God’s Promise & Charge To Joshua

Introduction Joshua was born in slavery He was of the tribe of Ephraim He was a minister to Moses Moses sent him out as one of the 12 spies

After the death of Moses God commanded him to lead Israel into The Promised Land

I. Joshua 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

“Go Over This Jordan” Moses was not allowed to lead Israel into Canaan This work fell to Joshua

Deut. 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

II. Josh. 1:5 “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

“I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”

Heb. 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

III. Josh. 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

“Be strong and of a good courage” God repeats this three times (verses 6,7,9) Joshua would have to overcome the enemies of God and remain faithful to the Law of the Lord

Courage “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of faith”

1 Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

IV. Josh. 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

“Do all according to the law” He was to act as the law directed He was to walk in harmony with the commands of the law Even though he was the leader of God’s people, he was not above the law

1 Cor. 4:6 (NKJV) Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other

Deut. 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Mt. 4:4,7,10 “It is written”

V. Josh. 1:8 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

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth” His speech – his life - was to be regulated by God’s word “Speak where the Bible speaks, remain silent where the Bible is silent”

1 Pet. 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“Thou shalt meditate therein day and night” This means that the Word of God was to control the mind – it would fill the mind Meditating on the Word of God his mind would have the right kinds of thoughts and attitudes

Ps. 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

Col. 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Mt. 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Prov. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

“Then thou shalt have good success” If Joshua met the above conditions he could expect great success in his mission The success and prosperity promised would only result after his faithful obedience to God’s commands

Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Rev. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Conclusion

Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Mt. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God