Introduction: The book of Joshua is a story of new beginnings. After years of rebellion and wandering, a new generation rises—ready to obey and step into God’s promise. With Moses in the past, Israel now moves forward, not burdened by expectations, but empowered by divine possibility. This study reveals how God opened a fresh chapter for His people—and how He can do the same for us today. If you’re longing for breakthrough or a renewed path, Joshua’s journey offers hope, courage, and the power of God-led transformation.
Memory Text: Joshua 1:7(NKJV)
:Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go."
SABBATH; The Israelites arrive at the boarders of Canaan which is the land that is promised to them by the Lord to their forefathers as a nation of Israel. Being led by Moses' servant, Joshua, we are invited to study key lessons that we pick from his leadership of the Israelites as they deal with conquest of the Promised Land. God gave them this gift to show them what was possible for them to do, with His help.
SUNDAY; Joshua was previously a servant of Moses before his death. All through his life, he was with Moses and his strong desire was to have a very close communion with God. Both of them had been promised by God that He would fulfil His promises to their forefathers. In addition, Joshua truly loved God and was very obedient at His precepts. Hence, the Lord chose Him as the new leader of Israel who would arrive the Israelites at Canaan as Israel's rightful leader.
(READ Deuteronomy 18:15-22; 31:23; 34:9 Joshua 1:1-9; Exodus 33:11; Numbers 14:6,30,38; 27:18; 32:12)
MONDAY; Chapter 1 of Joshua shares a major blueprint of how the entire book arranges its events. The tasks that God instructs Joshua and the Israelites to fulfil involve the mission of acquiring the land of Canaan so as to settle there in. Hence, their success was dependant on their faith in God, coupled with obeying all that God had commanded them to do.
(READ Joshua 1)
TUESDAY; The land that the Isrselites were to occupy originally belongs to God. The fact that they were taking part in the conquest signifies that the land was a gift to the Israelites. The Lord's presence with them, coupled with their genuine partnership with Joshua their leader, the Israel nation would conquer the land that was set before them. Today, we have a mission of sharing the gospel worldwide which is set before us as well. We are unable to fulfil this on our own and this why Jesus promises to be with us always.
(READ Joshua 1:4-6; Hebrews 6:17&18; Exodus 33:12-16; Matthew 28:20)
WEDNESDAY; The work set before Joshua was not easy, and this is why the Lord commanded him not to be afraid, but rather to be strong and courageous. These are the qualities that help us overcome challenges as well, and also enable us to fulfil the requirements of God's law in our lives. Furthermore, the battle we fight is self, principalities and sinful tendencies and it is only the presence of God that can empower us to overcome. Therefore, each of us needs to have a personal relationship with Him so as to guard against such evil.
(READ Joshua 1:7-9; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 28:20)
THURSDAY; The hebrew word for "wisdom/to be wise" can be interpreted to mean "success" or "prosperity." This is echoed all through the Bible that true success is not necessarily monetary in nature. However, it comes only when one achieves a higher standard through obeying God's law and His word. In addition, the presence of the grace of God does not mean the end of keeping God's grace. Rather, the law highlights one's sinfulness and points one to their need of Jesus Christ who cleanses us from all unrighteousness by God's grace, through faith.
(READ Joshua 1:7-9; Genesis 24:40; Isaiah 53:10; Psalm 1:1-3; Romans 3:31; 7:7; Galatians 3:24)
FRIDAY; “There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.”-Faith and Works page 19 by Ellen G White.
(READ "Crossing the Jordan" pp.481&482 in Patriarchs and Prophets; "Entering the Promised Land" pp.175 in The Story of Redemption by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; A new Moses
MONDAY; Cross! Take! Divide! Serve!
TUESDAY; Heirs of promises
WEDNESDAY; Be strong!
THURSDAY; Prosperous and successful
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
1. Think about some of the promises of God's Word that are most precious to you. What kind of response do they require on your part in order for them to become reality?
2. The crucial question for us today is no different from that faced by Joshua. How can we stay true to what the Word of God says, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient to do so?
3. However much by God's grace you seek to keep His law, how has your own experience shown you your need for Christ's covering righteousness?
4. Discuss the relationship between God's promises and our obedience to Him. How do they complement one another? What are the dangers of overemphasising one at the expense of the other? That is, what danger comes from pushing the law at the expense of eclipsing grace, or at pushing grace at the expense of eclipsing the law?
