Character Study Of Joshua Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JOSHUA – LED ISRAEL INTO THE PROMISED LAND

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main TEXT: Joshua 1:6-7 (KJV)

"Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."

Supporting Texts:

Numbers 27:18-23, Deuteronomy 31:7-8, Joshua 24:15, Hebrews 11:30

INTRODUCTION:

Joshua is one of the most remarkable leaders in the Bible. He was the successor of Moses and the one chosen by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land. His name means "The Lord is Salvation," which is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who also bears the name Yeshua.

From being a faithful servant of Moses to becoming a military commander and a spiritual leader, Joshua displayed courage, faith, and obedience to God. He played a crucial role in the conquest of Canaan, leading the Israelites in battles and dividing the land among the twelve tribes.

In this study, we shall examine the life of Joshua, his journey of faith, leadership, and the lessons we can learn from his obedience to God.

1. JOSHUA – A FAITHFUL SERVANT BEFORE A GREAT LEADER

Before Joshua became the leader of Israel, he served under Moses with humility and dedication.

a) Joshua was chosen as Moses' assistant (Exodus 24:13)

He stayed close to Moses and learned from him, preparing for future leadership.

b) He remained in God's presence (Exodus 33:11)

Joshua lingered in the tabernacle even after Moses left, showing his hunger for God.

c) He was faithful in small assignments (Numbers 11:28)

His obedience in minor tasks proved his readiness for greater responsibilities.

d) He was a trusted leader among the twelve spies (Numbers 13:8

Moses appointed him to spy out the land of Canaan.

e) Biblical Example: Elisha followed Elijah before stepping into leadership (2 Kings 2:9-14)

2. JOSHUA’S FAITH IN GOD’S PROMISES

Joshua displayed unwavering faith in God's ability to fulfil His promises.

a) He believed in God's promise to give Israel the land (Numbers 14:6-9

While others doubted, Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to trust in God.

b) He stood against the majority (Numbers 14:10)

His faith made him willing to stand alone for the truth.

c) His faith was rewarded with long life and leadership (Numbers 14:30)

Among the spies, only Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land.

d) Faith in God's promises led to victory (Joshua 6:20)

He trusted God’s strategy at Jericho, leading to a miraculous triumph.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s faith in God's promises (Romans 4:20-21)

3. JOSHUA AS A COURAGEOUS LEADER

Leadership requires courage, and Joshua demonstrated this repeatedly.

a) God commanded him to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-7)

Fear was not an option in fulfilling God’s calling.

b) He led the people across the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17)

He trusted God to part the waters just as He did for Moses.

c) He led the battle of Jericho with divine strategy (Joshua 6:2-5)

Rather than rely on military might, he obeyed God's unusual instructions.

d) He was fearless in confronting sin in Israel (Joshua 7:10-12)

He dealt with Achan's sin swiftly to restore God's presence among the people.

e) Biblical Example: David’s courage in facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

4. JOSHUA AS A MAN OF PRAYER

Joshua depended on God in every decision.

a) He sought God's guidance in battles (Joshua 10:8-10)

He prayed before engaging in war and received divine instructions.

b) He prayed for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14)

His prayer led to an unprecedented miracle during battle.

c) He built an altar and renewed Israel’s covenant with God (Joshua 8:30-35)

He led the nation in worship and commitment to God.

d) He inquired of the Lord before dividing the land (Joshua 18:3-10)

He ensured that God's will was followed in distributing the inheritance.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah’s prayer brought down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-38)

5. JOSHUA’S LEGACY AS A GODLY LEADER

Joshua's leadership left a lasting impact on Israel.

a) He fulfilled God's mission for his life (Joshua 11:23)

He led Israel to conquer and settle in Canaan.

b) He challenged Israel to serve God faithfully (Joshua 24:15)

He declared, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

c) His leadership led to national peace and stability (Joshua 21:43-45)

The people experienced rest under his leadership.

d) His influence lasted beyond his lifetime (Judges 2:7)

The elders he trained continued his legacy.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s spiritual legacy through Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2)

6. STRENGTHS OF JOSHUA

Joshua had outstanding qualities that made him a great leader.