Promised Land Living: Who Are You Listening To? Josh. 1:7-18

I. Listen to God’s Voice vs. 7-9

A. We can’t be strong on our own authority, and strength, we need a solid standard. (Boy plowing fields ex)

B. That’s why we must have Scripture as our authority/standard. II Tim. 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16–17 AMP

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

C. They surveyed people in a thousand churches. And what they discovered raised the eyebrows of at least a thousand pastors.

Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches could do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible.1

D. “The image is one of a person reciting, rehearsing, reconsidering God’s Word over and over again. Canaan is loud with enemy voices. The devil mega-phones doubt and death into our ears. Take heed to the voice you heed.”- Max Lucado. “The Voice of Truth, tells me a different story, The Voice of Truth says ‘Do not be afraid”. The Voice of Truth says ‘This is for My Glory’. Out of all the voices calling out to me. I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth”- Casting Crowns.

E. Our hearts will lead us astray. Our wants can blind us right into a ditch, listen to the Holy Spirit through His Word! Heb. 1:1-2

Hebrews 1:1–2 NASB95

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

II. Obey God’s Voice vs. 10-15

A. Joshua, gets up and obeys what he heard. If we are not obedient to God’s voice, we aren’t listening. (Micheal Lee ex) Jam. 1:22-25

James 1:22–25 NASB95

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

B. We have to be reminded at times, what God has said, just as Joshua is telling the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh.

C. They in turn have to trust in God’s faithfulness, as do we. Even when it makes no sense.

III. Follow God’s Leader vs. 16-18

A. They then remind Joshua of his calling and for him to be strong and courageous.

B. They had to follow Joshua (God’s man) because Moses was dead. Honor the past leaders, learn from them, but follow God’s leader for the present.