Invitation to the Old Testament 08: Joshua

JOSHUA : 

JOSHUA The Conquest of Canaan

Introduction: 

Introduction This book begins the section of 12 historical books. Its New Testament parallel is Ephesians. Joshua led Israel in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16), accompanied Moses for a portion of his trip up Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:12-13), and was one of the two spies who believed that by God's help they could take the land (Numbers 14:6ff.). He had proven himself faithful in little and God made him a ruler over many. Joshua was chosen by God to take Moses' place (Numbers 27:18) and was given responsibility for the task by Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9). He may have been around 85 when he assumed responsibility (14:7 - comparable to Caleb's age).

Who wrote the book of Joshua?: 

Who wrote the book of Joshua? The author of Joshua was Joshua (24:26). 1. The writer was an eyewitness to the events recorded in the book. 2. God could've revealed to Joshua the events surrounding his own death. (Joshua 24:29-33) The events after Joshua's death may have been recorded by another.

Why did God give us the book of Joshua?: 

Why did God give us the book of Joshua? The purpose of Joshua is… A . To record the conquest and settlement of the promised land B. To show the combat of God’s people C. To show the victory that comes through faith

What is the primary message of the book of Joshua?: 

What is the primary message of the book of Joshua? The theme of Joshua is overcoming / conquest.

What would an overview of Joshua look like?: 

What would an overview of Joshua look like? A. Entering the Land (1-5) 1. Joshua charged (1) 2. Jericho spied (2) {Jericho had an inner wall 12 feet thick and an outer wall 6 feet thick. These walls stood 30 feet high.} 3. Jordan crossed (3) 4. Memorials built (4) 5. Gilgal occupied (5) {Three events took place here: all men were circumcised (vv. 2-9), Passover was observed (v. 10), and manna ceased (v. 12)

What would an overview of Joshua look like?: 

What would an overview of Joshua look like? B. Conquering the Land (6-12) 1. Fall of Jericho (6) 2. Sin of Achan (7) {God punished Achan severely, Nadab and Abihu severely (Numbers 3:4), and Ananias and Sapphira severely (Acts 5) perhaps due to the monumental junctures in history during which they sinned; and God wanted to show He meant business.} 3. Sacking of Ai (8) 4. Guile of Gibeon (9) 5. Defeat of foes (10-12)

What would an overview of Joshua look like?: 

What would an overview of Joshua look like? C. Occupying the Land (13-24) 1. Division of Canaan (13-19) 2. Cities of refuge (20) 3. Portion of the Levites (21) 4. Altar of Witness (22) 5. Farewell of Joshua (23-24)

Specifics: 

Specifics The land of Canaan was: 1. a land of city-states; 2. culturally advanced ("Canaanite" referred to a merchant); 3. given to the worship of Baal. a. "Baal" means lord / master. b. "Baal" is singular, " Baalim " is plural. c. Baal worshippers were known for their wickedness, immorality, and human sacrifices. d. Baal was the god of fertility.

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Moses dies Joshua takes the land

Specifics: 

Specifics Joshua - a type of Christ 1. "Joshua" means savior, deliverer, Jehovah is salvation. Hebrews 4:8 describes the ministry of Joshua but uses the name "Jesus" instead of "Joshua". 2. Joshua had been born in Egyptian bondage. From out of Egypt God called His Son Jesus. 3. Joshua led Israel to victory. 4. Joshua was a mighty conqueror. 5. Joshua saved Rahab’s house. This woman later appears in Jesus’ genealogy

Specifics: 

Specifics Israel's conquest of Canaan parallels our Christian warfare. 1. The Christian life is a battle. - Ephesians 6 2. God wants every believer living in victory, not defeat. 3. Victory comes through trusting God. 4. Joshua employed a strategy of "divide and conquer“ when Israel entered Canaan. They took the central part of the country first, then the southern portion, and finally the north. More importantly they needed to employ this strategy in their spiritual lives by dividing themselves from the idolatrous ways of the Canaanites and depending on God for victory (Joshua 23:6-8). It's necessary to separate from the world and to God.

Specifics: 

Specifics 5. According to Exodus 23:29-30, why didn't God allow Israel to take the land all at once? Just as ultimate victory took them time, it takes us time. No one matures spiritually overnight. The secret to Joshua's success is the secret to our own (1:8).