Joshua02

Joshua 1:1-18

1.  This great book begins with an encouraging message from the Lord to Joshua (1:2-9).  Three times in this inspiring message, the Lord tells Joshua to be “strong and courageous.”  This chapter ends, ironically, with the leaders of the tribes of Israel encouraging Joshua to be “strong and courageous.”  If we look carefully at the God’s word to Joshua, it is clear that the Lord definition of “strong and courageous” is deeper than any secular definition of these words.

Define “strong and courageous” as the Lord intended it here.

2.  In these verses (1:2-9), the Lord makes it clear that the land which the Israelites are about to possess is a gift.  But just as clear, is the Lord’s message that battles must be fought.

Read Genesis 17:6-9.  Here God made promises to Abraham, but added a condition.

            a)  Discuss the consistent theme in Genesis and Joshua of God’s gifts and conditions.

            b)  The gift of salvation and eternal life which Jesus gave to us - is this unconditional?  Or is the Lord consistent in that there are still conditions?

3.  Verses 13-15 are a message from Joshua specifically to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh.  Read Numbers 32:1-18.  Explain Joshua’s message to these two and a half tribes.

4.  Some of the sweetest words ever heard from the Lord are contained in Verse 5 - “I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  God made this promise several times:  to Isaac (Gen. 26:3), to Jacob (Gen. 31:3) and to Moses (Exodus 3:12).  The repetition of this promise is a testament to God’s faithfulness.

Fourteen centuries later, Jesus made the same promise to His disciples (Matt. 28:19)

What do these words mean to you, and what effect do they have on your trust in the Lord?