3 16 2018 As for me and my house we

3/16/2018 “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 3/16/2018 • 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) 3/16/2018 “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 3/16/2018 • 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. 9 -10) • 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) 3/16/2018 • 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) 3/16/2018 “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) 3/16/2018 “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 3/16/2018 “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 8