1. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15 3/11/2016 1

2. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” EXERCISE THE POWER OF CHOICE With the power of choice also comes the power of exclusion. Matthew 6:24; THE POWER OF CHOICE IS THE POWER OF COMMITMENT 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) 3/11/2016 2

3. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 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) 3/11/2016 3

4. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” THE POWER OF CHOICE IS THE POWER TO MANIFEST LOVE. 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 3/11/2016 4

5. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” THE BASIS FOR CHOOSING GOD Joshua 24:1-13 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) 3/11/2016 5

6. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 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) 3/11/2016 6

7. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 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) 3/11/2016 7

8. “CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES” 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 3/11/2016 8