Sanctify Yourselves

In Joshua 3, we find the old life of the Israelites was coming to an end. They were about to pass into the land of Canaan, a land of victory and life but still a land of battle. When we come to Christ, there is a new life. Still there are enemies to be fought and battles to be won. A surrendered life will enjoy the victory of God. Everyone of us is called to give up our carnal life and go into the land of blessing. Why do we need a surrendered life? Why did Joshua call on Israel to sanctify themselves? What does this mean?

1. The explanation of sanctification: the meaning of "Sanctify yourselves"

• It is something the people had to do themselves
• it means you set yourself apart for special use by the Lord
• it means to wash, purify, cleanse (Ex 19:10)
• You can't enjoy the world and power with God

2. The expectation in sanctification: tomorrow the Lord will do wonders

• God's people can expect God's help
  In vv 8-13, they are told what God will do. Sanctified people can expect God's power to give up the old life and embrace the new. Some take Jordan as a type of entering heaven. But more so, this is a picture of the Christian going over into a new era of life, blessing, battle and victory with the help of the Lord. When we face our Jordans, we can expect God to open up a way.
• God's people can expect God's presence
  The Christian life is a life of expectation. You can expect God to be present and work for you

3. The application of sanctification: how Israel did it

• follow the Lord
• hear the word of the Lord
• go forth in faith not sight
• give the honor to the Lord

Dedicate yourself to serve the Lord.