Study 1: Joshua 1: 1-6

This study by Trent delves into the leadership shift from Moses to Joshua in guiding the Israelites. From Moses dispatching 12 spies, to the Israelites' rebellion which leads to 40 years in the wilderness, Moses' death, and Joshua's subsequent rise to lead the people into the Promised Land. The sermon underscores themes of the transience of our work for the kingdom, the value of servant leadership as exemplified by Joshua, the importance of allowing God to shape our narrative, and the necessity of embracing God's promises with faith.

Scripture References

Sending Spies to Scout the Promised Land

• Numbers 13:1-33 outlines Moses sending the 12 spies, including Joshua, to explore Canaan. It details their return, the report of the land's bounty, and the discouraging report by ten of the spies that led to Israel's rebellion.

• Numbers 14:1-38 describes the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land, God's decree of their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, and the exception of Joshua and Caleb, who showed faith in God's promises.

40 Years of Wandering in the Wilderness

• Numbers 14:33-34 explains the consequence of the Israelites' rebellion—wandering in the desert for 40 years until the generation that doubted God had passed away.

• Deuteronomy 34:1-8 recounts the death of Moses just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, symbolizing the end of their wilderness period and the transition to new leadership under Joshua.

Commissioning Joshua as the New Leader

• Joshua 1:1-9 records God's commission to Joshua following Moses' death. It emphasizes God's promise to be with Joshua as He was with Moses, encouraging Joshua to be strong and courageous in leading the people into the Promised Land.

Learning Leadership by Serving

• Exodus 24:13 and Exodus 33:11 highlight Joshua's role as Moses' aide, illustrating his learning and preparation for leadership through service.

• Mark 10:43-45 where Jesus teaches about true greatness being found in serving others, aligning with Joshua's example and Pastor Evans' message on aspiring to leadership through service.

Allowing God to Tell His Story through Our Lives

• Psalm 115:1 emphasizes not to us, but to God's name be the glory, reflecting the sermon's call to focus on God's story through our lives rather than our own ambitions.

Taking Hold of God's Promises by Faith

• Hebrews 11:1-6 speaks to the necessity of faith in inheriting God's promises, mirroring the Israelites' challenge to take hold of the Promised Land and encouraging believers to stand firm in faith.

Reflection Questions

Hebrew Word Study

Biblical Exegesis Opportunities

Podcast Transcript