Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary:
This introductory sermon to the Book of Joshua examines how God’s promises and purposes do not hinge on a single human leader. Beginning with the story of missionary Lottie Moon, whose death initially seemed to threaten the mission work she started but instead became a catalyst for unprecedented growth, the sermon connects this principle to Israel’s transition from Moses to Joshua. Just as Moses’ death did not derail God’s promises to Israel, no human leader’s departure can thwart God’s ultimate plans. The sermon traces the road of redemption from Abraham through Joseph, Moses, and finally to Joshua, emphasizing that throughout Israel’s history, God has consistently proven faithful to His covenant promises despite human failures, opposition, and leadership transitions. The message concludes with an overview of the Book of Joshua and highlights six major themes that will recur throughout the study: God’s faithfulness, God’s character, courageous obedience, holiness and judgment, spiritual warfare, and rest and inheritance.
Key Points:
- God’s promises and purposes never hinge on a single human leader.
- God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through every transition and challenge in Israel’s history.
- The Promised Land represents not just physical territory but freedom from slave mentality.
- The journey from Egypt to Canaan illustrates our own journey from slavery to sin to freedom in Christ.
- Joshua serves as a bridge between Israel’s deliverance (Exodus) and their growth as a nation (Judges).
- Moving from “promise received” to “promise possessed” requires courageous obedience.
- Six major themes in Joshua include: God’s faithfulness, God’s character, courageous obedience, holiness and judgment, spiritual warfare, and rest and inheritance.
Small Group Questions:
- The sermon begins with the story of Lottie Moon. How does her story illustrate the principle that “God’s purposes never hinge on a single human leader”? Can you think of other examples from history or your own experience?
- In Joshua 1:2, God says to Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan…” How do you think Joshua felt in that moment? When have you faced a significant transition that required you to “arise” and move forward despite uncertainty?
- The sermon describes how Israel needed 40 years in the wilderness for their “slave mentality” to die. In what ways can Christians today still exhibit a “slave mentality” even after being set free by Christ? What areas of your life might still be influenced by old patterns of thinking?
- The sermon states: “There’s a difference between promise received versus promise possessed.” What promises of God have you received but perhaps not fully possessed? What might be holding you back?
- The sermon mentions that “sometimes God calls you to a life of battles, but sometimes God calls you to manage the land.” How do you discern which season you’re in, and how can you be faithful in the “administrative details” of life when you’re longing for more exciting ministry?
- Joshua 1:1-2 shows God speaking directly to Joshua immediately after Moses’ death. What does this reveal about God’s attentiveness to His people during transitions? How have you experienced God’s guidance during major life changes? Key Verses Joshua 1:1-2, Deuteronomy 34:10-12, Exodus 1:8, Colossians 1:13, Joshua 21:45
Application On The Way
This week, identify one promise of God that you’ve intellectually received but haven’t fully possessed in your daily life. Write it down along with any “slave mentality” thoughts that might be preventing you from fully walking in that promise. Each day, spend time in prayer, specifically surrendering these thoughts to God and asking Him for the courage to “arise and cross over” into fully possessing this promise.
Want to Go Deeper?
Additional Scripture Passages:
- Hebrews 11:8-16 (Abraham’s faith in God’s promises)
- Romans 6:1-14 (Freedom from slavery to sin)
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (Taking thoughts captive)
- Ephesians 6:10-18 (Spiritual warfare)
- Hebrews 4:1-11 (Entering God’s rest)
Personal Reflection Questions:
- Read Joshua 1:5-9. God tells Joshua three times to “be strong and courageous.” What areas of your life require courage right now? What specific promises from this passage can you claim in those situations?
- Joshua stood at the edge of the Jordan, looking at fortified cities and hostile inhabitants. What “Jerichos” are in your life situations that seem impossible without God’s intervention? How might God be calling you to step out in faith regarding these situations?
- Of the six major themes mentioned (God’s faithfulness, God’s character, courageous obedience, holiness and judgment, spiritual warfare, and rest and inheritance), which one resonates most with your current season of life and why?