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Phil Porter

The Joshua Challenge

Updated: Sep 23




“Outline”

I. Introduction

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:14-15 NKJV

  • Key Question: Who do you serve?

  • Context: The choice Joshua presents to the Israelites—serve false gods or serve the Lord.

 

II. The Challenge of Choice

  • Joshua's Call: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”

  • Modern Application: The same challenge faces us today—commit fully to God or allow distractions to take precedence.

  • Commitment in Hardships: No matter the trials, the believer’s response must be “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

 

III. The Pitfalls of 2nd and 3rd Chair Living

  • The Problem of Partial Commitment:

    • Reference to Peter’s struggle.

    • Serving God with divided loyalty hinders both faith and personal life.

  • Call to Surrender: Joshua’s message requires full surrender, just as Peter eventually did.

  • Examples from the Apostles: Paul, James, Peter identify themselves as servants of Christ.

 

IV. Seek First the Kingdom of God

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:33 NKJV

  • Three Elements of Seeking:

    1. Seek: Taking action in pursuit of God’s will.

    2. First: Prioritizing God above all else.

    3. His Kingdom and Righteousness: Aligning with the King's agenda and developing Christlike character.

 

  • Two Key Objectives:

    1. Evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20)

    2. Discipleship.

 

V. The Enemies of the Soul

  • Internal Struggles:

    • The constant battle with the flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).

    • Deception of Satan and distractions from our true purpose.

  • The Delusion of Time:

    • False belief that there’s time to fully commit later.

    • Urgency to live for God now, especially for younger generations.

 

VI. Idolatry: Modern-Day False Gods

  • Joshua’s Warning: “Put away from among you the foreign gods.”

  • Forms of Idolatry Today:

    • Money, relationships, power.

    • The “3 T’s” (Time, Talents, Treasure)—How do we invest them?

  • Self-Reflection: Identifying idols through how we spend our resources.

 

VII. The Cost of True Discipleship

  • Scripture Reference: Mark 8:35-36

  • The Dangers of Divided Loyalty: Serving two masters is impossible (Matthew 6:24).

  • The Reward of Full Commitment: Jesus promises provision when we seek first His kingdom.

 

VIII. Conclusion

  • Introspection:

    • Reflecting on personal strengths and how they are used for God’s kingdom.

  • Final Question: Where are your 3 T’s going to?

  • Call to Action: Make a commitment to serve the Lord fully.

 

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