"POWER FOR TODAY"

"God still needs Leaders for Homes, Society & Local Churches"

STUDIES FROM THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

#3  The 'Progress' of God's Leaders

From the life of Joshua with have clearly seen a pattern for second-generation leadership.

Firstly, God has placed a clear call upon the lives of future leaders. Then, along with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, it is the responsibility of today's church leaders to support and encourage those whom God has chosen.

Secondly, commitment is required of every leader to ensure that all believers and followers are firmly established upon the seven principles of faith. Once the new leaders have been accepted and the people are secure and confident in the will of the Lord, the way is open for progress to be made into all the promises that God has given.

As we study this third section, dealing with  'progress', we shall notice that to the people of God who are living out the seven principles, nothing is impossible. This study opens with blockbuster impact. An event is recorded in these Scriptures that has never been equaled or repeated giving us great encouragement to forge ahead with God.

Chapter 10 – 12:24 Advancing with God.

Five kings have joined forces to punish Gibeon for making a treaty with the Israelites. Joshua has been requested to come to the rescue. Being a warlord, he must have paused to evaluate the situation, as there were five nations against him. Now we are about to see the true value of being on the Lord's side.

v8 God has given the victory.
v11 God is helping the fight
v14 God is listening to the leaders.

And yet there is more

v25 God has given us an example for our encouragement.
See Romans 16:20, Colossians 2:15 from Genesis 3:15

11:1-15 Such is the impact of the previous victory that Joshua and his followers are now able to is able to confront the united forces of evil.

v4 The united enemy oppose with all their forces.
v5 The opposition is overwhelming.
v6 The promise of the Lord is unchanging.

Again we find the secret of success recorded in verse 15

11:16-23 Even as the battles are fought and won the Lord has two purposes in mind.
1 v20 evil will be overthrown according to His Word
2 v23  after the struggle God's people will rest

12:1 The importance of finishing a task.

We never have the right to give up, retreat or abscond from the calling and commissioning of the Lord. We must finish that which the Lord gives us to do. Then He will lead us on to the next stage.

Under the leadership of Moses, East of Jordan from Mount Hermon down to the Arnon valley had been conquered, including the land of the giants, v4. See Deut 2:20. This land was to be given to the 2 ½ tribes of Reuben, Gad & Manasseh.

Under the leadership of Joshua, territories west of the Jordan had been subdued from the Southern desert right up into Lebanon. In total, 31 kings had been defeated.   However the task was not yet finished.

Chapter 13 – 19: Advancing with Care

!3:1 There is still much land to be possessed.
Age is not a deterrent to God's purposes.
Joshua is now very old; say 100.
v:6 Advancing in obedience brings God's victory.

God's people are never exempt from testing or trials

13:13 Today's decisions affect tomorrow's choices.
13:22 Today's actions affects tomorrow's tasks.
14:6 Today's promises must be fulfilled tomorrow.
15:14 Today's faith says it will be done!
15:63 Today's fear says it can't be done!
16:10 Today's failure is never tomorrow's blessing.
17:12  Today's procrastination becomes tomorrow's greater problem.
17:18 Today's attitude determines tomorrow's provision.
18:3 Today's choice is in our hands.

Chapters 19:49 – 24:33  - Advancing in Maturity

19:49 Seeking God's Provision
Joshua was the last to receive his inheritance.
He only did so as he consulted the Lord.
Beware of leaders who push to the front, take the best places and make demands or give ultimatums.

20:1 Seeking God's Mercy
Always make room for mercy and justice
Give time for the facts and truth to become clear

21:1 Seeking God's Grace
v3 always make room for God's people
v 41 always provide for God's people.

21:43 Seeking God's Faithfulness
Those that trust the Lord and place their hope in Him,
Will never be disappointed in the end.

22:1 Seeking God's Wisdom
Beware of deception.
This action leads to error later.

23:1 Seeking God's Ways
v3 God has been fighting for you.
v11 Be careful – stay in love with God.
v14 Make your choice in wisdom.

24:1 Seeking God's Presence
v1 Come into His Presence
v13 Come into His Provision
v15 Come into His Plans
v19 Come into His Power
v24 Come into His Promises

Our choice to follow Joshua, who is Jesus, must be based on an act of the will, not just an emotional response because of feelings. May the Lord grant that we will take the time to establish our lives upon the seven foundational principles. Then in boldness and strength go forward to inherit the promises, overthrow the enemy and bring blessing to our children and families.