A. GETTING READY FOR A BIG TASK
“And Joshua commanded the leaders of Israel, ‘Go tell the people prepare food and get everything else ready because in three days we will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land God has given to us’” (Josh. 1, 10-11, ELT).
1. Secure allegiance of those next to you in authority. “Joshua commanded the leaders.”
2. Lead by vision. The first law of leadership is, “When followers buy into your vision, they buy into your leadership.” “We will crossover.”
3. Be a solver of problems. “Cross over this Jordan.”
4. Rally followers to their task. “Get everything ready.”
a. Pack up their tents, blankets and clothes.
b. Prepare food.
c. Get the family ready, i.e., wives and children.
d. Round up cattle (v. 14).
5. Demonstrate reliance on God. “And, God has given to us.”
6. Leaders deal in two kinds of goals: short and long term goals.
Short Term Goals:
a. Today’s activities, i.e., day to day duties, cook and pack up.
b. Urgent necessities; don’t leave anything.
c. Attention on survival; be ready to fight.
Long Term Goals:
a. Goals attached to God’s plan for your life. “Take possession of the land.”
b. Goals that glorify God. “Do what God commands.”
c. Overcome barriers. “Cross with possessions, suggest not swimming or any other way but walking.”
d. Self-affirming accomplishment. “Has given to you” (v. 11, NLT).
e. Group accomplishment. “You will cross this Jordan River and take possession” (v. 11, NLT).
B. COMMANDS TO THE TRANSJORDAN TRIBES
“Joshua called the leaders of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh reminding them Moses promised them the territory on the east side of the Jordan. Joshua told them their families, possessions and cattle could stay there, but men able to fight had to cross the Jordan and help conquer the rest of the Promised Land. When the rest of the tribes got their land, they could return home to settle down and live on the east side of Jordan” (Joshua 1:12-16, ELT).
1. Return good for good. All 12 tribes helped them conquer the east side, now the 2 ½ tribes had to help conquer the west side.
2. All work for the glory of God and victory for all God’s people.
3. Joshua reminded both, their property was a gift of God (v. 13-15).
4. The 2 ½ tribes were given short term and long term goals.
5. Rest comes only after final victory.
C. THEY AGREED TO A “DEATH-PACT”
“The men answered Joshua, ‘We will do what you command, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you, as we obeyed Moses.’ They prayed, ‘May the Lord be with you, as He was with Moses.’ Then they covenanted together, ‘Anyone who rebels against you and does not obey your every command will be put to death.”
1. Military responsibility. To be a soldier demands obedience.
2. Follow to death. Christians give their bodies to Christ (Rom. 12:1), and some may have to lay down their bodies for Christ in death.
3. If the soldiers were going to obey, they expected Joshua, “only be strong and of good courage” (v. 18).
a. Strong trust in God.
b. Strong attack on enemy.
c. Strong punishment on disobedience.
Threefold Induction Pledge Into The Army
1. We will obey all your commandments (v. 16).
2. We will go where you send us (v. 16).
3. We will destroy anyone who rebels against you (v. 18).
Our Short Term Goals:
1. Walking in obedient fellowship gives us confidence. “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light . . . the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
2. Grow through the Scriptures. “Your word is a lamp unto my feet” (Ps. 119:105).
3. Practice all kinds of prayer, worship, communion, fellowship, request, intercession for others, thanksgiving, and fasting.
4. Share your faith with others. “We persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11).
5. Know the enemy and principles of spiritual warfare.
6. Be spiritually victorious (2 Cor. 2:14).
Our Long Term Goals:
1. Find and follow God’s plan for your life (Rom. 12:1-2).
2. Write out spiritual and natural goals.
3. Grow in personal discipline and effective service.
4. Expect opposition and trials (James 1:2-4).
5. Finish well!
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com.
