Joshua Chapter 1

Sermon Notes: Joshua Chapter 1.

The Book of Joshua divides into the following:

• Chapter 1 to 5 – Joshua leads the people into the land.
• Chapter 6 to 12 – The battles they encounter.
• Chapter 13 to 22 -Joshua divides up the land.
• Chapter 22 – His final speech.

Joshua was born into slavery in Egypt and may be around 90 years of age when we pick up the Book.

It’s Joshua’s time v1, ‘After the death of Moses, the LORD’S servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, ‘Now that my servant Moses is dead, you must lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.’

Moses was an amazing leader, an incredible servant of God, an anointed man of God. No one like Moses, but Moses has died and God is preparing Joshua for this moment, v5, ‘No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.’

Joshua is mentioned 30 times in the first five books of the Old Testament. His original name was Hoshea (meaning he saves) and the word Joshua means (Yahweh – the LORD saves).

Moses commanded Joshua to take over the leadership of God’s people, Deuteronomy 31:7, ‘Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched he said to him, ‘Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the LORD swore to give their ancestors. You are the one who will deliver it to them as their inheritance.’

God has us here at this moment, in this city of Lisburn for such a time as this. Now is the time! Are you ready?

God is speaking to us now, just as He spoke to these people in the past.

V1 – The LORD said to Joshua.

V2 – The LORD spoke to Joshua.

The LORD speaks to those who listen.

Get ready to cross the Jordan River – the whole community – families – you Joshua.

There’s always an obstacle to overcome. There’s always an impossible barrier to break through. It always feels so much easier to stay where we are, to stay the way that we are, to remain with what we know, what is familiar and what is safe.

If you want to see God and only God can do with you, through you, you have to step out in faith, step into the impossible and leave behind what you can do in your own strength.

You will never grow as a Christian sitting in a pew in Church on Sunday. You’ll grow as you take that risk step, step out in love and faith and obey God on Monday, feeling butterflies in your stomach. The promises God made to those before us are also for us here and now today, v3, ‘I promise you what I promised Moses: Everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you.’

The promises of God are for us today who are risk takers. The promises of God are for those who are willing to move in faith! The promises of God worked for Moses and Joshua, and the promises of God will work for us.

V5, ‘For I will be with you Joshua as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.’ ‘ I will never leave you nor forsake you.’