7/29/2017 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15 1 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” • With the power of choice also comes the power of exclusion. • Matthew 6:24; • THE POWER OF CHOICE IS THE POWER OF COMMITMENT 7/29/2017 • EXERCISE THE POWER OF CHOICE • Commitment is devotion, dedication, to a cause, person or relationship. • Commitment is the bond and strength of any relationship. (ref. Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2-3) • Commitment empowered God’s servants. (Gen. 22:10-12; Dan. 6:10, 16, 21-22; Dan. 3:16-18; Heb. 10:34; Heb. 11:36-38) 2 • THE POWER OF CHOICE IS THE POWER TO INFLUENCE OTHERS. • We influence others and are influenced by other’s decisions. (Matt. 5:13-16) • When we make righteous choices giving God the preeminence others may ask about the basis of our decisions. (1 Peter 3:15) • Sacrificial decisions inspire others. • Joshua knew his decision to serve could inspire others as well. (Josh. 24:14-15) 7/29/2017 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 3 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” • In no greater way can we express our love to our mate than by the deliberate decision to turn from all others. • Making a choice sets one thing apart from all others or exalts one thing above all others. (Matt. 6:21) • God desires the type of love that treasures Him above all others. (James 4:4; James 4:8; James 1:7-8; Matthew 15:8-9 7/29/2017 • THE POWER OF CHOICE IS THE POWER TO MANIFEST LOVE. 4 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” • THE BASIS FOR CHOOSING GOD • • • • • Their fathers were idolaters (v.2) God led Abraham out of that environment (v.3) God delivered Israel out of Egypt (vv.5-7) God delivered the Amorites into their hand. (v.8) God delivered Balak and Balaam into their hand. (vv.910) • God delivered Jericho and in the inhabitants of the land into their hand. (v.11) • God gave them the land. (v.13) • God’s goodness is the same motive to serve Him today. (Acts 20:32; John 6:44-45; Romans 2:4) 7/29/2017 • Joshua 24:1-13 5 A PERSONAL CHOICE “As for me” We cannot allow our family or religious tradition to dictate our choices. (Joshua 24:2) We cannot allow personal affection or admiration to cause us to follow another blindly. (Luke 6:39; Gal. 2:11-13) 7/29/2017 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 6 A FAMILY CHOICE That will happen only if: FATHERS HAVE AUTHORITY OVER THEIR OWN HOMES. (Genesis 18:19) WIVES ARE IN SUBJECTION. (Eph. 5:23) THE WIFE’S SUBJECTION WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY THE HUSBAND’S UNSELFISHNESS. (Ref. 1 Kings 12:7) CHILDREN LOVING AND RESPECTING THEIR PARENTS. (Eph. 6:1-3) 7/29/2017 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 7 • THIS DAY • DELAY IS DEATH TO RIGHTEOUS RESOLVE! • Acts 24:25 • WE ATTEMPT TO SOOTHE OUR CONSCIENCE BY SAYING WE WILL SERVE THE LORD LATER. • James 4:13-17 • TODAY IS THE ONLY DAY IN OUR POSSESSION • 2 Cor. 6:2; 1 Kings 18:21 7/29/2017 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 8
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz