Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Passing away of Moses

a) He died in the land of Moab   (Deuteronomy 34:5a)

b) According to the word of the LORD   (Deuteronomy 34:5b)

c) God buried him   (Deuteronomy 34:6a)

d) No one knows his grave   (Deuteronomy 34:6b)

2. Official Mourning

The children of Israel wept for 30 days   (Deuteronomy 34:8a)

THE BEGINNING OF THE MINISTRY OF JOSHUA

1. Inauguration of Joshua

a) Important

b) Initial

c) Insufficient if that is all there is

2. Description of Joshua

a) “Full of the spirit of wisdom”   (Deuteronomy 34:9a)

b) “For Moses had laid his hands on him”   (Deuteronomy 34:9b)

ESTABLISHING OF A RELATIONSHIP

1. After the death of Moses, the servant of the LORD

a) Reference to Moses is not unexpected

b) He was truly, “The servant of the LORD”   (Joshua 1:1)

c) Joshua would never begrudge the mention of Moses at any time

2. A Past Relationship Remembered

a) Joshua was referred to as “Moses’ assistant”   (Joshua 1:1b)

b) What did this mean to Joshua?

i) Pride

ii) Privilege

iii) Joy

3. A New Relationship must be established

a) The LORD initiates this new relationship

“The LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant”   Joshua 1:1b

b) Hitherto, God had always spoken to Moses

c) Moses would then teach Joshua

d) Now, God speaks to Joshua directly

NEW AREA OF WORK REVEALED

1. Entering the Promised Land

a) The River Jordan

“Go over the Jordan”   Joshua 1:2a

b) The children of Israel

“You and all this people”   Joshua 1:2b

c) The Promised Land

“To the land which I am giving to them- the children of Israel”   Joshua 1:2c

2. Encouragement from the LORD

a) Invincible

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life”   Joshua 1:5a

b) Presence of God

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you”   Joshua 1:5b, 9c

c) Promise of God

“I will not leave you nor forsake you”   Joshua 1:5c

JOSHUA’S PART: APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Be strong and of good courage

a) Three times this is repeated   (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9)

b) Repetition always suggests “emphasis”

2. Application of Strength and Courage I

a) In the allocation of the land to the children of Israel

b) “You shall divide as an inheritance the land”   (Joshua 1:6b)

3. Application of Strength and Courage II

a) In the observation of the Law

b) “According to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you”   (Joshua 1:7b)

c) “Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left”   (Joshua 1:7c)

d) “That you may prosper wherever you go”   (Joshua 1:7d)

4. Application of Strength and Courage III

a) “Do not be afraid”   (Joshua 1:9b)

b) “Nor be dismayed”   (Joshua 1:9c)

SUCCESS IN LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. The Place of the Word of God

a) “This Book of the Law”   (Joshua 1:8a)

b) “Shall not depart from your mouth”   (Joshua 1:8b)

2. The Practice of Meditation

a) “But you shall meditate in it day and night”   (Joshua 1:8c)

b) “That you may observe to do according to all that is written in it”   (Joshua 1:8d)

3. The Promise of Success

a) “For then you will make your way prosperous”   (Joshua 1:8e)

b) “And then you will have good success”   (Joshua 1:8f)

CONCLUSION

1. To Commence strongly

a) Commendation

i) From God

ii) From Moses

iii) From the congregation

b) There is every reason to find encouragement

2. To Continue wisely

a) Instruction from God

b) Inspiration to succeed

3. To be Challenged to Apply

a) Finding strength

b) Finding courage

4. To have Confidence

a) In the Lord

b) In His word