Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 1.Recipe for Success
A New Beginning with God’s Promise

Lesson 1 takes us to a turning point in Israel’s history: Moses has died, and Joshua steps forward as the new leader. Despite this change in leadership, God’s plan remains unchanged—the promised land is to be taken. From the very beginning, God makes it clear that success is only possible through trust in His promises and obedience to His Word. The call to be strong and courageous is directed not only to Joshua but to the entire nation. God’s presence is the true source of strength, courage, and success. This truth remains fundamental for our personal walk of faith today.

Content:
1.1 A New Moses
A New Beginning Under Divine Leadership

The book of Joshua begins with a powerful reminder of God’s promise—a sign that His plan continues despite Moses’ death. Joshua steps in as the new leader, yet his mission is not new: he continues what Moses began. The repeated references to Moses emphasize that Joshua stands in a long line of divinely appointed leaders. God Himself remains the true guide of Israel—His presence, not human greatness, ensures success. This lesson still applies today: human leaders come and go, but God’s guidance remains constant. Especially in times of transition, it is crucial to remember who the true leader of His people is.

1.2 Cross! Take! Divide! Serve!
Divine Initiative – Human Responsibility

Joshua 1 serves not only as an introduction but also as a key to the structure and message of the entire book. The four central commands—cross over, take possession, divide, serve!—reflect the book’s four main sections and make it clear: God’s actions call for a human response. God leads and gives promises, but the people must respond in faith and obedience. The focus is not only on receiving the land but on living faithfully within it. Even today, God’s promises are not fulfilled automatically—they require a conscious decision to trust and to act. Faith is always expressed through obedience.

1.3 Heirs of Promise
Receiving the Promise – Grasping It by Faith

In Joshua 1:2–3 we encounter a fascinating tension: the land has already been given—and yet it must still be conquered. God speaks in the past tense because His promises are as certain as if they were already fulfilled. This “prophetic perfect” shows that God’s promises are not wishful thinking but a firm inheritance for all who trust Him. Nevertheless, possession of the land depends on the people’s faith and obedience. God’s presence, not human strength, is the foundation of their inheritance. The same applies today: what God promises is sure—but it becomes reality only for those who faithfully follow Him.

1.4 Be Strong!
Strength Through Trust – Courage Through Obedience

God commanded Joshua twice to be strong and courageous—not because Joshua was weak, but because the task seemed humanly impossible. The courage God requires is not about military skill but about steadfast obedience to His Word. The real challenge was to follow the Torah—even against resistance. Today, believers also face spiritual battles that demand courage and perseverance. Our strength does not come from ourselves but from God’s presence and His promise to be with us. Those who know God’s Word and trust Him can live courageously and faithfully—despite all challenges.

1.5 Prosperous and Successful
True Success Is Rooted in Obedience and Trust

In Joshua 1:7–9 it becomes clear: true success does not consist of outward achievements but of living in harmony with God’s Word. The Hebrew terms tsalach (to prosper) and sakal (to act wisely) show that success is inseparably linked with wisdom, reverence for God, and obedience. Psalm 1 reveals that the one who meditates on God’s law and lives by it “prospers in all he does.” Yet this success is spiritual in nature—aligned with God’s will and under His guidance. Law and grace do not contradict each other; they complement one another: faith in Christ leads to obedience born of love. True success arises where trust in God’s promises and obedience to His Word go hand in hand.

1.6 Summary
God Leads – We Follow in Faith and Obedience

Lesson 1 emphasizes that God’s promises are certain, but their fulfillment requires a response of faith and obedience. Joshua is called as a new Moses, yet the true leader of Israel remains God Himself. The structure of the book of Joshua—crossing over, taking possession, dividing, serving—shows the people’s journey into the promised land under God’s direction. True success does not depend on military power but on faithful living according to God’s Word. Courage and strength arise from the assurance of His presence. Success means spiritual alignment with God’s will—then and now.

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