JOSHUA – Claiming Your Victory LESSON 5

HOW TO PREPARE FOR VICTORY

(Joshua 5)

Introduction: Winning is something we like. Beyond just winning in sports or a game, we want the victory in the battles we fight against sin and evil. In Joshua’s story, although God has promised His people success in conquering Canaan, Joshua had to PREPARE them for victory. Three steps of preparation were necessary.

1. RENEWING THE LORD’S COVENANT (Joshua 5:1-9):
A. The circumcision restored their relationship with God (2-7):
1) The Ritual (2-3)
2) The Reason (4-5)
3) The Reminder (6-7)
B. The circumcision revealed their faith (8)
C. The circumcision removed their reproach (9)

2. REMEMBERING THE LORD’S GOODNESS (Joshua 5:10-12):
A. They established the Passover again (10)
B. They enjoyed the food (11)
C. They endured the cessation of the manna (12)

3. REAFFIRMING THE LORD’S PRESENCE (Joshua 5:13-15):
A. The appearance of The Commander (13):
1) Joshua sees to him (13a)
2) Joshua speaks to him (13b)
B. The assurance from The Commander (14):
1) The identification of The Commander (14a)
2) The inquiry from Joshua (14b)
C. The admonition from The Commander (15):
1) Heathen sandals need to come off (15a)
2) Holy ground needs to be respected (15b)

CONCLUSION: Are you ready to conquer new territory in your life?

A CONQUERING FAITH

(Joshua 3-4)

Introduction: Warfare is a theme in Scripture and you are called to be an over-comer. In your battle, you are “Claiming Your Victory”. Your salvation made you a soldier. As Moses told the people, “God brought us out, that He might bring us in”. They were saved from Egyptian slavery so they might be brought into the Promised Land. For us, God conquered our sin so that we might conquer the enemy by faith. The people learned three essentials for moving ahead and claiming all that God had for them.

1. THE WORD OF FAITH (Joshua 3:1-13):
A. The Message to the People (1-5)
B. The Message to the Priests (6)
C. The Message to Joshua (7-8)
D. The Message to the People (9-13)

2. THE WALK OF FAITH (Joshua 3:14-17):
A. Put your feet toward the enemy (14).
B. Put your feet in the water (15).
C. Put your feet on the other side (16-17).

3. THE WITNESS OF FAITH (Joshua 4):
A. The Commemoration Stones at Gilgal (1-8):
1) God’s Order (1-5)
2) God’s Objective (6-8)
B. The Commemoration Stones in the River (9-11)
C. The Crossing of the Jordan (12-19):
1) Who First Crosses Over (12-14)
2) When They Cross Over (15-19)
D. The Commemoration Stones at Gilgal (20-24)

CONCLUSION: You’ve been brought in that you might overcome and claim your inheritance in Jesus Christ.

JOSHUA – Claiming Your Victory LESSON 3

THE FAITH OF RAHAB

(Joshua 2)

Introduction: An unlikely example of faith comes from an ungodly Gentile who finds herself in the company of Sarah (Hebrews 11), Abraham (James 2), and even Jesus (Matthew 1). You might say she made a pretty big spiritual leap from her days as a pagan prostitute. What kind of faith did she have?

1. A COURAGEOUS FAITH (Joshua 2:1-7):
A. She housed the spies (1-3).
B. She hid the spies (4-5).
C. She helped the spies (6-7).

2. A CONFIDENT FAITH (Joshua 2:8-11):
A. Her head was in it (8-9a).
B. Her heart was in it (9b-11).
C. Her hand was in it (2:4a).

3. A CONCERNED FAITH (Joshua 2:12-14):
A. The request from Rahab (12-13).
B. The response from the men (14).

4. A COVENANT FAITH (Joshua 2:15-24):
A. The Agreement (15-20):
1) The provision (15-16)
2) The promise (17)
3) The parameters (18-20)
B. The Advancement (21-24):
1) Their departure (21)
2) Their delay (22)
3) Their descent (23)
4) Their declaration (24)

CONCLUSION: Rahab shows us salvation by grace through faith.

JOSHUA – Claiming Your Victory LESSON 2

THE CIRCLE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

(Joshua 1)

Introduction: “Courage” is a key word in the opening chapter of the book of Joshua. Many people often lose heart and give up on serving God (Galatians 6:9). What we need is others in our “circle” to spur us on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). A similar circle is formed in the lives of Joshua and the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

1. GOD ENCOURAGES HIS LEADER (Joshua 1:1-9):
A. Joshua’s Encouragement From God’s Commission (1-2):
1) Death of Moses (1).
2) Demand for Joshua (2).
B. Joshua’s Encouragement From God’s Promises (3-6):
1) Entering the land (3-4).
2) Enjoying the victory (5).
3) Executing the division of the land (6).
C. Joshua’s Encouragement From God’s Commands (7-9):
1) Strength and courage comes from obedience (7-8a).
2) Success and prosperity comes from courage (8b-9).

2. GOD’S LEADER ENCOURAGES HIS PEOPLE (Joshua 1:10-15):
A. He Gave Them God’s Word (10-11):
1) “Pass through the camp” (10-11a).
2) “Prepare provisions” (11b)
B. He Reminded Them Of Their Mission (12-15):
1) Remember God’s promise (12-13).
2) Ready yourselves for battle (14-15).

3. THE PEOPLE ENCOURAGE THEIR LEADER (1:16-18):
A. They assured him of their obedience (16-17a).
B. They prayed for their leader (17b).
C. They reminded him of God’s Word (18b).

CONCLUSION: Encouragement is needed in doing the Lord’s work.