God gives wealth (2)

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Wealth

Wealth. Abundance, usually of money or material goods, whose value is ordinarily expressed in terms of some understood unit, such as a national currency. It is virtually synonomous with riches, and both may refer to family, friends, or even moral qualities, in addition to material possessions.

The Bible has much to say about material wealth and makes it clear that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (

Joshua 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 prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

2 Chronicles 20:20

And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. Psalm 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Proverbs 10:4

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: But the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

DEVOTIONAL READING

3 JOHN 1:2

3 John 2KJV 1900Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Ne 2:19–20 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Stepping into the Divine Promise: God's Assurance in Uncertainty

Bible Passage: Jos 1:1–11

Summary: In Joshua 1:1–11, God assures Joshua of His presence and guidance as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death. This passage highlights God’s faithfulness, the importance of courage, and the necessity of obedience to His commandments.

Application: This sermon can help Christians overcome fear and doubt when facing unfamiliar challenges. By understanding God's promise of assistance, believers can cultivate faith and courage in their everyday lives, knowing that they are not alone in their journeys.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God's promises are reliable and that His presence empowers us to fulfill our calling. It emphasizes the need for strong faith, reminds us to meditate on His Word, and encourages us to take bold steps in obedience to His directives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader narrative of the Bible, Christ is our ultimate Joshua, who leads us into the promised rest of salvation. Just as God promised Joshua His presence, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us in all circumstances, revealing the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

Big Idea: God’s promises empower us to face life’s challenges with strength and courage, reminding us that His presence is always with us as we step into our God-given callings.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Joshua’s leadership transition following Moses. Utilize Logos to examine commentaries and word studies on key terms such as 'courage' and 'command,' as well as the thematic relationship between promised inheritance and faithfulness. This will help illuminate the significance of God’s assurance to Joshua and its implications for modern believers.

1. Promise for the Brave

Jos 1:1–4

You could begin by emphasizing God's unchanging promise to Joshua and the people to give them the land He swore to their ancestors. This sets the stage for discussing how God's promises remain true across the generations and how we, like Joshua, are called to trust and act on those promises in our own lives. Highlight how the fulfillment of this promise through Jesus assures us of our eternal inheritance and encourages us to step forward in faith.

2. Presence of the Almighty

Jos 1:5–7

Perhaps, focus on God's personal promise to Joshua that no one will be able to stand against him all his life. Reflect on how this assurance of divine presence and protection translates into our lives today. As we face our own challenges, this sermon point can inspire believers to find courage in God's perpetual presence, reminding us of Christ's promise to always be with us through the Holy Spirit.

3. Power of the Word

Jos 1:8–9

Consider teaching about the vital role of God's Word in Joshua's commission. Encourage your congregation to engage deeply with Scripture, just as Joshua was instructed to meditate on the law day and night. This stewardship of God's commands bolsters faith and bravery. Draw parallels to how Jesus fulfilled the law and commissions us to live by His teachings, empowering us through His example.

4. Preparation for Action

Jos 1:10–11

Maybe end by reflecting on Joshua’s immediate obedience to God's command. Use this call to action as a model of diligent faith and preparation, reminding believers of the importance of responding promptly to God's instruction. Jesus, in His ministry, embodies swift obedience to God's will. Challenge your audience to embrace their role in God’s plan with prompt and faithful action, ready to lead others as Joshua did.