A. NEW CHALLENGE TO A NEW LEADER
“After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, ‘Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them (Joshua 1:1-2, NLT).
1. Change always comes after the death/leaving of a leader.
2. God told Joshua Moses was dead because he did not know.
3. First law of leadership, you lead by future vision. “When people buy into your dreams, they buy into your leadership.” “Time for you to lead” (v. 2). Time for Joshua to dream.
4. There is always a Jordan, i.e., problems/barriers. Begin with faith in God, “Say to this mountain” (Mark 11:23).
5. Lead by claiming God’s promise. “Promised Land” (v. 2).
6. A goal to motivate followers. “Into the land I promised.”
“I will give you all the land on which you set your feet … no one will be able to stop you. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you” (vv. 3-5, ELT).
7. God is the source of our victory. “I will give you” (v. 3).
8. Human responsibility and initiative. “You set your foot” (v. 3).
9. We limit God by not going.
a. We must see.
b. Prepare.
c. Respond.
d. Conquer.
e. Not quit. “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man totally committed to God” ~Harry Varner
10. We can expect God to do for us what He did for our fathers.
11. God’s work does not end when a great man dies.
12. Our most important ingredient for success, “I will be with you.”
13. Why some abandon God:
a. Sin.
b. Laziness.
c. Sidetracked.
d. Doubting His word.
e. Halfhearted work.
f. Lack of faith.
g. Lack of obedience.
B. SEVEN STEPS FOR VICTORY
“Be strong and courageous, you are to lead My people to conquer the Promised Land, then divide it to them. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. If you do not deviate from them, turning to the right or left, then you will be successful in everything you do. Study My Word constantly. Think about everything it says so you will obey everything I have commanded. Then you will prosper and be successful. All of this I want you to do. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, because I the Lord your God will be with you.”
Joshua 1:6-9, ELT
1. Being successful on the inside is your first step to doing successful things. “Lead My people to conqueror the Promised Land.” Vision give you:
a. Purpose in life.
b. Defines who you are.
c. A road to happiness.
d. Makes you trust God.
e. Stretches you to grow.
2. Taking responsibility for your growth and future achievements is your second step to being successful. “Study … mediate or think” (v. 8). You become what you study, and you are what you think.
3. Committing yourself to your task in doing successful things. “Be strong.” You are only as strong as you have prepared. Strength does not come when you face a challenge if you have not prepared.
a. Your faith.
b. Your condition.
c. Your relationship with God.
d. Your experience, i.e., track record.
4. Learn to rise above your mistakes. “Be courageous.” You are as courageous as your:
a. The armor you put on.
b. Develop skill to flight.
c. Weapon, i.e., the Word of God.
d. Knowledge of the enemy.
e. Mental readiness.
5. Doing what you promised. “Thou shalt have good success” (v. 8, KJV).
a. Plan for it.
b. Set its limits.
c. Write it down.
d. Commit yourself to it.
e. Give everything to get it.
f. Do not quit until you get it.
g. Proclaim it.
h. Enjoy it.
6. Discipline yourself to do what you have to do.
7. Prioritize your work and life.
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.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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