SF007 - JOSHUA BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS (Joshua 1 1-9)

Joshua 1:1-9

Introduction

Joshua may be one of the forgotten heroes of the Old Testament.

However, Joshua was a true hero, who lived up to God’s command to “be strong and courageous.”

Let us examine Joshua in his various roles and see how this ordinary man became an extraordinary man of God.

1A.      Joshua as a Son

He was the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim.

The Bible tells us nothing of his parents from all indications he came for a rather ordinary Jewish home.

2A.      Joshua as a Slave

He was born into Egyptian slavery.  He knew the pain of the whip and the toil of the Egyptian brickyards.

He also knew the sinful idolatry of Egypt and its high cost among his people.  Which lead him to later state…

Joshua 24:15 “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

3A.      Joshua as a Soldier

Joshua was the pre-eminent military leader.  He knew how to plain campaigns, discipline his forces, and use spies.

Most of all Joshua was a man of prayer and commitment to the Captain of the Lord’s host (Joshua 5:13-15).

4A.      Joshua as a Servant

Before he was a leader, before he was a soldier, Joshua was a servant.

He was a servant of the Lord and of the Lord’s man.

Numbers 11:28 “Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, ‘Moses, my lord, restrain them.’”

Joshua 1:1 “Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,”

5A.      Joshua as a Spy

Joshua was one of only two Israelite spies that gave a positive report to Moses and the people concerning the promised land (Numbers 13:1-16).

Even then Joshua was a man of great vision.

6A.      Joshua as a Savior

Moses, representing the Law, brought the people to the border of the land, but it took Joshua (his name means “the Lord is salvation) to them into the land.

7A.      Joshua as a Statesman

Joshua was a great statesman, not only did lead Israel to conquer and occupy Canaan he led them in the setting up of the Tabernacle, the appointing of cities of refuge, and the arrangement of the Levitical order.

8A.      Joshua as a Saint

He was filled with the Spirit of God

Deuteronomy 34:9 “Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

He enjoyed the presence of God

Joshua 1:5, 6:27

He was indwelt by the word of God.

Joshua 1:8

He was obedient to the will of God.

Numbers 32:12 “except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have followed the LORD fully.”

Joshua 5:14