Lessons from the Life of Joshua
Categories: Biographical Sermon Outlines, Sermon Outlines Tags: Sermons on JoshuaSermon on Joshua
Date written: January 4th, 2004
Scripture ref: Joshua 1:1-9
SUBJECT: Biography
TITLE: Lessons from the Life of Joshua
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will briefly note four events in the life of Joshua and draw some lessons from those events. We will notice how Joshua’s growth in service to God transformed him into a capable leader of God’s people.
OBJECTIVES: Each listener should be more familiar with the life of Joshua and how God used that life to turn Joshua into his powerful servant.
AIM: I want to encourage everyone to recognize that God can use them to a great purpose if they will, in faith, freely and generously give of their life to God.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Joshua 1:1-9
2. About the Text:
1) Most of us remember Joshua as the leader of the children of Israel after Moses died.
2) We also remember that he was one of the twelve spies that entered the land of Canaan.
3) He was one of the two that brought back a good report. Numbers 14:6
4) Joshua’s service to God, however, started long before that day.
5) Joshua was the only other man who was allowed onto Mount Sinai when God gave the law to Moses. Exodus 24:13; 32:17.
6) The first mention of Joshua is in Exodus 17:9 where the Israelites battled the Amalekites.
7) Let’s noticed a few lessons from the life of Joshua.
8) The name Joshua is equivalent with the name Jesus and means God saves.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: We learn the following lessons from the life of Joshua.
I. Joshua sought the Lord in his youth.
1. Exodus 33:11 — Joshua described as a young man.
2. Ecc.12:1 “Remember now thy creator….”
3. Example of Jesus in Luke 2:49 “father’s business.”
II. In his zeal, Joshua made a mistake in discernment.
1. Numbers 11:24-30
2. John the apostle once made the same mistake. Mark 9:38-40
3. We must be careful that our zeal is tempered with patience, knowledge, and love.
III. Joshua expressed great faith in God.
1. Numbers 14:5-10
2. As a result, God rewarded him, but punished those who disbelieved.
3. We have the equal obligation today to realize and show the same faith in God.
4. Matthew 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
IV. Due to Joshua’s faith and service, God used Joshua to accomplish a great work.
1. Deuteronomy 31:7
2. Joshua 1:1-9
3. When we dedicate our life to God, He will use us to perform great things for Him as well.
4. This doesn’t necessarily happen overnight. “In your patience possess ye your souls” Luke 21:19.
5. It is a lifelong service. Mark 8:35 “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”
6. Rom. 12:1, 2
CONCLUSION:
1. Let us remember these lessons from the life of Joshua.
1) He sought God in his youth.
2) He was zealous, but made mistakes.
3) He expressed great faith in God.
4) God used Joshua to accomplish a great work.
2. If we give ourselves to God as did Joshua, then God will work mightily in our lives as well.
3. Invitation
1) If you are a Christian but have fallen away
a. Are you allowing God to use your life for his purposes, or are you living for self?
b. We invite you to turn back to him today.
2) If you are not a Christian this morning…
a. Start giving your life to God today.
b. Heed the plan that it has for man’s salvation today!
a) Hear the word; Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing…”
b) Believe with all your heart; Hebrews 11:6 “For without faith it is impossible….”
c) Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30).
d) Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 16:16).
e) Be baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:15,16).