Joshua Takes Charge

Joshua 1:1-18

INTRODUCTION:  Moses is dead.  Joshua must accept the fact and take his god-appointed role as leader of the Israelites.  In the first half of this chapter, God gives him his commission and encourages him in the great task he has to perform.  In the last half of the chapter, Joshua takes the first steps in leading the Israelites into the land and the people affirm their faithfulness to him.

I.                     JOSHUA ACCEPTS HIS CALL (1:1-9)

A.     His Commission (v.1-2)

B.     His Conquest (v.3-4)

C.     His Confidence (v.5-7)

D.     His Communion (v.8-9)

1. In the word (v.8)

2. With the Lord (v.9)

II.                   JOSHUA ASSUMES COMMAND (1:10-18)

A.     Their Readiness for the Conquest (v.10-11)

B.     Their Remembrance of their Commitments (v.12-15)

C.     Their Recognition of their Captain (v.16-18)

CONCLUSION:  God uses leaders and followers.  At some point, everyone is one or the other.  Joshua shows that great followers make the best leaders.  Learn to follow and you will learn to lead.