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TRUTH that Joshua teaches |
ACTION that Joshua invites |
1. Keys for knowing GOD and His ways
Joshua shows extensively how GOD responds to those who are consecrated to Him. Proverbs 16:7 says, "When the ways of man are pleasing to Jehovah, even his enemies are at peace with him". Joshua reveals many of the blessings that derive from knowing the ways of GOD through the example of people whose ways please Him. |
2:8-11,24; 3:7
Expect GOD's favor when you follow his Word and the direction of the Spirit, and when your ways please Him.
4:19-24
Know you won't encounter any obstacle that GOD can't confront and overcome through faith.
21:45; 23:14
Rest in the trust that GOD will never fail to fulfill the promises that he has made you if your ways please Him. |
2. Steps toward a dynamic devotion
Joshua continually calls GOD's people to completely consecrate themselves to the LORD. In times when so many follow the LORD impelled by a lukewarm devotion, Joshua and Caleb, "who were entirely consecrated to GOD", offer examples of the type of life that GOD honors. |
9:14
Seek GOD in prayer each time you make a decision. Know that you can't always make good decisions without consulting the Word and the Spirit of GOD.
14:8,9,14
Follow GOD with all your heart and consecrate yourself to Him. Thus you will receive a rich inheritance.
22:5; 23:6
Be attentive to apply everything that the Word of GOD contains to everything that you do in your life. Follow it with all your soul and heart. |
3. Steps toward holiness
Joshua continually exhorts GOD's people to live consecrated lives. People separated for GOD live in Him and far away from the world. Joshua shows that our failure to live in holiness can and should have bitter consequences. |
6:18,19
Don't covet the things of this world. Understand that the things that we covet can weaken our companionship with GOD.
23:7
Take care that you don't adopt the world's way of thinking and acting. Instead, don't separate yourself from GOD's ways. Serve Him with all your heart.
24:23
Reject and separate yourself from this world and its ways. Trust that thus you will be free to dedicate your heart entirely to GOD. |
4. Instructions for growing in piety
Growing in holiness through the knowledge and practice of the Word of GOD is a recurrent theme in Joshua. Mere knowledge of the Word of GOD isn't sufficient. We should know GOD's Word well enough to apply it to various situations in life. GOD promises that this type of faithfulness to His Word will bring a life of success and prosperity with it. |
1:7,8
Regularly practice the meditation on and memorization of Scriptural passages. Then determine beforehand how you will put them into practice. These promises assure success.
4:4-7
Identify the important events in your spiritual journey. Make a record of your experiences with GOD. Talk about them to instruct and encourage others.
5:2-9
Just as GOD's people received circumcision as a sign, receive baptism. Review the significance and blessings of baptism (Col. 2:11-15). Know that this is a key for spiritual victory.
8:34,35
Incorporate the regular reading of the Scripture as part of your personal and collective devotion. |
5. Keys for a wise life
Good theology should always exercise a healthy influence over our lives. Knowing the Word of GOD, but not knowing how to apply it, is inadequate and useless. The Book of Joshua helps us to apply what we know of the Word of GOD. |
1:6,7,9
Rest in the strength and wisdom of GOD, not in your own. Allow the continual presence of GOD to give you courage: Know that Jesus' promises to always be with you will deliver you from fear and discouragement.
15:63; 16:10; 17:12
Don't trust in your own efforts and wisdom when confronting sin. Don't forget that you will not have success without GOD. |
6. Steps toward confronting sin
The failure at the time to detect and confront sin cost Israel the defeat of Ai. Previous successes can make us less vigilant toward sin. None of us should take the luxury of "lowering our guard", because even the sin of a single person can weaken the life of the entire church. |
7:10-13
Understand that individual sins weaken the entire church. Confront sin rapidly and decisively.
11:11
Don't allow any unconfessed or confronted sin. Think about how any unconfessed sin can become a trap. |
7. Instructions for obtaining the victory
Joshua is a symbol of Christ who will always guide his people to victory and triumph. Our victories are a result of giving ourselves to Christ and allowing Him to work through us to overcome the obstacles and adversities that oppose us. |
5:14,15
Continually submit your life to the authority of Jesus. Remember that He comes as Captain of his army to lead us to victory (see Exod. 17:14,15).
17:18
Don't forget that in spite of the enemy's effort, GOD can and wants to make you prevail. |
