Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

A Future Promised

Bryan Schneider · April 30, 2022

Joshua 13:1-7

sharonrpc.org/sermons/a-future-promised

Summary

Joshua is old and much land remains, but God's promise and work do not depend upon the lifespan of one human leader.
Israel already possesses a promised inheritance while still awaiting and working toward its full possession, illustrating an already-and-not-yet pattern.
Christians already belong to Christ and are raised with him, yet they still fight remaining sin and await complete sanctification and bodily glory.
The Holy Spirit seals believers as God's possession and serves as the guarantee of the inheritance until its final redemption.
God himself promises to drive out Israel's enemies; Christian victory likewise rests on Christ, who conquered sin and death and goes before his people.
The certainty of God's promise produces action: Joshua is to divide land not yet possessed, and believers are to put sin to death and walk by faith.
Faith must cling to promises God actually made in their biblical context, rejecting both invented assurances and prosperity teaching.

Do I act as though God's work depends upon one leader, generation, or human lifespan?
Which blessings of salvation do I possess now, and which await final fulfillment at Christ's return?
What remaining sin must I actively put to death because my life is hidden with Christ?
How does the indwelling Spirit assure me that the promised inheritance will not be lost?
Am I fighting from Christ's achieved victory or trying to create victory through my own strength?
Which promise of Scripture should shape a concrete decision or action in my life now?
Have I relied on a comforting saying without checking whether God actually promised it in context?

Already and not yet: The biblical pattern in which God's saving promise is truly possessed now but awaits complete fulfillment at Christ's return.
Sanctification: The Spirit's ongoing work renewing believers in Christ's image and enabling them to put remaining sin to death.
Inheritance: The promised life, glory, resurrection, and renewed creation secured in Christ for God's adopted children.
Seal of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit's mark of belonging to God and his personal guarantee that the purchased inheritance will be fully redeemed.
Mortification: The Spirit-enabled putting to death of sinful desires and practices that remain in the Christian life.
Biblical promise: A commitment God truly makes in Scripture, understood in its context and relied upon because his Word is faithful.