God's Not Done With You
The sermon from Joshua chapter 13 explores the theme "God's Not Done with You," emphasizing that regardless of age or past victories, God still has work for His followers to do. The preacher begins by recalling a powerful sermon he heard while visiting a church in Nevada, which inspired him to share a similar message. He sets the stage by noting that Joshua, at 90 years old, is described as "old and stricken in years," yet God still has much land for him to conquer. This highlights the key message: no matter our age or past accomplishments, God has ongoing plans and purposes for us.
The preacher underscores that Joshua was a faithful servant of Moses and God, always ready to follow and assist. When Moses passed away, Joshua was called to step up and lead the Israelites. This transition signifies a shift from following under another's leadership to following God's direct guidance, a challenge many young people face when moving from home life to independence. Joshua is reminded by God to be strong and courageous, trusting in God's promises and leadership.
Throughout the sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of strength and courage, comparing Joshua's situation to personal and communal struggles today. He points out that fear can cripple faith and that believers must remain fortified, much like a tree planted by rivers of water. The roots must grow strong to withstand challenges while drawing sustenance from the same source.
The preacher also touches on the importance of focusing on God's promises and responsibilities toward future generations. He encourages the congregation to not rest on past victories or be overwhelmed by the current challenges. Instead, they should trust that God’s promises remain unchanging and seek to complete God's plan for their lives now, regardless of obstacles.
The sermon draws parallels to various biblical stories, including Gideon's reduction of his army, to illustrate that God often works through apparent weaknesses to achieve His purposes. The preacher uses the story of Jacob wrestling with God, resulting in a lifelong limp, to demonstrate that God sometimes uses our weaknesses to strengthen us and change our lives for the better.
In conclusion, the preacher calls on the congregation to recognize that God's work is ongoing and that past successes, failures, or current weaknesses should not hinder their service to Him. He emphasizes the need for continual faithfulness, courage, and a focus on the responsibilities for future generations. The sermon ends with a call to action, encouraging believers to step up, embrace their roles, and trust in God's unchanging promises.