. In these verses Joshua called upon the Israelites to make a choice about serving God -- they could either "stand with God" or "reject God." 2. We have to make the same choice today. 3. This morning we talked about "choosing to stand with God." 4. This evening we are studying verses that relate to "choosing to reject God." 5. In Psalm 9:17 David showed how serious this choice is: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." 6. Let us begin our study by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE SHOWS HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REJECTED GOD
A. The people in Noah's day rejected God. 1. The condition of the world indicates that God had been rejected (Genesis 6:5, 11-12). 2. The cost of man's wickedness is revealed in vs.6-7, 13. B. The Israelites in Samuel's day rejected God. 1. They desired a king to rule over them "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:4-7). 2. The cost involved in having a king is revealed in vs.10-18. C. Saul, the first king of Israel, rejected God. 1. He disobeyed God's command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:18-19). 2. The cost of Saul's disobedience is revealed in vs.23. D. Demas rejected God. 1. He forsook Paul because he "loved this present world" (2 Timothy 4:10). 2. The cost of such rejection is revealed in 2 Peter 2:20-22. E. To summarize, the consequences of rejecting God are very serious. F. Thankfully, . . .
II. THE BIBLE REVEALS THE CURE FOR REJECTING GOD
A. God's mercy is the cure (Proverbs 16:6). B. To receive God's mercy we must return to Him on His terms (2 Chronicles 7:14; Luke 15:11-24).
III. THE BIBLE ALSO REVEALS HOW REJECTING GOD CAN BE PREVENTED
A. The Lord is described as being "able to keep you from falling" (Jude 24). B. Those who diligently develop the Christian graces are assured that they "shall never fall" (2 Peter 1:5-11).
Conclusion:
1. Satan's mission is to cause people to reject God (1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:11; 2:5). 2. Let us resist the devil wholeheartedly (1 Peter 5:9; James 4:7) because "the cost of rejecting God" is high. 3. May we serve the Lord faithfully because those who do so will dwell in His house forever (Psalm 23:6)! 4. Earlier we mentioned David's words in Psalm 9:17 -- let us close with the statement found in Psalm 33:12.
