Joshua: Living the Victorious Life
Imposing Altars and Credible Witnesses
Joshua 22:1-6, 10-12, 21-30
Dr. Jimmy Jeffcoat | July 21, 2024
21 Have them cross the Jordan, and fight until the Lord forces out his enemies 22 and the land is conquered. Then you may come back. You will have fulfilled your military duty to the Lord and Israel…”
1. Faithfulness within may not be recognized without.
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7)
2. Being righteous can be a two-edged sword.
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
3. Hasty judgments and decisions can lead us to the edge of disaster.
“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 29:20)
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.” (1 Timothy 5:22)
4. Symbols that witness are good, but they carry risk.
“You didn’t see the Lord the day he spoke to you from the fire at Mount Horeb. So be very careful that you don’t become corrupt and make your own carved idols. Don’t make statues that represent men or women, any animal on earth, any creature with wings that flies, any creature that crawls on the ground, or any fish in the water.” (Deuteronomy 4:15-18)
“Take to heart these words that I give you today. Repeat them to your children…Write them down, and tie them around your wrist, and wear them as headbands as a reminder. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)