Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Promise Keeping

Bryan Schneider · December 18, 2021

Joshua 1:10-18

sharonrpc.org/sermons/promise-keeping

Summary

With Israel poised to cross the Jordan, Joshua orders the officers to prepare the people and reminds Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to fight alongside their brethren before returning to their own inheritance.
The eastern tribes cannot remain safely with their families and livestock while the other tribes bear the danger of conquest; covenant unity requires them to keep their word even when obedience may cost comfort, security, or life.
Their pledge to follow Joshua rests on the Lord's presence with him, showing that their ultimate trust is not in a human commander but in the covenant God who has already kept his promise to Abraham and Israel.
The sermon applies promise keeping to marriage vows, church membership vows, Scripture, worship, prayer, sacraments, giving, repentance, holiness, and perseverance when motivation fades or cultural pressure grows.
Jesus is the true Joshua and Commander who conquered the heavenly inheritance; sinners follow him only because God replaces hard hearts, gives his Spirit, and keeps his promise never to abandon his people.

Why did Moses initially fear that Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh would discourage Israel by settling east of the Jordan?
What comforts and dangers did the eastern tribes have to entrust to God in order to keep their promise to their brethren?
Why do the tribes condition their obedience to Joshua on the Lord being with him as he was with Moses?
Which marriage, church, family, or personal commitments become easiest for me to neglect when motivation fades or hardship increases?
Have I begun treating Scripture, private prayer, the Lord's Day, gathered worship, the sacraments, or giving as optional after promising faithfulness to Christ and his church?
How does Jesus as the true Joshua redirect obedience away from legalism and toward grateful trust in the Savior who has conquered for his people?
Where must I stop relying on willpower and cry out for the Spirit to help me lay aside sin, persevere, and bear fruit in Christ?

Promise keeping: Faithfully performing a lawful commitment after enthusiasm fades and obedience becomes costly, as the eastern tribes agree to fulfill the word they gave through Moses.
Eastern tribes: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose families and inheritance remained east of the Jordan while their fighting men promised to help the other tribes take possession of Canaan.
Covenant unity: Israel remaining one people whose tribes bear one another's burdens rather than allowing some to enjoy rest while their brethren face war alone.
True Joshua: Jesus Christ as the greater Commander and Savior whom believers follow into the heavenly inheritance with their eyes fixed on him.
Spirit-enabled perseverance: Continued faithfulness produced by God's work of replacing hard hearts, enabling obedience, lifting his people when weak, and keeping them in Christ.