Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores Joshua 4, focusing on God’s command to build memorials after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. The message emphasizes that memory shapes identity and that God commands us to remember our miraculous moments because the greatest enemy of faith may be forgetfulness. The passage reveals God’s divine instructions for the Israelites to take twelve stones from the Jordan River to create a memorial at Gilgal, serving both current and future generations as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. The sermon highlights that miracles don’t eliminate battles but prepare us for them, and that yesterday’s miracles become today’s strengths for tomorrow’s challenges. The memorial stones serve dual purposes: for future generations to learn God’s faithfulness and for all peoples to know that the hand of the Lord is mighty.
Key Points:
Memory shapes identity, and God commands us to build memorials to His faithfulness
Divine instructions call for specific remembrance, not general acknowledgment of God’s goodness
The weight of spiritual memories should be carried intentionally and shared with others
Memorials serve future generations and provide evangelistic testimony to the world
Miracles prepare us for battles rather than eliminate them
Forgetfulness is the greatest enemy of faith and leads to unnecessary fear and anxiety
Every memorial looks backward to fuel faith forward
Small Group Questions:
The sermon mentions that “memory shapes identity.” Share about a specific time when God delivered you or provided for you in a miraculous way. How has remembering that experience shaped your faith journey?
In Joshua 4:6-7, God specifically tells them the memorial is for “when your children ask.” How have you seen faith transmitted (or fail to be transmitted) between generations in your family or church community? What specific steps can you take to share God’s faithfulness with the next generation?
The sermon states that “miracles don’t eliminate battles” but prepare us for them. Share about a time when God’s provision or breakthrough led to new challenges. How did that previous miracle give you strength for the battles that followed?
According to the sermon, “forgetfulness is the greatest enemy of faith.” When have you experienced doubt or fear because you forgot how God had been faithful in the past? What practical steps can you take to remember God’s faithfulness more intentionally?
The memorial stones served both future generations and “all peoples of the earth” as evangelistic testimony. How can your story of God’s faithfulness serve as an invitation to faith for others? Who in your life needs to hear your “Jordan story”?
The pastor challenges us to build “one tangible memorial to God’s faithfulness.” What specific memorial could you create this week to remember how God has worked in your life? How might this help you trust Him for future challenges?
Key Verses: Joshua 4:6-7, Joshua 4:20-24, 1 Samuel 7:12
Application On The Way: This week, build one tangible memorial to God’s faithfulness in your life. This could be starting a journal, creating a photo collection, establishing a family tradition, or setting up a physical reminder. Share one “Jordan story” of how God delivered you with someone who needs hope. Ask God what new challenge He might be preparing you for as you remember His past faithfulness.
Want to Go Deeper: Read these additional passages that emphasize the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness: Deuteronomy 8:2-20, Psalm 77:11-20, Psalm 103:1-5, 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Psalm 78:1-8, Isaiah 46:8-9, Malachi 3:16, Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Personal Reflection Questions: Consider Deuteronomy 8:11-14 where Moses warns Israel not to forget the Lord when they become prosperous. How do seasons of blessing sometimes make us more prone to forget God’s faithfulness? What safeguards can you put in place to remember God during good times as well as difficult ones?
Reflect on Psalm 77:11-12 where the psalmist says “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” What would it look like for you to develop a regular practice of remembering and meditating on God’s past faithfulness? How might this transform your approach to current challenges?