Bible Study - Leadership - Overcome Your Fears - Joshua 1 - May 1, 2011

Bible Study – Leadership – Overcome Your Fears – May 1, 2011

This lesson begins a new series entitled “Taking the Lead.”
The scripture for this lesson is Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18.
For the next five (5) weeks we will examine leadership. We are living in a time when the right kind of leadership is sorely needed in the world of government, business, churches, education, homes and the list goes on. GOD calls leaders to step up to the plate and allow HIM to direct them. Our study this month will explore fear of leadership, using your influence, credibility and integrity, pursuing self-serving agendas and mentoring. GOD calls women to positions of leadership, so it will not be a male dominated study. We will explore the leadership and influence of Queen Esther.


Power can corrupt and that is why it is vital that leaders, who are called of GOD, have a loving, intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Leaders become the target of Satan. That is why Christian leaders must pray and stay founded in GOD’S Word, the Bible. Fellow Christians need to pray for their leaders. This includes their Spiritual leaders, as well as, leaders that impact the secular aspects of their lives.


Many people do not lead because of the fear of failure. This includes Christians. Our scripture will explore Joshua who had served with Moses. Moses had died and someone had to take up where Moses left off because the Israelites had not reached the land GOD had promised them. GOD still had much that needed to be done and HE and the Israelites needed a strong, faithful leader. The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land.


A key point in leadership is who is leading - GOD or ego/flesh? When people try to make their plans GOD’S, there is a problem. This is why GOD tells HIS children to seek first the Kingdom GOD and HIS righteousness and then all things will be added to you. Most of us seek things and the more things we accumulate, the more blessed by GOD we are. That is wrong. GOD blesses with Spiritual wealth first and then material wealth MAY follow. Matthew 6:33-34 – JESUS was speaking:


33 But seek first the kingdom of God[17]and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


GOD calls both women and men to be HIS leaders. Don’t let fear prevent you from serving, reject the call and miss a blessing. Fear the LORD by showing HIM reverence and respect but do not be afraid of what HE has called you to do. Accept the call knowing that HE equips, empowers and leads.


Let’s read Joshua 1:1-5: Encouragement of Joshua
1 After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua[1] son of Nun, who had served Moses: 2 “Moses My servant is dead.[2] Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.[3] 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea.[4][5] 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.[6]


The Promised Land had been in GOD’S plan for hundreds of years but HE needed to wait until the inhabitants of the land had reached full measure of sin before judgment would come to them. This is recorded in Genesis 15:15-16 - 15 But you (Abraham) will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age. 16 In the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”[12]


Moses had completed his part of GOD’S plan. GOD referred to Moses as “MY servant.” Now it was time for Joshua to complete his part of GOD’S plan. He had been in training under the tutelage of Moses and approval of GOD since he left Egypt.


We know that Moses could not enter the Promised Land because he had disobeyed GOD. But GOD let him see the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. As recorded in Deuteronomy 34: 4 -12:
4 The LORD then said to him (Moses), “This is the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’[2] I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.”[3]
5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. 6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day. 7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended. 9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 in all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, 12 and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.


Moses had mentored Joshua, his successor, as GOD led him.


Joshua was one of the twelve (12) spies who had gone into the Promised Land. He and Caleb were the only two (2) spies who gave a favorable report that with GOD’S help they could conquer the land flowing with milk and honey. This revealed Joshua’s heart toward GOD.


Numbers 14:6-9: (Joshua spied in the Promised Land)
6 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh (juh FUH nuh), who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.' 9 "Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."


Just because a Christian is called by GOD to accomplish HIS plan does not necessarily mean smooth sailing. It is often very difficult. A Christian’s character and commitment will likely be tested. The beauty is that after the test, the called Christian will emerge Spiritually stronger and mature. Even those who thought they were called and discover that they were not called will have a deeper understanding of their relationship with GOD through CHRIST.


GOD told Joshua that it was time for him and the people to prepare to cross the Jordon River. The entrance to the Promised Land was across the Jordon River. The Israelites had waited forty (40) years for this moment. The adults who had refused to go into the Promised Land forty (40) years earlier had died off. It was preparation time. GOD reaffirmed that the land was theirs to claim. The victory had been won, all they had to do was obey GOD, trust HIM and go claim what GOD had already secured for them.


Salvation is the same. JESUS has defeated Satan and defeated sin and conquered death. The victory has been won for every human. But each person must claim the victory by accepting JESUS as his/her personal SAVIOR. Once a person accepts JESUS as his/her SAVIOR then he/she has entered the Promised Land. There is still much to be done. The journey of sanctification begins at the moment of salvation.


When GOD calls, what is our response? When GOD calls, HE does not want HIS children to serve half heartedly but completely. There is no place for compromise. HE expects HIS instructions to be carried out to the letter. Think about it. What did GOD tell Joshua to do to capture Jericho? What if GOD told you to march around a walled city and blow a trumpet? GOD knows all things.


GOD called Joshua. GOD spoke to Joshua. Joshua had served along the side of Moses and GOD instructed Moses to commission Joshua to take over when he was gone. GOD announced the death of Moses to Joshua.


Joshua had been involved in or seen the hand of GOD lead Moses. He had observed the successes and the failures of Moses. He knew why GOD did not allow him to complete the mission of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He knew that GOD was GOD and that HE expected obedience to HIS commands.


GOD reconfirmed HIS support of Joshua, just as HE supported Moses. HE reconfirmed the territory which belonged to the Israelites but it had to be claimed. Joshua had seen firsthand the power, care and guidance of GOD when he served Moses. GOD promised that no one would be able to stand against him as long as he lived because GOD would be with him. GOD told Joshua in essence, “You can trust ME.”


However, there is one critical matter. Joshua must be obedient to GOD and trust GOD completely.


Let’s read Joshua 1:6-9:
6 “Be strong and courageous,[7] for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.[8] 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?[9] Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”


GOD told Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” Joshua’s strength and courage must be GOD centered and not self-centered. GOD repeated HIS instruction to be “strong and very courageous” and to observe the whole instruction. In this statement HE added “very” to courageous. GOD was giving Joshua the rules for success. In essence HE was saying, “Do not compromise one iota. Do not deviate from what you have been taught and what I command you to do. Moses gave you truth because it came from ME. Meditate on it, recite it, know it, understand it, trust it and apply it. If you want to succeed, then practice what is written in the book of instruction. When you are obedient to ME, then YOU have MY assurance that I will be with you wherever you go.”


This is a powerful message to Christians today. We have the complete message of salvation and all that is necessary to equip us to grow and mature Spiritually as given in GOD’S Word, the Bible. We are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO fully equips us, empowers, enlightens, sustains, assures, comforts and guides us as we obediently serve GOD. The Bible is still our book of instruction which GOD wants us to read, study, mediate upon, consult, trust and apply as we obediently serve GOD as led by the HOLY SPIRIT.


Moses mentored Joshua and helped prepare him for the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Who is your Spiritual mentor or who are you mentoring? Christians have the opportunity to mentor their children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, relatives, co-workers and the list goes on, as GOD leads.


Shepherd’s Door has a mentoring program for children and adults, if you are led to get involved in mentoring.


Let’s read Joshua 1:10-11 and 16-18: Joshua Prepares the People
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you to inherit.’ ” 12 Joshua said to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh: 13 “Remember what Moses the LORD’s servant commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’[10] 14 Your wives, young children, and livestock may remain in the land Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan.[11] But your fighting men must cross over in battle formation[12] ahead of your brothers[13] and help them 15 until the LORD gives our brothers rest, as [He has given]* you, and they too possess the land the LORD your God is giving them. You may then return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of what Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on the east side of the Jordan.” 16 They answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. 17 We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. 18 Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”[14]


It was time to take action. Joshua had officers to help him - delegation. He instructed them to tell the people they had three (3) days to prepare to cross the Jordon River. Crossing the Jordon River at this time was not as easy as it may sound because the Jordon River was at flood stage. So why cross at flood stage. Joshua had to trust GOD that this was the right moment. The Israelites numbered about two (2) million, so they did not just slip into the area without being noticed. Did the enemy of the Israelites conclude no one in their right mind would cross the Jordon River at flood stage? I think so. GOD knew it was the right time and HE had the power to get them across safely. Joshua had to trust GOD’S leadership and the people had to trust Joshua’s leadership and his obedience to GOD. Joshua had to be strong and courageous.


I imagine the safe crossing of the Jordon River re-enforced Joshua’s faith in the power of GOD and his relationship with GOD. Did this success prepare Joshua for his next test of faith in GOD? As GOD leads and directs us and we take small steps of faith, GOD increases our faith in HIM and HIS ability. Our relationship grows stronger and more intimate. In doing as we are led builds our relationship.


Just think if you were Joshua and GOD had instructed you to take your soldiers and march around the walls of Jericho for six (6) days and on the seventh day the walls would fall down. You were a trained military leader and fighting was what you did but walk around a wall and it will fall. This sounds so wimpy. This is recorded in Joshua 6:1-5 - The Conquest of Jericho
1 Now Jericho was strongly fortified because of the Israelites—no one leaving or entering. 2 The LORD said to Joshua, “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its fighting men over to you. 3 March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry seven ram’s-horn trumpets in front of the ark. But on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the trumpets. 5 When there is a prolonged blast of the horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the city wall will collapse, and the people will advance, each man straight ahead.”


When you obediently serve GOD, there is no room to second guess HIS commands.

GOD told Joshua it was time. They had three (3) days to prepare. This was time to physically prepare and to prepare Spiritually for the journey that lay ahead.


The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh had asked Moses if they could settle east of the Jordon. Moses agreed provided they helped those who crossed over the Jordon and to help them secure the Promised Land. Once the Promised Land was secure, they could return to the land they chose and settle there. They agreed to do that. In verses 12-15, Joshua reminded them of their commitment and they reconfirmed it. They reconfirmed their loyalty to Joshua. They also, told him to be strong and courageous because they knew what a daunting task was ahead of him.


GOD calls leaders to difficult tasks. But HE never calls without agreeing to be with the person called every step of the way. HE will provide what is needed and HE will open the doors needed. The person called has the responsibility to be obedient to GOD’S commands and to stay focused upon his/her relationship with GOD through CHRIST – prayer, Bible study, meditating upon HIS Word. Small steps of faith lead to larger steps of faith. Those called are not to become self-sufficient but to stay focused upon GOD regardless. They must keep in mind that their success is from GOD.


Is someone watching your life and observing what you do? Maintain your relationship with CHRIST. HE provides the strength and the consistency in your life through the right relationship with HIM.


In those days victory was attributed to the GOD the victor worshiped. The Israelites carried the Ark before them as they crossed the Jordon River and as they marched around the walls of Jericho. It would be obvious to the enemy that the Ark was their religious symbol. When the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho with the Ark, the inhabitants of Jericho must have thought it amusing. Their city was secure. But when the walls came tumbling down it startled them and defeated them because the GOD of the Israelites had a power they had never witnessed before.


This is a message to Christians. Their FATHER is the same GOD of the Old and New Testament. HIS power is awesome and HIS care is overwhelming. HE defeats the foes before them and conquers that which needs to be conquered. Their part is to go and claim the victory.

How big is your GOD? Is HE big enough to bring the walls down that prevents you from conquering the Promised Land? Do others know you are a Christian and you serve a living SAVIOR? Are you the salt and light that CHRIST desires for you to be? Blessings as you lead and as HE leads you.