Joshua Steps

Surrender: stop resisting, give up possession, give in

Yield: relinquish possession, concede, give up to a superior power

One of the most difficult things for us to do is surrender & yield. Why? The simple answer is that it means giving up control, letting go of our agendas and ways, our influence and wishes. Whatever the reasons, we assert our control in many small ways and that interferes with our relationship with God.

Joshua 24 NLT illustrate the steps to surrendering and yielding. Here Joshua is an old man and has gathered all the tribes of Israel with their leaders to speak a word from God over them. Laying out everything that had happened to bring them to where they were.

Then it got personal v14-22 NLT

Joshua …fear God and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away your family idols forever. Choose to serve God alone. If you refuse to do this, choose who you are going to serve. Which gods? As for me and my family, will serve the Lord.

The people … we would never abandon the Lord serve other gods. Joshua … if you abandon your word God will destroy you.

The people … we will serve the Lord

Joshua … you are witnesses to your own decision, you’ve chosen to serve the Lord

The people … yes, we are witnesses to what we have said

And with that it became a legal affirmation and commitment.

Now the practical, v23

Joshua …destroy your idols, turn your hearts to the Lord God

The people …we will serve the Lord, our God, we will obey him alone

Joshua made a covenant with the people, committing them to follow the decrees and regulations of the Lord, then he sent them home. How do we translate that into everyday life now - the Joshua Steps?

fear God: a reverent, deep trust that motivates you pursue God

commit: choose to serve & surrender to God

witness: understand you are a witness to your choice

destroy: anything that you put before God & that means everything

serve & obey: cultivate a servant, obedient heart that follows Gods word

live: every day relinquish everything, immerse yourself in God and you will find yourself in his presence