” 1 Now it came to pass, a long time after the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua was old, advanced in age. 2 And Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers, and said to them: “I am old, advanced in age. 3 You have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the Lord your God is He who has fought for you. 4 See, I have divided to you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, as far as the Great Sea westward. 5 And the Lord your God will expel them from before you and drive them out of your sight. So you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God promised you. 6 Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, 7 and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, 8 but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. 9 For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. 10 One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. 11 Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God. 12 Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations—these that remain among you—and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you, 13 know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.”
Joshua 23:1-13 (NKJV)
Discussion Questions:
- To what extent do my daily choices and actions reflect the calling God has placed on my life? In what areas might I be unknowingly drifting away from His will? Recall a time when, despite fear or uncertainty, you chose to obey God—what unexpected blessings came from that act of obedience, and how did it shape your trust and reliance on Him? (Joshua 1:7-8; Joshua 23:1-3)
- In what areas of my life might my ambitions, desire for recognition, or pursuit of material success be taking precedence over obedience to God? How can I actively demonstrate God’s love in my family, workplace, or community, even toward those who have hurt me? （Joshua 23:6–7,12–13; Joshua 23:13; Gal 5:16-17,19-21; John 13:34-35）
Sermon Summary
This week’s sermon encourages us to live fully in God’s calling and experience
the abundant life He has given us. We are reminded to deal with the flesh, remove idols, and surrender selfish ambitions so that love, joy, and peace can flourish in our lives. Like the Israelites driving out the remaining inhabitants of the Promised Land, we are called to overcome sin and live obediently, relying on the Holy Spirit. By walking in love, forgiveness, and faithfulness, we reflect God’s glory in our relationships and communities. Let 2026 be a year of wholehearted devotion and victorious living in Christ!