The Book of Joshua CHAPTER ONE

Why study the book of Joshua? Historically: the story of Israel entering the promised land – Canaan Typically: Joshua a type of the one whose name he bears (Joshua = Jesus); Canaan = heavenly places (heavenlies) Practically: the book has a lot of lessons for the life of faith

Canaan Canaan is not a type of heaven as the place into which the believer enters in the future. 2 reasons: When entering the land there is conflict. Israel could be driven out of the land

Canaan Canaan is a type of the heavenly position which the believer has in Christ. In that aspect there IS conflict (Eph 6): Satan tries to rob the believer of the enjoyment of his blessings

Joshua – a new leader “Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people”

Joshua – a new leader Exodus 17:9 Exodus 24:13 Exodus 33:11 Leading the people in battle against Amalek The servant of Moses, accompanying him on the mount Keeping himself separate in the tent of testimony

Joshua – a new leader Numbers 13:16 “Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord” (Numbers 32:12) one of the spies He & Caleb brought a good report

Joshua – a new leader “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him” (Numbers 27:18) “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom” (Deut 33:9) Chosen as the new leader after Moses

Instruction & Encouragement (V2-9) “go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel” (V3) God’s purpose & blessing “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” (V4) men’s responsibility

Instruction & Encouragement (V2-9) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3) “that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power” (Eph 1:18)

The borders “From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.” (V4) a great wilderness (barreness) a great mountain (power) a great river (wealth) a great sea (unrest)

God‘s promise “as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (V5) as I was with Moses => Deut 31:6.8

Spiritual Energy “Be strong and of good courage” (V6) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Eph 6:10)

Spiritual Energy “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (V7) Obedience to the Word of God 2 Chron 34 (King Josia) Isaiah30:21

The Importance of the Word of God “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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.” (V8) personal study of the Word (meditate) obedience (observe) leadership by the Word (not depart from your mouth) promise of success

A further Promise The promise of the divine presence

Instructions for the people (V10-15) “Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan” the challenge to everyone to provide for himself sufficient food to be able to face the conflict ahead.

Spiritual Food for a Spiritual Conflict

Reuben, Gad & half of Manasseh “Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them” (V14) they didn‘t value the inheritance God had promised believers who have no appreciation for God‘s blessings earthly minded Christians

Reuben, Gad & half of Manasseh Only 40.000 went to war (Joshua 4:13), there were 110.000 warriors (Num. 26) They didnt follow the call of Deborah & Barak (Judges 5:15-17) The first to be led into captivity (1 Chr 5:26)

The People‘s Response “And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go…. only be strong and of a good courage.” What a wonderful response & commitment! Did Israel fullfil what they promised?

What is my/your response to God‘s call? Am I/are you faithful to my/your commitment?