Trusting God's Promises: Lessons from Joshua's Journey

 

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the life of Joshua and the goodness of God, focusing on how Joshua trusted in God's promises and guidance. We began with the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's goodness even in the face of adversity. The sermon highlighted that God allows evil because humanity has turned away from Him, but His goodness remains steadfast. Joshua's life serves as a testament to this, as he was chosen to lead the Israelites after Moses' death. Despite the daunting task of filling Moses' shoes, Joshua trusted in God's promises and led the people into the Promised Land.

We delved into Joshua's jurisdiction and his encounter with Jericho, illustrating how God's guidance and Joshua's obedience led to miraculous victories. The key to Joshua's success was his unwavering commitment to God's Word. This commitment is something we can emulate in our own lives. By meditating on and applying God's Word daily, we can navigate our own crossroads and challenges with courage and faith.

The sermon also touched on the importance of leaving a legacy of faith. Just as Joshua continued Moses' work, we are encouraged to impact others by sharing God's message and living according to His Word. The story of Rahab, a harlot who was saved because of her faith and actions, serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is available to all who believe and act in faith.

In conclusion, the message emphasized the importance of daily engagement with the Bible, encouraging us to read, meditate, and apply its teachings. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also equips us to face life's challenges with God's guidance and support.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Goodness Amidst Adversity: Despite the presence of evil and suffering in the world, God's goodness remains constant. He allows challenges to occur because humanity has turned away from Him, but His ultimate plan is to restore His kingdom on earth. Trusting in God's goodness, as Joshua did, helps us navigate through life's adversities with faith and courage. [03:49]

2. The Importance of God's Word: Joshua's success was rooted in his commitment to God's Word. By meditating on and applying the Scriptures daily, we can find guidance and strength to face our own challenges. This practice is not just about reading but living out the teachings of the Bible, which brings prosperity and success in God's eyes. [08:20]

3. Leaving a Legacy of Faith: Just as Moses mentored Joshua, we are called to impact others by sharing God's message and living according to His Word. Our actions and faith can influence future generations, creating a ripple effect of God's goodness and grace. The story of Rahab illustrates that anyone, regardless of their past, can be part of God's plan if they act in faith. [19:43]

4. Facing Impossible Challenges with Faith: Joshua's encounter with Jericho teaches us that no challenge is too great when we trust in God's plan. By aligning ourselves with God's will and following His guidance, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This requires faith, obedience, and the willingness to act according to God's instructions. [37:26]

5. Daily Engagement with the Bible: Consistent reading and meditation on the Bible are crucial for spiritual growth and guidance. This practice helps us align our lives with God's will, providing the wisdom and strength needed to navigate life's challenges. Encouraging others to join us in this practice can create a community of faith that supports and uplifts one another. [32:25]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[03:11] - The Lord's Prayer
[03:49] - God's Goodness Amidst Adversity
[04:37] - Joshua's Trust in God's Promises
[05:41] - Joshua's Leadership After Moses
[06:36] - The Promised Land
[07:40] - God's Recipe for Prosperity
[08:20] - Meditating on God's Word
[09:11] - Crossroads in Life
[10:24] - Practical Application of God's Word
[12:21] - Joshua's Jurisdiction
[13:00] - The Death of Moses
[14:18] - Mentorship and Legacy
[19:43] - Impacting Future Generations
[37:26] - Joshua's Jericho
[42:55] - The Battle of Jericho
[45:31] - Encouragement from God's Word
[46:50] - Commitment to Daily Bible Reading

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-9
2. Psalm 1:1-3
3. Hebrews 11:30-31

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua after Moses' death? (Joshua 1:1-9)
2. According to Psalm 1:1-3, what are the characteristics of a person who delights in the law of the Lord?
3. How did Rahab demonstrate her faith, and what was the outcome for her and her family? (Hebrews 11:30-31)
4. In the sermon, what reasons were given for why God allows evil in the world? [03:49]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did Joshua's commitment to God's Word contribute to his success as a leader? [08:20]
2. What does it mean to leave a legacy of faith, and how did Joshua and Rahab exemplify this? [19:43]
3. How can the practice of daily Bible reading and meditation help us face life's challenges, according to the sermon? [32:25]
4. What does the story of Jericho teach us about facing seemingly impossible challenges with faith? [37:26]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith in God's goodness help you navigate that situation? [03:49]
2. Joshua's success was rooted in his daily meditation on God's Word. What specific steps can you take to incorporate daily Bible reading and meditation into your routine? [08:20]
3. Think about someone who has mentored you in your faith. How can you pay it forward by mentoring someone else and leaving a legacy of faith? [19:43]
4. Rahab's faith led to her and her family's salvation. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about God's grace? How can you share your faith with them this week? [19:43]
5. Identify a current challenge in your life that feels insurmountable. How can you align yourself with God's will and trust in His plan to overcome it? [37:26]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in daily Bible engagement. Who can you invite to join you in reading and meditating on the Bible daily? [32:25]
7. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. What actions can you take today to ensure that your faith impacts future generations? [19:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Goodness Amidst Adversity
Despite the presence of evil and suffering in the world, God's goodness remains constant. He allows challenges to occur because humanity has turned away from Him, but His ultimate plan is to restore His kingdom on earth. Trusting in God's goodness, as Joshua did, helps us navigate through life's adversities with faith and courage. Joshua's life is a testament to this unwavering trust. Even when faced with the daunting task of leading the Israelites after Moses' death, Joshua held firm to God's promises. This trust enabled him to lead the people into the Promised Land, demonstrating that God's goodness can guide us through our darkest times. [03:49]

Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV): "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God's goodness in that situation, and how can you trust Him more in future adversities?


Day 2: The Power of Meditating on God's Word
Joshua's success was rooted in his commitment to God's Word. By meditating on and applying the Scriptures daily, we can find guidance and strength to face our own challenges. This practice is not just about reading but living out the teachings of the Bible, which brings prosperity and success in God's eyes. Joshua's life exemplifies the transformative power of God's Word. His victories, including the miraculous fall of Jericho, were a direct result of his obedience and dedication to God's instructions. By making God's Word a central part of our daily lives, we too can experience His guidance and blessings. [08:20]

Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily practice of reading and meditating on God's Word into your routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure consistency?


Day 3: Leaving a Legacy of Faith
Just as Moses mentored Joshua, we are called to impact others by sharing God's message and living according to His Word. Our actions and faith can influence future generations, creating a ripple effect of God's goodness and grace. The story of Rahab illustrates that anyone, regardless of their past, can be part of God's plan if they act in faith. Rahab's faith not only saved her but also positioned her in the lineage of Jesus, showing that our legacy of faith can have far-reaching impacts. By mentoring others and living out our faith, we can leave a lasting legacy that honors God. [19:43]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Who in your life can you mentor or encourage in their faith journey? How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth this week?


Day 4: Facing Impossible Challenges with Faith
Joshua's encounter with Jericho teaches us that no challenge is too great when we trust in God's plan. By aligning ourselves with God's will and following His guidance, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This requires faith, obedience, and the willingness to act according to God's instructions. The fall of Jericho was a miraculous victory that demonstrated God's power and faithfulness. Joshua's unwavering faith and obedience to God's unconventional battle plan led to a triumph that seemed impossible. We too can face our own Jerichos with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will guide us to victory. [37:26]

Hebrews 11:30 (ESV): "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days."

Reflection: What is a current challenge in your life that feels insurmountable? How can you trust and obey God's guidance to overcome it?


Day 5: The Importance of Daily Engagement with the Bible
Consistent reading and meditation on the Bible are crucial for spiritual growth and guidance. This practice helps us align our lives with God's will, providing the wisdom and strength needed to navigate life's challenges. Encouraging others to join us in this practice can create a community of faith that supports and uplifts one another. Daily engagement with the Bible transforms our hearts and minds, equipping us to face life's trials with God's perspective. By making this a priority, we not only grow spiritually but also inspire others to deepen their relationship with God. [32:25]

Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Reflection: How can you create a habit of daily Bible reading and meditation? Who can you invite to join you in this practice to build a supportive community of faith?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "God is good. And realize that God did not make evil. God did not make evil. But God allows evil to come about because man has turned their back on God. And until God reestablishes his kingdom here on this earth, we're going to see some of that evil. Sometimes in large ways." [03:49] (21 seconds) ( | | )

2. "It's not the number of years. It's God, number one, in your years. See what I'm saying? It's not the number of years, because none of us know how many years we're going to have. But if you make God number one in all your years, that will make the difference." [10:24] (15 seconds) ( | | )

3. "You cannot control the conditions you're in. You can only control how you'll respond to those conditions. Here it is in one verse. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." [08:20] (30 seconds) ( | | )

4. "You may not think you're doing something. You're doing something when you give out God's message to other people. And this is Joshua. He realized Moses is gone. It's on me now. It's on me." [20:13] (13 seconds) ( | | )

5. "God is able. Amen. Turn to someone right there and remind them, will you? God is able. Go ahead, turn to them. God is able. So, if you really believe that God is able, what are you going to say? What he says right here. And it came to pass when Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and he looked and behold, there stood a man over against him with a sword drawn in his hand." [37:48] (20 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Daily worship through reading and meditating on the Bible will bring good. I don't like it. I read that Bible. I can't understand it. It's not the Bible. It's you. You need to read the Bible, and you need to break it down so you can read it. Little children can understand it. I recommend reading the Scripture every day. I read the Scripture every day. I listen to it, and I read it every day." [28:09] (22 seconds) ( | | )

2. "You need the Word of God. Portions of this could be a help to you. You could do that. My wife and I did this with our boys. We used big, big books like this, so we didn't have to look for the one the church gave out every month. And we do this. This is a whole year of devotions. So you can get books like these right here." [30:22] (19 seconds) ( | | )

3. "Joshua's jurisdiction. Now, after the death of Moses, that says a lot right there. After the death of Moses. Moses had to die, and this is the way it is in life. Someone's going to die, and then someone is going to go on. Now, whether or not someone goes on and fills that spot is between God and them. But the graduation of Moses into heaven was not a bad day. It's not a bad day if you hear that someone knows Jesus and they graduate to heaven." [13:00] (30 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Moses, God has spoke directly to Joshua. Do you know, I don't have any evidence in all the Scripture that before that happened, it was God to Moses. Now all of a sudden, it's God to Joshua. Do you know who that is for you? Look, if you're the head of your family, it's you and the Lord. Amen? But you really want to help them in the family to get it themselves. Because there's a time that you're not going to be there." [22:36] (25 seconds) ( | | )

5. "You keep all your health for yourself. You're going to need it. You'd be better to share your health with the Lord. You'd be better to share your time with the Lord. You'd be better to share your wealth with the Lord. Start out with the Lord. Bring a testament to the Lord. Have what God would want. That would give you an opportunity to be obedient. A simple acknowledgement of the Lord God would help you." [35:06] (19 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
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