Joshua reminds Israel in this text that they have been the recipients of centuries of God’s faithfulness and rescue. Yet he knows how prone they are to forgetting what God has done for them. If they forget, they will slide into serving the idols of the surrounding culture. And so will we. We must make a decisive determination regarding whom we will live for, whom we will serve.

Sermon Outline:

I. A History Lesson

II. A Decisive Choice

III. A Renewed Covenant

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Joshua reminded Israel of God’s gracious acts in their history before calling them to renewed commitment. What specific acts of God’s faithfulness in your own life or family come to mind, and how does remembering these strengthen your loyalty to Him?

2. What “default idols” are most tempting in your own life or in our culture (money, beauty, approval, success, etc.)? What does it practically look like to put away these false gods in your daily life?

3. For those with children at home: how are you intentionally leading your household to serve the Lord? For everyone: what specific practices or rhythms have you established (or want to establish) to pass your faith on to the next generation? Where might God be calling you to take greater initiative?

4. How does Jesus’ call to take up our cross daily sharpen our understanding of what true commitment looks like? How does this differ from the way Christianity is sometimes presented?