Dig Deeper - Sunday 15th February
Sermon Reflection Questions - Strong and Courageous - a Journey through the book of Joshua: Remain Loyal to God.
Joshua 24:14-28
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 15th February service:
Summary
We need to first lookback In Chapter 23, Joshua, who was now over 100 years old at the time, gathered leaders and gave them a farewell message detailing some guidance for the future. In chapter 24, Joshua now gathers all the people and speaks to them.
A summary of Joshua 24:1-13. Joshua gathers Israel at Shechem and recounts their history as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. God tells how He called Abraham from beyond the Euphrates, gave Him descendants through Isaac, and continued the line through Jacob (while giving land to Esau).
He then reminds them how He sent Moses and Aaron to bring Israel out of Egypt, protected them at the Red Sea, sustained them in the wilderness, and gave them victory over surrounding nations. Attempts to curse Israel through Balak and Balaam failed, and God instead blessed them. Finally, God reminds them that He delivered cities like Jericho and gave them a land, homes, and crops they did not work for—emphasizing that their success came from His power, not their own.
1. Loyalty to God requires a decisive choice.
Joshua gives them a choice, who will you serve?
Laura reminded us last week that we must first choose to trust the Lord and this isn’t about having everything sorted, it’s simply about choosing to place your life into God’s hand. First there is the moment of saying yes God, I trust you but there is another step in the story, we have to choose to follow Him, this is a choice that each individual must make for themselves. Loyalty to God begins with the choice to follow Him.
2. Loyalty to God requires a putting away of idols
Loyalty to God also requires in a putting away of idols. We often imagine idolatry as bowing before carved images or ancient gods—but in reality, modern idols are far more subtle and socially acceptable. They creep in through what we strive for, prioritise, and rely on for our sense of identity, worth, security, and happiness. Our identity becomes shaped more by our image than shaped by the one who created us. Phones consume our attention more than prayer. Sex and relationships become a source of validation and a lack of either become a source of shame and embarrassment. None of these things are bad, however they become idols when we out them above our relationship with God.
3. I have decided to follow Jesus.
The people make a public declaration of their choice to follow and obey God. The hymn, I have decided to follow Jesus.
About 150 years ago, during a period of Christian revival linked to Welsh missionaries, the Gospel was brought to the tribal communities of Assam in northeast India. Among the converts was a man named Nokseng and his family.
When the village chief ordered them to renounce their faith or face death, Nokseng refused. In response, he sang what later became the well-known hymn I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, declaring his commitment despite the threat.
The chief had his children and wife killed and finally executed Nokseng as well, but their unwavering faith deeply moved him. Reflecting on their sacrifice, he converted to Christianity himself. Inspired by their chief’s decision, the entire village followed, turning the family’s martyrdom into a catalyst for widespread conversion.
Questions for reflection:
In Joshua 24:1–13, Joshua retells Israel’s history. Why do you think remembering God’s past faithfulness is important for staying faithful in the present? Can you share a time when looking back strengthened your trust?
2. Joshua challenges the people to choose whom they will serve. What does making a decisive choice to follow God look like in everyday life, especially when faith feels uncertain or inconvenient?
3. The passage calls God’s people to put away idols. What are some subtle “idols” people commonly struggle with today, and what practical steps can help keep God at the centre instead?
4. How does sharing our faith or commitment with others influence the way we live it out, especially during difficult seasons?
Prayer:
Father, Thank You for reminding us through Your Word of Your faithfulness across generations. Just as You guided and provided for Your people, we trust that You are at work in our lives today. Help us to choose You daily—not just in words, but in the way we live. Show us anything that has taken Your place in our hearts and give us the courage to lay those things down so we can follow You more fully.
Strengthen our commitment to You, especially when it’s difficult. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our lives reflect Your love, grace, and truth to those around us. Amen
