Hope In The New

Introduction

New Year, New You…etc… New Year’s Resolutions… Goals…

That’s where I land. Detailed plans and a detailed year.

There is value in the new year because it is a fresh start.

Joshua was experiencing a sense of new as they were on the precipice of the Promised Land.

He had to examine himself and then look forward to the challenge of Something New.

He gains some instruction from God that is valuable to us as we enter Something New.

New Is An Opportunity

v. 1

A New era requires us to make new decisions.

Joshua is now the human leader of the nation of Israel. 40 years of wilderness.

Moses has just died. His importance cannot be overstated.

“Servant of the LORD.” A rare accolade!

Joshua, the chief-of-staff for Moses, called to fill his shoes.

These new challenges, new decisions, Joshua would need to make would require faith.

Faith fuels confidence to face the future.

Numbers 14 faith. Twelve spies, ten saw impossibility. Two saw with the eyes of Faith.

Caleb and Joshua, the son of Nun. Experienced a life of trusting God. Preparation for this.

A New Year, A New Era… The New Normal. It requires faith.

Be strong and courageous (X3)!

Trust God’s Faithfulness

vv. 2-6

Three part covenant that God established with Abraham (Gen. 12 & 15).

“The Land.” “Am giving” (v. 2) —> “Have given” (v. 3).

An incomplete task is spoken of as completed.

When God promises something, it is a certainty.

v. 4 - an area inhabited with strong people and strong cities! Immense task!

Followed by a promise of victory in v. 5!

Be strong and courageous!

Joshua will be instrumental in God fulfilling His promises.

You will be instrumental this year.

You were created for a reason and gifted for His glory.

God will empower you to accomplish His calling in you.

Trust God’s Word

vv. 7-8

Favorite Hymn - Trust & Obey.

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in teh skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way,

To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.”

Only be strong and very courageous!

How? Joshua lays out three ways God’s Word directly impacts our confidence:

Obedience requires knowing God’s Word.

Obedience produces spiritual success.

Obedience flourishes internally.

Meditate = murmur.

Value of reading plans. Be in Scripture!

There is a place for solid devotionals, but do not substitute the Bible.

Begin your day with the Bible and then let it speak all day long.

Trust God’s Presence

v. 9

“The LORD your God is with you!”

In college, seeing a professor at Walmart or getting gas.

In my mind, I’m thinking that they only exist on campus!

Sometimes we imaging that God lives at the church.

In reality, He is with us wherever we go. For good and for ill.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, God is there with you.

Joshua was being reminded of this.

He certainly had been! Structure of campsites. Pillar of fire & cloud.

Time and time again God would remind them during the conquest that He was with them.

Today, even more.

Structure your life around the indwelling Spirit.

Make God the center of what you do - personal life, family, work, hobbies.

How can these things reflect the goodness of God as He is present in everything!

Conclusion

The call to Joshua was 2-fold.

Trust God for what He has done.

A lifetime of seeing God working through Moses and in the community.

Protection and Guidance in the wilderness, in spite of their rebellion.

Trust God for what He has promised.

What has God already done for us?

Salvation. Brought us through and sustained us through difficulties and grief.

What will He continue to do? Advance His Kingdom.

He will use you to accomplish this.

A New Year brings new opportunities.