Memory Text:
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7, NKJV).
Outline
- Introduction
- Talking Points
1) His Promises Are Sure
2) Be Strong and Courageous
3) The Secret of Success - Conclusion and Challenge
- Discussion Questions
Introduction
Joshua has some big shoes to fill. Moses, in the book of Joshua, is described by God as “My servant” (Joshua 1:2), while Joshua, though already at the helm of leadership, is still portrayed as living in Moses’ shadow—“Moses’ assistant” (Joshua 1:1). But Joshua is now called to do what Moses was not able to do (not because he failed but because he never had the chance): to help establish and build up the nation of Israel in the Promised Land. In other words, Joshua is held to a high standard. The stakes and pressures are high. Will he be able to live up to his calling? How?
His Promises Are Sure
Joshua 1:2–3 (NKJV)
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. [3] Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.”
Special attention should be given to the expressions “I am giving” and “I have given.” How can the Promised Land be spoken of as a promise and a present reality at the same time?
In Joshua 1:3, the verb “have given” is in the perfect form, giving the impression that the land had already been given to them. When God is the subject of such actions, the form is called “the prophetic perfect,” because what He promises in His Word is an assured fact that can be trusted as present reality. (SSL Tuesday, par. 3)
Hence, Joshua found his assurance of victory in the sure promises of God. Likewise, as we battle against sin and the challenges of life, we must be strengthened by the source of all power—God and His promises.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
Be Strong and Courageous
Joshua 1:6–7, 9 (NKJV)
“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. [7] Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. [9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
It’s one thing to be comforted by a child: “Sir Joshua, I’m a fan. I know this will be hard for you, but I’m rooting for you. Be strong and of good courage.” Joshua would appreciate such sentiments. But it’s different when the true Commander of Israel—God—puts His hand on Joshua’s back and says, “Be strong.”
This implies that what Joshua was about to undertake would indeed be fierce and challenging. It’s not a minor task—the Commander Himself affirmed it. It will be a challenge.
Exodus 3:11–12 (NKJV)
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ [12] So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’”
Like Moses, his predecessor, Joshua might have been overwhelmed by the task before him. But both were strengthened by the same promise: “I will be with you.”
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the challenges you are going through? Know that you are not facing life alone. He is with you!
The Secret of Success
Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
The secret to prosperity and success, according to this verse, is meditating on God’s Word and doing what He says. Simple yet profound!
The word prosperous here is the Hebrew צָלַח (Tsalakh), and the words good success are שָׂכַל (Sakal). To simplify:
- Tsalakh (צָלַח): outward, visible success; focuses on tangible results.
- Sakal (שָׂכַל): wisdom-based prosperity; focuses on wisdom and insight.
Unlike Greek philosophical thought, which often separates mind from body, theory from practice, and intellectual wisdom from practical success, Hebrew thought sees these as unified. A person who is truly wise (sakal) will naturally prosper because wisdom is inherently practical and produces tangible outcomes (tsalakh).
So, when Joshua 1:8 promises prosperity and “good success” on the basis of faithfulness to God and His commands, it is an all-encompassing promise of tangible success, skill, and wisdom. What a promise!
Conclusion
Moses is no longer with them. A new leader is now on the scene. Overwhelmed by the pressures of leadership, Joshua receives God’s assurances:
- His promises are trustworthy.
- His presence is always near.
- His Word will give success.
Challenge
Find one person who needs to be reminded that God is always by his side. Show your love by doing one act of kindness (sending a text message that contains a Bible promise, lending an ear to what he might be going through, sharing a meal with him, etc.). Share your testimony in next class session.
Discussion Questions
- Which of God’s three assurances to Joshua do you most need this week: His promises, His presence, or His Word?
- Who came to mind when you read the challenge to remind someone that God is with them?
- How comfortable are you telling others your success comes from obeying God’s Word? What makes that easy or hard?
The Book of Joshua is a fascinating study in faith. As we look at the themes and concepts in this book, may our relationship with our Great Commander be strengthened.