Dr. Allen Griffith – The Greek word, “agape” signifies the value

Study: A Firm Foundation
Text: Joshua 24:14-15
“LOVE DISPLAYED IN LEADERSHIP”
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Dr. Allen Griffith – The Greek word, “agape” signifies the value placed
on someone which determines the sacrifice you will make for them.
It is important to understand that what we choose to sacrifice most for
is what we show to be our true love.
Today we will continue to consider our faithful stewardship in our role
of setting an example in serving the Lord. Our question for today is,
“Can I be counted on to set a faithful example of serving the Lord?”
I.
Introduction
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow
shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof.
A. Ezekiel’s Concern (Ezekiel 22:30)
Ezekiel 22:30 [God says] “And I sought for a man among them, that should
make up the hedge, and stand in the gap [break] before Me for the land, that I
should not destroy it: but I found none.”
B. Isaiah’s Challenge (Isaiah 6:8)
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and
who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
C.
Your Challenge (2 Chronicles 7:14)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek My face [in worship], and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear [listening with intent] from heaven, and will
forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Q: Will you be that man to stand in the gap?
Q: How will you answer this call?
Q: “Can I be counted on to set a faithful example of serving the Lord?”
II.
Joshua’s _________________of God’s Faithfulness (v. 1-13)
III.
Joshua’s _________________to “Fear the LORD” (v. 14)
A. In _________________—“serve Him”
Cf. Joshua 22:5; John 14:15; Psalm 100:2
B. In _________________—“put away the gods”
Cf. Joshua 23:7; 1 John 5:21
Q: How exclusive is your relationship with the Lord?
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of
the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the
world is the enemy of God.
IV.
Joshua’s _________________for a Decision (v. 15)
A. His _________________—“Choose”
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Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye
cannot serve God and mammon.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,
his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness?
Cf. Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37
To choose God is to love Him __________________, wholeheartedly,
and dependently. He alone is worthy of our worship.
Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, “If any man will come
after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
B. His _________________—“We will serve the LORD”
Cf. John 13:3-15 – the “towel and bowl” mindset.
Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and
lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Philippians 2:7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the
form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
V.
Israel’s _________________ (v. 16-18)
A. With _________________ & Certainty (v. 16)
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B. With Determination & _________________ (v. 18)
VI.
Joshua’s _________________ for a Calculated Decision (v. 19-20)
A. His _________________—“Ye cannot serve the LORD…”
B. His _________________—“If ye forsake the LORD…”
VII.
Israel’s _________________—A Faithful Generation (v. 31)
Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and
shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by
the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
CONCLUSION: Joshua’s Epithet: (Joshua 24:29)
The simple epithet of Joshua was that he was “the servant of the LORD.”
Q: What is the epithet that you are striving for?
What is my next step?
(Put off) What must I put off that is both hinder my walk with Christ or someone else’s?
(Renew your mind) What qualities or Words of Christ must I meditate upon?
(Put on) What qualities of Christ must I seek to have as a characteristic of my life?
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John Lashuay, Pastor
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