Introduction

• Deuteronomy 11:26-29
• Joshua 8:30-34

The blessings of obedience

Did this really happen? Yes!

• The location is there.
• Its arrangement works.
• An altar has been found.
• Other structures have been found.
  • Joshua 1:3
  • Joshua 4:19-20 – Gilgal means “circle.” It’s not necessarily a city or town.
  • Archaeologists found a large stone circle in the right place to be the “Gilgal” mentioned in the text.

Did the blessings come true? Yes!

• Deuteronomy 28:6-7
  • Late bronze age/early iron age
  • Large Canaanite cities were destroyed
  • Replaced by small settlements of invaders
  • Dietary remains, construction techniques, and inscriptions say …
  • They were Hebrews
• Joshua 11:10-11 – The ruin of Hazor
  • Archaeologists found a thick layer of destruction and ash when excavating Hazor.
  • Joshua 21:43-45

What do we learn?

• Deuteronomy 11:26-27
• The blessings of obedience
  • The blessing of God’s help
  • The blessing of righteousness
  • The blessing of true success
  • The blessing of rest and peace
  • The blessing of a lasting legacy
• How do we receive them today?
  • Ephesians 1:3
  • John 4:14, 23
  • Blessed are the poor in spirit
  • Blessed are those who mourn
  • Blessed are the gentle
  • Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness
  • Blessed are the merciful
  • Blessed are the pure in heart
  • Blessed are the peacemakers
  • Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness

Conclusion

• Obeying God from the heart beings blessings in this life and the life to come.
• These blessings are real and certain.
• We receive them in Christ.
• We should choose these blessings and the life of obedience that brings them.