Studies in the Life of Joshua Dr. Ricky A.

Woods
Joshua 1:1-18 Lesson One
Intro
Today we begin a new character study to glean important lessons about faith
in God. Our new study is the life of Joshua. I have deliberately focused
mostly of our studies on Old Testament personalities for two reasons. One--
I believe their life experiences are similar to ours in many ways, especially
their struggles. Two--there is such a wealth of material to glean from their
lives in the Bible, it makes it easier to follow over time.

My interest in Joshua is in what God has to say to us in the battles of life. I

believe much of life is a battle and how we respond in those moments of
battle impact the quality of our life and the witness of our faith. Frederick
Douglas was once speaking to a group about how difficult it was to
overcome slavery. The abolitionist movement was loosing ground to
southern planters and Douglas began to doubt if the entire cause might not
be lost. Then in the balcony, a voice cried out, “Fredrick is there no God?”
The voice was that of Sojourner Truth. Almost one hundred years later
another Black American picked up the cause for freedom and was speaking
at a mass march in Washington and the speech was too technical for the
audience. Then a voice from the stage said, “Tel them about the dream
Martin” and history was made. That voice was Malihia Jackson’s. Life is a
battle but God strengthens us for battle as well as in the battle. Therefore, we
will look at Joshua to know how to perform in the battles of life.

Joshua 1:1-18
Principal One: Just because God promises you something it does not meant
you would not have to fight to obtain it. God had promised Moses and Israel
a land flowing with milk and honey. He did not say they would not have
work to do to obtain it. Part of the work involved traveling through a
wilderness for 40 years to get to the brink of the land. Now there is still work
to do and the work this time requires a battle. They have to fight those in the
land and drive them out in order to posses it.

Far too often, we fail to battle the forces against us to obtain the promises
that God has given us. The promises do not come without work on our part.
The land that God is giving will never be Israel’s if they are not willing to
fight for it. Is there anything that Christians today should be willing to fight
for in order to receive the promises of God?
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Principal Two: The greatest need in a battle is courage. When God speaks to
Joshua, His words are not about having faith in God; His words are about
Joshua having courage. Be strong and of good courage. All of us have
human weakness in the form of fears, anxieties and feelings of inadequacy.
At no time are those emotions more exposed than just after losing someone
dear to us; remember Moses had just died and Joshua is the new leader.
Surely, Joshua had to wonder if Moses could not get Israel to the promise
land, how was he supposed to get them there? Besides all of this, there are
enemy fighters ready to resist Israel’s efforts. The Lord dealt with Joshua’s
fear by doing four things. Can you find them in the text?

1-__________________________________________________________

2-____________________________________________________________

3-____________________________________________________________

4-____________________________________________________________

Principal Three: Courageous leaders can inspire others. Because Joshua is

willing to put his fears behind him and move forward on promise he is able
to inspire others to follow. Joshua’s confidence does not rest in his own
ability but the power of God. Joshua had seen first hand what God could do
in battle when he was Moses’ assistant. Now armed with the promise that as
God was with Moses he will be with Joshua, he moves to organize the
people for battle. Part of this plan for battle includes engaging the Jews on
the East Bank of the Jordan to join in battle with their brothers on the West
Bank of the Jordan. This is important because they already have their land
on the East Bank, but now must help their brothers obtain their land. The
people respond, “As we were with Moses so shall we be with you.”

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Going Deeper

Today we have examined what it means to have to battle to receive the

promises of God. In times of battle, we need courage. Can you name an area
of your life that you need to have more courage to claim God’s promises to
you?

Which of the following best describes your typical level of courage?

A. Brave heart
B. Chicken heart
C. Reluctant heart
D. Anxious heart
E. Other

Which of these best describes a step you could take to develop greater
courage?

A. Stop expecting to fail

B. Learn and obey God’s word
C. Expect God to help me
D. Dare to take risks
E. Depend more on others. Stop going alone
F. Other

What does Moses leaves Joshua and Israel that will aid them in following
God’s will?