by Claude Turner
See Joshua 1: 1-9
Introduction:
Forty Years of trials, Blessing, and the revealing hand of God in the affairs of man were now almost ended.
Victory was almost in sight.
Forty years of leadership by a great man of God – Moses.
Moses had come to an end and the people of God were staggered at the fact that Moses their Beloved was dead.
But God had a man to lead his people to complete victory!
Joshua, The faithful – Servant of God and Minister of Moses was to lead God’s people to victory ahead.
I. A Sobering Declaration – “Moses is Dead”
A. Moses, a special and chosen vessel of God – dead. Exodus 3:1-12
B. Moses, miraculously kept by the hand of God – dead. Deut. 34:7
C. Moses, a man of many victories – dead.
Let us learn that victory ahead is dependent upon the living.
Past victories cannot assure future victories.
God’s leaders of yesterday were mighty in the hand of God, but victory ahead is in the hands of those called, commissioned, and consecrated to the work at hand.
II. A Thrilling Challenge “Go over this Jordan”
A. Go over this Jordan – not back to Egypt.
B. Go over this Jordan – the last obstacle between you and victory.
C. Go over this Jordan – with faith and confidence in God and His people.
III. A Reaffirmed Promise – “I have given unto you this land as I said unto Moses.”
A. The land is yours. V. 3-4
B. You shall overcome your enemies. V. 5 No man is able to stand before thee.
C. I am with thee and will not forsake thee. V. 5.
IV. Practical Admonition VV. 6-8
– Christian experiences and victories are certainly spiritual and emotional, but they are also very practical.
A. Be strong. V.V.6-7.
B. Be of good courage. vv. 6-7
C. Observe the law.
– Joshua was not to make and declare his own law for the conduct of God’s people but to know and declare the law of God.
V. A Willing Obedience: God’s leaders must be willing to be used.
– They must be men of obedience to God’s commands.
A. Preparation was made. Prepare victuals. V. 11
B. Encouragement offered. – This land is God’s gift to you; it is yours.
Go in with me and possess it. V. 11. All God’s people need encouragement.
C. Instructions were given. vv 10-15. – Most people do no intend to be a hindrance to the church work or to the cause of Christ, but because of no instructions, or improper instructions, they are often a hindrance
VI. Victory Claimed
A. Victory – following faithful obedience.
B. Victory – through the miraculous works of God.
C. Victory – commemorated by a delivered and thankful people. 4:1-8
CONCLUSION:
There is victory ahead when the people of God recognize that God has a man for every place of leadership and the people will follow him. When there is no backward looking to leaders of yesterday; when the challenge is accepted, the promises of God claimed, the admonition of God followed an obedience based upon the principal of God’s ownership of our very selves and the claiming of the promised victory through dedicated action.
Joshua knew that God would give the land to them. He wanted to go over before when the men had spied out the land.
God’s work is no place for one who is afraid.
God told the people not to be afraid of them for he was with them – and we know that God makes a majority which ever side he is on.
God will give us souls this week if we humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. I trust we will do just that now this week – whereever you are – at home, at work, driving along in your car.. talk with God about this meeting, and God will hear you.