Faith, Obedience, and God's Promises in Joshua
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the book of Joshua, exploring its rich narrative and profound lessons. Joshua, who succeeded Moses, led the Israelites into the Promised Land, a journey marked by faith, obedience, and divine intervention. We began by acknowledging the importance of missions, both global and local, and how our church is actively involved in supporting missionaries and community outreach programs. This sets the stage for understanding the broader mission of God's people as depicted in Joshua.
Joshua's story is a testament to the power of courageous faith. After Moses' death, Joshua was tasked with leading the Israelites into Canaan. God repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing that faith in God's promises is crucial, even when circumstances seem daunting. This theme of faith is evident as Joshua sends spies into Jericho, where they encounter Rahab, a woman of questionable repute who nonetheless recognizes God's power and aids the Israelites. Her inclusion in Jesus' lineage underscores that God values willingness and faith over pedigree.
The crossing of the Jordan River, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing, illustrates that God can repeat miracles and that His power is not confined to the past. As the Israelites enter enemy territory, God commands them to circumcise the new generation, symbolizing a fresh start and the removal of past reproach. This act of obedience, even in vulnerability, shows that God is always enough and will protect and provide for His people.
The fall of Jericho, achieved through obedience to God's unconventional battle plan, teaches that complete trust and adherence to God's instructions are essential for victory. However, Achan's disobedience in taking devoted items leads to a defeat at Ai, highlighting that obedience matters and that sin can have communal consequences.
The division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel demonstrates that God always has a plan, even when it seems impossible. Joshua's final address to the Israelites, urging them to choose whom they will serve, is a powerful reminder that each generation must make its own commitment to God. This call to decision is as relevant today as it was then, urging us to prioritize our faith and mission over worldly distractions.
### Key Takeaways
1. Courageous Faith is Powerful: Joshua's journey teaches us that faith in God's promises is essential, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Courageous faith allows us to walk on God's word, trusting Him despite life's contradictions. This kind of faith transforms our lives and empowers us to face challenges with confidence. [53:36]
2. God is Always Enough: The Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, marked by the miraculous crossing of the Jordan and the provision of the land's produce, shows that God is sufficient in every season. Even in our most vulnerable states, God provides and protects, ensuring that we have what we need to fulfill His purposes. [59:40]
3. Obedience Matters: Achan's disobedience and its consequences at Ai remind us that following God's commands is crucial. Obedience to God brings blessings and victory, while disobedience can lead to defeat and communal suffering. Our actions have far-reaching impacts, and we must strive to align our lives with God's will. [16:30]
4. God Always Has a Plan: The division of the land among the twelve tribes, stemming from the promise to Abraham, illustrates that God’s plans are meticulous and faithful. Even when situations seem impossible, God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises. Trusting in His plan gives us hope and direction. [17:26]
5. It's Time to Make Your Choice: Joshua's final challenge to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve is a timeless call to commitment. In a world full of distractions and competing loyalties, we must decide to prioritize our faith and mission. Our choices today shape our future and our legacy. [21:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:03] - Introduction to Missions
[29:47] - Legacy Lane: World Missions
[30:31] - Go Offering and Global Outreach
[31:43] - Worship Team's Role
[33:16] - Local Missions: Emma Judy's Classroom
[34:37] - Back-to-School Outreach
[36:10] - Offering Instructions
[39:47] - Binge the Bible Series Introduction
[41:24] - The Pentateuch Overview
[42:54] - Joshua's Leadership
[44:36] - Serving Before Leading
[46:22] - Crossing the Jordan
[50:00] - Be Strong and Courageous
[53:36] - Courageous Faith
[59:40] - God is Always Enough
[16:30] - Obedience Matters
[17:26] - God Always Has a Plan
[21:27] - Make Your Choice
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:6-9 (ESV)
> "Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
2. Joshua 3:15-17 (ESV)
> "And as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan."
3. Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV)
> "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. What command does God repeatedly give to Joshua in Joshua 1:6-9, and why is it significant?
2. Describe the miracle that occurred when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River in Joshua 3:15-17.
3. In Joshua 24:14-15, what choice does Joshua present to the Israelites, and what is his personal declaration?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasized the need for Joshua to be "strong and courageous" multiple times? How might this have impacted Joshua's leadership? [50:00]
2. What does the crossing of the Jordan River symbolize for the Israelites, and how does it compare to their previous experiences? [01:03:00]
3. How does Joshua's challenge in Joshua 24:14-15 reflect the overall message of the book of Joshua? What does this tell us about the importance of personal commitment to God? [01:21:27]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you needed to be "strong and courageous" in your faith. How did you rely on God's promises during that period? [50:00]
2. The Israelites experienced a miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Can you recall a moment in your life when you witnessed God's provision in a seemingly impossible situation? How did it strengthen your faith? [01:03:00]
3. Joshua's final challenge to the Israelites was to choose whom they would serve. In today's world, what are some distractions or "gods" that compete for your loyalty? How can you prioritize your commitment to God? [01:21:27]
4. Achan's disobedience led to communal suffering. How do your personal actions and choices impact your community or family? What steps can you take to ensure your actions align with God's will? [01:15:23]
5. Joshua's leadership was marked by obedience and faith. How can you cultivate these qualities in your own life, especially in areas where you feel called to lead or serve? [50:00]
6. The division of the land among the twelve tribes shows that God always has a plan. When facing uncertainty, how can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and trust in His plan? [01:17:26]
7. Joshua's story emphasizes the importance of making a clear choice to serve God. What practical steps can you take this week to reaffirm your commitment to God and His mission in your life? [01:21:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Courageous Faith Transforms Lives
Courageous faith is a powerful force that can transform our lives and empower us to face challenges with confidence. Joshua's journey into the Promised Land is a testament to this truth. Despite the daunting task of leading the Israelites after Moses' death, Joshua trusted in God's promises and was repeatedly encouraged to be strong and courageous. This kind of faith allows us to walk on God's word, trusting Him despite life's contradictions. It is through courageous faith that we can overcome obstacles and see God's hand at work in our lives. [53:36]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you demonstrate courageous faith in this situation, trusting in God's promises and presence?
Day 2: God's Sufficiency in Every Season
The Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, marked by the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the provision of the land's produce, shows that God is sufficient in every season. Even in our most vulnerable states, God provides and protects, ensuring that we have what we need to fulfill His purposes. This truth is a reminder that we can rely on God's sufficiency no matter the circumstances. He is always enough, and His provision is perfect. [59:40]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt vulnerable or insufficient. How did God provide for you in that season, and how can you trust in His sufficiency today?
Day 3: The Importance of Obedience
Achan's disobedience and its consequences at Ai remind us that following God's commands is crucial. Obedience to God brings blessings and victory, while disobedience can lead to defeat and communal suffering. Our actions have far-reaching impacts, and we must strive to align our lives with God's will. This story serves as a powerful reminder that our obedience matters not just for ourselves but for the community around us. [16:30]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God. What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Plan
The division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel, stemming from the promise to Abraham, illustrates that God’s plans are meticulous and faithful. Even when situations seem impossible, God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises. Trusting in His plan gives us hope and direction. This truth encourages us to have faith in God's overarching plan for our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture. [17:26]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Think about a situation in your life that seems uncertain or impossible. How can you trust in God's plan and find hope in His promises?
Day 5: Making a Commitment to God
Joshua's final challenge to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve is a timeless call to commitment. In a world full of distractions and competing loyalties, we must decide to prioritize our faith and mission. Our choices today shape our future and our legacy. This call to decision is as relevant today as it was then, urging us to make a deliberate choice to serve God wholeheartedly. [21:27]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities and commitments. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith and mission are at the forefront of your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Faith is understanding or it's walking on God's word even when we don't understand His work. I remember when we were walking through the final stages of my mom's life right before she passed away. I have a lot of, a lot of faith connections. And they were calling me up and they were going, we're believing for life and not death. And they were quoting the scripture. And everything that I knew to do as a faith man, right?" [48:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He keeps saying be strong and courageous. Do you know why he keeps saying be strong and courageous? Because walking with God isn't always easy. Right? We want this walk of faith. We want this Christian walk. We want it to be. You know, roses and rainbows. We want it to always be easy and to always be. But there are some times that you have got to pull your bootstraps up and choose that in the middle of this, I'm going to choose to be strong when I should be weak, and I'm going to choose to have courage when I should be fearful." [51:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If He did it before, He can do it again. And what I have noticed is I've noticed too many believers who have watched God work on their behalf in a previous season that because of some bad times have lost faith that if He did it, then He can still do it now. And I'm here to tell you as your pastor that if God did it back then, if God did it at Azusa, if God did it in the charismatic revival, if God did it in the faith movement, He can do it again." [01:04:02] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The takeaway from this whole section is God is always enough. If he brought you to this new season, he will walk with you through this new season. And in your most vulnerable state, he will keep you and he will protect you." [01:09:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we want all of what God has for us, how many of you would look and you'd go, man, every promise of God, I want it. Come on, can you, amen? Everything that God has promised me, I want to possess it. I want to take, I want to take the land that God has put before me. All that God, if we want all that God has for us, then we must do. All of what God desires of us." [01:12:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the things that we learn from Joshua's life is that if you aren't fit to serve, you aren't ready to lead. Because too often we want to walk in and we know our, we know our gifts and we know our strengths and we know where all of that lies. And so we want to walk in and we want to go, well, this is what we have to offer. And what I learned a long time ago was until we learn to serve, we aren't fit to lead." [44:36] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The takeaway from that first section is that courageous faith is powerful. When you can walk on the promises of God, even when life, life seems to contradict them. When it doesn't look like you think it should look, if you can still trust God in the midst of it, it's a powerful life. It's a powerful life." [53:36] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The takeaway from this whole section is God is always enough. If he brought you to this new season, he will walk with you through this new season. And in your most vulnerable state, he will keep you and he will protect you." [01:09:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One man's disobedience brought a curse on everyone connected to him, which is why to walk away from this section, we learn obedience matters. When God says something, obedience matters." [01:16:30] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our takeaway from this last section is this, you've got to make your choice. Here's what I have noticed over the last number of years in the church in America, is that we've become so enamored in the systems of this world and we've become so enamored into cultural wars that we have abandoned the very God that placed us where we are." [01:21:27] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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